After his Majesties restauration, I recommended Captain Mathew to the
Lord Wm. Brouncker, then President of the Royall Societie, who
introduced him to his Majestie; who did much approve of the designe;
but money was wanting, and publick-spirited contributions; and the
Captain had no purse (undonn by the warres), and the heads of the
Parliament and Counsell were filled with other things.- Thus the poor
old gentleman's project came to nothing.
He died about 1676, and left many good papers behind him concerning
this matter, in the hands of his daughters; of which I acquainted Mr.
John Collins, R.S.S. in An°. 1682, who tooke a journey to Oxford
(which journey cost him his life, by a cold), and first discoursed
with the barge-men there concerning their trade and way: then he went
to Lechlade, and discoursed with the bargemen there; who all approved
of the designe. Then he took a particular view of the ground to be
cutt between Ashton-kaynes and Charleton. From Malmesbury he went to
Bristoll. Then he returned to Malmesbury again and went to Wotton
Bassett, and took a view of that way. Sir Jonas Moore told me he liked
that way, but J. Collins was clearly for the cutt between Ashton-Kayns
and Charleton.
At his return to London I went with him to the daughters of Mr.
Mathew, who shewed him their father's papers; sc. draughts, modells,
copper-plate of the mappe of the Thames, Acts of Parliament, and
Bills prepared to be enacted, &c.
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