Folio 159: Commissioner Sir Richard Beach, Portsmouth. He will agree with Mr. Winter...

Folio 159: Commissioner Sir Richard Beach, Portsmouth. He will agree with Mr. Winter for as many small masts as the Master Shipwright and Master Mastmaker want. He has given the orders to bring in Mr. Boucher's goods but they are very short of men. They need at least 100 men to help with the rigging of the Coronation, besides all the other work of docking and launching ships. The weather has further hindered work, the storm having damaged many of the ships and one has sunk. They will try to weigh her but she will be very heavy with all the sand that will be inside. Captain Goode promised, when Sir Richard Haddock was present, to get her up but he has not returned. There is a Dutch ship whose Captain thinks he can do it. They are hoping to dock the Cambridge today, the Edgar will follow unless the Yorke arrives. Asks for an order for some tenders to use to press men. He has not seen Mr. Stanniford's son yet, but does not believe he will have the experience to become Master House Carpenter. Is sending a demand for provisions and stores.