[1094] Supra, [p. 54]. Mr R. C. Leslie (Old Sea Wings, Ways, and Words, p. 49 et seq.) believes all the smaller craft of old, and some large ones, to have been clinker-built.
[1095] State Papers, Dom., lviii, 25.
[1096] Ibid., cxxi, 41.
[1097] Ibid., ccclxv, 17; 1637.
[1098] State Papers, Dom., ccclxiii, 29. It is difficult even in these days of mechanical appliances to keep the ports completely water-tight in heavy weather. Ports were fastened by a bar of wood passed through a ring on the inside; but this could not have been very effectual, and it was usual to drive oakum into the seams of the ports when bad weather was expected (Nomenclator Navalis).
[1099] The Dutchman was probably Cornelius Drebbel, who claimed to have solved the secret of perpetual motion, and to have invented a submarine boat. His name occurs several times in the State Papers as receiving rewards for various inventions and appliances, and in 1628 he was employed in the preparation of some especial fireships and ‘engines for fireworks.’
[1100] Aud. Off. Dec. Accounts, 1703, 73.
[1101] The original waistcloths of the Prince were of silk; ordinary waistcloths, the precursors of the later boarding nettings, were still of red kersey listed with canvas.
[1102] State Papers, Dom., ccliv, 25.
[1103] Ibid., ccxliv, 77, 78.