[1332] Add. MSS., 9317, f. 1 et seq. We have not Pett’s reply, and the full force of the accusations, as they stand, is vitiated by the fact that they were made by royalist servants inquiring into the conduct of a Commonwealth official. The committee of inquiry in 1662 consisted of Sir J. Mennes, Sir W. Coventry, Sir W. Penn, W. Rider, S. Pepys, and R. Ford.
[1333] State Papers, Dom., 30th Nov. 1650. There were five partners joined with Pride—John Limbrey, Wm. Beak, Thos. Alderne, Dennis Gauden, and Rich. Pierce (Audit Office Dec. Accounts, 1708-96). The rates, in 1645, had been eightpence three farthings and sevenpence; the Victualling was then under the supervision of the Treasurer (Ibid., 1706-90).
[1334] State Papers, Dom., 12th Jan. 1653, and Add. MSS., 9306, f. 2.
[1335] State Papers, Dom., xxx, 10.
[1336] State Papers, Dom., 17th Oct. 1654, 1st, 7th, 14th Aug., and 8th Sept. 1655.
[1337] It is said that Alderne’s executors could produce neither vouchers nor assets for £200,000 imprested to him. But the story rests only on the authority of a royalist Comptroller of the Navy, Sir R. Slingsby (Discourse of the Navy, f. 58).
[1338] Add. MSS., 9300, f. 330; 19th Nov. 1656.
[1339] State Papers, Dom., 31st Jan. 1660.
[1340] State Papers, Dom., 6th March 1660.
[1341] Ibid., 16th Aug. 1650. This is the medal shown on the title page.