found under the old bed of the river Rother. 61 



some rings just abaft the mast, on each side of the vessel, to 

 which the straps of the dead eyes were fastened. This mode 

 of securing the dead eyes is pecuhar to Dutch vessels. 



His Lordship thought she resembled the build of the Ham- 

 burgh keels, and observed, that " moss is frequently used as 

 the caulking material in the East country ships." 



A hand-lead having been found in her, renders it probable 

 that she had been a sea-going vessel ; and from the situation 

 of the mast-step, it is reasonable to conclude that the mast was 

 fixed ; under such circumstances, she could not have been for 

 inland navigation. 



From these facts, and from several articles found in her of 

 Dutch manufacture, particularly some rude earthen vases and 

 tiles (which formed the fire hearth), there was little reason to 

 doubt that she was Dutch ; but there is nothing in her form, 

 nor has there been any thing found in her, with the exception 

 of the handle and hilt of a sword, that would create a suspicion 

 that she had been a vessel of warfare. 



It may perhaps be worthy of observation, that ancient ves- 

 sels were usually propelled by oars as well as sails ; and we 

 find also that galleys were in common use in the reign of Henry 

 VIII. and even up to the time of James I. The vessel in 

 question is of a totally diff*erent construction, and shows no 

 signs of having been rowed ; but no inference can be drawn 

 from this as to date, since galleys were not the only description 

 of vessels in use. Concluding, therefore, that she was a Dutch 

 TRADING VESSEL, it bccomcs difficult to form any idea of her 

 age from the style of her architecture, which, for this kind of 

 vessel, admits of but little variation ; and which probably has not 

 materially changed for ages, whilst the contour and equipment 

 of fighting vessels must necessarily have varied with the modes 

 of warfare. . -.. > 



Amongst the sketches which I have forwarded for your in- 

 spection, permit me. Sir, to direct your attention to the repre- 

 sentation of ablate of hard lead or pewter, which was attached 

 to the side of the vessel, at about 15 feet from her stern, bear- 

 ing two characters (pi) of the black letter, very neatly and dis- 

 tinctly stamped. A similar plate was found on the opposite 

 side, but so much oxidated and battered, that it was impossible 

 to decipher the characters on it. 



