Page:The history of yachting.djvu/145

 Rh haste to Chatham from my Honorable Lord Admiral Howard, commanding me with all possible speed to build a little vessel for the young Prince Henry to disport himself in about London bridge and acquaint his Grace with shipping and the manner of that element; setting me down the proportions and the manner of garnishing, which was to be like the work of the Ark Royal, battlementwise. This little ship was in length 28 feet by the keel, and in breadth 12 feet, garnished with painting and carving, both within board and without, very curiously, according to his Lordship's directions."

Pett "wrought night and day by torch and candle," and the little ship was launched March 6th, "with noise of drums, trumpets, and such like ceremonies." He was made captain of this royal vessel, which was "manned with almost all the boatswains of the navy, and other choice men," and was then sailed round into the Thames, where she arrived March 22d, and anchored off Blackwall. By order of the Lord Admiral, she was taken "right against the Tower before the King's lodgings," where she was visited by Prince Henry and the Lord High Admiral, who "took pleasure in beholding the ship, being furnished at all points with ensigns and pennants." A day or two later the Prince, with the Lord High Admiral and other noblemen, came on board, and Pett "weighed anchor and dropped down the river as low as Paul's Wharf where we anchored, and his Grace, according to the manner in such cases used, with a