The humble answer of Phineas Pett, his Majesty's servant, to the petition of Lewes Tayte, smith.
I do acknowledge I become debtor[620] to this petitioner for ironwork delivered to the building of a new ship called the Destiny, built by me for Sir Walter Ralegh, from whom I could never receive satisfaction for the said work by 700l., which I was forced to venture with him in his voyage, wherein he failing, and at his return the ship seized into his Majesty's hands, I suffered the loss of the whole debt.
I was contented to give this petitioner my bond for payment of his debt, notwithstanding my great loss, some part whereof was orderly paid, and the rest I should have easily satisfied had not a greater loss presently befallen me, through the occasion of building two small ships for the expedition of Algiers, wherein I sustained (by the overworks, and charge of the journey wherein I served as Captain in one of those ships) the loss of above 900l., towards which I could never hitherto recover one penny satisfaction.
By these two great losses suddenly befalling me, almost together, I was utterly disabled either to satisfy the debts arising from these businesses, or to raise means to maintain myself and poor family.
Notwithstanding I have out of the little remnants of my poor fortunes paid above 500l. of these debts within the space of 6 years, which I never so much as drank for, and I do yearly still contribute the better half of my small means towards the satisfying the rest as carefully as I can.
I have often entreated this petitioner's patience, as knowing his abilities better able to forbear than others, interested as himself in the same business, he having also made more gain by his commodities than any other. Always tendering satisfaction to him as I could take of other debts, to the utmost my fortunes would extend unto, and am very ready and willing yearly to pay unto him such a sum as your lordships in your honourable considerations of the premises, and my present fortunes, shall order me to do. Humbly submitting myself to your Lordships' favourable construction.
Phineas Pett.
FOOTNOTE:
[620] MS. 'detter.'