some rigging-work one day in the maintopmast cross-trees, an ambassador was announced. Peter ordered him, much against his will, to climb the rigging and pay his respects. The unfortunate ambassador upon doing so, found the Czar enthroned, with a marlinspike for a sceptre and a tarbucket slung round his neck.
From Holland Peter went to England on board of a British ship-of-war, commanded by Admiral Sir David Mitchell. He was greatly interested in everything on board, and asked the admiral many questions concerning the modes of punishing seamen in the British Navy. When keel-hauling, among other things, was mentioned, Peter desired that it might be explained to him by actual experience. The admiral was obliged to decline the request, not then having an offender deserving this punishment; to which the Czar replied, "take one of my men." Sir David had some difficulty in making the Czar comprehend that all on board his ship were under the protection of the laws of England, and that he was accountable for every man there according to those laws. This appeared to surprise Peter, and he reluctantly abandoned keelhauling as an amusement. At this time the Czar was in his twenty-sixth year.
After remaining in England for about three months, Peter returned to Russia, where he took upon himself the title of Master Shipwright, and made, with his own hands, the model and drawings of a 110-gun ship-of-war, which proved one of the best vessels built at that time.
