20th.I dined at Mr. Chevens [Chiffinch]. I was at Tilbury Fort, where I found nobody but a corporal and three files of musqueteers.[1] I came on board about three; at eleven, Mr. Smythe and Mr. Chivens went away to Gravesend. At Gravesend there was never a commissioned officer, but an ensign at Tilbury. The corporal laughed, because he commanded.
21st.We ran ashore at the Hope, and stayed there till eight in the morning; then we set sail, and were at Margate a little after twelve; the captain resolved to stay there till seven or eight, because we should be too soon over; at seven we set sail.
22nd.We came upon the coast of Holland about seven in the morning, but there was such a fog, and such a strong south-west wind, that we thought we should be obliged to stay out all night; but it cleared up at twelve, and a pilot came on board us, who brought us to the Brill: at four I took a boat at Mayslandsluys, which brought me to the Hague.
- ↑ It is amusing to compare this account of things at Tilbury Fort with that given by Evelyn ten years before, and his anticipations of its important effects. 21st March. "I went over to see the new begun fort of Tilbury—a royal work indeede—and such as will one day bridle a great Citty to the purpose, before they are aware."
