In-letters and orders received by the Navy Board

In answer to your letter of 8 October I know of no timber lost by neglect or ever having abused any person for taking up timber that has been adrift. 2 years since there was a great deal of timber afloat which could not be got into the well dock, some of which was taken up by Mr Everett and which was disputed by the Waterbailey. Mr Everett brought it to Deptford and then had a certificate, at which time Mr Everett wrote a false letter to you dated 24 June 1695 and there charges me with abusing him. I answered this and it never was my principle to discourage any man from doing the King's service. Signature indecipherable.