some other reason, however, than proper economy that influenced the commissioners to express surprise when the account for the Henrietta's gilding and carving was presented; for the official record states that "t'was ordered to be foreborne till trial had been made of the yacht." And while we are not informed as to how this and the ballast-controversy were finally adjusted, it may be assumed that King Charles did not sail about on board a yacht with her cabin half-full of stone ballast, and her hull destitute of ornament. Besides, it is not improbable, too, that these overzealous commissioners found themselves in receipt of one of those witty, singeing reproofs, that Charles was so justly famous for.
August 10, 1663, Christopher Pett writes to the Navy Commissioners, and "begs that the launch of the king's pleasure-boat may be deferred till next spring tides, when her rigging and sails will be more forward"; and on August 31st, that he has "chosen a mast for the King's new yacht, but wants the three (poop) lanterns, which his Majesty will expect to see up at her launching, and they are most difficult to make."
When the Henrietta was about ready to go into commission, Pepys, as Secretary to the Admiralty, received applications from various persons and their friends for snug berths on board; among others, a letter from a Captain William Hickes, who "Recommends Thomas Fortescue, cook of the Colchester, for the King's pleasure-boat, he being a truly honest and loyal person, who was to be
