Page:Diary of the times of Charles II Vol. I.djvu/386

270 first rates of ships, calculated by as able an hand as any in the Navy.

Sir, before this comes to your hands, I doubt not but your news-letter may have told you of my having resigned my place in the Council, and consequently my employment in the same. It is possible I may be under the hard censure of many, but, to obtain a favourable construction from the Prince, I honestly ask your assistance. Be pleased to assure his Highness of my loyalty on all occasions to serve the King; but, since the practice in affairs has been contrary to the measures declared, when first I had the honour to sit there,