Chapter XI: Introduction: 1.--The Shipwrights (8)

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.

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

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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 40_l._ 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.