The next day, being Sunday the 9th December, we set sail about one of the clock, with a fresh gale at south-west, and that night anchored at the lower end of Gravesend. Monday, the 10th day, we set sail into Tilbury Hope, and, for that we wanted a great anchor and cable, Sir Robert thought it fit for us to stay there till we were supplied with all wants, for which purpose Sir Robert went back to London that night, and I went home to Chatham.
On Friday after, being the 14th day, I returned on board the ship into Tilbury Hope, and presently after Sir Robert came on board, and having received the supply of our wants, we made ready to set sail again the next day.
Saturday morning, we set sail from Tilbury Hope and anchored thwart the Nore, where we lay all that night; Sunday, the 16th day, we weighed and anchored within Sheerness; and on Monday we got up as high as St. Mary's Creek;[369] and the next day, being Tuesday and the 18th day, we brought the ship safe to her moorings within the chain at Upnor, for which we gave God thanks.
So soon as the ship was safe moored, Sir Robert Mansell rode away post for London, and I went home to my house. On the Wednesday after I made a journey to London to wait upon the Prince, my master, where I stayed till the Saturday after, being the 22nd day, and then returned home to Chatham; and thus ended the year of 1610.
Anno 1611. There passed little worth note till towards the end of April, this present year; and the 29th day of this month, being on a Monday, I was by the Prince's Highness' command sent for to come to London, to be at Westminster with Sir Robert Mansell that night at supper. The message came to me between 2 and 3 [of the] clock in the afternoon. I presently caused my horses to be taken up and made ready, and presently took horse and according to appointment came thither by seven that night, where I found Sir Robert Mansell and Sir Oliver Cromwell expecting my coming.
The next morning Sir Robert Mansell and myself repaired to St. James's, where I received from the Prince's own mouth his Highness' intent to make a private journey to Chatham, and to go down in his barges round about by Queenborough; giving me strait charge I should acquaint none with it, but make preparation for his lodging and diet and his small train in Chatham, Mr. Legatt's house being appointed the place to receive his own person. So, being taught my lesson, I returned to Chatham, taking present order for the preparing of all things for his entertainment.
There was a small merchantman bound for the East Country, which was purposely sent down into Tilbury Hope, to ride there, to refresh his Highness on board her and to relieve the watermen; to which purpose she was quaintly fitted with all things, and a great breakfast prepared for that purpose, Sir William St. John[370] having the charge of seeing it performed, being as Captain of the ship for present.[371]
The 5th of May, being Sunday, after dinner I took horse to Gravesend, where met me Captain King, who had part of that merchant ship and was commanded to attend, and we lay all night at Gravesend.
On Monday morning, being the 6th of May, the Prince's Highness took his barges at Whitehall by 5 of the clock. He was accompanied with the Earls of Shrewsbury, Arundel, and Earl of Mar, Sir Thomas Chaloner, Sir Oliver Cromwell, Sir Robert Mansell, and some others of his household servants. About 9 of the clock his Highness came on board, where we were ready to receive him after the sea manner, with trumpets and drums, and after he had refreshed himself, the Lords broke fast, and the watermen relieved with fresh spells, we went on against the tide till we came within Queenborough water, and it was ebbed before we could get as high as Upnor; and so, passing along by all the ships, his Highness was landed at the old dock at Chatham a little before 6 at night, and thence walked on foot to Mr. Legatt's house, where his supper was ready prepared for him and his train, to his great content.