AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF PHINEAS PETT (continued 3)

About this time the Commissioners of the Navy had finished two new ships built by Mr. Burrell at Deptford in his Majesty's Dockyard, and had procured the King's Majesty to come thither and see them, and named[453] the one the Happy Entrance, and the other the Reformation.

The 14th day of May in the year 1620, my wife was delivered of her eleventh child, being the last she had, being a son born at my house in Chatham. The 25th day after, it was baptized and called Christopher. Sir Christopher Cleve[454] and his brother-in-law, Mr. Samuel Heyward, being godfathers, and my good neighbour, Mistress Legatt, godmother.

The 12th day of June this present year, Sir Robert Mansell being ordained Lord General of the Fleet for the expedition against the Pirates of Algiers, by his great importunity with his Majesty I was commanded to go in hand with building two new pinnaces for that voyage, whereof the one was to be of burden 120 tons, and the other, 80 tons; for which I did contract with certain merchants of the city that were appointed Committees for that business, whereof Sir Thomas Smith, Mr. Burrell, and divers others of my great enemies were of the quorum; but I, upon some hopes of thanks and reward, enlarged them to a greater proportion than my contract, making the one wherein I was myself to serve as Captain in the voyage, of 300 tons, called the Mercury, and the other, called the Spy, of 200 tons, wherein Captain Edward Giles served; and for that I exceeded the contract, the unconscionable merchants and Committees cast upon me all the whole surplusage[455] of the charge, to the value of 700l., notwithstanding I was forced to hasten the business and to keep extraordinary numbers of workmen at great rates, and in a place where the provision and materials were nightly stolen and embezzled to my utter undoing; whereof I never could obtain any recompense, though to my great expense and charge I made means both to his Majesty and the Lords of the Council, and had warrant against the Committees, but was continually overborn by their greatness and malice.

The 16th and 18th days of October, both the pinnaces were launched at Ratcliff, where they were built, and all expedition was used to rig and make them ready to set sail; I preparing myself, to my great charge, to proceed in the voyage and to get the ships to Erith, because of ice in the river, where we rode till we were cleared thence by the Committees, which was about the 22nd of December; at what time Mr. Puniett the pilot came on board me to carry me into the Downs, and Sir John Ferne,[456] that went passenger with me to the Fleet; my wife also came then on board of me.

The 27th day of December, we weighed and turned down from Erith into Tilbury Hope, where we rode till the 29th day, and then weighed, and anchored at the buoy of the Oaze Edge.[457]

The 30th day of December, I parted with my wife and sent her to Gravesend in a light horseman that came to the ship with some provisions.

We set sail from the buoy of the Red Sand[458] the first of January, being New Year's Day, and anchored in the Gore, where we rode one day, and thence into the Downs, where we landed our pilot.

We rode in the Downs till the 13th day, and then set sail and were put into the Needles, and anchored at the Cowes two days; then set sail, and the 4th of February we made the South Cape.[459] The 8th day we entered into the Straits of Gibraltar,[460] and the 8th day at night came to an anchor in Malaga Road.

The 19th day of September, 1621, we arrived in the Downs, and the 20th day at night, I came safe to my house at Chatham, finding my wife and children all in good health, for which mercy of God I gave God thanks, as did also my whole family.

All the year 1622 I did nothing but follow the Court with petitions, to my infinite charge and trouble, and all to little purpose, for I could never prevail against my adversaries, who detained all my entertainment for the Algiers voyage, both for myself, son, and servants; which cost me 300l. setting out, and the expense of the voyage.

I must not forget that in the beginning of the year 1621, before I was two months out of England, [through] the malice of Mr. Burrell and some of the rest of the Commissioners for the Navy, that there were divers master shipwrights of the river of Thames and some masters of the Trinity House sent down to Chatham to survey the state of the Prince;[461] amongst which Commissioners was, beside old Burrell and his son, my fellow,[462] Stevens, Graves,[463] Dearslye,[464] Bourne,[465] Thomas Brunning of Woodbridge, and one Chandler,[466] a creature of Mr. Burrell's, and divers other mariners, who maliciously certified the ship to be merely unserviceable and not fit to be continued, and what charge soever should be bestowed upon her would be lost, which they certified under their hands. But the 24th of February succeeding, by special command from his Majesty, who well understood their malicious proceedings, the selfsame surveyors were again sent to Chatham and under their hands certified that the ship might be made serviceable for a voyage into Spain with the charge of 300 pounds,[467] to be bestowed upon her hull and the perfecting her masts, which certificate was returned under their hands and delivered to his Majesty. Whereupon present warrant was granted to have the ship docked and fitted for a Spanish voyage; which was accordingly done, and brought into the dock the 8th of March, 1623, at Chatham, and was launched the 24th day of the same month.

About the 17th of this month of February, I attended at Theobalds the very morning that the Prince's Highness and the Lord Duke of Buckingham took leave of the King to take their journey for Spain, being carried so privately that few knew of their intent. At their taking horse I kissed both their hands and they only gave me an item[468] that I should shortly come to sea in the Prince.

After the Prince and the rest of the Fleet were all fitted and prepared to set sail from their moorings, the St. George fell down to Gillingham with the Antelope, being both appointed to go before to Santander with the jewels and other provisions. The noble gentleman, my honoured friend, Sir Francis Steward,[469] commanding in her, whom my eldest son, John Pett, attended as one of his retinue in that journey, and Captain Thomas Love[470] commanded in the Antelope.

The 2nd of May being on a Friday, the Prince removed from her moorings to St. Mary Creek, where she anchored. Thither came down from London many of the Commissioners of the Navy, with Sir Thomas Smith and the Lord Brooke,[471] who all plotted together to have hindered me from going the voyage which the King had commanded me unto, but their malicious practices were prevented and their purposes frustrated.

The 17th day of May I took leave of his Majesty in the park at Greenwich and kissed his hand, with many expressions of his favour, which was not very pleasing to Sir John Coke, then there present.

The 20th of May, the Prince set sail from St. Mary Creek and anchored at Queenborough; the 21st day we set sail from Queenborough and anchored at Whitaker;[472] 23rd day anchored [at the] Gunfleet; 24th day anchored short [of the] North Foreland; 25th day we came and anchored in the Downs, where we rode till the 28th day of June, having three several times proffered to go on, but were still put room[473] again; but the 28th day, being Saturday, we weighed and got as high as Fairlight,[474] where we anchored all the flood and so plyed to windward all the ebbs, being fair weather. On Tuesday after, being the first of July, we came to anchor in Stokes Bay by Portsmouth. The 20th day of August, his Majesty, then lying in the New Forest at Beaulieu[475] House, embarked himself and train and came on board the Prince, then riding in Stokes Bay, accompanied with Marquis Hamilton,[476] the Lord Chamberlain,[477] Holderness,[478] Kellie,[479] Carlisle,[480] Montgomery,[481] and divers other attendants, who all dined on board the Prince; our Admiral, the Earl of Rutland,[482] being absent at London. His Majesty was very well pleased, and after dinner, again embarking in the barge, lay hovering in the midst of the Fleet till all the ships had discharged their great ordnance, and then returned on shore at Calshot Castle.

In the interim of our stay in Stokes Bay I procured leave of the Admiral to go to London, and the 2nd day of August, being Saturday, I met my wife at Lambeth with my son Richard. There we lay that night, and the next day took oars to Kingston, where we lay till Tuesday following, on which day I went to Hampton Court to take leave of my honoured lord and good master, the Earl of Nottingham, who then lay there in his old lodgings, which was the last time I ever saw him, being the fifth of August. The next day I took leave of my wife and friends at Kingston; she returned home, and myself to Portsmouth on board the Prince again.

The 24th day of August, being Sunday and Bartholomew's day, we set sail out of Stokes Bay in the afternoon; the 25th day, the wind taking us short[483] put us into the grass[484] at Weymouth, where we rode till the 26th at night; and thence setting sail with the wind easterly, on the 28th day, being Thursday, we came to anchor in Plymouth Sound.

The 2nd day of September, being Tuesday, in the morning betimes we set out of Plymouth Sound, and by contrary winds we beat it up till, the 9th day following, being Tuesday, we made the Cape of Ortegal[485] bearing south-west of us. The 10th day we lay becalmed, and the 11th day about 2 of the clock in the forenoon we came to an anchor in the river of Santander.

The 12th day, it pleased God, the Prince and all his train came to Santander and presently took his barge, being there ready attending for him, and came on board the Prince, accompanied with all the Spaniards that attended him thither, where we all joyfully received him. After some stay on board, his Highness resolving to lie at Santander Town that night, where provision was made to entertain him and his train, he took his barge to go back; whereinto we, being overjoyed with his safe arrival, forgot to send either master, pilot, or mariner to conduct him to the town, being a dangerous rocky way, and the tide of ebb bent,[486] which runneth there with a very swift stream; which had likely to have proved a very dangerous accident, for that at the instant of embarking there arose a very great tempest of rain and wind and darkness withal, so that the barge could not possibly row ahead[487] the tide, whereby she was in great danger to have been driven to sea out of the harbour's mouth, to the utter loss of all in her, had not God in mercy prevented it by the vigilant care of the captain and officers of the Defiance, Sir Sackvill Trevor[488] being the commander,[489] who seeing the danger they were in, veered out casks and buoys with lights fastened unto them, by small warps, of which they taking hold, were rowed and haled on board the ship, where the Prince with all his train were entertained and lodged all this night, the weather proving so stormy and rainy that no provision from any other ship could be brought unto them.

The 13th day, being Saturday, the Prince came on board his own ship and lodged in his own cabin.

The 14th day, being Sunday, the Prince feasted all the Spaniards that accompanied him to the waterside, the Cardinal Zapata and his brother, who was a grandee, being the chief, with Gondomar[490] and divers others of the King of Spain's servants; whom he feasted with no other provisions than such as we brought out of England with us: stalled oxen, fatted sheep, venison and all kind of fowls and other varieties in abundance, wanting no ordnance to welcome them withal, loudly speaking every health; but it was a very foul rainy day. Notwithstanding, at their going from the ship all the ordnance was discharged in our ship, all the rest of the Fleet following in order as they passed by to the town of Santander.

The Rainbow, wherein Sir Henry Palmer commanded as captain, and John King, one of the four Masters, being master, by neglect of following the Admiral, could not get within the river's mouth, but was forced to leeward, where she rode three days and nights in such extremity as every hour it was expected when she should drive upon the shore, which she hardly escaped by God's great mercy, and upon the Tuesday after, came safely off and anchored under the Prince's stern.

On Thursday, being the 18th day of September, we set sail out of Santander River, the wind somewhat southerly, from whence we beat it to and fro with contrary winds till the 26th day after, being Friday, at which time a little before noon we had sight of Scilly, which bore north-east of us, about some 8 leagues off.

This day we met 4 Dunkirk men-of-war, very well fitted, chased by Holland men-of-war, whom the Prince caused to come to leeward, and their commanders to come on board; whom his Highness laboured to have accepted a peaceable course, which the Hollanders durst not accept, whereupon they were dismissed, the Dunkirkers having liberty to have the start of the Hollanders, which many disliked.

Saturday all day we plied to and fro, and got within some four leagues of the Islands, the wind at north-east but fair weather.

On Sunday a Council of War was summoned, wherein was principally propounded his Highness landing upon the Island of Scilly[491] in the ketch, some pilots of the island being come off unto us, but it was generally protested against under all the Council's hands, and so were dismissed to their charges; but after supper, beyond expectation, order was given to make ready the long boat and to call the ketch, and the Prince made choice of all the company should accompany him on shore, and so about one of the clock after midnight, with great danger to his Highness' person and to the Lord Duke of Buckingham, they were put into our long boat, which was veered astern by a long warp, where the ketch, laying the long boat on board, and the sea going somewhat high, they entered the ketch disorderly, without regard to any, but everyone shifting for themselves. Being all shipped, the ketch was so over burdened as she could make but little way, so that after we had taken farewell with the discharge of a volley of our great ordnance we tacked into the sea and left the ketch to ply into the island, which she safely gained by 7 of the morning, and had landed the Prince and all his company on St. Mary's Island.

The next morning our Admiral advised with me what course we should take with ourselves, for the Prince had commanded Sir Henry Mainwaring, who was Captain under the Admiral, and Mr. Walter Whiting, the Master of the ship, to attend him in the ketch, I being left purposely to supply both their places in their absence. After serious consultation with the master's mates and two pilots of the island, who all assured us we might safely go in, the Admiral resolved on that course, and after two or three boards we laid it in quarter winds,[492] and came to an anchor in the best of the road about 2 of the clock afternoon; the Prince and all his train standing upon the lower point of land, and welcomed us in as we passed close by with much expression of joy and heaving up their hats. The Prince and his train lay in the Castle[493] four nights.

On Friday morning, being the 3rd of October, we set sail out of Scilly, and on Sunday following, being the 5th day, we came into St. Helen's and anchored on Nomans Land,[494] and shipped the Prince and his train into our long boat and other ships' boats, who were safely landed at Portsmouth about 11 of the clock; we taking our farewell with discharge of all our great ordnance, seconded by all the Fleet, with general thanksgiving to God for our safe arrival, to the joy and comfort of all true hearted subjects.

The 14th day of October, we set sail from St. Helen's Point, being Tuesday. The 16th day after, being Thursday morning, we came to an anchor in Dover Road, where, having leave of the Admiral, I went into a fisher boat, and taking in my son John out of the St. George, wherein he had served the whole voyage under Sir Thomas Steward, we landed at Dover, from whence we took horse to Chatham, where we alighted at my house about 4 of the clock in the evening, finding my wife and family in good health; for which great mercies in our preservation in the whole journey and safe return we all gave thanks to our good God.

The 24th of May, 1624, being sent for to St. James's, I there received from Sir Robert Carr,[495] by the Prince's Highness' order, a gold chain of the value of 104l. in way of reward for my attendance in the voyage into Spain in bringing his Highness home, which chain I was commanded to wear one day, and to wait upon the Prince to the Parliament, which I accordingly did and received very gracious respect from his Highness.

About this time I was joined Commissioner with Captain Love, Captain Edward Giles, and Mr. John Reynolds, the Master Gunner of England, to take up divers colliers, and to put them out to sundry shipwrights to be fitted for men-of-war, for which service I never received allowance.

In the beginning of October this present year, happened a wonderful great storm, through which many ships perished, especially in the Downs, amongst which was riding there the Antelope of his Majesty, being bound for Ireland under the command of Sir Thomas Button, my son John being then passenger in her. A merchant ship, being put from her anchors, came foul of her, and put her also from all her anchors, by means whereof she drove upon the Brakes,[496] where she beat off her rudder and much of the run[497] abaft, miraculously escaping utter loss of all, for that the merchant ship that came foul of her,[498] called the Dolphin, hard by her utterly perished both ship and all the company. Yet it pleased God to save her, and got off into the Downs, having cut all her masts by the board, and with much labour was kept from foundering. My son John was sent post from the ship to Sir Thomas Button, who was presently sent by the Lord Admiral on board, and brought warrant for me to attend him to the ship, to use the best means we could to save her. After our coming on board, by placing chain pumps into the steward's room, we kept the water easily under, and then fitted a rudder and jury masts, by which means she was safely brought to Deptford Dock and her defects perfected.

About the end of December this present year, the Prince was docked, to be prepared and fitted to sea, meanwhile the Duke of Brunswick[499] came to Chatham accompanied with divers of the Prince's servants, and went on board the ship in the dock.

The 29th day of January after, the Prince was launched, and soon after had her masts set; and divers other ships graved and made ready for a voyage to sea.

The 28th of March 1625, certain news was brought to Chatham of King James' death; and the next day after, his Majesty was proclaimed amongst us in the Navy at the Hill House;[500] the Masters, Boatswains, Gunners, Pursers, and all belonging to the Navy were present.

All April and May I attended at Chatham, to prepare the Fleet that was then bound to fetch over the Queen. In the latter end of May his Majesty came to Rochester, where I presented myself unto him in the Dean's Yard and kissed his hand and had speech with him, till he came into the house, where he dined and I attended him all the dinner while. Thence I hasted home, and waited his Majesty's coming by towards Canterbury, who alighted at my house and stayed there awhile and gave me leave to drink his health, and then returned to his coach, giving me charge to follow him and to hasten on board the Prince, being then in the Downs. According to his command, I presently took horse and followed him, and lay at Sandwich that night, and next day came into the Downs; went on board to the Vanguard, commanded by Captain Pennington, bound for France, where I met Sir Thomas Button, Captain Ned Giles, and other good company; there dined, and after was set on board the Prince.

Saturday the 4th of June, his Majesty came on board the Prince, riding then in Dover Road, where he dined and was safely landed again. Yet this evening we let slip and went room[501] for the Downs with very foul weather.

Thursday the 9th of June, we got over to Boulogne[502] and anchored in Boulogne Road. The 10th day we had a great storm, the wind north-west, where all our ships drove,[503] and we brake our best bower and were forced to let fall our sheet anchor, which put us both to great danger and puzzle[504] of loss of men and boats, and had also one of our men belonging to the steward-room drowned.

Sunday morning, being the 12th day, all things prepared fit and the great storm allayed, about 11 of the clock we received our young Queen on board, and having a fair leading gale, fitting the entertainment of a Queen, we set sail out of Boulogne Road about one [of the] clock, and before 8 had safely landed her and her train at Dover.

Monday morning I left the ship and went on shore at Dover, and missing my horses was forced to go to Sandwich, where I lay all night, and next day hired post horse home. The boatswain of the ship, John Handcroft, died so soon as I was landed upon the beach.

The 14th day of July 1625, my eldest son John Pett was married to Catherine Yardley, youngest daughter to Mr. Robert Yardley, of Chatham, deceased. The wedding was kept at our own house.

The 24th of September my wife's mother sickened at my house [at] Chatham, and the 4th of October she died, and the 6th day, being Thursday, she was buried in the chancel of our parish church: Mr. Pyham[505] made her funeral sermon.

The last part of this Christmas quarter, I was posted to and again from Chatham to London and Hampton Court, about building of small ships and presenting plats[506] of them, both to the King and Commissioners of the Navy, to very little purpose and my great trouble and charge.

My son Joseph died in Ireland in February this year.[507]

In the year '26 I was called to sundry employments, the one to have built a new ship at Chatham of 300 tons, and Mr. Burrell was to have built another, for which I made moulds and sent them into the woods by one Thomas Williams, shipwright, who hewed the frame in the woods, which was brought into the yard with an excellent provision of long straight timber; but by the malice of Mr. Burrell the business was hindered, and not suffered to go forward, so that the frame was kept in the yard till it was good for no use of shipping; but afterward I was employed to build two small pinnaces of 70 tons a piece or thereabouts, which I performed accordingly at Chatham, my son Richard being my principal foreman. They were called, the one the Henrietta, the other Maria, after the Queen's name.

Also, the Commissioners of the Navy growing to be called in question for their actions, in the latter end of this year,[508] there was a great commission of Lords and divers other experienced captains granted under the Broad Seal[509] for inquiry of their actions, amongst which number I was chosen one: much doing was about it, but in the end it trenched so far upon some great personages, that it was let fall and nothing to any purpose done in it, but divers of the Commissioners came to Chatham, and surveyed the state of the ships and other things; and so in the end of January following returned all to London.

The 14th of February, being Wednesday and St. Valentine's Day, my dear wife Ann departed this life in the morning, and was buried the Friday after in Chatham Church in the evening, leaving behind her a disconsolate husband and sad family. Not long after, I being at London, my only sister then living, Mary Cooper, departed this life the fifth of March for very grief of the loss of my dear wife.

This summer, my son John was made captain of a merchant ship, and served under Sir Sackvill Trevor's command at the taking of the French prize called the St. Esprit.[510]

In July, I was contracted to my second wife Mistress Susan Yardley, the widow of Mr. Robert Yardley, whose daughter my son John had formerly married. The 16th of the same month we were married at St. Margaret's Church, by Mr. Franklyn; Mr. George Wilson[511] gave her in the church.

The 20th of February, 1627,[512] the Commissioners of the Navy were summoned before the Lords, and their commission called in and dissolved, and the government of the Navy conferred upon the Principal Officers then being, to be carried as in former times.

The 26th of February, attending the Officers of the Navy at Sir Sackville Crowe's[513] house by Charing Cross, Sir[514] John Pennington came thither to acquaint them with a warrant from the Lord Duke, directed to him and myself, for present bargaining with the yard-keepers[515] of the river for the building of 10 small vessels[516] for the enterprise of Rochelle, of some 120 tons a-piece, with one deck and quarter only, to row as well as sail. The 28th day of the same month we concluded our bargains with the several yardkeepers and drew covenants between us, and delivered them imprests[517] accordingly. In this business I was employed till the latter end of July, that the ships set sail to Portsmouth. My son John was placed Captain in the sixth Whelp, built by my kinsman Peter Pett; having liberty from the Lord Duke to make choice for him amongst them all, I chose that pinnace before the rest, supposing she would have proved best, which fell out afterward clean contrary.

The 21st of this month of July, as I was going in London to attend the meeting of the Officers of the Navy, I was arrested at the suit of one Freeman, upon 3 executions for timber delivered to the building of Sir Walter Ralegh's ship and the two pinnaces built at Ratcliff[518] for the expedition of Algier, and was forcibly carried to prison to the Counter[519] in the Poultry, where I was lodged all night. The next morning, the King and the Lord Duke being made acquainted by Sir John Pennington with the business, the Lords of the Council were twice assembled about my clearing, and the care recommended to the Lord Treasurer Weston, who employed his secretary, Mr. John Gibbons, to see me freed, which was done by a habeas corpus to remove me to the Fleet,[520] where I was carried and there put in bond for my appearance the first day of Michaelmas term; so for that time discharged, Mr. Gibbons defraying the whole charge. A little before this his Majesty gave me a blank for making a baronet, which was signed by his hand.

I received warrant from the Lord Duke to go to Portsmouth, there to attend the setting out of the Fleet; which accordingly I did, taking my journey from Lambeth the first of August, accompanied with my son Richard, William Dalton, and some other shipwrights. When I came to Portsmouth, by means of some friends I procured a convenient lodging in a private house, where I lay all the time of my being there, in which I saw many passages and the great disaster happening unto the Lord Duke. After the mutiny upon the Green on Friday in the evening, about the execution of a poor seaman that was hanged upon a gibbet on the beach, and the next day, being Saturday and the 23rd day, about 10 of the clock, the Duke was murdered in Captain Mason's[521] house by a private[522] discontented lieutenant called Felton, being stabbed with a knife to the heart as he was talking with Sir Thomas (left blank in MS.)[523] at the parlour door.

The 4th of September, my son John took leave of me in the evening and went on board his ship; whom I never saw after, being unfortunately cast away in the return from Rochelle; both ship and men perishing in the sea, as it was supposed foundered in the storm, which was a grievous affliction to myself, my wife [and] his own wife, left great with child at his going to sea.

The 6th September, the service concluded and all the Fleet sent away, I left Portsmouth accompanied with son Richard and returned for Chatham, coming thither on Monday the 8th day, finding my wife and family in good health, praising God for our comfortable meeting.

After divers passages and journeys from Chatham to London and Hampton Court, to my great expense, and could conclude nothing for clearing my arrest, I was forced, for saving harmless my sureties in the Fleet,[524] to deliver myself a prisoner the first day of the term, going thither in the evening, taking possession of the chamber provided for me with a heavy heart, my son Richard accompanying me. Afterward, being advised by my worthy friend, Captain Pennington, who never forsook me in all my troubles, but furnished my wants continually, way was made to acquaint his Majesty with my case; who very graciously gave order to the Lord Treasurer to see me freed from prison, where I continued, notwithstanding, six or seven days before I could be released and an agreement concluded with Freeman for his debt by the Lord Treasurer; which done, I presented myself to his Majesty who used me very graciously.

In this interim I received certain intelligence of the great loss of my son John, his ship, and all his company, who foundered in the sea about the Seames,[525] in a great storm about the beginning of November; not one man saved to bring the doleful news; no ship near them to deliver the certainty, but a small pink belonging to the Fleet, that was within ken of her, and saw her shoot 9 pieces of ordnance, hoping of succour. This affliction was the greater for that his dear wife was, much about the time of her husband's loss, delivered of a son at my house at Chatham, having a mournful time of lying in, which son was baptized at Chatham Church on Sunday the 23rd day, afternoon, called Phineas. The witnesses:—my wife, godmother; myself and good friend, Mr. George Wilson, being godfathers.

Towards the end of December, I was appointed by the Officers of the Navy to take charge of docking the Vanguard at Woolwich, which I presently took order in, to have the dock fitted and prepared for that purpose.

I docked the Vanguard and caused a dam to be made without the gates; then took down the gates and wharves within the dam, and made all new, both floor, wharves and gates; which was finished in a short time. About this time, riding from Woolwich to Greenwich, sent for by Captain Pennington, mid way betwixt both, the horse gave me a dangerous fall, close by a ditch side full of water; by which I received a great hurt upon my right leg and thigh, which was sore bruised by the fall, in so much as I had much ado to get back again, and was not recovered of the hurt in six weeks time, but was forced to use crutches.

About the beginning of June, by Captain Pennington's procurement I passed the baronet given me formerly by the King, for which the Captain received for me 200 pounds, which he sent me to Woolwich in gold.

About this time I gave over my house at Chatham and surrendered the lease thereof to Mr. Isackson,[526] the painter, who renewed it for longer time with Sir Robert Jackson, then Lord of the Manor.

Towards the end of September, I was employed by the Lord Treasurer Weston as a Commissioner for his Majesty to the forests of Shotover and Stowood, near Oxford, which forests were granted from his Majesty by letters patent to the Earl of Lindsey;[527] wherein I discharged my duty so effectually as gained me a good opinion both from his Majesty and the Lord Treasurer; from which employment I returned to Woolwich the 8th day of November, having finished a tedious and troublesome business.

The 27th day of November, it pleased God to take from me my dear beloved son Richard, who died with me at Woolwich and was buried in the church chancel next day after; being a great affliction unto me, by reason he was my eldest son then living, being a very hopeful young man, and for his years an excellent artist, being trained by me to that purpose for making of ships.

A little after Christmas, I was employed as a Commissioner with Mr. Treswell,[528] Surveyor of his Majesty's Woods, to view certain parks of his Majesty: as Ditton Park, Sunning Park and Folly John[529] Park, lying near about Windsor; which we despatched in four or five days, and returned back to Westminster, and delivered in the account and certificate of the business to the Lord Treasurer.

Towards the middle of February, there was a resolution by his Majesty and the Lords of the Admiralty to make an addition of assistants to the Principal Officers of his Majesty's Navy, for the better managing of that great business by experienced men; to which purpose Mr. William Burrell was nominated as one and myself by his Majesty's own appointment was chosen for the other, not without some strong opposition which could not prevail; so that there was a letter under his Majesty's signet directed to the Officers, and ourselves to sit with the Officers, and to authorise us to proceed together in all businesses concerning his Majesty's Service, which was twice read in public court at their meeting in Mincing Lane, the 8th day of March 1629, and then we took place first with them; where it was concluded to begin first with a general survey of the whole Navy at Chatham, and all stores within and without doors, and to put out by the great, as we should hold fitting, the repair of all apparent defects in the ships, which was recommended wholly to the care of Mr. Burrell and myself; which was effectually performed by us, and the works of the ships put to Mr. Goddard,[530] one of the Master Shipwrights, to be done by contract; which business we fully concluded by the end of March, 1630.

After we had settled all business at Chatham, Deptford and Woolwich, Mr. Burrell and myself took our journey, the 6th of May, to Portsmouth, where we arrived the 8th day after; taking up our lodgings at [the] Dock with the Clerk of the Stores,[531] where Mr. Burrell lay, and myself at the Clerk of the Check,[532] both Mr. Brookes and brothers; here we stayed upon despatch of all business concerning the defects of the ships, surveys, and other material business; which having all ordered, settled, and graved the ships, we returned thence and came to London the 4th day of June following.

The 4th of August, there was a great Commission sent to Portsmouth, to take a view of the harbour and the river running up to Fareham,[533] for the removing of his Majesty's ships to a more safe place of riding; all the Principal Officers of his Majesty's Navy being Commissioners, together with Mr. Burrell, his Majesty's Masters of the Navy, and six of the chief Masters of the Trinity House. There was much dispute and contrariety about the business, but in the end a fair agreement was concluded. Some of the Masters of the Trinity House there sickened, which hastened both their returns and ours back. In our return home, myself was taken very sick at Farnham, where Mr. Burrell and myself parted, he staying behind about some particular business of his own, but we never saw one another after, being the 13th day of August. It pleased God that I got home to Woolwich that very night very dangerously sick, and stirred not out of my chamber in eight weeks space, in which interim Mr. Burrell died in an inn, as he travelled toward Huntingdon, the end of this present month.

About the 23rd day of November following, I was sent again to Portsmouth with a commission to search and enquire about the worm which was reported to eat the ships in the Road, to their endangering and hazard. There were divers Master Shipwrights joined with me in the business, but upon strict examination upon oath there could be no such matter found, but only a rumour raised to hinder the keeping of any his Majesty's ships in that harbour.[534]

About the end of December his Majesty signed my letters patent for the place of a Principal Officer and Commissioner of his Navy, and the 19th day of January following I had my letters patent publicly read at the meeting of the Principal Officers of his Majesty's Navy in Mincing Lane in London, and accordingly took my place amongst them; the 26th day after, they were publicly read before the whole Navy men at Chatham.

The 23rd of February I brought my wife from Woolwich to Chatham in a coach all the way by land; we alighted at son Yardley's door where we took up our lodging.

The first of March I received from Mr. Robert Smith, Messenger of the Navy, 8 commissions of purveyance and other business concerning the Navy under the Broad Seal of England directed to me.

The 21st day of April, being Thursday, his Majesty, accompanied with divers of the lords, as the Treasurer,[535] Chamberlain,[536] Marquis Hamilton, Holland[537] and others, came to Woolwich to see the Vanguard launched that day, which was performed to his Majesty's great content. I entertained them in my lodgings with wine, cakes and other things, which were well accepted. His Majesty commanded me into the barge with him, purposing to have landed at Deptford to have seen the St. Denis,[538] newly repaired in dry dock, but the rain hindered his landing, and I was taken out of his Majesty's barge into a pair of oars. On Friday morning was launched the Victory, lying above the Vanguard in the same dock [at] Woolwich.

On Friday, being the 13th of May, I shipped all my goods and household stuff from Woolwich in one Starland's hoy, which were all safely landed at his Majesty's new dock [at] Chatham the next day. On Monday, the 16th day, I brought myself and family into my lodgings at the new dock.

Wednesday, being the 15th day of June, all the ships in the Navy at Chatham being completely trimmed in all points, rigged, and all their sails at yards, and ordnance on board, his Majesty, attended with divers lords, came to Strood[539] about 2 o'clock afternoon, where the Officers of the Navy attended his Highness with barges and boats, and being embarked rew[540] down the river on board the Prince, and from her on board all the ships riding in that [place]. At his Majesty's embarking, the ships did orderly discharge their ordnance. The King went to his lodging at the Crown, Rochester.

Next morning betimes, his Majesty took his barge again, and went on board the rest of the ships riding in the upper reach, beginning with the Lion, being the uppermost ship; so to the rest in order, observing the course and order of the discharging their ordnance as the day before; then landed at the old dock and viewed all the ordnance upon the wharves; then walked on foot to the new dock, by the way taking notice of the ropehouse and storehouses without the dock gates; then came into the yard and viewed the stores and houses; after came into my lodgings, where he stayed a pretty while; then went to the top of the hill on the back side, where his Majesty stood to see the ordnance fired from the ships; from thence walked back to the old dock, where his Highness took his barge to Rochester, by the way hovering to observe the trained-band placed in two battalions and skirmished in warlike manner, to his Majesty's great content. His Majesty landed at Rochester and went to dinner; then called for the Officers of the Navy, giving[541] them many thanks for their care and pains; then took his coach to Gravesend, thence up by water to Greenwich.

Monday morning, being the 25th of July, I took my journey from Chatham towards Portsmouth, riding through Sussex. We came to Portsmouth [the] 27th day at night and lodged at the Queen's Head. We were sent to provide and prepare all the ships riding at Portsmouth in manner as they were at Chatham, to entertain his Majesty, resolved to view them all; which was accordingly performed.

The second of August, being Tuesday, his Majesty came to Portsmouth accompanied with divers lords, and presently took boat and went on board each several ship, from thence treatably[542] returning, and the ships saluting him with their ordnance. His Majesty was landed by six of the clock and went directly to the Governor's house, where he was lodged, and called for supper as soon as he came. Next day I attended his Majesty for order for removing the ships, which presently was done by his Majesty's own mouth; and waiting at dinner, his Majesty commanded me to attend the Lord Treasurer and others, to transport them into the Isle of Wight and bring them back; which I carefully performed in his Majesty's pinnace, the Maria, appointed for that purpose, and safely landed him from the Cowes at Titchfield Haven, being attended with one of the Whelps. I returned to Chatham from Portsmouth the 10th of August after.

The 25th of this month, being Thursday, my son John's wife, lost in the sixth Whelp, was married to Edward Stevens,[543] a shipwright, in Chatham Church, the wedding being at my house in the new dockyard, where we gave entertainment to all his friends till Monday after, when they returned for London.

In[544] the beginning of this year, 1632, I was commanded from his Majesty to assist my son Peter in the building a new ship at Woolwich, which was begun in February, being of the burthen of 800 tons and tonnage; most part of the frame and provisions being made in the forests of Shotover and Stowood, Oxfordshire; my son had the oversight of the work. About the 8th of June, his Majesty came to Woolwich to see the work, where I entertained him afterwards in my lodgings and attended his Majesty to Deptford in his own barge, where he landed to view the other new ship built by Mr. Goddard.

The 30th day of January, 1633, the new ship at Woolwich was launched, the King's Majesty being there present, standing in my lodgings. It proved a fair day and good tide, so that the ship was put out without strain of tackle, which much contented his Majesty, who soon after took his barge and returned to Whitehall. The ship was named the Charles after his own name.

The next day the new ship at Deptford built by Mr. Goddard was launched, the King and Queen's Majesties being present, and was called after the Queen's name, Henrietta Maria.

By the beginning of March, the Henrietta being come to ride at Woolwich by the Charles, both being ready fitted to set sail for Chatham, his Majesty was pleased to come down in his barge on board the Charles. We presently weighed with both ships and set sail with the wind at south-west and better; his Majesty went in her a little beneath[545] Barking Creek, and then took his barge and returned, we taking leave after the manner of the sea with our voices and whistles, and the King's trumpets upon the poop. By low water we were got beneath the Nore a good distance, and there anchored all night, and the next flood we turned up as high as Oakham Ness[546] and there anchored, and on Monday after came over the chain.

The 22nd of March, I was appointed to make a journey to Portsmouth to take survey of all the business there, both on float and on the shore. Mr. Edisbury,[547] Mr. Goddard, Mr. Goodwin[548] the Master, Mr. Apslyn,[549] and our clerks going along with us. We took our journey from London on Friday morning, and came to Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon. It was the 6th of April following before I returned to home to Chatham. The 11th day, son Peter first time took his journey to Woodbridge in Suffolk to see Mrs. Cole's eldest daughter.

The 15th of June, 1633, I went a journey to Portsmouth from Chatham, through part of East Kent, accompanied with Sir Henry Palmer, Captain William Hawkridge, newly returned from captivity,[550] our clerks and servants. Saturday and Sunday night we lay at Buckwell,[551] at Captain Moyle's, whose wife was sister to the Lady Palmer. Monday we rode to one Sir William Campion's, where we were very kindly entertained till Wednesday morning; thence taking leave we rode to Lewes to dinner; thence to Shoreham,[552] where we lodged that night; thence to Chichester, there dined; then to Portsmouth where we stayed four days to despatch business there; which done, we came thence to Guildford; so to London; and the 26th day, being Wednesday, I came home to Chatham.

The 5th of July, 1633, being a Friday, I began a journey from Chatham by sea into Suffolk in the little Henrietta pinnace commanded by Captain Cook, one of the Master Attendants of his Majesty's Navy, accompanied with young Mr. Henry Palmer, Mr. Isackson, son Yardley, cousin[553] Joseph, my sons Peter and Christopher, man Charles Bowles, and George Parker.[554] We set sail from Gillingham in the morning, having a fair gale at south-west. We anchored against Harwich, between two and three of the clock, afternoon, and from thence shipped ourselves and company in boats for Ipswich, arriving there afore 6 in the evening, and lodged at the Angel Inn, which was then kept by my cousin Barwick. On Saturday morning we were horsed to Woodbridge on hackneys, whither we came about 11 of the clock and were lodged at the Crown. After dinner we went to visit Mrs. Cole and her daughters, with whom we had large discourse about the match of her daughter with my son Peter, and found our propositions entertained, I having great liking to the maid. Sunday, we and our train dined and supped at Mrs. Cole's. Monday, we invited mother and daughters and Mr. Fleming to dine with us at our inn, whither came to us divers of our friends to whom we gave the best entertainment the place could afford. In the afternoon we had private conferences together, and concluded the match and contracted the parties with free consent on both sides; we supped this night at Mrs. Cole's. Tuesday forenoon, having despatched all our business, we took our journey by horse to Landguard Point[555] accompanied with Mistress Cole, her daughters, and other their friends and neighbours, whom we entertained a while on board our pinnace, and there resolved the day of marriage; thence we accompanied them on shore, saw them horsed, and so took leave. My son and some other of our company accompanied them to Woodbridge, being overtaken with a mighty storm of rain, thunder and lightning all the way. All the next day proving very foul and wet weather, the wind contrary, and my son and his company not returned (who came not to us till almost 3, afternoon) we concluded to stay till next morning in the road. Myself and most of our company went on shore to Harwich and there lay that night.

Thursday morning we came on board betimes and set sail, and that tide came up as high as Bishop Ness in our river of Medway, where we anchored and had boats meet us from Chatham, in whom we embarked, and were safely landed at the new dock about seven, Friday morning, 12th July, giving God thanks for our prosperous voyage and safe return.

About the middle of this month, my son Peter had order to prepare moulds for a frame of a new ship of 500 tons, to be built by him at Woolwich, and was assigned to have the timber out of Stowood and Shotover in Oxfordshire.

About this time also, Sir Henry Palmer and myself were deeply questioned about making sale of brown paper stuff[556] which we claimed as a perquisite to our places, and by the information of Mr. Edisbury, our fellow officer, to Sir John Coke. The information was presented with a great deal of malice, and his Majesty was made acquainted withal; but it pleased God that their malice took no effect, the King giving us a free discharge, only we repaid the moneys received for the commodity to the Treasurer of the Navy for his Majesty's use.

The 3rd day of September, my son Peter came to Chatham accompanied with Mr. Sheldon[557] and Mr. Francis Terringham, and the next morning we embarked ourselves at the new dock, accompanied also with Mr. Bostock, cousin Joseph, and son Christopher, and all our provisions, and came on board the Henrietta pinnace at Gillingham, where Captain Cooke attended us ready to set sail; from whence with a prosperous gale, the wind at south-west and very fair weather, we came to anchor before Harwich about six of the clock. All our company went on shore to Harwich, where we lodged that night, and the next day from thence took our journey to Woodbridge, where we were joyfully received and entertained by Mistress Cole[558] and her friends. On Sunday following, being the 8th day of September, my son was married to Mistress Cole's daughter in Woodbridge Church after the sermon. On the Thursday after, all my company took leave at Woodbridge and came to our ship riding at Harwich, where we lodged that night, and on Friday morning embarked ourselves and set sail; having the wind fair, we got up as high as Oakham, where we anchored and took boats to St. Mary Creek, where we landed and walked home on foot, giving God thanks for our prosperous voyage and safe return.

The 8th of December, being Sunday, lying at my lodging in Mincing Lane, London, as I was going to church in the forenoon, I was set upon by six sergeants,[559] who arrested me at the suit of my sister Pett,[560] widow to my brother Peter; by whom I was used uncivilly, but after they were told by Sir Henry Palmer they would be called to account for abusing the King's servant they let me go; which turned me afterward to a great trouble and suit in law, to my great charge.

In the month of February were launched the Unicorn at Woolwich, built by Mr. Boate,[561] and the next spring following was launched the James out of Deptford Dock, built there by my nephew, Peter Pett; the King's Majesty being in person present at both places, where I attended his Highness all the time of that business.

The 22nd day of the same month, Sir Henry Palmer[562] and myself were commanded to attend the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, to answer the great information prosecuted against us by the malice of Secretary Coke by intimation of Mr. Edisbury, newly made Surveyor of the Navy, for selling the old brown paper stuff as perquisites of our places; we were not called in till the evening; none but Mr. Fleming[563] and myself appeared, Sir Henry Palmer purposely absenting himself. There were present at [the] council table, Earl Dorset,[564] Sir Henry Vane,[565] Secretary Coke and Secretary Windebank.[566]

Mr. Secretary Coke delivered his Majesty's pleasure, with despiteful aggravation of the fact and the dangerous precedent[567] to others. The conclusion was that his Majesty's command was we should be suspended our places. We were not suffered to make any reply, but dismissed and referred to his Majesty's further pleasure. On the Monday after, I attended to speak to his Majesty so soon as he was ready in his withdrawing chamber, where his Majesty was pleased to call me to him; and before all the lords there present and my professed enemy, Secretary Coke, his Majesty used me very graciously, with large expression and protestation of the continuance of his future favour and continued encouragements; which though Secretary Coke liked not, yet he made great show of his well wishing to me in his Majesty's presence; but notwithstanding all this, I repaid the moneys I had received for my share, being 86 pounds, to the Treasurer of the Navy for his Majesty's use, out of my yearly entertainment.

About the middle of March, my son brought his wife and his mother, with their family, from Woodbridge to my house at Chatham, where they all stayed with us till the 23rd of April following, and then went all to Woolwich, where my son was employed upon the building of his Majesty's ship the Leopard.

The 22nd of June was finished a little ship, being completely rigged and gilded, and placed upon a carriage with wheels[568] resembling the sea; was enclosed in a great case of deals and shipped for London in the Fortune Pink, and was out of her taken into a wherry and carried through bridge to Scotland Yard and from thence to St. James', where it was placed in the long gallery and presented to the Prince, who entertained it with a great deal of joy, being purposely made for him to disport himself withal.

The 26th of June, his Majesty came to Woolwich in his barge to see the frame of the Leopard, then half built; and being in the ship's hold his Highness, calling me aside, privately acquainted me with his princely resolution for the building of a great new ship, which he would have me to undertake, using these words to me:—'You have made many requests to me, and now I will make it my request to you to build this ship,' commanding me to attend his coming to Wanstead[569] where he would further confer with me about it.

The 29th October, the model made for the great new ship was carried to Hampton Court and there placed in the Privy Gallery, where, after his Majesty had seen and thoroughly perused, he commanded us to carry it back to Whitehall and place it in the Privy Gallery till his Majesty's coming thither; which was accordingly performed.

In March, 1635, the 11th day, his Majesty came to Woolwich to see the launching of the new ship built there by my son Peter, the which ship I caused to have her masts set in the dock and to be completely rigged and ten pieces of ordnance placed in her, with her sails at the yard. The ship being launched betimes, she was, by his Majesty's command, called the Leopard by Sir Robert Mansell. After the ship was clear out of the dock, his Majesty came on board and there stayed almost one hour. We hoped to sail her whilst his Majesty had been on board, but the wind came northerly, that we could do no good to lead it to our moorings. At his Majesty's parting away in his barge we gave nine pieces of ordnance.

In the midst of April, his Majesty was graciously pleased to renew my privy seal for my pension of 40l. per annum, payable in the Exchequer, with order for all my arrears due upon it. The 8th of May following, my son Peter received the same arrears, being one hundred pounds.

The 14th of May, I took leave of his Majesty at Greenwich, with his command to hasten my journey into the north, to provide and prepare the frame and timber and plank and trenails for the great new ship to be built at Woolwich; and having despatched all warrants and letters concerning that business and some imprests of moneys for travelling charges, I took leave at Woolwich and came to Chatham, leaving my son to see all the moulds and other necessaries to be shipped in a Castle ship, taken up for that purpose, to transport all our provisions and workmen to Newcastle and to send the ships to take us in at Queenborough.

The 21st of May, my son with his wife, mother, and sisters, and rest of their company, being come to us to Chatham and in readiness, we, accompanied with cousin Joseph's wife and mine own company, we took leave at Chatham in the morning and repaired by our boats to Queenborough, where the ship was in readiness; where we embarked ourselves, intending to have set sail presently, but the wind chopping to east and north-east, we could not stir that tide, but rode till the morning; then weighed and set sail and got down as low as the Blacktail Sand,[570] where we anchored all the flood. At high water, being about 3 [o']clock afternoon, we weighed again and plyed down beneath the Spits and there anchored all that night. Saturday morning we weighed and set sail again, and the next day by five afternoon we came to an anchor against Harwich and landed all our passengers bound for Woodbridge, who got thither that night; and the next myself and rest of my company went for Woodbridge, where we stayed till Tuesday afternoon and then returned to Harwich to our ship. Wednesday forenoon, we set sail from Harwich, and Thursday morning we came into Yarmouth Road, where we anchored, went on shore and dined, and after dinner returned on board and set sail, plying our course till Saturday morning. Being got within twenty leagues of Newcastle, the wind took us short, and we put room and were landed, not without some danger, at Scarborough where we lay that night, and our ship put room for Bridlington.[571]

Sunday morning we got horse with some difficulty and rode to Whitby,[572] where we were kindly entertained and lodged at one Captain Foxe's[573] house, then lying sick. There we found much kindness at the hands of one Mr. Bagwell, a shipwright and yardkeeper; this was the 31st of May. Monday morning we parted thence and came to Guisborough, a great market town, where we baited. From thence we went to Stockton,[574] where we found but mean entertainment, being lodged in the Mayor's house, being a poor thatched cottage.[575] On Tuesday we came to Durham, where we baited; from thence we came to Newcastle about five of the clock, lodging this night at the posthouse, where we were very homely used; but the next day we removed thence to Mr. Leonard Carr's house, where we were very well accommodated and neatly lodged, in which house we lay all the time of our abode at Newcastle; this was the 3rd of June, 1635.

After our coming to Newcastle and that[576] lodged ourselves conveniently, we advised together how to proceed in our business, [that] no time might be lost; and first viewed the places from whence we were to make choice of our frame and other provisions, which were Chopwell Woods[577] and Brancepeth Park,[578] a good way from one another.

Then, having marked such trees as were fittest our purpose, our workmen were disposed of to their several charges, and began to fell, square, and saw with all the expedition we could. That work being settled, my son carefully followed that business whilst I myself attended the Lord Bishop of Durham[579] with my commission and instructions, whom I found wonderfully ready and willing to give all furtherance to us, assisted by other knights and gentlemen, Justices of the Peace in the county; who with all care and diligence took order with the country for present carriage. God so blessed us in our proceedings that in a short time as much of the frame was made ready as laded away a great collier belonging to Woodbridge, which was safely landed at Woolwich; and as fast as provisions could be made ready, they were shipped away. That from Chopwell Woods was laded from Newcastle; that which came from Brancepeth, from Sunderland.

Having ordered all our business, both for carriage, moneys, and all other needful things to set forward the business, leaving my loving son Peter to oversee all, I took my leave of my friends at Newcastle the 22nd day of July, being Wednesday, and came to Durham where we lodged that night at the posthouse. Next morning I waited upon my Lord of Durham, with whom I dined, and after dinner took leave and returned to my lodging.

Friday morning, being the 24th day, I parted from Durham accompanied with my son Christopher, Charles Bowles,[580] and the guide. We met, also bound our way towards London, three Scottish gentlemen and their attendants, who very kindly accepted of our company, and we rode together to Northallerton where we lodged that night at the postmaster's. Next day we rode to York and lodged at the postmaster's. Sunday, we stayed at York all the day, myself being entertained at dinner by Sir Arthur Ingram[581] and at night by Alderman Sir William Allison.

Monday morning, 27th day, we rode to dinner to Wentbridge, thence to Doncaster to bed. Tuesday we rode to Tuxford,[582] where we dined; thence to Newark upon Trent, there lodged this night.

Wednesday morning we rode from Newark to Grantham[583] where we dined; thence to Stamford, where lodged this night.

Thursday, being the 30th day, we rode from Stamford to Huntingdon, and there dined and met there my old acquaintance and noble friend, Sir Oliver Cromwell. After dinner we took horse again, and at Huntingdon town's-end the Scottish gentlemen and we parted; they took their way for London, myself and company for Cambridge, where I lodged at the Falcon and visited Emmanuel College, where I had been a scholar in my youth.

Friday, being last of July, after I had visited Trinity College and some others, I rode from Cambridge to Bury in Suffolk, where we only baited, and rode that night to Stowmarket, coming thither very wet, having rained very hard all that afternoon; there we lay that night. From thence rode next morning to Ipswich, drank only at the Greyhound Inn, and thence came to Woodbridge, alighting at sister Cole's about eleven of the clock, being the first of August.

I stayed at Woodbridge till Tuesday, the 4th of August; thence taking leave, I rode to Witham to bed; from thence next morning taking horse I came to Gravesend ferry; there passing over my horses I stayed their coming, and then taking horse again I came home to my house about 4 clock afternoon, in safety and health, giving God thanks for our safe meeting after eleven weeks absence from thence.

The 4th November, being Tuesday, it pleased God to send my son Peter safely to Woolwich, where we met together to our great comfort; and so gave order for proceeding in our business.

The 21st day of December, the keel of the great new ship was laid in his place upon the blocks in the dock; most part of the frame and other provisions came safely to Woolwich and were landed in the Yard.

The 16th day of January, his Majesty, accompanied with divers of the lords, came to Woolwich to see part of the frame and floor of the ship laid. At that time his Majesty gave order to myself and son to build two small pinnaces out of the wastes of the great ship.

The 28th day of March, his Majesty came again to Woolwich, accompanied with the Palsgrave,[584] his brother Duke Robert,[585] and divers other lords, who all stood in the windows of my lodgings to see the two pinnaces launched, which was performed to their great content, and named the Greyhound and Roebuck.

About[586] the 10th of April, his Majesty's ship called by the name of the Anne Royal, bound for to be Admiral of the narrow seas, and anchoring in Tilbury Hope, being unmoored,[587] the ship winding up[588] upon the flood, came foul of her own anchor, which pulled out a great part of her keel abaft the mast; and so, in sinking, overthrew so suddenly that some of the company were drowned, amongst whom was the master's wife and one other woman. Myself, amongst others, was commanded by his Majesty to give my assistance for weighing of her, which cost much trouble, great charge and no small danger to them that travelled[589] about it; which was afterwards objected to them as a great fault, and were rewarded with a bitter check from the Lords. The ship was weighed, and carried to Blackwall, and put into the East India Dock about the 10th of August.

The 3rd of February, his Majesty came to Woolwich by water, accompanied with the Prince Elector[590] and divers other lords, where he thoroughly viewed all the works of the ship without; and then went on board and seriously perused all the ship within board, both aloft and in the hold, being very well satisfied in all points; and then retired himself into my lodgings, where he stayed till flood, and then took his barge and returned to Whitehall.

Tuesday, the 25th of April, my daughter Martha was married unto John Hodierne, sometimes my servant.[591] She was married at Chatham Church, accompanied with the best sort of our neighbours, who were entertained in the garden under a long tent, set up for that purpose, where they ate, dined, and supped.

On the 21st day [of] July, being Friday, I brought my wife from Woolwich to Chatham in a coach, having been very ill some weeks before. We brought her safe to my house, and the next day she was to our thinking very cheerful, and was visited by divers our good neighbours, but on Sunday she grew very ill, and continued worse and worse all that night. About 3 clock, Monday morning, she fell into a sweet sleep and so like [a] lamb quietly departed this life, and the Wednesday afternoon following was buried in Chatham Church, accompanied with the better sort of all the neighbours about us; Mr. Vaughan, our Minister, preached at her funeral.

Tuesday, being the 29th August, proved a very wet, rainy day, but the shipwrights of the river, which were warned to help to strike the ship upon the ways, being come together, we set on the business, and by God's blessing the ship was struck by eleven of the clock without harm to any man, which we accounted a great mercy of God.

Monday, the 25th of September, was the day peremptorily appointed by his Majesty for launching the great ship; and accordingly all things were prepared in readiness for performance thereof. His Majesty, accompanied with the Queen and all the train of lords and ladies, their attendants, came to Woolwich, for the most part by water, landing at the dock stairs about 12 of the clock, and went directly on board the ship, where they stayed about one hour, and thence retired into our rooms, prepared and furnished for their entertainment. About 2 of the clock the tackles were set taut and the ship started as they heaved, till the tackles failed and the water pinched,[592] being a very poor tide, so that we gave over to strain the tackles and began to shore the ship. Then his Majesty with the Queen took their barge and returned to Whitehall, being very sorry the ship could not be launched. We attempted two or three tides afterward to no purpose; it was then concluded to let the ship sit till the next spring,[593] sitting so easily and safely that she could take no hurt.

After, it was resolved the ship should lie till the spring after, which was about the 12th or 13th October following. In the interim many malicious reports were raised to disable the ship, and to bring as much disgrace upon me as malice itself could possibly invent; all proceeding from the Masters of the Trinity House and other rough-hewn seamen, with whom William Cooke, one of the four Masters of his Majesty's Navy, enviously adhering to pleasure Secretary Coke, and Mr. Edisbury, then newly made Surveyor of his Majesty's Navy, all professed enemies to the building of the ship, and more to myself, joined together to cast what aspersions upon both as far as they durst (for fear of the King's displeasure); but the time of the spring drawing on, there was a meeting called by Sir Robert Mansell's means at Woolwich of such Trinity House Masters as were formerly employed on the business, with the Officers of the Navy, to resolve of the certain day and time of launching, which was generally concluded to be on Sunday following, being the 14th October, and that I should not attempt to stir the ship before; but on the Saturday night tide, the wind chopping up for westerly, and a fair night in hand promising a great tide to follow, I caused the two Masters of the Navy there attending to be ready, commanding all we could on the sudden get together to attend us, contrary to the mind of Mr. Cooke, who was very unwilling to meddle with the ship in the night, though Mr. Austen,[594] the more resolute man, was very willing to take the benefit of the first opportunity to launch. The tide came in so fast that the ship was on float by three-quarters flood, which I perceiving thought it fit to command the ship to be heaved off, the night being fair and calm; which accordingly was presently performed, and the ship brought into the channel and from thence by several warps conveyed safely to her moorings by high water; keeping lights with reed[595] all alongst the shore till the mooring cables were taken in and made fast to the bitts; which success with much thankfulness we acknowledged an especial mercy of God towards us. This done, I presently dispatched a messenger to Sir Robert Mansell at Greenwich, who came with all speed on board us, and according to his Majesty's commandment gave the name to the ship and named her the Sovereign of the Seas. The next morning the company of the Trinity House Masters and others appointed to attend the launching, came according to the appointment to give their attendance, but finding the ship already launched, and at her moorings in the midst of the river, they seemed to be much discontented that they were so disappointed and prevented, which they expressed as far as they durst.

This morning Sir Robert Mansell rode away post to the King, lying then at Hampton Court, and acquainted his Majesty with our proceedings, who was wonderfully pleased with it.

The week following we reared the sheers to set the masts, which was performed with much safety and expedition, and all the masts set within fourteen days; and so soon as the rigging could be in some reasonable complete manner fitted, and sails brought to the yards, the ship was removed from Woolwich to Erith, by reason there was a greater depth of water to ride in. His Majesty had been on board of her before she went thence.

The 12th of May, 1638, the Sovereign set sail from Erith to Greenhithe,[596] where she anchored to take in her ordnance and provisions. The 6th of June after, his Majesty, accompanied with the Queen, Duchess of Chevreuse,[597] Duke and Duchess of Lennox,[598] with divers other lords and ladies more, came on board the ship at Greenhithe, where they dined to their great content. At their going from the ship, we gave them 17 pieces of ordnance.

The 10th of February before, I received particular warrants from his Majesty at council table, being himself there present, for bringing the ship from Chatham to Woolwich dock; which was by my care speedily performed, and the ship safely dry docked, the 21st day of March following.

About the 12th of July, the Sovereign weighed from Greenhithe and anchored a little beneath Gravesend, where she rode till the King's Majesty came on board her, which was upon the 21st day of July, being Saturday, coming down in his barge, and rowed some part of the way against the tide. In the time of his being on board, his Majesty observed the condition of the ship as she now rode ready to sail, vidt. the draught of water, the distance of the ports of the lower tier from the water, number of the ordnance, and all other circumstances to her complete furnishing; wherewith he was so well satisfied and pleased that he parted from her with as much expression of content and satisfaction as we could expect from him, to the general comfort of us all.

Before his Majesty took barge I had placed my then wife, Bylande,[599] daughter Ann,[600] and many other gentlewomen, my special friends, in the great cabin to kiss his Majesty's hand, and prevailed with his Majesty to walk aft into the cabin, where his Highness most graciously gave each of them his hand to kiss. His Majesty then took his barge, and at his going from the ship we gave him 72 pieces of great ordnance. I then with my wife and friends went on shore and took the coach and came directly home.

Thursday, 2nd of August, I took leave of my wife and friends at Chatham after supper; so rode to Gravesend, thence on board the Sovereign and lay on board in mine cabin, being the first night I lodged in her.

Friday, my son Peter came on board from Woolwich; then about 10 of the clock we weighed from Gravesend, and stood down beneath Hole Haven, and there anchored that night, being little wind.

Saturday morning, 4th August, we weighed from Hole Haven and stood down beneath the buoy of the Gunfleet, where we anchored all that night.

Sunday we came to an anchor right before Margate town, where we rode till Thursday morning following, then weighed and set sail with the wind at west; but coming about the Foreland we met the wind so far southerly as put us to go without the sand, and blew so much wind as we could bear our topsails but half mast high, so that we could not possibly weather the South Sand Head;[601] the tides running also dead, we were forced to anchor in 32 fathom and there rode that night, which proved reasonable fair.

Friday morning, the 20th August, we weighed; having the benefit of a whole tide of ebb, we weathered the South Sand Head and stood in right thwart of Dover; but neither the town nor Castle took notice of us. So we put room into the Downs and anchored as near Sir John Pennington, then riding Admiral, as we conveniently could do, being about 8 of the clock in the morning; we were saluted by the Admiral and all the ships in the road, whom we answered again, giving the Admiral 21 pieces. This done we went on board the Admiral, Sir John Pennington, to whom we were continual guests while we stayed in the Downs.

Wednesday morning, being the 15th of August, we set sail out of the Downs, the wind at south and sometimes south-west. We turned to [and] fro with very foul weather till we came as high [as] thwart of Shoreham, or thereabouts (the Garland attending us, who was not able to keep way with us); which course we held till Saturday the 18th day [of] August; then finding in that time we had sufficient trial of the condition and working of the ship in all respects, and having but a small proportion of victuals to stay out longer, we resolved to bear up again for the Downs; which accordingly was done, and about 3 clock, afternoon, we anchored close to the Admiral, Sir John Pennington entertaining us on board his ship all the time we rode by him.

Tuesday morning, the 21st of August, I took leave of the Sovereign and the Admiral, and went on shore at Deal, where I found my man attending ready with my horses, being the night[602] before come thither, where I presently took horse and rode directly to Canterbury, having visited Sir Henry Palmer by the way. I baited some hour or more at Canterbury, and took horse again and came home to my house [at] New Dock[603] a little after four in the afternoon; giving God hearty thanks for my safe return, finding my wife, family and friends in a reasonable health.

The 28th of August, the Sovereign came safe to her moorings at St. Mary Creek, being Tuesday.

The 8th of September my dear wife sickened, taken with a violent fever, being then great with child.

The 19th of September, being Wednesday, between 8 and 9 clock in the morning, she departed this life in a most Christian manner, surrendering up her spirit into His hands that gave it her; the next day after, being Thursday, she was buried in a seemly manner in Chatham Church, close by the side of my first wife, leaving me a sorrowful and disconsolate husband.

Within few days after, deceased also my wife's one[604] sister and next neighbour, wife to Mr. John Short, Clerk of the Check to his Majesty's Navy.[605] They sickened together, she also being with child, and knew not of one and tother's death. Soon after died Mr. Etherington, their own father, at Mr. Short's house, who came thither purposely to visit them.

After I had a little passed over this great and sudden affliction, I prepared myself to go for London; and having set all things in order, on Thursday morning, the 27th of September, 1638, I took leave of my family at Chatham and rode to Gravesend, thence took boat to Woolwich where I stayed one night, and next day, accompanied with my son Peter, we went by water to Kingston, where we took up our lodging in a private house, the inns being full. The next day, being Sunday, we went by water to Hampton Court, where we presented ourselves to his Majesty, who was pleased to use us very graciously, where we spent that whole day, at night returning by water to our lodging at Kingston.

Next morning, my son and myself rode to Sion,[606] to wait upon the Lord Admiral, and was presently commanded by him to hasten to Chatham to prepare barges and boats to be sent to Dover for the receiving on shore the Queen Mother,[607] expected to arrive and land there

(Here the manuscript ends.)

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