Page:The history of yachting.djvu/192

76 Pepys evidently resents the attempt of Commissioner Pett to impose upon his credulity, and a coolness is afterwards noticeable in Pepys's allusions to the Commissioner. It culminates in 1667, when he does not scruple to stigmatize Pett as "a rogue," "a fawning rogue," "a knave," and in other terms of disapproval. It is probable that Sir Anthony Deane really taught Pepys a good deal about shipbuilding. If so, it is indeed fortunate, as Pepys's writings are of value from his knowledge thereof.

While visiting Lambeth, August 13, 1662, Pepys mentions that he saw "the little pleasure-boat in building by the King, my Lord Brouncker, and the virtuosoes of the town, according to new lines, which Mr. Peter Pett cries up mightily; but how it will prove we shall soon see."

He did not remain in doubt very long; for, on September 5th, while on one of his official pleasure trips on the river, Pepys saw this new yacht, the Jamie, "set out from Greenwich, with the little Dutch Bezan, to try for mastery; and before they got to Woolwich the Dutch beat them half a mile; and I hear that in coming home it got above three miles; which all our people are glad of."

By "our people" Pepys meant the officials at the Admiralty Office. No doubt they were disturbed by outsiders interfering in business that they deemed belonged strictly to the regular Naval Board, as did also the building of all vessels for the King in time of peace. Therefore, the report of the discomfiture of "the virtuosoes," through their