10 Sir 'T. H. Pace’s Deferiptions of the 
King’s Well, Fort Townfbend, Sheernefs. 
\ 
This undertaking was.at firft confidered as a mere experi- 
ment, the probability of fuccefs being much againft it; I 
however thought the attempt, where a dock-yard of great con- 
fequence to the navy was eftablifhed, fhould be made, and car-. 
ried as far as it could, with a proper attention to economy in 
laying out the money of the public. Such was my opinion 
fignified.to the Mafter-general and the Board of Ordnance. I 
received an anfwer thereto, expreflive of approbation, and full 
powers to employ proper perfons, and proceed upon the 
undertaking. 
‘Vhefe previous fteps feemed highly neceflary, as in all works 
of difficulty, great confidence is as much required as able work- 
men or good plaus. 
The favourable opinion his Majefty was gracioufly pleafed to. 
exprefs publicly of the projeét, when he vifited Sheernefs, and. 
{aw the well, tended very much towards its final fuccefs; and 
the countenance and fupport of General Craic, governor of — 
that garrifon, greatly promoted perfeverance in a work of fusli 
difficulty. 
I employed a very ingenious man, Mr. Cote, engine-maker, 
of Lambeth, as a chief perfon in this bufinefs, and received’ 
every afliftance I expected from his experience and judgement in 
mechanics ; and it is but juftice to him to exprefs, that the fuc- 
cefs of the work greatly depended on his attention and the able: 
afliftants he procured from diftant parts of the kingdom. 
The greateft acknowledgement is alfo due to the ability of 
Lieut. HumrFrys, of the Engineers, and Mr. MarsHatt, the 
Ordnance-overicer, who were conftantly on the {fpot, and car- 
3 ried 
