Catalogue description Commissioner John Kempthorne, Portsmouth. Reports on the Vanguard's draught. The...

Commissioner John Kempthorne, Portsmouth. Reports on the Vanguard's draught. The Warspight will be hauled onto the graving place on the next Spring as will the Sweepstakes if she is returned from scouting on Sir Robert Robinson's orders. They are working on the Gloucester and will shortly work on the crown. They cannot get goods for the ships without ready money. If any of the half pay Captains are sent there he proposes the Royal Charles, the Royal James and the Advice. Captain Crabb sleeps on board the Royal Charles. Proposes that ten guns be placed on the Advice. There is a guard boat on board the Advice. They are short of 30 men for the Ordinary. He has answered Secretary Pepys regarding having extra watches at the yard. The Storekeeper says that canvas, colours and lanterns are required for the Sweepstakes. Mr Furzer has gone with Thomas Fitch to Beaulieu to mark his timber.