any old iron

January 1669

The Officers of the Yard to the Navy Commissioners. Last night William Chandler, servant of George Hipton, shipwright in the yard, was taken by the porter carrying a drine bolt out of the yard, which he alleges he threw out of the London into the dock and hid it till he found an opportunity to carry it out. In confederacy with him was Edward Syms, shipwright. Since the repair of the London several parcels of iron have been stolen out of the yard and, though diligent search has been made, these two are the first apprehended. Chandler is now in the porter's custody and we offer our opinion for his punishment to have him well whipped about the yard for example's sake and then discharged, and Syms to have the like punishment and be discharged.