SIR FRANCIS DRAKE REHABILITATED AND MEMORIALISED. 79 
gravitation 1 water supply did not lead them to the conclusion that 
only one scheme could have been formed. 
They had the distinct assertion that Drake had nothing to do 
with the passing of the Water Act of 1584, in the mayoralty of 
Christopher Brooking. The lecturer then descanted upon the 
means by which it was sought to be proved that there was no need 
or room for Drake's interference. D'Ewes' journal expressly stated 
"that the Bill was committed, on the second reading, on 21st 
December, 1584, unto Sir Francis Drake, Mr. Wroth, Mr. Edgcumbe, 
and others." On the 18th February following it was again read 
and committed to Drake, and Mr. Grafton was added, probably in 
the interests of the proprietors. Owing to this new influence, no 
doubt, provisos were added, guarding from molestation, &c. The 
Bill was then laid before the House on the 20th of February, and 
adopted ; and on the 27th was sent up to the Lords. A great deal 
had been said about the interests of the navy, and scouring out the 
haven by the leat ; but letters of the Plymouth mayor, Parker, in 
1601, 3rd November, and, on same date, of William Stallenge, 
the Plymouth M.P., in the Cecil papers, 89/59, 89/58, clearly 
prove the dependence of the Queen's army and shipping for 
water and provisions on the Leat and Leat Mills, the latter as 
being more ready of access and for work than those of Crymes 
and his fellows. But at first these benefits were denied, and it 
was even said that this plea was easily seen through, and had not 
Drake been Privy Councillor, and accepted the small retainer 
which he did to reconcile opposing interests, there could be no 
doubt the whole scheme would have fallen through. 
And even afterwards, on the 20th and 26th of March, 1592-3, 2 
an attempt was made to upset the Act, and have the Leat 3 Mills 
removed in two years, but that the Water Act had held its 
ground (until then) they knew from the proceedings of the 
previous 5th July, between Sir Edmund Anderson, Knight, 
Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and Thomas 
1 See Plym. Inst. Tram. 1881, p. 452. 
2 It must be remembered that the eighth Parliament of Elizabeth began 
on the 19th February, 1592, and that it was dissolved on the 10th April, 
1593, Lady-day only intervening. See Blue Book on Parliaments, 1878. 
3 See Blue Book Report of Historical MSS. Commission, vol. iii. p. 8a. 
Sir Francis Drake was Chairman of Committee, according to D'Ewes' 
Journals. 
