r to Woolwich (calling in
my way in Hamcreek, where I have never been before, and there found two
of the King's ships lie there without any living creature aboard, which
troubled me, every thing being stole away that can be), where I staid
seeing a cable of 14 inches laid, in which there was good variety. Then
to Mr. Falconer's, and there eat a bit of roast meat off of the spit,
and so away to the yard, and there among other things mustered the yard,
and did things that I perceive people do begin to value me, and that I
shall be able to be of command in all matters, which God be praised for.
Then to Mr. Pett's, and there eat some fruit and drank, and so to boat
again, and to Deptford, calling there about the business of my house
only, and so home, where by appointment I found Mr. Coventry, Sir W.
Batten, and Mr. Waith met at Sir W. Batten's, and thither I met, and so
agreed upon a way of answering my Lord Treasurer's letter. Here I found
Mr. Coventry had got a letter from the Duke, sent us for looking into
the business of the Chest, of which I am glad. After we had done here I
went home, and up among my workmen, and found they had done a good day's
work, and so to my office till late ordering of several businesses, and
so home and to bed, my mind, God be praised, full of business, but great
quiet.

26th. Up betimes and among my works and workmen, and with great pleasure
seeing them go on merrily, and a good many hands, which I perceive makes
good riddance, and so to the office, where we sat all the morning, and
at noon dined alone with Sir W. Batten, which I have not done a great
while, but his lady being out of the way I was the willinger to do it,
and after dinner he and I by water to Deptford, and there found Sir
G. Carteret and my Lady at dinner, and so we sat down and eat another
dinner of venison with them, and so we went to the payhouse, and there
staid till to o'clock at night paying off the Martin and Kinsale, being
small but troublesome ships to pay, and so in the dark by water home to
the Custom House, and so got a lanthorn to light us home, there being
Mr. Morrice the wine cooper with us, he having been at Deptford to view
some of the King's casks we have to sell. So to bed.

27th. Up and among my workmen, my work going on still very well. So to
my office all the morning, and dined again with Sir W. Batten, his Lady
being in the country. Among other stories, he told us of the Mayor of
Bristoll's reading a p