'was so careful of me, as that no clamour, whisper, or other trinckling, in eight months time of my absence could induce him to sacrifice me to secret rage and malice. In gratitude and acknowledgment whereof, who hath adhered to him more closely than I have done?'[1] In these sentiments the Restoration made no difference. There were indeed persons base enough to advise Sir William to disown his obligations to the fallen family, but he firmly declined, and determined to exert himself to save what he could out of the wreck to which the property of the Protector's family was exposed. He now had the gratification of being told, both by the King and the Chancellor, that instead of viewing his conduct with disapproval, they esteemed him the more for it.[2]
Sir William's knowledge of shipbuilding had obtained for him the good-will of the Duke of York as well as that of the King. The Duke was Lord High Admiral and 'a most navarchal prince,' in Sir William's opinion. The two royal brothers now received with no unfriendly ear a suggestion that the little Club which met at Gresham College should be given a permanent constitution. With this object a charter of incorporation passed the great seal on July 15, 1662. Amongst the names of the original members is that of Dr. Petty, and he was knighted on the occasion. 'I have the sword,' he tells John Petty, 'wherewith 'twas done. My Lord Chancellor the same day expressed great kindness to me as having these many years heard of me. The Duke of Ormonde tells me that these are but the beginning of what is intended.'[3] Sir William's two right-hand men soon after received appointments. John Petty was made Surveyor-General of Ireland, nominally as Sir William's deputy, with Thomas Taylor as his deputy and principal assistant. 'Meddle with no debentures,' Sir William wrote to him, 'and stop your ears when the Sirens sing.'[4]
It was at this time that Sir William first became acquainted
