July 15, 1654.
Entry of certain goods. I employed my brother Wilson to the Commissioners of the Customs, to get the copper which I had brought from Sweden, and some deal boards, to be discharged of paying custom, they being my particular goods, concerning which my brother Wilson gave me this account by his letter; and also, touching the arrears of my salary as Commissioner of the Great Seal during my absence out of England, and for one term since my coming home.
“For the Right Honourable the Lord Commissioner Whitelocke, these; Chelsea.
“May it please your Lordship,
“This morning I waited on the Commissioners of the Customs with your Lordship’s letter, who expressed much readiness to answer your expectation about the Customs of the copper and deal boards, had it been in their power, their commission not exceeding a bill of store for forty shillings. But I am to wait on the Commissioners at Whitehall for regulating the Customs, on Tuesday morning (who sit not till then); they have power to grant the custom thereof, and carrying the letter from your Lordship, I question not but will take effect, and so they have acquainted me; which letter I send enclosed, that you may please in the superscription to add to the word Commissioners, ‘for regulating, etc.,’ which then will be fit to present to the said committee. In the meantime I have procured an order to go to work upon the small vessel, which cannot well be done until you are pleased to send word what shall be done with the deals, they being uppermost. If the barge be not ready, if you think fit, I will hire a lighter and load her therewith, which may convey them to Queenhithe or Chelsea, otherwise it will be less charge for a barge to take them in from the ship; your Lordship’s pleasure shall be observed in all.
“I acquainted the Commissioners of the Customs of an order your Lordship had for £1000, which they acquainted me should be paid as soon as brought to them; since which I have received it from Mr. Earle, which I also send enclosed, that you may please to put your name underneath it, that so receipt may be made over it after their form, and on Monday it will be paid.
“My humble service to my Lady, I beseech you, present. I shall await your Lordship’s answer, and ever remain
“Your Lordship’s most obliged servant,
“Samuel Wilson.
“London, this 15th July, 1654.”
I ordered a Henley barge to take in the deal boards from the ship, and to carry them to Fawley Court, which was done; and there I made use of them for new flooring my hall and for wainscoting of it. They were extraordinary good boards, and those of the floor were about two inches thick. There they are, and there may they long continue, for the use of me and my children; and may they put us in mind to bless God for his goodness to me in that voyage, and in my safe return to that place, and of all his preservations and mercies to me and my company!
I returned order to my brother Wilson, to be careful of receiving my money from the Commissioners of the Customs.