the superscription to add to the word Commissioners, ‘for regulating, etc.,’ which then will be fit to present to the said committee.  In the meantime I have procured an order to go to work upon the small vessel, which cannot well be done until you are pleased to send word what shall be done with the deals, they being uppermost.  If the barge be not ready, if you think fit, I will hire a lighter and load her therewith, which may convey them to Queenhithe or Chelsea, otherwise it will be less charge for a barge to take them in from the ship; your Lordship’s pleasure shall be observed in all.

“I acquainted the Commissioners of the Customs of an order your Lordship had for L1000, which they acquainted me should be paid as soon as brought to them; since which I have received it from Mr. Earle, which I also send enclosed, that you may please to put your name underneath it, that so receipt may be made over it after their form, and on Monday it will be paid.

“My humble service to my Lady, I beseech you, present.  I shall await
your Lordship’s answer, and ever remain

“Your Lordship’s most obliged servant,
“SAMUEL WILSON.
“London, this 15th July, 1654.”

I ordered a Henley barge to take in the deal boards from the ship, and to carry them to Fawley Court, which was done; and there I made use of them for new flooring my hall and for wainscoting of it.  They were extraordinary good boards, and those of the floor were about two inches thick.  There they are, and there may they long continue, for the use of me and my children; and may they put us in mind to bless God for his goodness to me in that voyage, and in my safe return to that place, and of all his preservations and mercies to me and my company!

I returned order to my brother Wilson, to be careful of receiving my money from the Commissioners of the Customs.

July 16, 1654.

I had some conference with Major G. Disborough, one of the Commissioners for the Ordnance, about his buying for the State the copper which the Queen of Sweden gave me, and I brought over from thence, being two hundred and fifty ship-pound.  I desired that some merchants might look upon it, who had experience in that commodity; and what they should agree to be a reasonable price for it, I should be content to take it; and so we concluded.

July 17, 1654.

[SN:  Sale of copper.]

My brother Wilson gave me this account touching my moneys and copper:—­

“For the Right Honourable the Lord Commissioner Whitelocke, these;
at Chelsea.

“London, the 17th July, 1654.

“May it please your Lordship,