The principal
reason, no doubt, that restrained him at this moment from seeking
the patronage of the great, was the care of his two sisters,[19]
who, having fled from the house of their barbarous stepfather,
could find no refuge but in that of their brother Phineas.
Joseph refused to receive them, and Peter of Wapping was perhaps
less able than willing to do so.
In April, 1597, Pett had the advantage of being introduced to
Howard, Earl of Nottingham, then Lord High Admiral of England.
This, he says, was the first beginning of his rising. Two years
later, Howard recommended him for employment in purveying plank
and timber in Norfolk and Suffolk for shipbuilding purposes.
Pett accomplished his business satisfactorily, though he had some
malicious enemies to contend against. In his leisure, he began
to prepare models of ships, which he rigged and finished
complete. He also proceeded with the study of mathematics. The
beginning of the year 1600 found Pett once more out of
employment; and during his enforced idleness, which continued for
six months, he seriously contemplated abandoning his profession
and attempting to gain "an honest and convenient maintenance" by
joining a friend in purchasing a caravel (a small vessel), and
navigating it himself.
He was, however, prevented from undertaking this enterprise by a
message which he received from the Court, then stationed at
Greenwich.
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