I confess I was
well enough pleased with my seeing it; and the people did do
better (without the great actors) than I did expect, but yet far
short of what they do when they are there. Our trial for a good
prize came on to-day, "The Phoenix, worth 2 or 3000l." when by
and by Sir W. Batten told me we had got the day, which was mighty
welcome news to me and us all. But it is pretty to see what
money will do. Yesterday Walker [Sir W. Walker.] was mighty
cold on our behalf, till Sir W. Batten promised him, if we sped
in this business of the goods, a coach; and if at the next trial
we sped for the ship, we would give him a pair of horses. And he
hath strove for us to-day like a prince. Though the Swedes'
Agent was there with all the vehemence he could to save the
goods, but yet we carried it against him.
23rd. At the office, where Sir W. Pen come, being returned from
Chatham, from considering the means of fortifying the river
Medway, by a chain at the stakes, and ships laid there with guns
to keep the enemy from coming up to burn our ships; all our care
being now to fortify ourselves against their invading us.
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