VII Letter to Buckingham (1623)
[Stowe MS. 743 f. 50]
Right Honourable,—My most humble services presented.
Lest I should be the last in expressing my duty and humblest service, being so infinitely obliged to your most noble favours, I rather choose to incur the censure of presumption, than the just imputation of ingratitude, being hopeful for the first to procure your honourable pardon, for the last it is beyond the plea of all excuse.
Please your lordship to understand that since your posting from Tiballs, receiving direction for making ready the Prince, I brought her into dry dock at Chatham, there thoroughly searched her, and strengthened her in all suspected places, new made and repaired all her masts, and launched her again within fourteen days, and have in all points been so careful to prepare all rooms for state, ease, convenience, and ornament, as I hope will give your lordship as much content as can be in any ship contrived.
The cook room is by a powerful command (against my consent) removed from the old place in hold into the forecastle, in which I was much overborne, having had the experience of the conveniency thereof, in my personal service in former transportation.
The Prince is at present in such forwardness as if there be no other wants she may be at sea in fourteen days, and is now taking in her beer and other provisions.
All the fleet are in the same readiness, the George and the Antelope making all possible haste to get to sea, and this is the account of the business here under my charge, which in all humbleness I held my duty to present your lordship.
Were it not that I intend to wait upon your lordship in the great ship, I would have procured his Majesty's leave to have come with Sir Francis Steward. I hold myself very unhappy to be from attending your lordship in any sea service.
Thus humbly craving your lordship's honourable construction of this my presumption, and pardon for my boldness, which I cannot but do in zeal of my service, praying God to send your lordship increase of honour, health, happiness, and a prosperous return, in all humbleness I kiss your lordship's hand and ever remain,