But certainly it is a thing of great antiquity, and I am mightily
glad to see it: it is near to Alesford, where Sir John Bankes
lives. So homeward to Chatham, Captain Allen's, and there light.
25th. Up, and by and by, about eight o'clock, came Rear-Admirall
Kempthorne and seven captains more, by the Duke of York's order,
as we expected, to hold the Court-martiall about the loss of "The
Defyance." And so presently we by boat to "The Charles," which
lies over-against Upner Castle; and there I did manage the
business, the Duke of York having by special order directed them
to take the assistance of Commissioner Middleton and me,
forasmuch as there might be need of advice in what relates to the
government of the ships in harbour. And so I did lay the law
open to them, and rattle the master-attendants out of their wits
almost; and made the trial last till seven at night, not eating a
bit all the day; only when he had done examination, and I given
my thoughts that the neglect of the gunner of the ship was as
great as I thought any neglect could be, which might by the law
deserve death, but Commissioner Middleton did declare that he was
against giving the sentence of death, we withdrew, as not being
of the Court, and so left them to do what they pleased: and
while they were debating it, the boatswain of the ship did bring
us out of the kettle a piece of hot salt beef, and some brown
bread and brandy; and there we did make a little meal, but so
good as I never would desire to eat better meat while I live,
only I would have cleaner dishes.
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