1659-60
1659-60. Blessed be God, at the end of the last year
I was in very good health, without any sense of my
old pain, but upon taking of cold. I lived in Axe
Yard, having my wife, and servant Jane, and no other
in family than us three.
The condition
of the State was thus; viz. the Rump, after being
disturbed by my Lord Lambert, [Sufficiently known by
his services as a Major-General in the Parliament
forces during the Civil War, and condemned as a
traitor after the Restoration; but reprieved and
banished to Guernsey, where he lived in confinement
thirty years.] was lately returned to sit again. The
officers of the Army all forced to yield. Lawson
[Sir John Lawson, the son of a poor man at Hull,
rose to the rank of Admiral, and distinguished
himself during the Protectorate; and, though a
republican in his heart, readily closed with the
design of restoring the King. He was mortally
wounded in the sea fight in 1665.] lies still in the
river, and Monk is with his army in Scotland.
[George Monk, afterwards Duke of Albemarle.] Only my
Lord Lambert is not yet come into the Parliament,
nor is it expected that he will without being forced
to it. The new Common Council of the City do speak
very high; and had sent to Monk their sword-bearer,
to acquaint him with their desires for a free and
full Parliament, which is at present the desires,
and the hopes, and the expectations of all.
Twenty-two of the old secluded members having been
at the House-door the last week to demand entrance,
but it was denied them; and it is believed that
neither they nor the people will be satisfied till
the House be filled. My own private condition very
handsome, and esteemed rich, but indeed very poor;
besides my goods of my house, and my office, which
at present is somewhat certain. Mr. Downing master
of my office. [George Downing, son of Calibute
Downing, D.D. and Rector of Hackney. Wood calls him
a sider with all times and changes; skilled in the
common cant, and a preacher occasionally. He was
sent by Cromwell to Holland as resident there. About
the Restoration he espoused the King's cause, and
was knighted and elected M.P. for Morpeth in 1661.
afterwards, becoming Secretary to the Treasury and
Commissioner of Customs, he was in 1663 created a
Baronet of East Hatley, in Cambridgeshire.] [The
office appears to have been in the Exchequer, and
connected with the pay of the army.]
JAN. 1, 1659-60
(Lord's day). This morning (we living lately in the
garret,) I rose, put on my suit with great skirts,
having not lately worn any other clothes but them.
Went to Mr. Gunning's chapel [Peter Gunning,
afterwards Master of St. John's College, Cambridge,
and successively Bishop of Chichester and Ely: ob.
1684. He had continued to read the liturgy at the
chapel at Exeter House when the Parliament was most
predominant, for which Cromwell often rebuked
him.—WOOD'S ATHENAE.] at Exeter House, [Essex-street
in the Strand was built on the site of Exeter
House.] where he made a very good sermon upon these
words:— "That in the fulness of time God sent his
Son, made of a woman," &c.; showing, that, by "made
under the law," is meant the circumcision, which is
solemnized this day. Dined at home in the garret,
where my wife dressed the remains of a turkey, and
in the doing of it she burned her hand. I staid at
home the whole afternoon, looking over my accounts;
then went with my wife to my father's, and in going
observed the great posts which the City workmen set
up at the Conduit in Fleet-street.
2nd. Walked a
great while in Westminster Hall, where I heard that
Lambert was coming up to London: that my Lord
Fairfax was in the head of the Irish brigade, but it
was not certain what he would declare for. The House
was to-day upon finishing the act for the Council of
State, which they did; and for the indemnity to the
soldiers; and were to sit again thereupon in the
afternoon. Great talk that many places had declared
for a free Parliament; and it is believed that they
will be forced to fill up the House with the old
members. From the Hall I called at home, and so went
to Mr. Crewe's [John Crewe, Esq., created Baron
Crewe of Stene at the coronation of Charles II. He
married Jemima, daughter and co-heir to Edward
Walgrave, Esq., of Lawford, co. Essex.] (my wife she
was to go to her father's), and Mr. Moore and I and
another gentleman went out and drank a cup of ale
together in the new market, and there I eat some
bread and cheese for my dinner.
3rd. To White
Hall, where I understood that the Parliament had
passed the act for indemnity for the soldiers and
officers that would come in, in so many days, and
that my Lord Lambert should have benefit of the said
act. They had also voted that all vacancies in the
House, by the death of any of the old members,
should be filled up; but those that are living shall
not be called in.
4th. Strange
the difference of men's talk! Some say that Lambert
must of necessity yield up; others, that he is very
strong, and that the Fifth-monarchy-men will stick
to him, if he declares for a free Parliament.
Chillington was sent yesterday to him with the vote
of pardon and indemnity from the Parliament. Went
and walked in the Hall, where I heard that the
Parliament spent this day in fasting and prayer; and
in the afternoon came letters from the North, that
brought certain news that my Lord Lambert his forces
were all forsaking him, and that he was left with
only fifty horse, and that he did now declare for
the Parliament himself; and that my Lord Fairfax did
also rest satisfied, and had laid down his arms, and
that what he had done was only to secure the country
against my Lord Lambert his raising of money, and
free quarter. [Thomas Lord Fairfax, Generalissimo of
the Parliament forces. After the Restoration he
retired to his country seat, where he lived in
private till his death in 1671.]
5th. I dined
with Mr. Shepley, at my Lord's lodgings, [Admiral
Sir Edward Montagu, afterwards Earl of Sandwich,
uniformly styled "My Lord" throughout the Diary.]
upon his turkey pie. And so to my office again where
the Excise money was brought, and some of it told to
soldiers till it was dark. Then I went home, after
writing to my Lord the news that the Parliament had
this night voted that the members that were
discharged from sitting in the years 1648 and 49,
were duly discharged; and that there should be writs
issued presently for the calling of others in their
places, and that Monk and Fairfax were commanded up
to town, and that the Prince's lodgings were to be
provided for Monk at Whitehall. Mr. Fage and I did
discourse concerning public business; and he told me
it is true the City had not time enough to do much,
but they had resolved to shake off the soldiers; and
that unless there be a free Parliament chosen, he
did believe there are half the Common Council will
not levy any money by order of this Parliament.
6th. This
morning Mr. Shepley and I did eat our breakfast at
Mrs. Harper's, (my brother John being with me,) upon
a cold turkey-pie and a goose.
9th. I rose
early this morning, and looked over and corrected my
brother John's speech, which he is to make the next
opposition. [Declamations at St. Paul's school, in
which there were, opponents and respondents.] I met
with W. Simons, Muddiman, and Jack Price, and went
with them to Harper's and staid till two of the
clock in the afternoon. I found Muddiman a good
scholar, an arch rogue; and owns that though he
writes new books for the Parliament, yet he did
declare that he did it only to get money; and did
talk very basely of many of them. Among other
things, W. Simons told me how his uncle Scobell [H.
Scobell, clerk to the House of Commons.] was on
Saturday last called to the bar, for entering in the
journal of the House, for the year 1653, these
words: "This day his Excellence the Lord G. Cromwell
dissolved this House;" which words the Parliament
voted a forgery, and demanded of him how they same
to be entered. He said that they were his own
hand-writing, and that he did it by rights of his
office, and the practice of his predecessor; and
that the intent of the practice was to let posterity
know how such and such a Parliament was dissolved,
whether by the command of the King, or by their own
neglect, as the last House of Lords was; and that to
this end, he had said and writ that it was dissolved
by his Excellence the Lord G.; and that for the word
dissolved, he never at the time did hear of any
other term; and desired pardon if he would not dare
to make a word himself what it was six years after,
before they came themselves to call it an
interruption; that they were so little satisfied
with this answer, that they did chuse a committee to
report to the House, whether this crime of Mr.
Scobell's did come within the act of indemnity or
no. Thence into the Hall, where I heard for certain
that Monk was coming to London, and that Bradshaw's
lodgings were preparing for him. [John Bradshaw,
Serjeant-at-Law, President of the High Court of
Justice.] I heard Sir H. Vane was this day voted out
of the House, and to sit no more there; and that he
would retire himself to his house at Raby, [Son of a
statesman of both his names, and one, of the most
turbulent enthusiasts produced by the Rebellion, and
an inflexible republican. His execution, in 1662,
for conspiring the death of Charles I. was much
called in question as a measure of great severity.]
as also all the rest of the nine officers that had
their commissions formerly taken away from them,
were commanded to their farthest houses from London
during the pleasure of the Parliament.
1Oth. To the
Coffee-house, where were a great confluence of
gentlemen; viz. Mr. Harrington, Poultny, chairman,
Gold, Dr. Petty, &c., where admirable discourse till
9 at night. Thence with Doling to Mother Lam's, who
told me how this day Scott was made Intelligencer,
and that the rest of the members that were objected
against last night were to be heard this day
se'nnight.
[James
Harrington, the political writer, author of
"Oceana," and founder of a club called The Rota, in
1659, which met at Miles's coffee-house in Old
Palace Yard, and lasted only a few months. In 1661
he was sent to the Tower, on suspicion of
treasonable designs. His intellects appear to have
failed afterwards, and he died 1677. Sir William
Poultny, subsequently M.P. for Westminster, and a
Commissioner of the Privy Seal under King William.
Ob. 1691. Sir William Petty, an eminent physician,
and celebrated for his proficiency in every branch
of science. Ob. 1687. Thomas Scott, M.P., made
Secretary of State to the Commonwealth Jan. 17th
following.]
13th. Coming in
the morning to my office, I met with Mr. Fage and
took him to the Swan. He told me how he, Haselrigge,
[Sir Arthur Haselrigge, Bart. of Nosely, co.
Leicester, Colonel of a regiment in the Parliament
army, and much esteemed by Cromwell. Ob. 1660.] and
Morley, [Probably Colonel Morley Lieutenant of the
Tower.] the last night began at my Lord Mayor's to
exclaim against the City of London, saying that they
had forfeited their charter. And how the Chamberlain
of the City did take them down, letting them know
how much they were formerly beholding to the City,
&c. He also told me that Monk's letter that came by
the sword-bearer was a cunning piece, and that which
they did not much trust to: but they were resolved
to make no more applications to the Parliament, nor
to pay any money, unless the secluded members be
brought in, or a free Parliament chosen.
16th. In the
morning I went up to Mr. Crewe's, who did talk to me
concerning things of state; and expressed his mind
how just it was that the secluded members should
come to sit again. From thence to my office, where
nothing to do; but Mr. Downing came and found me all
alone; and did mention to me his going back into
Holland, and did ask me whether I would go or no,
but gave me little encouragement, but bid me
consider of it; and asked me whether I did not think
that Mr. Hawley could perform the work of my office
alone. I confess I was at a great loss, all the day
after, to bethink myself how to carry this business.
I staid up till the bell-man came by with his bell
just under my window as I was writing of this very
line, and cried, "Past one of the clock, and a cold,
frosty, windy morning."
17th. In our
way to Kensington, we understood how that my Lord
Chesterfield [Philip, second Earl of Chesterfield,
born. 1634, ob. 1713.] had killed another gentleman
about half an hour before, and was fled. I went to
the Coffee Club and heard very good discourse; it
was in answer to Mr. Harrington's answer, who said
that the state of the Roman government was not a
settled government, and so it was no wonder that the
balance of prosperity was in one hand, and the
command in another, it being therefore always in a
posture of war; but it was carried by ballot, that
it was a steady government, though it is true by the
voices it had been carried before that it was an
unsteady government; so to-morrow it is to be proved
by the opponents that the balance lay in one hand,
and the government in another. Thence I went to
Westminster, and met Shaw and Washington, who told
me how this day Sydenham [Colonel Sydenham had been
an active officer during the Civil Wars, on the
Parliament side. M.P. for Dorsetshire, and governor
of Melcombe, and one of the Committee of Safety.]
was voted out of the House for sitting any more this
Parliament, and that Salloway was voted out likewise
and sent to the Tower, [In the Journals of that date
Major Salwey.] during the pleasure of the House. At
Harper's Jack Price told me, among other things, how
much the Protector is altered, though he would seem
to bear out his trouble very well, yet he is scarce
able to talk sense with a man; and how he will say
that "Who should a man trust, if he may not trust to
a brother and an uncle;" and "how much those men
have to answer before God Almighty, for their
playing the knave with him as they did." He told me
also, that there was 100,000l. offered, and would
have been taken for his restitution, had not the
Parliament come in as they did again; and that he do
believe that the Protector will live to give a
testimony of his valour and revenge yet before he
dies, and that the Protector will say so himself
sometimes.
18th. All the
world is at a loss to think what Monk will do: the
City saying that he will be for them, and the
Parliament saying he will be for them.
19th. This
morning I was sent for to Mr. Downing, and at his
bed side he told me, that he had a kindness for me,
and that he thought that he had done me one; and
that was, that he had got me to be one of the Clerks
of the Council; at which I was a little stumbled,
and could not tell what to do, whether to thank him
or no; but by and by I did; but not very heartily,
for I feared that his doing of it was only to ease
himself of the salary which he gives me. Mr. Moore
and I went to the French Ordinary, where Mr. Downing
this day feasted Sir Arth. Haselrigge, and a great
many more of the Parliament, and did stay to put him
in mind of me. Here he gave me a note to go and
invite some other members to dinner to-morrow. So I
went to White Hall, and did stay at Marsh's with
Simons, Luellin, and all the rest of the Clerks of
the Council, who I hear are all turned out, only the
two Leighs, and they do all tell me that my name was
mentioned last night, but that nothing was done in
it.
20th. In the
morning I met Lord Widdrington in the street, [Sir
Thomas Widdrington, Knight, Serjeant-at-Law. one of
Cromwell's Commissioners of the Treasury, appointed
Speaker 1656, and first Commissioner for the Great
Seal, January, 1659; he was M.P. for York.] going to
seal the patents for the Judges to-day, and so could
not come to dinner. This day three citizens of
London went to meet Monk from the Common Council.
Received my 25l. due by bill for my trooper's pay.
At the Mitre, in Fleet-street, in our way calling on
Mr. Fage, who told me how the City have some hopes
of Monk. This day Lenthall took his chair again,
[William Lenthall, Speaker of the Long or Rump
Parliament, and made Keeper of the Great Seal to the
Commonwealth, ob, 1662.] and the House resolved a
declaration to be brought in on Monday to satisfy
the world what they intend to do.
22nd. To church
in the afternoon to Mr. Herring, where a lazy poor
sermon. This day I began to put on buckles to my
shoes.
23rd. This day
the Parliament sat late, and revolved of the
declaration to be printed for the people's
satisfaction, promising them a great many good
things.
24th. Came Mr.
Southerne, clerk to Mr. Blackburne, and with him
Lambert, lieutenant of my Lord's ship, and brought
with them the declaration that came out to-day from
the Parliament, wherein they declare for law and
gospel, and for tythes; but I do not find people apt
to believe them. This day the Parliament gave orders
that the late Committee of Safety should come before
them this day se'nnight, and all their papers, and
their model of Government that they had made, to be
brought in with them.
25th. Coming
home heard that in Cheapside there had been but a
little before a gibbet set up, and the picture of
Huson hung upon it in the middle of the street.
[John Hewson, who had been a shoemaker, became a
Colonel in the Parliament Army, and sat in judgement
on the King: he escaped hanging by flight, and died
in 1662 at Amsterdam.] I called at Paul's
Churchyard, where I bought Buxtorf's Hebrew Grammar;
and read a declaration of the gentlemen of
Northampton which came out this afternoon.
26th. Called
for some papers at Whitehall for Mr. Downing, one of
which was an order of the Council for 1800l. per
annum, to be paid monthly; and the other two, Orders
to the Commissioners of Customs, to let his goods
pass free. Home from my office to my Lord's lodgings
where my wife had got ready a very fine dinner— viz.
a dish of marrow bones; a leg of mutton; a loin of
veal; a dish of fowl, three pullets, and a dozen of
larks all in a dish; a great tart, a neat's tongue,
a dish of anchovies; a dish of prawns and cheese. My
company was my father, my uncle Fenner, his two
sons, Mr. Pierce, and all their wives, and my
brother Tom [Ob.1663]. The news this day is a letter
that speaks absolutely Monk's concurrence with this
Parliament, and nothing else, which yet I hardly
believe.
28th, I went to
Mr. Downing, who told me that he was resolved to be
gone for Holland this morning. So I to my office
again, and dispatch my business there, and came with
Mr. Hawley to Mr. Downing's lodgings, and took Mr.
Squib from White Hall in a coach thither with me,
and there we waited in his chamber a great while,
till he came in; and in the mean time, sent all his
things to the barge that lays at Charing-Cross
stairs. Then came he in, and took a very civil leave
of me, beyond my expectations, for I was afraid that
he would have told me something of removing me from
my office; but he did not, but that he would do me
any service that lay in his power. So I went down
and sent a porter to my house for my best fur cap,
but he coming too late with it I did not present it
to him: and so I returned and went to Heaven, [A
place of entertainment, in Old Palace Yard, on the
site of which the Committee-Rooms of the House of
Commons now stand it is called in Hudibras, "False
Heaven, at the end of the Hall."] where Luellin and
I dined.
29th. In the
morning I went to Mr. Gunning's, where he made an
excellent sermon upon the 2nd of the Galatians,
about the difference that fell between St. Paul and
St. Peter, whereby he did prove, that, contrary to
the doctrine of the Roman Church, St. Paul did never
own any dependance, or that he was inferior to St
Peter, but that they were equal, only one a
particular charge of preaching to the Jews, and the
other to the Gentiles.
30th. This
morning, before I was up, I fell a-singing of my
song, "Great, good and just," &c. and put myself
thereby in mind that this was the fatal day, now ten
years since, his Majesty died. [This is the
beginning of Montrose's verses on the execution of
Charles the First, which Pepys had probably set to
music:— Great, good, and just, could I but rate My
grief and thy too rigid fate, I'd weep the world to
such a strain That it should deluge once again. But
since thy loud-tongued blood demands supplies More
from Briareus' hands, than Argus' eyes, I'll sing
thy obsequies with trumpet sounds, And write thy
epitaph with blood and wounds.] There seems now to
be a general cease of talk, it being taken for
granted that Monk do resolve to stand to the
Parliament, and nothing else.
31st. After
dinner to Westminster Hall, where all we clerks had
orders to wait upon the Committee, at the
Star-chamber that is to try Colonel Jones, and to
give an account what money we had paid him; but the
Committee did not sit to-day. [Colonel John Jones,
impeached, with General Ludlow and Miles Corbet, for
treasonable practices in Ireland.] Called in at
Harper's with Mr. Pulford, servant to Mr.
Waterhouse, who tells me, that whereas my Lord
Fleetwood should have answered to the Parliament
to-day, he wrote a letter and desired a little more
time, he being a great way out of town. [Charles
Fleetwood, Lord Deputy of Ireland during the
Usurpation, became Cromwell's son-in-law by his
marriage with Ireton's widow, and a member of the
Council of State. He seems disposed to have espoused
Charles the Second's interests; but had not
resolution enough to execute his design. At the
Restoration he was excepted out of the Act of
Indemnity, and spent the remainder of his life in
obscurity, dying soon after the Revolution.] And how
that he is quite ashamed of himself, and confesses
how he had deserved this, for his baseness to his
brother. And that he is like to pay part of the
money, paid out of the Exchequer during the
Committee of Safety, out of his own purse again,
which I am glad on. I could find nothing in Mr.
Downing's letter, which Hawley brought me concerning
my office; but I could discern that Hawley had a
mind that I would get to be Clerk of the Council, I
suppose that he might have the greater salary; but I
think it not safe yet to change this for a public
employment.
FEBRUARY 1,
1659-60. Took Gammer East, and James the porter, a
soldier, to my Lord's lodgings, who told me how they
were drawn into the field to-day, and that they were
ordered to march away to-morrow to make room for
General Monk; but they did shout their Colonel
Fitch, [Thomas Fitch, Colonel of a regiment of foot
in 1658, M.P. for Inverness.] and the rest of the
officers out of the field, and swore they would not
go without their money, and if they would not give
it them, they would go where they might have it, and
that was the City. So the Colonel went to the
Parliament, and commanded what money could be got,
to be got against to-morrow for them, and all the
rest of the soldiers in town, who in all places made
a mutiny this day, and do agree together.
2nd. To my
office, where I found all the officers of the
regiments in town, waiting to receive money that
their soldiers might go out of town, and what was in
the Exchequer they had. Harper, Luellin, and I went
to the Temple to Mr. Calthrop's chamber, and from
thence had his man by water to London Bridge to Mr.
Calthrop a grocer, and received 60l. for my Lord. In
our way we talked with our waterman, White, who told
us how the watermen had lately been abused by some
that had a desire to get in to be watermen to the
State, and had lately presented an address of nine
or ten thousand hands to stand by this Parliament,
when it was only told them that it was a petition
against hackney coaches; and that to-day they had
put out another to undeceive the world and to clear
themselves. After I had received the money we went
homewards, but over against Somerset House, hearing
the noise of guns, we landed and found the Strand
full of soldiers. So I took my money and went to
Mrs. Johnson, my Lord's sempstress, and giving her
my money to lay up, Doling and I went up stairs to a
window, and looked out and saw the foot face the
horse and beat them back, and stood bawling and
calling in the street for a free Parliament and
money. By and by a drum was heard to beat a march
coming towards them, and they got all ready again
and faced them, and they proved to be of the same
mind with them; and so they made a great deal of joy
to see one another. After all this I went home on
foot to lay up my money, and change my stockings and
shoes. I this day left off my great skirt suit, and
put on my white suit with silver lace coat, and went
over to Harper's, where I met with W. Simons,
Doling, Luellin and three merchants, one of which
had occasion to use a porter, so they sent for one,
and James the soldier came, who told us how they had
been all day and night upon their guard at St.
James's, and that through the whole town they did
resolve to stand to what they had began, and that
to-morrow he did believe they would go into the
City, and be received there. After this we went to a
sport called, selling of a horse for a dish of eggs
and herrings, and sat talking there till almost
twelve at night.
3rd. Drank my
morning draft at Harper's, and was told there that
the soldiers were all quiet upon promise of pay.
Thence to St. James's Park, back to Whitehall, where
in a guard-chamber I saw about thirty or forty
'prentices of the City, who were taken at twelve
o'clock last night and brought prisoners hither.
Thence to my office, where I paid a little more
money to some of the soldiers under Lieut.-Col.
Miller (who held out the Tower against the
Parliament after it was taken away from Fitch by the
Committee of Safety, and yet he continued in his
office). About noon Mrs. Turner came to speak with
me and Joyce, and I took them and shewed them the
manner of the Houses sitting, the door-keeper very
civilly opening the door for us. We went walking all
over White Hall, whither General Monk was newly
come, and we saw all his forces march by in very
good plight and stout officers. After dinner I went
to hear news, but only found that the Parliament
House was most of them with Monk at White Hall, and
that in his passing through the town he had many
calls to him for a free Parliament, but little other
welcome. I saw in the Palace Yard how unwilling some
of the old soldiers were yet to go out of town
without their money, and swore if they had it not in
three days, as they were promised, they would do
them more mischief in the country than if they had
staid here; and that is very likely, the country
being all discontented. The town and guards are
already full of Monk's soldiers.
4th. All the
news to-day is, that the Parliament this morning
voted the House to be made up four hundred
forthwith.
6th. To
Westminster, where we found the soldiers all set in
the Palace Yard, to make way for General Monk to
come to the House. I stood upon the steps and saw
Monk go by, he making observance to the judges as he
went along.
7th. To the
Hall, where in the Palace I saw Monk's soldiers
abuse Billing and all the Quakers, that were at a
meeting-place there, and indeed the soldiers did use
them very roughly and were to blame. This day Mr.
Crew told me that my Lord St. John is for a free
Parliament, and that he is very great with Monk, who
hath now the absolute command and power to do any
thing that he hath a mind to do.
9th. Before I
was out of my bed, I heard the soldiers very busy in
the morning, getting their horses ready when they
lay at Hilton's, but I knew not then their meaning
in so doing. In the Hall I understand how Monk is
this morning gone into London with his army; and Mr.
Fage told me that he do believe that Monk is gone to
secure some of the Common-council of the City, who
were very high yesterday there, and did vote that
they would not pay any taxes till the House was
filled up. I went to my office, where I wrote to my
Lord after I had been at the Upper Bench, where Sir
Robert Pye this morning came to desire his discharge
from the Tower; but it could not be granted. I
called at Mr. Harper's, who told me how Monk had
this day clapt up many of the Common-council, and
that the Parliament had voted that he should pull
down their gates and portcullisses, their posts and
their chains, which he do intend to do, and do lie
in the City all night.
To Westminster
Hall, where I heard an action very finely pleaded
between my Lord Dorset [Richard, 5th Earl of Dorset,
ob. 1677.] and some other noble persons, his lady
and other ladies of quality being there, and it was
about 330l. PER ANNUM, that was to be paid to a poor
Spittal which was given by some of his predecessors;
and given on his side.
10th. Mr. Fage
told me what Monk had done in the City, how he had
pulled down the most part of the gates and chains
that they could break down, and that he was now gone
back to White Hall. The City look mighty blank, and
cannot tell what in the world to do; the Parliament
having this day ordered that the Common- council sit
no more, but that new ones be chosen according to
what qualifications they shall give them.
11th. I heard
the news of a letter from Monk, who was now gone
into the City again, and did resolve to stand for
the sudden filling up of the House, and it was very
strange how the countenance of men in the Hall was
all changed with joy in half an hour's time. So I
went up to the lobby, where I saw the Speaker
reading of the letter; and after it was read, Sir A.
Haselrigge came out very angry, and Billing standing
at the door, took him by the arm, and cried, "Thou
man, will thy beast carry thee no longer? thou must
fall!" We took coach for the City to Guildhall,
where the Hall was full of people expecting Monk and
Lord Mayor to come thither, and all very joyfull.
Met Monk coming out of the chamber where he had been
with the Mayor and Aldermen, but such a shout I
never heard in all my life, crying out, "God bless
your Excellence." Here I met with Mr. Lock, and took
him to an ale-house: when we were come together, he
told us the substance of the letter that went from
Monk to the Parliament; wherein after complaints
that he and his officers were put upon such offices
against the City as they could not do with any
content or honour, it states, that there are many
members now in the House that were of the late
tyrannical Committee of Safety. That Lambert and
Vane are now in town, contrary to the vote of
Parliament. That many in the House do press for new
oaths to be put upon men; whereas we have more cause
to be sorry for the many oaths that we have already
taken and broken. That the late petition of the
fanatique people prevented by Barebone, for the
imposing of an oath upon all sorts of people, was
received by the House with thanks. That therefore he
[Monk] did desire that all writs for filling up of
the House be issued by Friday next, and that in the
mean time, he would retire into the City and only
leave them guards for the security of the House and
Council. The occasion of this was the order that he
had last night, to go into the City and disarm them,
and take away their charter; whereby he and his
officers said, that the House had a mind to put them
upon, things that should make them odious; and so it
would be in their power to do what they would with
them. We were told that the Parliament had sent
Scott and Robinson to Monk this afternoon, but he
would not hear them. And that the Mayor and Aldermen
had offered their own houses for himself and his
officers; and that his soldiers would lack for
nothing. And indeed I saw many people give the
soldiers drink and money, and all along the streets
cried, "God bless them!" and extraordinary good
words. Hence we went to a merchant's house hard by,
where I saw Sir Nich. Crisp, [An eminent merchant
and one of the Farmers of the Customs. He had
advanced large sums to assist Charles I., who
created him a Baronet. He died 1667, aged 67.] and
so we went to the star Tavern, (Monk being then at
Benson's.) In Cheapside there was a great many
bonfires, and Bow bells and all the bells in all the
churches as we went home were a-ringing. Hence we
went homewards, it being about ten at night. But the
common joy that was every where to be seen! The
number of bonfires, there being fourteen between St.
Dunstan's and Temple Bar, and at Strand Bridge I
could at one time tell thirty-one fires. In
King-street seven or eight; and all along burning,
and roasting, and drinking for rumps. There being
rumps tied upon sticks and carried up and down. The
butchers at the May Pole in the Strand rang a peal
with their knives when they were going to sacrifice
their rump. On Ludgate Hill there was one turning of
the spit that had a rump tied upon it, and another
basting of it. Indeed it was past imagination, both
the greatness and the suddenness of it. At one end
of the street you would think there was a whole lane
on fire, and so hot that we were fain to keep on the
further side.
12th. In the
morning, it being Lord's day, to White Hall, where
Dr. Hones preached; but I staid not to hear, but
walking in the court, I heard that Sir Arth.
Haselrigge was newly gone into the City to Monk, and
that Monk's wife removed from White Hall last night.
After dinner I heard that Monk had been at Paul's in
the morning, and the people had shouted much at his
coming out of the church. In the afternoon he was at
a church in Broad-street, whereabout he do lodge. To
my father's, where Charles Glascocke was overjoyed
to see how things are now; who told me the boys had
last night broke Barebone's windows. [Praise God
Barebones, an active member of the Parliament called
by his name. About this period he had appeared at
the head of a band of fanatics, and alarmed Monk,
who well knew his influence.]
13th. This day
Monk was invited to White Hall to dinner by my
Lords; not seeming willing, he would not come. I
went to Mr. Fage from my father's, who had been this
afternoon with Monk, who did promise to live and die
with the City, and for the honour of the City; and
indeed the City is very open-handed to the soldiers,
that they are most of them drunk all day, and had
money given them.
14th. To
Westminster Hall, there being many new remonstrances
and declarations from many counties to Monk and the
City, and one coming from the North from Sir Thomas
Fairfax. [Thomas Lord Fairfax, mentioned before.] I
heard that the Parliament had now changed the oath
so much talked of to a promise; and that among other
qualifications for the members that are to be
chosen, one is, that no man, nor the son of any man
that hath been in arms during the life of the
father, shall be capable of being chosen to sit in
Parliament. This day by an order of the House, Sir
H. Vane was sent out of town to his house in
Lincolnshire.
15th. No news
to-day but all quiet to see what the Parliament will
do about the issuing of the writs to-morrow for the
filling up of the House, according to Monk's desire.
17th. To
Westminster Hall, where I heard that some of the
members of the House was gone to meet with some of
the secluded members and General Monk in the City.
Hence to White Hall, thinking to hear more news,
where I met with Mr. Hunt, who told me how Monk had
sent for all his goods that he had here, into the
City; and yet again he told me, that some of the
members of the House had this day laid in firing
into their lodgings at Whitehall for a good while,
so that we are at a great stand to think what will
become of things, whether Monk will stand to the
Parliament or no.
18th. This day
two soldiers were hanged in the Strand for their
late mutiny at Somerset-house.
19th (Lord's
day). To Mr. Gunning's, and heard an excellent
sermon. Here I met with Mr. Moore, and went home
with him to dinner, where he told me the discourse
that happened between the secluded members and the
members of the House, before Monk last Friday. How
the secluded said, that they did not intend by
coming in to express revenge upon these men, but
only to meet and dissolve themselves, and only to
issue writs for a free Parliament. He told me how
Hasselrigge was afraid to have the candle carried
before him, for fear that the people seeing him,
would do him hurt; and that he was afraid to appear
In the City. That there is great likelihood that the
secluded members will come in, and so Mr. Crewe and
my Lord are likely to be great men, at which I was
very glad. After dinner there was many secluded
members come in to Mr. Crewe, which, it being the
Lord's day, did make Mr. Moore believe that there
was something extraordinary in the business.
20th. I went
forth to Westminster Hall, where I met with
Chetwind, Simons, and Gregory. [Mr. Gregory was, in
1672, Clerk of the Cheque at Chatham.] They told me
how the Speaker Lenthall do refuse to sign the writs
for choice of new members in the place of the
excluded; and by that means the writs could not go
out to-day. In the evening Simons and I to the
Coffee House, where I heard Mr. Harrington, and my
Lord of Dorset and another Lord, talking of getting
another place at the Cockpit, and they did believe
it would come to something.
21st. In the
morning I saw many soldiers going towards
Westminster Hall, to admit the secluded members
again. So I to Westminster Hall, and in Chancery I
saw about twenty of them who had been at White Hall
with General Monk, who came thither this morning,
and made a speech to them, and recommended to them a
Commonwealth, and against Charles Stuart. They came
to the House and went in one after another, and at
last the Speaker came, But it is very strange that
this could be carried so private, that the other
members of the House heard nothing of all this, till
they found them in the House, insomuch that the
soldiers that stood there to let in the secluded
members they took for such as they had ordered to
stand there to hinder their coming in. Mr. Prin came
with an old basket-hilt sword on, and a great many
shouts upon his going into the Hall. [William
Prynne, the lawyer, well known by his voluminous
publications, and the persecution which he endured.
He was M.P. for Bath, 1660, and died 1669.] They sat
till noon, and at their coming out Mr. Crewe saw me,
and bid me come to his house and dine with him,
which I did; and he very joyful told me that; the
House had made General Monk, General of all the
Forces in England, Scotland, and Ireland; and that
upon Monk's desire, for the service that Lawson had
lately done in pulling down the Committee of Safety,
he had the command of the Sea for the time being. He
advised me to send for my Lord forthwith, and told
me that there is no question that, if he will, he
may now be employed again; and that the House do
intend to do nothing more than to issue writs, and
to settle a foundation for a free Parliament. After
dinner I back to Westminster Hall with him in his
coach. Here I met with Mr. Lock and Pursell, Master
of Musique, [Matthew Locke and Henry Purcell, both
celebrated Composers.] and went with them to the
Coffee House, into a room next the water, by
ourselves, where we spent an hour or two till
Captain Taylor come and told us, that the House had
voted the gates of the City to be made up again, and
the members of the City that are in prison to be set
at liberty; and that Sir G. Booth's case be brought
into the House to-morrow. [Sir George Booth of
Dunham Massey, Bart., created Baron Delamer; 1661,
for his services in behalf of the King.] Here we had
variety of brave Italian; and Spanish songs, and a
canon for eight voices, which Mr. Lock had lately
made on these words: "Domine salvum fac Regem" Here
out of the window it was a most pleasant sight to
see the City from one end to the other with a glory
about it, so high was the light of the bonfires, and
so thick round the City, and the bells rang every
where.
22nd. Walking
in the Hall, I saw Major General Brown, [Richard
Brown, a Major-General of the Parliament forces,
Governor of Abingdon, and Member for London in the
Long Parliament. He had been imprisoned by the Rump
Faction.] who had a long time been banished by the
Rump, but now with his beard overgrown, he comes
abroad and sat in the House. To White Hall, where I
met with Will. Simons and Mr. Mabbot at Marsh's, who
told me how the House had this day voted that the
gates of the City should be set up at the cost of
the State. And that Major-General Brown's being
proclaimed a traitor be made void, and several other
things of that nature. I observed this day how
abominably Barebone's windows are broke again last
night.
23rd. Thursday,
my birth-day, now twenty-seven years. To Westminster
Hall, where, after the House rose, I met with Mr.
Crewe, who told me that my Lord was chosen by 73
voices, to be one of the Council of State, Mr.
Pierpoint had the most, 101, [William Pierrepont,
M.P. of Thoresby, second son to Robert, First Earl
of Kingston, ob. 1677, aged 71.] and himself the
next, 100.
24th. I rose
very early, and taking horse at Scotland Yard, at
Mr. Garthwayt's stable, I rode to Mr. Pierce's: we
both mounted, and so set forth about seven of the
clock; at Puckridge we baited, the way exceeding bad
from Ware thither. Then up again and as far as
Foulmer, within six miles of Cambridge, my mare
being almost tired: here we lay at the Chequer. I
lay with Mr. Pierce, who we left here the next
morning upon his going to Hinchingbroke to speak
with my Lord before his going to London, and we two
come to Cambridge by eight o'clock in the morning. I
went to Magdalene College to Mr. Hill, with whom I
found Mr. Zanchy, Burton and Hollins, and took leave
on promise to sup with them. To the Three Tuns,
where we drank pretty hard and many healths to the
King, &c.: then we broke up and I and Mr. Zanchy
went to Magdalene College, where a very handsome
supper at Mr. Hill's chambers, I suppose upon a club
among them, where I could find that there was
nothing at all left of the old preciseness in their
discourse, specially on Saturday nights. And Mr.
Zanchy told me that there was no such thing
now-a-days among them at any time.
26th. Found Mr.
Pierce at our Inn, who told us he had lost his
journey, for my Lord was gone from Hinchingbroke to
London on Thursday last, at which I was a little put
to a stand.
27th. Up by
four o'clock: Mr. Blayton and I took horse and
straight to Saffron Walden, where at the White Hart,
we set up our horses, and took the master of the
house to shew us Audly End House, who took us on
foot through the park, and so to the house, where
the housekeeper shewed us all the house, in which
the stateliness of the ceilings, chimney-pieces, and
form of the whole was exceedingly worth seeing. He
took us into the cellar, where we drank most
admirable drink, a health to the King. Here I played
on my flageolette, there being an excellent echo. He
shewed us excellent pictures; two especially, those
of the four Evangelists and Henry VIII. In our
going, my landlord carried us through a very old
hospital or almshouse, where forty poor people was
maintained; a very old foundation; and over the
chimney-piece was an inscription in brass: "Orate
pro anima, Thomae Bird," &c. [The inscription and
the bowl are still to be seen in the almshouse.]
They brought me a draft of their drink in a brown
bowl, tipt with silver, which I drank off, and at
the bottom was a picture of the Virgin with the
child in her arms, done in silver. So we took leave,
the road pretty good, but the weather rainy to
Eping.
28th. Up in the
morning. Then to London through the forest, here we
found the way good, but only in one path, which we
kept as if we had rode through a kennel all the way.
We found the shops all shut, and the militia of the
red regiment in arms at the old Exchange, among whom
I found and spoke to Nich. Osborne, who told me that
it was a thanksgiving-day through the City for the
return of the Parliament. At Paul's I light, Mr.
Blayton holding my horse, where I found Dr. Reynolds
in the pulpit, and General Monk there, who was to
have a great entertainment at Grocers' Hall.
29th. To my
office. Mr. Moore told me how my Lord is chosen
General at Sea by the Council, and that it is
thought that Monk will be joined with him therein.
This day my Lord came to the House, the first time
since he come to town; but he had been at the
Council before.
MARCH 1,
1659-60. I went to Mr. Crewe's, whither Mr. Thomas
was newly come to town, being sent with Sir H.
Yelverton, my old school-fellow at Paul's School, to
bring the thanks of the county to General Monk for
the return of the Parliament.
2nd. I went
early to my Lord at Mr. Crewe's where I spoke to
him. Here were a great many come to see him, as
Secretary Thurloe, [John Thurloe, who had been
Secretary of State to the two Protectors, but was
never employed after the Restoration, though the
King solicited his services. Ob. 1668.] who is now
by the Parliament chosen again Secretary of State.
To Westminster Hall, where I saw Sir G. Booth at
liberty. This day I hear the City militia is put
into good posture, and it is thought that Monk will
not be able to do any great matter against them now,
if he had a mind. I understand that my Lord Lambert
did yesterday send a letter to the Council, and that
to-night he is to come and appear to the Council in
person. Sir Arthur Haselrigge do not yet appear in
the House. Great is the talk of a single person, and
that it would now be Charles, George, or Richard
again. For the last of which my Lord St. John is
said to speak high. Great also is the dispute now in
the House, in whose name the writs shall run for the
next Parliament; and it is said that Mr. Prin, in
open House, said, "In King Charles's."
3rd. To
Westminster Hall, where I found that my Lord was
last night voted one of the Generals at Sea, and
Monk the other. I met my Lord in the Hall, who bid
me come to him at noon. After dinner I to Warwick
House, in Holborne, to my Lord, where he dined with
my Lord of Manchester, Sir Dudley North, my Lord
Fiennes, and my Lord Barkley. [Lord Manchester, the
Parliamentary General, afterwards particularly
instrumental in the King's Restoration, became
Chamberlain of the Household, K.G., a Privy
Counsellor, and Chancellor of the University of
Cambridge. He died in 1671, having been five times
married. Sir Dudley North, K.B., became the 4th Lord
North, on the death of his father in 1666. Ob. 1677.
John Fiennes, third son of William, 1st Viscount Say
and Sele, and one of Oliver's Lords. George, 13th
Lord Berkeley, created Earl Berkeley 1679. He was a
Privy Counsellor, and had afterwards the management,
of the Duke of York's family. Ob. 1698] I staid in
the great hall, talking with some gentlemen there,
till they all come out. Then I, by coach with my
Lord, to Mr. Crewe's, in our way talking of publick
things. He told me he feared there was new design
hatching, as if Monk had a mind to get into the
saddle. Returning, met with Mr. Gifford who told me,
as I hear from many, that things are in a very
doubtful posture, some of the Parliament being
willing to keep the power in their hands. After I
had left him, I met with Tom Harper; he talked huge
high that my Lord Protector would come in place
again, which indeed is much discoursed of again,
though I do not see it possible.
4th. Lord's
day. To Mr. Gunning's, an excellent sermon upon
charity.
5th. To
Westminster by water, only seeing Mr. Pinky at his
own house, where he shewed me how he had alway kept
the Lion and Unicorne, in the back of his chimney,
bright, in expectation of the King's coming again.
At home I found Mr. Hunt, who told me how the
Parliament had voted that the Covenant be printed
and hung in churches again. Great hopes of the
King's coming again.
6th. Shrove
Tuesday. I called Mr. Shepley and we both went up to
my Lord's lodgings, at Mr. Crewe's, where he bid us
to go home again and get a fire against an hour
after. Which we did at White Hall, whither he came,
and after talking with him about our going to sea,
he called me by myself into the garden, Where he
asked me how things were with me; he bid me look out
now at this turn some good place, and he would use
all his own, and all the interest of his friends
that he had in England, to do me good. And asked me
whether I could, without too much inconvenience, go
to sea as his secretary, and bid me think of it. He
also began to talk of things of State, and told me
that he should want one in that capacity at sea,
that he might trust in, and therefore he would have
me to go. He told me also, that he did believe the
King would come in, and did discourse with me about
it, and about the affection of the people and City,
at which I was full glad. Wrote by the post, by my
Lord's command, for I. Goods to come up presently.
For my Lord intends to go forth with Goods to the
Swiftsure till the Nazeby be ready. This day I hear
that the Lords do intend to sit, a great store of
them are now in town, and I see in the Hall to-day.
Overton at Hull do stand out, but can it is thought
do nothing; and Lawson, it is said, is gone with
some ships thither, but all that is nothing. My Lord
told me, that there was great endeavours to bring in
the protector again; but he told me, too, that he
did believe it would not last long if he were
brought in; no, nor the King neither, (though he
seems to think that he will come in), unless he
carry himself very soberly and well. Every body now
drink the King's health without any fear, whereas
before it was very private that a man dare do it.
Monk this day is feasted at Mercers' Hall, and is
invited one after another to all the twelve Halls in
London. Many think that he is honest yet, and some
or more think him to be a fool that would raise
himself, but think that he will undo himself by
endeavouring it.
7th. Ash
Wednesday. Going homeward, my Lord overtook me in
his coach, and called me in, and so I went with him
to St. James's, and G. Montagu [George Montagu,
afterwards M.P. for Dover, second son of Edward,
second Earl of Manchester, and father of the first
Earl of Halifax.] being gone to White Hall, we
walked over the Park thither, all the way he
discoursing of the times, and of the change of
things since the last year, and wondering how he
could bear with so great disappointment as he did.
He did give me the best advice that he could what
was best for me, whether to stay or go with him, and
offered all the ways that could be, how he might do
me good, with the greatest liberty and love. This
day according to order, Sir Arthur [Haselrigge.]
appeared at the House; what was done I know not, but
there was all the Rumpers almost come to the House
to-day. My Lord did seem to wonder much why Lambert
was so willing to be put into the Tower, and thinks
he had some design in it; but I think that he is so
poor that he cannot use his liberty for debts, if he
were at liberty; and so it is as good and better for
him to be there, than any where else.
8th. To
Westminster Hall, where there was a general damp
over men's minds and faces upon some of the Officers
of the Army being about making a remonstrance upon
Charles Stuart or any single person; but at noon it
was told, that the General had put a stop to it, so
all was well again. Here I met with Jasper who was
to bring me to my Lord at the lobby; whither sending
a note to my Lord, he comes out to me and gives me
directions to look after getting some money for him
from the Admiralty, seeing that things are so
unsafe, that he would not lay out a farthing for the
State, till he had received some money of theirs.
This afternoon, some of the officers of the Army,
and some of the Parliament, had a conference at
White Hall to make all right again, but I know not
what is done. At the Dog tavern, in comes Mr. Wade
and Mr. Sterry, secretary to the plenipotentiary in
Denmark, who brought the news of the death of the
King of Sweden [Charles Gustavus.] at Gottenburgh
the 3rd of last month.
9th. To my Lord
at his lodging, and came to Westminster with him in
the coach; and Mr. Dudley and he in the Painted
Chamber walked a good while; and I telling him that
I was willing and ready to go with him to sea, he
agreed that I should, and advised me what to write
to Mr. Downing about it. This day it was resolved
that the writs do go out in the name of the Keepers
of the Liberty, and I hear that it is resolved
privately that a treaty be offered with the King.
And that Monk did check his soldiers highly for what
they did yesterday.
13th. At my
Lord's lodgings, who told me that I was to be
secretary, and Crewe deputy treasurer to the Fleet.
This day the Parliament voted all that had been done
by the former Rump against the House of Lords be
void, and to-night that the writs go out without any
qualification. Things seem very doubtful what will
be the end of all; for the Parliament seems to be
strong for the King, while the soldiers do all talk
against.
14th. To my
Lord's, where infinity of applications to him and to
me. To my great trouble, my Lord gives me all the
papers that was given to him, to put in order and to
give him an account of them. I went hence to St.
James's to speake with Mr. Clerke, Monk's secretary,
about getting some soldiers removed out of
Huntingdon to Oundle, which my Lord told me he did
to do a courtesy to the town, that he might have the
greater interest in them, in the choice of the next
Parliament; not that he intends to be chosen
himself, but that he might have Mr. Montagu and my
Lord Mandevill chose there in spite of the Bernards.
I did promise to give my wife all that I have in the
world, but my books, in case I should die at sea.
After supper I went to Westminster Hall, and the
Parliament sat till ten at night, thinking and being
expected to dissolve themselves to-day, but they did
not. Great talk to-night that the discontented
officers did think this night to make a stir, but
prevented.
16th. To
Westminster Hall, where I heard how the Parliament
had this day dissolved themselves, and did pass very
cheerfully through the Hall, and the Speaker without
his mace. The whole Hall, was joyfull thereat, as
well as themselves, and now they begin to talk loud
of the King. To-night I am told, that yesterday,
about five o'clock in the afternoon, one came with a
ladder to the Great Exchange, and wiped with a brush
the inscription that was on King Charles, and that
there was a great bonfire made in the Exchange, and
people called out "God bless King Charles the
Second!"
19th. Early to
my Lord, where infinity of business to do, which
makes my head full; and indeed, for these two or
three days, I have not been without a great many
cares. After that to the Admiralty, where a good
while with Mr. Blackburne, who told me that it was
much to be feared that the King would come in, for
all good men and good things were now discouraged.
Thence to Wilkinson's, where Mr. Shepley and I
dined; and while we were at dinner, my Lord Monk's
life-guard come by with the Serjeant at Armes before
them, with two Proclamations, that all Cavaliers do
depart the town: but the other that all officers
that were lately disbanded should do the same. The
last of which Mr. R. Creed, I remember, said, that
he looked upon it as if they had said, that all
God's people should depart the town. All the
discourse now-a-day is, that the King will come
again; and for all I see, it is the wishes of all;
and all do believe that it will be so.
21st. To my
Lord's, but the wind very high against us; here I
did very much business, and then to my Lord
Widdrington's from my Lord, with his desire that he
might have the disposal of the writs of the Cinque
Ports. My Lord was very civil to me, and called for
wine, and writ a long letter in answer.
22nd. To
Westminster, and received my warrant of Mr.
Blackburne, to be Secretary to the two Generals of
the Fleet.
23rd. My Lord,
Captain Isham, Mr. Thomas, John Crewe, W. Howe, and
I to the Tower, where the barges staid for us; my
Lord and the Captain in one, and W. Howe and I, &c.,
in the other, to the Long Beach, where the Swiftsure
lay at anchor; (in our way we saw the great breach
which the late high water had made, to the loss of
many 1000l. to the people about Limehouse.) Soon as
my Lord on board, the guns went off bravely from the
ships. And a little while after comes the
Vice-Admiral Lawson, and seemed very respectful to
my Lord, and so did the rest of the Commanders of
the frigates that were thereabouts. We were late
writing of orders for the getting of ships ready,
&c.; and also making of others to all the sea-ports
between Hastings and Yarmouth, to stop all dangerous
persons that are going or coming between Flanders
and there.
24th. At work
hard all the day writing letters to the Council, &c.
25th. About two
o'clock in the morning, letters came from London by
our Coxon, so they waked me, but I bid him stay till
morning, which he did, and then I rose and carried
them into my Lord, who read them a-bed. Among the
rest, there was the writ and mandate for him to
dispose to the Cinque Ports for choice of
Parliament- men. There was also one for me from Mr.
Blackburne, who with his own hand superscribes it to
S. P. Esq., of which God knows I was not a little
proud. I wrote a letter to the Clerk of Dover Castle
to come to my Lord about issuing of those writs.
26th. This day
it is two years since it pleased God that I was cut
for the stone at Mrs. Turner's in Salisbury Court.
[Mrs. Turner was the sister of Edward Pepys.] And
did resolve while I live to keep it a festival, as I
did the last year at my house, and for ever to have
Mrs. Turner and her company with me. But now it
pleased God that I am prevented to do it openly;
only within my soul I can and do rejoice, and bless
God, being at this time, blessed be his holy name,
in as good health as ever I was in my life. This
morning I rose early, and went about making of an
establishment of the whole Fleet, and a list of all
the ships, with the number of men and guns. About an
hour after that, we had a meeting of the principal
commanders and seamen, to proportion out the number
of these things. All the afternoon very many orders
were made, till I was very weary.
27th. This
morning the wind came about, and we fell into the
Hope. I sat the first time with my Lord at table
since my coming to sea. All the afternoon exceeding
busy in writing of letters and orders. In the
afternoon, Sir Harry Wright come on board us, [M.P.
for Harwich. He married Anne, daughter of Lord
Crewe, and sister to Lady Sandwich, and resided in
Dagenham, Essex; he was created a Baronet by
Cromwell, 1658, and by Charles II., 1660.] about his
business of being chosen a Parliament-man. My Lord
brought him to see my cabbin, when I was hard
a-writing. At night supped with my Lord too, with
the Captain.
28th. This
morning and the whole day busy. At night there was a
gentleman very well bred, his name was Banes, going
for Flushing, who spoke French and Latin very well,
brought by direction from Captain Clerke hither, as
a prisoner, because he called out of the vessel that
he went in, "Where is your King, we have done our
business, Vive le Roi." He confessed himself a
Cavalier in his heart, and that he and his whole
family, had fought for the King; but that he was
then drunk, having been taking his leave at
Gravesend the night before, and so could not;
remember what it was that he said; but his words and
carriage showed much of a gentleman. My Lord had a
great kindness for him, but did not think it safe to
release him. But a while after, he sent a letter
down to my Lord, which my Lord did like very well,
and did advise with me that the gentleman was to be
released. So I went up and sat and talked with him
in Latin and French; and about eleven at night he
took boat again, and so God bless him. This day we
had news of the election at Huntingdon for Bernard
and Pedley, [John Bernard and Nicholas Pedley,
re-elected in the next Parliament.] at which my Lord
was much troubled for his friends' missing of it.
29th. We lie
still a little below Gravesend. At night Mr. Shepley
returned from London, and told us of several
elections for the next Parliament. That the King's
effigies was new making to be set up in the Exchange
again. This evening was a great whispering that some
of the Vice-Admiral's captains were dissatisfied,
and did intend to fight themselves, to oppose the
General. But it was soon hushed, and the
Vice-Admiral did wholly deny any such thing, and
protested to stand by the General.
30th. This day,
while my Lord and we were at dinner, the Nazeby came
in sight towards us, and at last came to anchor
close by us. My Lord and many others went on board
her, where every thing was out of order, and a new
chimney made for my Lord in his bed- chamber, which
he was much pleased with. My Lord in his discourse,
discovered a great deal of love to this ship. [Lord
Sandwich's flag was on board the Nazeby, when he
went to the Sound.]
APRIL 1st,
1660. (Lord's day). Mr. Ibbot [Minister of Deal,
1676.—PEPYS'S MS. LETTERS.] preached very well.
After dinner my lord did give me a private list of
all the ships that were to be set out this summer,
wherein I do discover that he hath made it his care
to put by as much of the Anabaptists as he can. By
reason of my Lord and my being busy to send away the
packet by Mr. Cooke, of the Naseby, it was four
o'clock before we could begin sermon again. This day
Captain Guy come on board from Dunkirk, who tells me
that the King will come in, and that the soldiers at
Dunkirk do drink the King's health in the streets.
2nd. Up very
early, and to get all my things and my boy's packed
up. Great concourse of commanders here this morning
to take leave of my Lord upon his going into the
Nazeby. This morning comes Mr. Ed. Pickering,
[Brother to Sir Gilbert Pickering, Bart.] he tells
me that the King will come in, but that Monk did
resolve to have the doing of it himself or else to
hinder it.
3rd. There come
many merchants to get convoy to the Baltique, which
a course was taken for. They dined with my Lord, and
one of them by name Alderman Wood talked much to my
Lord of the hopes that he had now to be settled,
(under the King he meant); but my Lord took no
notice of it. This day come the Lieutenant of the
Swiftsure (who was sent by my Lord to Hastings, one
of the Cinque Ports, to have got Mr. Edward Montagu
to have been one of their burgesses, but could not,
for they were all promised before.)
4th. This
morning come Colonel Thomson with the wooden leg,
and G. Pen, and dined with my lord and Mr.
Blackburne, who told me that it was certain now that
the King must of necessity come in, and that one of
the Council told him there is something doing in
order to a treaty already among them. And it was
strange to hear how Mr. Blackburne did already begin
to commend him for a sober man, and how quiet he
would be under his government, &c. The Commissioners
come to-day, only to consult about a further
reducement of the Fleet, and to pay them as fast as
they can. At night, my Lord resolved to send the
Captain of our ship to Waymouth and promote his
being chosen there, which he did put himself into
readiness to do the next morning.
9th. This
afternoon I first saw France and Calais, with which
I was much pleased, though it was at a distance.
11th. A
Gentleman came from my Lord of Manchester to my Lord
for a pass for Mr. Boyle, [The celebrated Robert
Boyle, youngest son of Richard first Earl of Cork.]
which was made him. All the news from London is that
things go on further towards a King. That the
Skinners' Company the other day at their
entertaining General Monk had took down the
Parliament arms in their Hall, and set up the
King's. My Lord and I had a great deal of discourse
about the several Captains of the Fleet and his
interest among them, and had his mind clear to bring
in the King. He confessed to me that he was not sure
of his own Captain, to be true to him, and that he
did not like Capt. Stokes.
14th. This day
I was informed that my Lord Lambert is got out of
the Tower, and that there is 1001. proffered to
whoever shall bring him forth to the Council of
State. My Lord is chosen at Weymouth this morning;
my Lord had his freedom brought him by Capt.
Tiddiman of the port of Dover, by which he is
capable of being elected for them. This day I heard
that the Army had in general declared to stand by
what the next Parliament shall do.
15th (Lord's
day). To sermon, and then to dinner, where my Lord
told us that the University of Cambridge had a mind
to choose him for their burgess, which he pleased
himself with, to think that they do look upon him as
a thriving man, and said so openly at table. At
dinner-time Mr. Cooke came hack from London with a
packet which caused my Lord to be full of thoughts
all day, and at night he bid me privately to get two
commissions ready, one for Capt. Robert Blake to be
captain of the Worcester, in the room of Capt.
Dekings, an anabaptist, and one that had witnessed a
great deal of discontent with the present
proceedings. The other for Capt. Coppin to come out
of that into the Newbury in the room of Blake,
whereby I perceive that General Monk do resolve to
make a thorough change, to make way for the King.
From London I hear that since Lambert got out of the
Tower, the Fanatiques had held up their heads high,
but I hope all that will come to nothing.
17th. All the
morning getting ready commissions for the Vice-
Admiral and the R. Admiral, wherein my Lord was very
careful to express the utmost of his own power,
commanding them to obey what orders they should
receive from the Parliament, &c., of both or either
of the Generals. My Lord told me clearly his
thoughts that the King would carry it, and that he
did not think himself very happy that he was now at
sea, as well for his own sake, as that he thought he
might do his country some service in keeping things
quiet.
18th. Mr. Cooke
returned from London, bringing me this news, that
the Cavaliers are something unwise to talk so high
on the other side as they do. That the Lords do meet
every day at my Lord of Manchester's, and resolve to
sit the first day of the Parliament. That it is
evident now that the General and the Council do
resolve to make way for the King's coming. And it is
clear that either the Fanatiques must now be undone,
or the gentry and citizens throughout England, and
clergy must fall, in spite of their militia and
army, which is not at all possible I think.
19th. At dinner
news brought us that my Lord was chosen at Dover.
20th. This
evening come Mr. Boyle on board, for whom I writ an
order for a ship to transport him to Flushing. He
supped with my Lord, my Lord using him as a person
of honour. Mr. Shepley told me that he heard for
certain at Dover that Mr. Edw. Montagu [Eldest son
of Edward, second Lord Montagu, of Boughton, killed
at Berghen, 1685.] did go beyond sea when he was
here first the other day, and I am apt to believe
that he went to speak with the King. This day one
told me how that at the election at Cambridge for
knights of the shire, Wendby and Thornton by
declaring to stand for the Parliament and a King and
the settlement of the Church, did carry it against
all expectation against Sir Dudley North and Sir
Thomas Willis. [Willis had represented
Cambridgeshire in the preceding Parliament.]
21st. This day
dined Sir John Boys [Gentleman of the Privy-
Chamber.] and some other gentlemen formerly great
Cavaliers, and among the rest one Mr. Norwood, [A
Major Norwood had been Governor of Dunkirk; and a
person of the same name occurs, as one of the
Esquires of the body at the Coronation of Charles
the Second.] for whom my Lord give a convoy to carry
him to the Brill, but he is certainly going to the
King. For my Lord commanded me that I should not
enter his name in my book. My Lord do show them and
that sort of people great civility. All their
discourse and others are of the King's coming, and
we begin to speak of it very freely. And heard how
in many churches in London, and upon many signs
there, and upon merchants' ships in the river, they
had set up the King's arms. This night there came
one with a letter from Mr. Edw. Montagu to my Lord,
with command to deliver it to his own hands. I do
believe that he do carry some close business on for
the King. This day I had a large letter from Mr.
Moore, giving me an account of the present dispute
at London that is like to be at the beginning of the
Parliament, about the House of Lords, who do resolve
to sit with the Commons, as not thinking themselves
dissolved yet. Which, whether it be granted or no,
or whether they will sit or no, it will bring a
great many inconveniences. His letter I keep, it
being a very well writ one.
22nd. Several
Londoners, strangers, friends of the captains, dined
here, who, among other things told us, how the
King's Arms are every day set up in houses and
churches, particularly in Allhallows Church in
Thames-street, John Simpson's church, which being
privately done was a great eye-sore to his people
when they came to church and saw it. Also they told
us for certain that the King's statue is making by
the Mercers' Company (who are bound to do it) to set
up in the Exchange.
23rd. In the
evening for the first time, extraordinary good sport
among the seamen, after my Lord had done playing at
nine- pins.
24th. We were
on board the London, which hath a state-room much
bigger than the Nazeby, but not so rich. After that,
with the Captain on board our own ship, where we
were saluted with the news of Lambert's being taken,
which news was brought to London on Sunday last. He
was taken in Northamptonshire by Colonel Ingoldsby,
in the head of a party, by which means their whole
design is broke, and things now very open and safe.
And every man begins to be merry and full of hopes.
[Colonel Richard Ingoldsby had been Governor of
Oxford under his kinsman Cromwell, and one of
Charles the First's Judges; but was pardoned for the
service here mentioned, and made K.B. at the
Coronation of Charles II. He afterwards retired to
his seat at Lethenborough, Bucks, and died 1685.]
25th. Dined
to-day wth Captain Clerke on board the Speaker (a
very brave ship) where was the Vice-Admiral, R.
Admiral, and many other commanders. After dinner
home, not a little contented to see how I am
treated, and with what respect made a fellow to the
best commander in the Fleet.
26th. This day
come Mr. Donne back from London, who brought letters
with him that signify the meeting of the Parliament
yesterday. And in the afternoon by other letters I
hear, that about twelve of the Lords met and had
chosen my Lord of Manchester Speaker of the House of
Lords (the young Lords that never sat yet, do
forbear to sit for the present); and Sir Harbottle
Grimstone, Speaker for the House of Commons, [He was
made Master of the Rolls, November following, and
died 1683.] which, after a little debate, was
granted. Dr. Reynolds preached before the Commons
before they sat. My Lord told me how Sir H.
Yelverton (formerly my schoolfellow) [Of Easton
Mauduit, Bart., grandson to the Attorney General of
both his names. Ob. 1679.] was chosen in the first
place for Northamptonshire and Mr. Crewe in the
second, And told me how he did believe that the
Cavaliers have now the upper hand clear of the
Presbyterians.
27th. After
dinner came on board Sir Thomas Hatton [Of Long
Stanton, co. Cambridge, Bart.] and Sir R. Maleverer
[Of Allerton Maleverer, Yorkshire, Bart.] going for
Flushing; but, all the world know that they go where
the rest of the many gentlemen go that every day
flock to the King at Breda. They supped here, and my
Lord treated them as he do the rest, that go
thither, with a great deal of civility. While we
were at supper a packet came, wherein much news from
several friends. The chief is that, that I had from
Mr. Moore, viz. that he fears the Cavaliers in the
House will be so high, that the other will be forced
to leave the House and fall in with General Monk,
and so offer things to the King so high on the
Presbyterian account that he may refuse, and so they
will endeavour some more mischief; but when I told
my Lord it, he shook his head and told me, that the
Presbyterians are deceived, for the General is
certainly for the King's interest, and so they will
not be able to prevail that way with him. After
supper the two knights went on board the Grantham,
that is to convey them to Flushing, I am informed
that the Exchequer is now so low, that there is not
20l. there, to give the messenger that brought the
news of Lambert's being taken; which story is very
strange that he should lose his reputation of being
a man of courage now at one blow for that he was not
able to fight one stroke, but desired of Colonel
Igoldsby several times to let him escape. Late
reading my letters, my mind being much troubled to
think that, after all our hopes, we should have any
cause to fear any more disappointments therein.
29th. After
sermon in the morning Mr. Cooke came from London
with a packet, bringing news how all the young lords
that were not in arms against the Parliament do now
sit. That a letter is come from the King to the
House, which is locked up by the Council 'till next
Thursday that it may be read in the open House when
they meet again, they having adjourned till then to
keep a fast to-morrow. And so the contents is not
yet known. 13,000l. of the 20,000l. given to General
Monk is paid out of the Exchequer, he giving 12l.
among the teller's clerks of Exchequer. My Lord
called me into the great cabbin below, where he told
me that the Presbyterians are quite mastered by the
Cavaliers, and that he fears Mr. Crewe did go a
little too far the other day in keeping out the
young lords from a sitting. That he do expect that
the King should be brought over suddenly, without
staying to make any terms at all, saying that the
Presbyterians did intend to have brought him in with
such conditions as if he had been in chains. But he
shook his shoulders when he told me how Monk had
betrayed him, for it was he that did put them upon
standing to put out the lords and other members that
come not within the qualifications, which he did not
like, but however he had done his business, though
it be with some kind of baseness. After dinner I
walked a great while upon the deck with the
chyrurgeon and purser, and other officers of the
ship, and they all pray for the King's coming, which
I pray God send.
MAY 1, 1660.
To-day I hear they were very merry at Deale, setting
up the King's flags upon one of their Maypoles, and
drinking his health upon their knees is the streets,
and firing the guns, which the soldiers of the
Castle threatened, but durst not oppose.
2nd. Mr. Dunne
from London, with letters that tell us the welcome
news of the Parliament's votes yesterday, which will
be remembered for the happiest May-day that hath
been many a year to England. The King's letter was
read in the House, wherein he submits himself and
all things to them, as to an Act of Oblivion to all,
unless they shall please to except any, as to the
confirming of the sales of the King's and Church
lands, if they see good. The House upon reading the
letter, ordered 50,000l. to be forthwith provided to
send to His Majesty for his present supply; and a
committee chosen to return an answer of thanks to
His Majesty for his gracious letter; and that the
letter be kept among the records of the Parliament;
and in all this not so much as one No. So that Luke
Robinson himself stood up and made a recantation of
what he had done, and promises to be a loyal subject
to his Prince for the time to come. [Of Pickering
Lyth, in Yorkshire, M.P. for Scarborough discharged
from sitting in the House of Commons, July 21,
1660.] The City of London have put out a
Declaration, wherein they do disclaim their owning
any other government but that of a King, Lords, and
Commons. Thanks was given by the House to Sir John
Greenville, one of the bedchamber to the King,
[Created Earl of Bath, 1661, son of Sir Bevill
Greenville, killed at the battle of Newbury, and
said to have been the only person entrusted by
Charles II. and Monk in bringing about the
Restoration.] who brought the letter, and they
continued bare all the time it was reading. Upon
notice from the Lords to the Commons, of their
desire that the Commons would join with them in
their vote for King, Lords, and Commons; the Commons
did concur and voted that all books whatever that
are out against the Government of King, Lords, and
Commons, should be brought into the House and
burned. Great joy all yesterday at London, and at
night more bonfires than ever, and ringing of bells,
and drinking of the King's health upon their knees
in the streets, which methinks is a little too much.
But every body seems to be very joyfull in the
business, insomuch that our sea-commanders now begin
to say so too, which a week ago they would not do.
And our seamen, as many as had money or credit for
drink, did do nothing else this evening. This day
come Mr. North (Sir Dudley North's son) [Charles,
eldest son of Dudley, afterwards fourth Lord North.]
on board, to spend a little time here, which my Lord
was a little troubled at, but he seems to be a fine
gentleman, and at night did play his part exceeding
well at first sight.
3rd. This
morning my Lord showed me the King's declaration and
his letter to the two Generals to be communicated to
the fleet. The contents of the latter are his offer
of grace to all that will come in within forty days,
only excepting them that the Parliament shall
hereafter except. That the sales of lands during
these troubles, and all other things, shall be left
to the Parliament, by which he will stand. The
letter dated at Breda, April 4/14 1660, in the 12th
year of his reign. Upon the receipt of it this
morning by an express, Mr. Phillips, one of the
messengers of the Council from General Monk, my Lord
summoned a council of war, and in the meantime did
dictate to me how he would have the vote ordered
which he would have pass this council. Which done,
the Commanders all came on board, and the council
sat in the coach [Coach, on board a man-of-war, "The
Council Chamber."] (the first council of war that
had been in my time), where I read the letter and
declaration; and while they were discoursing upon
it, I seemed to draw up a vote, which being offered,
they passed. Not one man seemed to say no to it,
though I am confident many in their hearts were
against it. After this was done, I went up to the
quarter-deck with my Lord and the Commanders, and
there read both the papers and the vote; which done,
and demanding their opinion, the seamen did all of
them cry out, "God bless King Charles!" with the
greatest joy imaginable. That being done, Sir R.
Stayner, [Knighted and made a Vice- Admiral by
Cromwell, 1657, and sent by Charles II. to command
Tangier till the Governor arrived.] who had invited
us yesterday, took all the Commanders and myself on
board him to dinner, which not being ready, I went
with Captain Hayward 'to the Plymouth and Essex, and
did what I had to do and returned, where very merry
at dinner. After dinner, to the rest of the ships
quite through the fleet. Which was a very brave
sight to visit all the ships, and to be received
with the respect and honour that I was on board them
all; and much more to see the great joy that I
brought to all men; not one through the whole fleet
showing the least dislike of the business. In the
evening as I was going on board the Vice-Admiral,
the General began to fire his guns, which he did all
that he had in the ship, and so did all the rest of
the Commanders, which was very gallant, and to hear
the bullets go hissing over our heads as we were in
the boat. This done and finished my Proclamation, I
returned to the Nazeby, where my Lord was much
pleased to hear how all the fleet took it in a
transport of joy, showed me a private letter of the
King's to him, and another from the Duke of York in
such familiar style as their common friend, with all
kindness imaginable. And I found by the letters, and
so my Lord told me too, that there had been many
letters passed between them for a great while, and I
perceive unknown to Monk. Among the rest that had
carried these letters Sir John Boys is one, and Mr.
Norwood, which had a ship to carry him over the
other day, when my Lord would not have me put down
his name in the book. The King speaks of him being
courted to come to the Hague, but to desire my
Lord's advice where to come to take ship. And the
Duke offers to learn the seaman's trade of him, in
such familiar words as if Jack Cole and I had writ
them. This was very strange to me, that my Lord
should carry all things so wisely and prudently as
he do, and I was over joyful to see him in so good
condition, and he did not a little please himself to
tell me how he had provided for himself so great a
hold on the King.
After this to
supper, and then to writing of letters till twelve
at night, and so up again at three in the morning.
My Lord seemed to put great confidence in me, and
would take my advice in many things. I perceive his
being willing to do all the honour in the world to
Monk, and to let him have all the honour of doing
the business, though he will many times express his
thoughts of him to be but a thick-skulled fool. So
that I do believe there is some agreement more than
ordinary between the King and my Lord to let Monk
carry on the business, for it is he that can do the
business, or at least that can hinder it, if he be
not flattered and observed. This, my Lord will hint
himself sometimes. My Lord, I perceive by the King's
letter, had writ to him about his father, Crewe, [He
had married Jemima, daughter of John Crewe, Esq.,
created afterwards Baron Crewe of Stene.] and the
King did speak well of him; but my Lord tells me,
that he is afraid that he hath too much concerned
himself with the Presbyterians against the House of
Lords, which will do him a great discourtesy.
4th. I wrote
this morning many letters, and to all the copies of
the vote of the council of war I put my name, that
if it should come in print my name may be to it. I
sent a copy of the vote to Doling, inclosed in this
letter:—
"SIR, "He that
can fancy a fleet (like ours) in her pride, with
pendants loose, guns roaring, caps flying, and the
loud "Vive le Roy's," echoed from one ship's company
to another, he, and he only, can apprehend the joy
this inclosed vote was received with, or the
blessing he thought himself possessed of that bore
it, and is "Your humble servant."
About nine
o'clock I got all my letters done, and sent them by
the messenger that come yesterday. This morning come
Captain Isham on board with a gentleman going to the
King, by whom very cunningly my Lord tells me, he
intends to send an account of this day's and
yesterday's actions here, notwithstanding he had
writ to the Parliament to have leave of them to send
the King the answer of the fleete. Since my writing
of the last paragraph, my Lord called me to him to
read his letter to the King, to see whether I could
find any slips in it or no. And as much of the
letter as I can remember, is thus:-
"May it please
your Most Excellent Majesty," and so begins.
That he
yesterday received from General Monk his Majesty's
letter and direction; and that General Monk had
desired him to write to the Parliament to have leave
to send the vote of the seamen before he did send it
to him, which he had done by writing to both
Speakers; but for his private satisfaction he had
sent it thus privately, (and so the copy of the
proceedings yesterday was sent him) and that this
come by a gentleman that come this day on board,
intending to wait upon his Majesty, that he is my
Lord's countryman, and one whose friends have
suffered much on his Majesty's behalf. That my Lords
Pembroke and Salisbury are put out of the House of
Lords. [Philip, fifth Earl of Pembroke, and second
Earl of Montgomery, Ob. 1669. Clarendon says, "This
young Earl's affections were entire for his
Majesty." Williams, second Earl of Salisbury. After
Cromwell had put down the House Of Peers, he was
chosen a Member of the House of Commons, and sat
with them, ob. 1660.] That my Lord is very joyful
that other countries do pay him the civility and
respect due to him; and that he do much rejoice to
see that the King do receive none of their
assistance (or some such words,) from them, he
having strength enough in the love and loyalty of
his own subjects to support him. That his Majesty
had chosen the best place, Scheveling, for his
embarking, and that there is nothing in the world of
which he is more ambitions, than to have the honour
of attending his Majesty, which he hoped would be
speedy. That he had commanded the vessel to attend
at Helversluce till this gentleman returns, that so
if his Majesty do not think it fit to command the
fleete himself, yet that he may be there to receive
his commands and bring them to his Lordship. He ends
his letter, that he is confounded with the thoughts
of the high expressions of love to him in the King's
letter, and concludes,
"Your most
loyall, dutifull, faithfull and obedient subject and
servant, "E.M."
After supper at
the table in the coach, my Lord talking concerning
the uncertainty of the places of the Exchequer to
them that had them now; he did at last think of an
office which do belong to him in case the King do
restore every man to his places that ever had been
patent, which is to be one of the clerks of the
signet, which will be a fine employment for one of
his sons.
In the
afternoon come a minister on board, one Mr. Sharpe,
who is going to the King; who tells me that
Commissioners are chosen both of the Lords and
Commons to go to the King; and that Dr. Clarges
[Thomas Clarges, physician to the Army, created a
Baronet, 1674, ob. 1695, He had been previously
knighted; his sister Anne married General Monk.] is
going to him from the Army, and that he will be here
to-morrow. My letters at night tell me, that the
House did deliver their letter to Sir John
Greenville, in answer to the King's sending, and
that they give him 500l. for his pains, to buy him a
jewel, and that besides the 50,000l. ordered to be
borrowed of the City for the present use of the
King, the twelve companies of the City do give every
one of them to his Majesty, as a present, 1000l.
5th. All the
morning very busy writing letters to London, and a
packet to Mr. Downing, to acquaint him with what has
been done lately in the fleet. And this I did by my
Lord's command, who, I thank him, did of himself
think of doing it, to do me a kindness, for he writ
a letter himself to him, thanking him for his
kindness to me. This evening come Dr. Clarges, to
Deal, going to the King; where the towns-people
strewed the streets with herbes against his coming,
for joy of his going. Never was there so general a
content as there is now. I cannot but remember that
our parson did, in his prayer to-night, pray for the
long life and happiness of our King and dread
Soveraigne, that may last as long as the sun and
moon endureth.
6th. It fell
very well to-day, a stranger preached here for Mr.
Ibbot, one Mr. Stanley, who prayed for King Charles,
by the Grace of God, &c., which gave great
contentment to the gentlemen that were on board
here, and they said they would talk of it, when they
come to Breda, as not having it done yet in London
so publickly. After they were gone from on board, my
Lord writ a letter to the King and give it me to
carry privately to Sir William Compton, on board the
Assistance, [Sir William Compton, third son of
Spencer, Earl of Northampton, a Privy Counsellor and
Master of the ordnance, ob. 1663, aged 39.] which I
did, and after a health to his Majesty on board
there, I left them under sail for Breda.
7th. My Lord
went this morning about the flag-ships in a boat, to
see what alterations there must be, as to the armes
and flags. He did give me orders also to write for
silk flags and scarlett waistcloathes. [Clothes hung
about the cage-work of a ship's hull to protect the
men in action.] For a rich barge; for a noise of
trumpets, and a set of fidlers. Very great deal of
company come to-day, among others Mr. Bellasses,
[Henry, eldest son of Lord Bellasis, made K.B. at
Charles the Second's Coronation.] Sir Thomas
Lenthropp, Sir Henry Chichley, Colonel Philip
Honiwood, and Captain Titus, [Colonel Silas Titus,
Gentleman of the Bedchamber to Charles II., author
of "Killing no Murder."] the last of whom my Lord
showed all our cabbins, and I suppose he is to take
notice what room there will be for the King's
entertainment.
8th. My letters
to-day tell me how it was intended that the King
should be Proclaimed to-day in London, with a great
deal of pomp. I had also news who they are that are
chosen of the Lords and Commons to attend the King.
And also the whole story of what we did the other
day in the fleet, at reading of the King's
declaration, and my name at the bottom of it.
9th. Up very
early, writing a letter to the King, as from the two
Generals of the fleet, in answer to his letter to
them, wherein my Lord do give most humble thanks for
his gracious letter and declaration; and promises
all duty and obedience to him. This letter was
carried this morning to Sir Peter Killigrew,
[Knight, of Arwenach, Cornwall, M.P. for Camelford,
1660.] who come hither this morning early to bring
an order from the Lords House to my Lord, giving him
power to write an answer to the King. This morning
my Lord St. John and other persons of honour were
here to see my Lord, and so away to Flushing. As we
were sitting down to dinner, in comes Noble with a
letter from the House of Lords to my Lord, to desire
him to provide ships to transport the Commissioners
to the King, which are expected here this week. He
brought us certain news that the King was proclaimed
yesterday with great pomp, and brought down one of
the Proclamations, with great jog to us all; for
which God be praised. This morning come Mr.
Saunderson, that writ the story of the King, hither,
who is going over to the King.
10th. At night,
while my Lord was at supper, in comes my Lord
Lauderdale [John, second Earl and afterwards created
Duke of Lauderdale, Earl of Guilford (in England,)
and K.G. He became sole Secretary of State for
Scotland in 1661, and was a Gentleman of His
Majesty's Bedchamber and died in 1682, s. p.] and
Sir John Greenville, who supped here, and so went
away. After they were gone, my Lord called me into
his cabbin, and told me how he was commanded to set
sail presently for the King, and was very glad
thereof. I got him afterwards to sign things in bed.
11th This
morning we began to pull down all the State's arms
in the fleet, having first sent to Dover for
painters and others to come to set up, the King's.
There dined here my Lord Crafford [John, fourteenth
Earl of Crauford, restored in 1661 to the office of
High Treasurer of Scotland, which he had held eight
years under Charles the First.] and my Lord
Cavendish, [Afterwards fourth Earl and first Duke of
Devonshire.] and other Scotchmen whom I afterwards
ordered to be received on board the Plymouth, and to
go along with us. After dinner we set sail from the
Downes. In the afternoon overtook us three or four
gentlemen: two of the Berties, and one Mr.
Dormerhay, [Probably Dalmahoy.] a Scotch gentleman,
who, telling my Lord that they heard the
Commissioners were come out of London to-day, my
Lord dropt anchor over against Dover Castle (which
give us about thirty guns in passing), and upon a
high debate with the Vice and Rear-Admiral whether
it were safe to go and not stay for the
Commissioners, he did resolve to send Sir R. Stayner
to Dover, to enquire of my Lord Winchelsea,
[Heneage, second Earl of Winchelsea, constituted by
General Monk, Governor of Dover Castle, July, 1660:
made Lord Lieutenant of Kent, and afterwards
ambassador to Turkey. Ob. 1689.] whether or no they
are come out of London, and then to resolve
to-morrow morning of going or not. Which was done.
12th. My Lord
give me many orders to make for direction for the
ships that are left in the Downes, giving them the
greatest charge in the world to bring no passengers
with them, when they come after us to Scheveling
Bay, excepting Mr. Edward Montagu, Mr. Thomas Crewe,
and Sir H. Wright. Sir R. Stayner told my Lord, that
my Lord Winchelsea understands by letters, that the
Commissioners are only to come to Dover to attend
the coming over of the King. So my Lord did give
order for weighing anchor, which me did, and sailed
all day.
13th. To the
quarter-deck, at which the taylors and painters were
at work, cutting out some pieces of yellow cloth in
the fashion of a crown and C. R. and put it upon a
fine sheet, and that into the flag instead of the
State's arms, which after dinner was finished and
set up. This morn Sir J. Boys and Capt. Isham met us
in the Nonsuch the first of whom, after a word or
two with my Lord, went forward, the other staid. I
heard by them how Mr. Downing had never made any
address to the King, and for that was hated
exceedingly by the Court, and that he was in a Dutch
ship, which sailed by us, then going to England with
disgrace. Also how Mr. Morland was knighted by the
King this week, and that the King did give the
reason of it openly, that it was for his giving him
intelligence all the time he was clerk to Secretary
Thurloe. [Samuel Morland, successively scholar and
fellow of Magdalene College, and Mr. Pepys's tutor
there, became afterwards one of Thurloe's Under
Secretaries, and was employed in several embassies,
by Cromwell, whose interests he betrayed, by
secretly communicating with Charles the Second. In
consideration of these services he was created a
baronet of Sulhamstead Banister, Berks, after the
Restoration. He was an ingenious mechanic, supposed
by some persons to have invented the Steam Engine,
and lived to an advanced age.] In the afternoon a
council of war, only to acquaint them that the Harp
must be taken out of all their flags, it being very
offensive to the King. Late at night we writ letters
to the King of the news of our coming, and Mr.
Edward Pickering carried them. [Sir Gilbert
Pickering's eldest son.] Capt. Isham went on shore,
nobody showing of him any respect; so the old man
very fairly took leave of my Lord, and my Lord very
coldly bid him "God be with you," which was very
strange, but that I hear that he keeps a great deal
of prating and talking on shore, on board, at the
King's Courts, what command he had with my Lord, &c.
14th. In the
morning the Hague was clearly to be seen by us. My
Lord went up, in his nightgown into the cuddy, to
see how to dispose thereof for himself and us that
belong to him, to give order for our removal to-day.
Some nasty Dutchmen came on board to proffer their
boats to carry things from us on shore, &c. to get
money by us. Before noon some gentlemen came on
board from the shore to kiss my Lord's hands. And by
and by Mr. North and Dr. Clerke went to kiss the
Queen of Bohemia's hands, [Daughter of James the
First.] from my Lord, with twelve attendants from on
board to wait on them, among which I sent my boy,
who, like myself, is with child to see any strange
thing. After noon they came back again after having
kissed the Queen of Bohemia's hand, and were sent
again by my Lord to do the same to the Prince of
Orange. [Afterwards William the Third.] So I got the
Captain to ask leave for me to go, which my Lord did
give, and taking my boy and Judge-Advocate with me,
went in company with them. The weather was bad; we
were sadly washed when we come near the shore, it
being very hard to land there. The shore is so, all
the country between that and the Hague, all sand.
The Hague is a most neat place in all respects. The
houses so neat in all places and things as is
possible. Here we walked up and down a great while,
the town being now very full of Englishmen, for that
the Londoners were come on shore to-day. But going
to see the Prince, [Henry Duke of Gloucester,
Charles the Second's youngest brother.] he was gone
forth with his governor, and so we walked up and
down the town and court to see the place; and by the
help of a stranger, an Englishman, we saw a great
many places, and were made to understand many
things, as the intention of may- poles, which we saw
there standing at every great man's door, of
different greatness according to the quality of the
person. About, ten at night the Prince comes home,
and we found an easy admission. His attendance very
inconsiderable as for a prince; but yet handsome,
and his tutor a fine man, and himself a very pretty
boy.
15th. Coming on
board we found all the Commissioners of the House of
Lords at dinner with my Lord, who after dinner went
away for shore. Mr. Morland, now Sir Samuel, was
here on board, but I do not find that my Lord or any
body did give him any respect, he being looked upon
by him and all men as a knave. Among others he
betrayed Sir Rich. Willis that married Dr. F.
Jones's daughter, who had paid him 1000l. at one
time by the Protector's and Secretary Thurloe's
order, for intelligence that he sent concerning the
King. In the afternoon my Lord called me on purpose
to show me his fine cloathes which are now come
hither, and indeed are very rich as gold and silver
can make them, only his sword he and I do not like.
In the afternoon my Lord and I walked together in
the coach two hours, talking together upon all sorts
of discourse: as religion, wherein he is, I
perceive, wholly sceptical, saying, that indeed the
Protestants as to the Church of Rome are wholly
fanatiques: he likes uniformity and form of prayer:
about state-business, among other things he told me
that his conversion to the King's cause (for I was
saying that I wondered from what time the King could
look upon him to become his friend,) commenced from
his being in the Sound, when he found what usage he
was likely to have from a Commonwealth. My Lord, the
Captain, and I supped in my Lord's chamber, where I
did perceive that he did begin to show me much more
respect than ever he did yet. After supper, my Lord
sent for me, intending to have me play at cards with
him, but I not knowing cribbage, we fell into
discourse of many things, and the ship rolled so
much that I was not able to stand, and he bid me go
to bed.
May 16. Come in
some with visits, among the rest one from Admiral
Opdam, [The celebrated Dutch Admiral.] who spoke
Latin well, but not French nor English, whom my Lord
made me to entertain. Commissioner Pett [Naval
Commissioner at Chatham.] was now come to take care
to get all things ready for the King on board. My
Lord in his best suit, this the first day, in
expectation to wait upon the King. But Mr. Edw.
Pickering coming from the King brought word that the
King would not put my Lord to the trouble of coming
to him, but that; he would come to the shore to look
upon the fleet to-day, which we expected, and had
our guns ready to fire, and our scarlet
waist-cloathes out and silk pendants, but he did not
come. This evening came Mr. John Pickering on board,
like an asse, with his feathers and new suit that he
had made at the Hague. My Lord very angry for him
staying on shore, bidding me a little before to send
for him, telling me that he was afraid that for his
father's sake he might have some mischief done him,
unless he used the General's name. This afternoon
Mr. Edw. Pickering told me in what a sad, poor
condition for clothes and money the King was, and
all his attendants, when he came to him first from
my Lord, their clothes not being worth forty
shillings the best of them. And how overjoyed the
King was when Sir J. Greenville brought him some
money; so joyful, that he called the Princess Royal
[Mary, eldest daughter of Charles I., and widow of
the Prince of Orange who died 1646-7. She was
carried off by the small-pox, December 1680, leaving
a son, afterwards King William III.] and Duke of
York to look upon it as it lay in the portmanteau
before it was taken out. My Lord told me, too, that
the Duke of York is made High Admiral of England.
17th. Dr.
Clerke came to me to tell me that he heard this
morning, by some Dutch that are come on board
already to see the ships, that there was a
Portuguese taken yesterday at the Hague, that had a
design to kill the King. But this I heard afterwards
was only the mistake upon one being observed to walk
with his sword naked, he having lost his scabbard.
Before dinner Mr. Edw. Pickering and I, W. Howe,
Pim, and my boy, to Scheveling, where we took coach,
and so to the Hague, where walking, intending to
find one that might show us the King incognito, I
met with Captn. Whittington (that had formerly
brought a letter to my Lord from the Mayor of
London) and he did promise me to do it, but first we
went and dined. At dinner in came Dr. Cade, a merry
mad parson of the King's. And they two got the child
and me (the others not being able to crowd in) to
see the King, who kissed the child very
affectionately. Then we kissed his, and the Duke of
York's, and the Princess Royal's hands. The King
seems to be a very sober man; and a very splendid
Court he hath in the number of persons of quality
that are about him; English very rich in habit. From
the King to the Lord Chancellor, who did lie bed-rid
of the gout: he spoke very merrily to the child and
me. After that, going to see the Queen of Bohemia, I
met Dr. Fuller, whom I sent to a tavern with Mr.
Edw. Pickering, while I and the rest went to see the
Queen, who used us very respectfully: her hand we
all kissed. She seems a very debonaire, but a plain
lady. In a coach we went to see a house of the
Princess Dowager's [Mary, daughter of Charles I.] in
a park about a mile from the Hague, where there is
one of the most beautiful rooms for pictures in the
whole world. She had here one picture upon the top,
with these words, dedicating it to the memory of her
husband:— "Incomparabili marito, inconsolabilis
vidua."
18th. Very
early up, and, hearing that the Duke of York, our
Lord High admiral, would go on board to-day, Mr.
Pickering and I took waggon for Scheveling. But the
wind being so very high that no boats could get off
from shore, we returned to the Hague (having
breakfasted with a gentleman of the Duke's and
Commissioner Pett, sent on purpose to give notice to
my Lord of his coming); we got a boy of the town to
go along with us, and he showed us the church where
Van Trump lies entombed with a very fine monument.
His epitaph, is concluded thus:—"Tandem Bello
Anglico tantum non victor, certe invictus, vivere et
vincere desiit." There is a sea-fight cut in marble,
with the smoake, the best expressed that ever I saw
in my life. From thence to the great church, that
stands in a fine great market-place, over against
the Stadt-House, and there I saw a stately tombe of
the old Prince of Orange, of marble and brass;
wherein among other rarities there are the angels
with their trumpets expressed as it were crying.
There were very fine organs in both the churches. It
is a most sweet town, with bridges, and a river in
every street. We met with Commissioner Pett going
down to the water- side with Major Harly, who is
going upon a dispatch into England.
19th. Up early
and went to Scheveling, where I found no getting on
board, though the Duke of York sent every day to see
whether he could do it or no. By waggon to Lausdune,
where the 365 children were born, We saw the hill
where they say the house stood wherein the children
were born. The basins wherein the male and female
children were baptised do stand over a large table
that hangs upon a wall, with the whole story of the
thing in Dutch and Latin, beginning, "Margarita
Herman Comitissa," &c. The thing was done about 200
years ago.
20th.
Commissioner Pett at last came to our lodging and
caused the boats to go off; so some in one boat and
some in another we all bid adieu to the shore. But
through the badness of weather we were in great
danger, and a great while before we could get to the
ship. This hath not been known four days together
such weather this time of year, a great while.
Indeed our fleet was thought to be in great danger,
but we found all well.
21st. The
weather foul all this day also. After dinner, about
writing one thing or other all day, and setting my
papers in order, hearing by letters that came hither
in my absence, that the Parliament had ordered all
persons to be secured, in order to a trial, that did
sit as judges in the late King's death, and all the
officers attending the Court. Sir John Lenthall
moving in the House, that all that had borne arms
against the King should be exempted from pardon, he
was called to the bar of the House, and after a
severe reproof he was degraded his knighthood. At
Court I find that all things grow high. The old
clergy talk as being sure of their lands again, and
laugh at the Presbytery; and it is believed that the
sales of the King's and Bishops' lands will never be
confirmed by Parliament, there being nothing now in
any man's power to hinder them and the King from
doing what they had a mind, but everybody willing to
submit to any thing. We expect every day to have the
King and Duke on board as soon as it is fair. My
Lord does nothing now, but offers all things to the
pleasure of the Duke as Lord High Admiral. So that I
am at a loss what to do.
22nd. News
brought that the two Dukes are coming on board,
which, by and by, they did, in a Dutch boat, the
Duke of York in yellow trimmings, the Duke of
Gloucester in grey and red. My Lord went in a boat
to meet them, the Captain, myself, and others,
standing at the entering port. So soon as they were
entered we shot the guns off round the fleet. After
that they went to view the ship all over, and were
most exceedingly pleased with it. They seem to be
very fine gentlemen. After that done, upon the
quarter-deck table, under the awning, the Duke of
York and my Lord, Mr. Coventry and I, spent an hour
at allotting to every ship their service, in their
return to England; [Sir William Coventry, to whom
Mr. Pepys became so warmly attached afterwards, was
the youngest son of Thomas first Lord Coventry, and
Lord Keeper. He entered at Queen's College, Oxford,
in 1642: and on his return from his travels was made
Secretary to the Duke of York, and elected M.P. for
Yarmouth. In 1662 he was appointed a Commissioner of
the Admiralty; in 1665 knighted and sworn a privy
Counsellor; and in 1667 constituted a Commissioner
of the Treasury, but having been forbid the Court,
on account of his challenging the Duke of
Buckingham, he retired into the country, nor could
he subsequently be prevailed upon to accept of any
official employment. Burnet calls Sir W. C. the best
speaker in the House of Commons, and a man of great
notions and eminent virtues: and Mr. Pepys never
omits an opportunity of paying a tribute to his
public and private worth. Ob. 1686, aged 60.] which
being done, they went to dinner, where the table was
very full: the two Dukes at the upper end, my Lord
Opdam next on one side, and my Lord on the other.
Two guns given to every man while he was drinking
the King's health, and so likewise to the Duke's
health. I took down Monsieur d'Esquier to the great
cabbin below, and dined with him in state along with
only one or two friends of his. All dinner the
harper belonging to Captain Sparling played to the
Dukes. After dinner, the Dukes and my Lord to sea,
the Vice and Rear-Admirals and I in a boat after
them. After that done, they made to the shore in the
Dutch boat that brought them, and I got into the
boat with them; but the shore was full of people to
expect their coming. When we came near the shore, my
Lord left them and come into his own boat, and Pen
and I with him; my Lord being very well pleased with
this day's work. By the time we came on board again,
news is sent us that the King is on shore; so my
Lord fired all his guns round twice, and all the
fleet after him. The gun over against my cabbin I
fired myself to the King, which was the first time
that he had been saluted by his own ships since this
change; but holding my head too much over the gun, I
had almost spoiled my right eye. Nothing in the
world but giving of guns almost all this day. In the
evening we began to remove cabbins; I to the
carpenter's cabbin, and Dr. Clerke with me. Many of
the King's servants come on board to-night; and so
many Dutch of all sorts come to see the ship till it
was quite dark, that we could not pass by one
another, which was a great trouble to us all. This
afternoon Mr. Downing (who was knighted yesterday by
the King) was here on board, and had a ship for his
passage into England, with his lady and servants. By
the same token he called me to him when I was going
to write the order, to tell me that I must write him
Sir G. Downing. My Lord lay in the roundhouse to-
night. This evening I was late writing a French
letter by my Lord's order to Monsieur Wragh,
Embassador de Denmarke a la Haye, which my Lord
signed in bed.
23rd. In the
morning come infinity of people on board from the
King to go along with him. My Lord, Mr. Crewe, and
others, go on shore to meet the King as he comes off
from shore, where Sir R. Stayner, bringing His
Majesty into the boat, I hear that His Majesty did
with a great deal of affection kiss my Lord upon his
first meeting. The King, with the two Dukes and
Queen of Bohemia, Princesse Royalle, and Prince of
Orange, come on board, where I in their coming in
kissed the King's, Queen's and Princesse's hands,
having done the other before. Infinite shooting off
of the guns, and that in a disorder on purpose,
which was better than if it had been otherwise. All
day nothing but Lords and persons of honour on
board, that we were exceeding full. Dined in a great
deal of state, the Royalle company by themselves in
the coach, which was a blessed sight to see. After
dinner the King and Duke altered the name of some of
the ships, viz. the Nazeby into Charles; the
Richard, James; the Speaker, Mary; the Dunbar (which
was not in company with us), the Henry; Winsly,
Happy Return; Wakefield, Richmond; Lambert, the
Henrietta; Cheriton, the Speedwell; Bradford, the
Successe.
[The Naseby
now no longer England's shame,
But better to be lost in Charles his name.
DRYDEN'S ASTRAEA REDUX.]
That done, the
Queen, Princesse Royalle, and Prince of Orange, took
leave of the King, and the Duke of York went on
board the London, and the Duke of Gloucester, the
Swiftsure. Which done, we weighed anchor, and with a
fresh gale and most happy weather we set sail for
England. All the afternoon the King walked here and
there, up and down (quite contrary to what I thought
him to have been) very active and stirring. Upon the
quarter-deck he fell into discourse of his escape
from Worcester, where it made me ready to weep to
hear the stories that he told of his difficulties
that he had passed through, as his travelling four
days and three nights on foot, every step up to his
knees in dirt, with nothing but a green coat and a
pair of country breeches on, and a pair of country
shoes that made him so sore all over his feet, that
he could scarce stir. Yet he was forced to run away
from a miller and other company, that took them for
rogues. His sitting at table at one place, where the
master of the house, that had not seen him in eight
years, did know him, but kept it private; when at
the same table there was one that had been of his
own regiment at Worcester, could not know him, but
made him drink the King's health, and said that the
King was at least four fingers higher than he. At
another place he was by some servants of the house
made to drink, that they might know that he was not
a Roundhead, which they swore he was. In another
place at his inn, the master of the house, as the
King was standing with his hands upon the back of a
chair by the fire- side, kneeled down and kissed his
hand, privately, saying, that he would not ask him
who he was, but bid God bless him whither he was
going. Then the difficulties in getting a boat to
get into France, where he was fain to plot with the
master thereof to keep his design from the foreman
and a boy (which was all the ship's company), and so
get to Fecamp in France. At Rouen he looked so
poorly, that the people went into the rooms before
he went away to see whether he had not stole
something or other. In the evening I went up to my
Lord to write letters for England, which we sent
away with word of our coming, by Mr. Edw. Pickering.
The King supped alone in the coach; after that I got
a dish, and we four supped in my cabbin, as at noon.
About bed-time my Lord Bartlett [A mistake, for Lord
Berkeley, who had been deputed with Lord Middlesex
and four other Peers by the House of Lords, to
present an address of congratulation to the King.]
(who I had offered my service to before) sent for me
to get him a bed, who with much ado I did get to bed
to my Lord Middlesex [Lionel, third and last Earl of
Middlesex. Ob. 1674.] in the great cabbin below, but
I was cruelly troubled before I could dispose of
him, and quit myself of him. So to my cabbin again,
where the company still was, and were talking more
of the King's difficulties; as how he was fain to
eat a piece of bread and cheese out of a poor body's
pocket; how, at a Catholique house, he was fain to
lie in the priest's hole a good while in the house
for his privacy. After that our company broke up. We
have all the Lords Commissioners on board us, and
many others. Under sail all night, and most glorious
weather.
24th. Up, and
made myself as fine as I could, with the linning
stockings on and wide canons that I bought the other
day at Hague. Extraordinary press of noble company,
and great mirth all the day. There dined with me in
my cabbin (that is, the carpenter's) Dr. Earle [John
Earle, Dean of Westminster, successively Bishop of
Worcester and Salisbury. Ob. 1665.] and Mr. Hollis,
the King's Chaplins, Dr. Scarborough, [Charles
Scarborough, M.D., principal Physician to Charles
II., (by whom he was knighted in 1669,) James II.,
and William III., a learned and incomparable
anatomist.] Dr. Quarterman, [William Quarterman,
M.D., of Pembroke College, Oxford.] and Dr.Clerke,
Physicians, Mr. Darsy, and Mr.Fox,[Afterwards Sir
Stephen Fox, Knight, Paymaster to the Forces.] (both
very fine gentlemen) the King's servants, where we
had brave discourse. Walking upon the decks, where
persons of honour all the afternoon, among others,
Thomas Killigrew, [Thomas Killigrew, younger son of
Robert Killigrew, of Hanworth, Middlesex, Page of
Honour to Charles I., and Groom of the Bedchamber to
Charles II. whose fortunes he had followed. He was
resident at Venice, 1651; a great favourite with the
King on account of his uncommon vein of humour; the
author of several plays. Ob. 1682] (a merry droll,
but a gentleman of great esteem with the King,) who
told us many merry stories. At supper the three Drs.
of Physique again at my cabbin; where I put Dr.
Scarborough in mind of what I heard him say, that
children do, in every day's experience, look several
ways with both their eyes, till custom teaches them
otherwise. And that we do now see but with one eye,
Our eyes looking in parallel lynes. After this
discourse I was called to write a pass for my Lord
Mandeville [Eldest son of the Earl of Manchester.]
to take up horses to London, which I wrote in the
King's name, and carried it to him to sign, which
was the first and only one that ever he signed in
the ship Charles. To bed, coming in sight of land a
little before night.
25th. By the
morning we were come close to the land, and
everybody made ready to get on shore. The King and
the two Dukes did eat their breakfast before they
went, and there being set some ship's diet, they eat
nothing else but pease and pork, and boiled beef.
Dr. Clerke, who eat with me, told me how the King
had given 50l. to Mr. Shepley for my Lord's
servants, and 500l. among the officers and common
men of the ship. I spoke to the Duke of York about
business, who called me Pepys by name, and upon my
desire did promise me his future favour. Great
expectation of the King's making some Knights, but
there was none. About noon (though the brigantine
that Beale made was there ready to carry him) yet he
would go in my Lord's barge with the two Dukes. Our
Captn. steered, and my Lord went along bare with
him. I went, and Mr. Mansell, and one of the King's
footmen, and a dog that the King loved, in a boat by
ourselves, and so got on shore when the King did,
who was received by General Monk with all imaginable
love and respect at his entrance upon the land of
Dover. Infinite the crowd of people and the
horsemen, citizens, and noblemen of all sorts. The
Mayor of the town come and gave him his white
staffe, the badge of his place, which the King did
give him again. The Mayor also presented him from
the town a very rich Bible, which he took and said
it was the thing that he loved above all things in
the world, a canopy was provided for him to stand
under, which he did, and talked awhile with General
Monk and others, and so into a stately coach there
set for him, and so away through the towne towards
Canterbury, without making any stay at Dover. The
shouting and joy expressed by all is past
imagination seeing that my Lord did not stir out of
his barge, I got into a boat and so into his barge.
My Lord almost transported with joy that he had done
all this without any the least blur or obstruction
in the world, that could give offence to any, and
with the great honour he thought it would be to him.
Being overtook by the brigantine, my Lord and we
went out of our barge into it;, and so were on board
with Sir W. Batten [A Commissioner of the Navy, and
in 1661 M.P. for Rochester.] and the Vice and
Rear-Admirals. At night I supped with the Captn.,
who told me what the King had given us. My Lord
returned late, and at his coming did give me order
to cause the marke to be gilded, and a Crowne and C.
R. to be made at the head of the coach table, where
the King today with his own hand did marke his
height, which accordingly I caused the painter to
do, and is now done as is to be seen.
28th. My Lord
dined with the Vice-Admiral to-day, (who is as
officious, poor man! as any spaniel can be; but I
believe all to no purpose, for I believe he will not
hold his place;) so I dined commander at the coach
table to-day, and all the officers of the ship with
me, and Mr. White of Dover. After a game or two at
nine-pins, to work all the afternoon, making above
twenty orders. In the evening my Lord having been
a-shore, the first time that he hath been a-shore
since he come out of the Hope, (having resolved not
to go till he had brought his Majesty into England,
I returned on board with a great deal of pleasure.
The Captain told me that my Lord had appointed me
30l. out of the 1000 ducats which the King had given
to the ship.
27th (Lord's
day). Called up by John Goods to see the Garter and
Heralds coate, which lay in the coach, brought by
Sir Edward Walker, King at Armes, this morning, for
my Lord. My Lord had summoned all the Commanders on
board him, to see the ceremony, which was thus: Sir
Edward putting on his coate, and having laid the
George and Garter, and the King's letter to my Lord,
upon a crimson cushion, (in the coach, all the
Commanders standing by,) makes three congees to him,
holding the cushion in his arms. Then laying it down
with the things upon it upon a chair, he takes the
letter, and delivers it to my Lord, which my Lord
breaks open and gives him to read. It was directed
to our trusty and well beloved Sir Edward Montagu,
Knight, one of our Generals at sea, and our
Companion elect of our Noble Order of the Garter.
The contents of the letter is to show that the Kings
of England have for many years made use of this
honour, as a special mark of favour, to persons of
good extraction and valour, (and that many Emperors,
Kings and Princes of other countries have borne this
honour), and that whereas my Lord is of a noble
family, and hath now done the King such service by
sea, at this time, as he hath done; he do send him
this George and Garter to wear as Knight of the
Order, with a dispensation for the other ceremonies
of the habit of the Order, and other things, till
hereafter, when it can be done. So the herald
putting the ribbon about his neck, and the Garter on
his left leg, he saluted him with joy as Knight of
the Garter. And after that was done he took his
leave of my Lord, and so to shore again to the King
at Canterbury, where he yesterday gave the like
honour to General Monk, who are the only two for
many years that have had the Garter given them,
before they had honours of Earldome, or the like,
excepting only the Duke of Buckingham, who was only
Sir George Villiers when he was made Knight of the
Garter. [A.D. 1616.]
29th. Abroad to
shore with my Lord, (which he offered me of himself,
saying that I had a great deal of work to do this
month, which was very true.) On shore we took
horses, my Lord and Mr.Edward, Mr. Hetly and I, and
three or four servants, and had a great deal of
pleasure in riding. At last we came upon a very high
cliffe by the sea-side and rode under it, we having
laid great wagers, I and Dr. Mathews, that it was
not so high as Paul's; my Lord and Mr. Hetly, that
it was. But we riding under it, my Lord made a
pretty good measure of it with two sticks, and found
it to be not thirty-five yards high, and Paul's is
reckoned to be about ninety. From thence toward the
barge again, and in our way found the people of
Deale going to make a bonfire for joy of the day, it
being the King's birthday, and had some guns which
they did fire at my Lord's coming by. For which I
did give twenty shillings among them to drink. While
we were on the top of the cliffe, we saw and heard
our guns in the fleet go off for the same joy. And
it being a pretty fair day we could see above twenty
miles into France. Being returned on board, my Lord
called for Mr. Shepley's book of Paul's, by which we
were confirmed in our wager. This day, it is
thought, the King do enter the City of London.
30th. All this
morning making up my accounts, in which I counted
that I had made myself now worth about 80l., at
which my heart was glad, and blessed God.
JUNE 1, 1660.
At night Mr. Cook comes from London with letters,
leaving all things there very gallant and joyful.
And brought us word that the Parliament had ordered
the 29th of May, the King's birth-day, to be for
ever kept as a day of thanksgiving for our
redemption from tyranny, and the King's return to
his Government, he entering London that day.
2nd. Being with
my Lord in the morning about business in his cabbin,
I took occasion to give him thanks for his love to
me in the share that he had given me of his
Majesty's money, and the Duke's. He told me he hoped
to do me a more lasting kindness, if all things
stand as they are now between him and the King, but,
says he, "We must have a little patience and we will
rise together; in the mean time I will do yet all
the good jobs I can." Which was great content for me
to hear from my Lord. All the morning with the
Captain, computing how much the thirty ships that
come with the King from Scheveling their pay comes
to for a month (because the King promised to give
them all a month's pay), and it comes to 6,538l.,
and the Charles particularly 777l. I wish we had the
money.
3rd. Captaine
Holland is come to get an order for the setting out
of his ship, and to renew his commission. He tells
me how every man goes to the Lord Mayor to set down
their names, as such as do accept of his Majesty's
pardon, and showed me a certificate under the Lord
Mayor's hand, that he had done so.
At sermon in
the morning; after dinner into my cabbin, to cast my
accounts up, and find myself to be worth near 100l.
for which I bless Almighty God, it being more than I
hoped for so soon, being I believe not clearly worth
25l. when I come to sea besides my house and goods.
4th. This
morning the King's Proclamation against drinking,
swearing, and debauchery, was read to our ships
companies in the fleet, and indeed it gives great
satisfaction to all.
6th. In the
morning I had letters come, that told me among other
things, that my Lord's place of Clerke of the Signet
was fallen to him, which he did most lovingly tell
me that I should execute, in case he could not get a
better employment for me at the end of the year.
Because he thought that the Duke of York would
command all, but he hoped that the Duke would not
remove me but to my advantage.
My letters tell
me, that Mr. Calamy [Edward Calamy, the celebrated
Nonconformist Divine, born 1616, appointed Chaplain
to Charles the Second 1660. Ob. 1666.] had preached
before the King in a surplice (this I heard
afterwards to be false); that my Lord, Gen. Monk,
and three more Lords, are made Commissioners for the
Treasury; that my Lord had some great place
conferred on him, and they say Master of the
Wardrobe; and the two Dukes do haunt the Park much,
and that they were at a play, Madam Epicene,
[Epicene, or the Silent Woman, a Comedy by Ben
Jonson.] the other day; that Sir Ant. Cooper,
[Afterwards Chancellor, and created Earl of
Shaftesbury.] Mr. Hollis, and Mr. Annesly, late
Presidents of the Council of State, are made Privy
Councillors to the King.
7th. After
dinner come Mr. John Wright and Mr. Moore, with the
sight of whom my heart was very glad. They brought
an order for my Lord's coming up to London, which my
Lord resolved to do to- morrow. All the afternoon
getting my things in order to set forth to-morrow.
At night walked up and down with Mr. Moore, who did
give me an account of all things at London. Among
others, how the Presbyterians would be angry if they
durst, but they will not be able to do any thing.
8th. Out early,
took horses at Deale.
9th. To White
Hall with my Lord and Mr. Edwd. Montagu. Found the
King in the Park. There walked. Gallantly great.
11th. With my
Lord to Dorset House to the Chancellor. [Dorset-
House, in Salisbury Court, at this time occupied by
the Chancellor, once the residence of the Bishops of
Salisbury, one of whom (Jewel) alienated it to the
Sackville-family. The house being afterwards pulled
down, a theatre was built on its site, in which the
Duke of York's troop performed.]
13th. By water
with my Lord in a boat to Westminster, and to the
Admiralty, now in a new place.
15th. My Lord
told me how the King has given him the place of the
great Wardrobe.
16th. To my
Lord, and so to White Hall with him about the Clerk
of the Privy Seale's place, which he is to have.
Then to the Admiralty, where I wrote some letters.
Here Coll. Thompson told me, as a great secret, that
the Nazeby was on fire when the King was there, but
that is not known; when God knows it is quite false.
17th (Lord's
day). To Mr. Messinn's; a good sermon. This day the
organs did begin to play at White Hall before the
King. After dinner to Mr. Messinn's again, and so in
the garden, and heard Chippell's father preach, that
was Page to the Protector.
18th. To my
Lord's, where much business. With him to the
Parliament House, where he did intend to have made
his appearance to-day, but he met Mr. Crewe upon the
stairs, and would not go in. He went to Mrs.
Brown's, and staid till word was brought him what
was done in the House. This day they made an end of
the twenty men to be excepted from pardon to their
estates. By barge to Stepney with my Lord, where at
Trinity House we had great entertainment. With my
Lord there went Sir W. Pen, Sir H. Wright, Hetly,
Pierce, Creed, Hill, I and other servants. Back
again to the Admiralty, and so to my Lord's
lodgings, where he told me that he did look after
the place of the Clerk of the Acts for me.
19th. Much
business at my Lord's. This morning my Lord went
into the House of Commons, and there had the thanks
of the House, in the name of the Parliament and
Commons of England, for his late service to his King
and Country. A motion was made for a reward for him,
but it was quashed by Mr. Annesly, who, above most
men, is engaged to my Lord's and Mr. Crewe's
favours. My Lord went at night with the King to
Baynard's Castle to supper, and I home.
20th. With my
Lord (who lay long in bed this day, because he came
home late from supper with the King) to the
Parliament House, and, after that, with him to
General Monk's, where he dined at the Cock-pit.
Thence to the Admiralty, and despatched away Mr.
Cooke to sea; whose business was a letter from my
Lord about Mr. G. Montagu to be chosen as a
Parliament-man in my Lord's room at Dover; and
another to the Vice-Admiral to give my Lord a
constant account of all things in the fleet, merely
that he may thereby keep up his power there; another
letter to Captn. Cuttance to send the barge that
brought the King on shore, to Hinchingbroke by
Lynne.
21st. To my
Lord, much business. With him to the Council
Chamber, where he was sworne; and the charge of his
being admitted Privy Counsellor is 56l. To White
Hall, where the King being gone abroad, my Lord and
I talked a great while discoursing of the simplicity
of the Protector, in his losing all that his father
had left him. My Lord told me, that the last words
that he parted with the Protector with, (when he
went to the Sound), were, that he should rejoice
more to see him in his grave at his return home,
than that he should give way to such things as were
then in hatching, and afterwards did ruine him: and
that the Protector said, that whatever G. Montagu,
my Lord Broghill [Roger Boyle, Lord Broghill,
created Earl of Orrery, 1660. Ob. 1679.], Jones, and
the Secretary, would have him to do, he would do it,
be it what it would.
22nd. To my
Lord, where much business. With him to White Hall,
where the Duke of York not being up, we walked a
good while in the Shield Gallery. Mr. Hill (who for
these two or three days hath constantly attended my
Lord) told me of an offer of 500l. for a Baronet's
dignity, which I told my Lord of in the balcone of
this gallery, and he said he would think of it. My
dear friend Mr. Fuller of Twickenham and I dined
alone at the Sun Tavern, where he told me how he had
the grant of being Dean of St. Patrick's, in
Ireland; and I told him my condition, and both
rejoiced one for another. Thence to my Lord's and
had the great coach to Brigham's, who told me how my
Lady Monk deals with him and others for their
places, asking him 500l. though he was formerly the
King's coach-maker, and sworn to it.
23rd. To my
Lord's lodgings, where Tom Guy come to me, and there
staid to see the King touch people for the King's
evil. But he did not come at all, it rayned so; and
the poor people were forced to stand all the morning
in the rain in the garden. Afterward he touched them
in the banquetting-house. With my Lord, to my Lord
Frezendorfe's [John Frederic de Friesendorff,
Embassador from Sweden to Charles the Second, who
created him a Baronet, 1661.] where he dined to-day.
He told me that he had obtained a promise of the
Clerke of the Acts place for me, at which I was
glad.
25th. With my
Lord at White Hall all the morning. I spoke with Mr.
Coventry about my business, who promised me all the
assistance I could expect. Dined with young Mr.
Powell, lately come from the Sound, being amused at
our great charges here, and Mr. Southerne, now
Clerke to Mr. Coventry, at the Leg in King- street.
Thence to the Admiralty, where I met Mr. Turner, of
the Navy-office, who did look after the place of
Clerke of the Acts. He was very civil to me, and I
to him, and shall be so. There come a letter from my
Lady Monk to my Lord about it this evening, but he
refused to come to her, but meeting in White Hall,
with Sir Thomas Clarges, her brother, my Lord
returned answer, that he could not desist in my
business; and that he believed that General Monk
would take it ill if my Lord should name the
officers in his army; and therefore he desired to
have the naming of one officer in the fleete. With
my Lord by coach to Mr. Crewe's, and very merry by
the way, discoursing of the late changes and his
good fortune. Thence home, and then with my wife to
Dorset House, to deliver a list of the names of the
justices of peace for Huntingdonshire.
26th. My Lord
dined at his lodgings all alone to-day. I went to
Secretary Nicholas to carry him my Lord's
resolutions about his title, which he had chosen,
and that is Portsmouth.
To Backewell
the goldsmith's, and there we chose a 100l. worth of
plate for my Lord to give Secretary Nicholas.
[Edward Bakewell, an alderman of London, and opulent
banker, ruined by the shutting up of the Exchequer
in 1672, when he retired to Holland, where he died.]
27th. With my
Lord to the Duke, where he spoke to Mr. Coventry to
despatch my business of the Acts, in which place
every body gives me joy, as if I were in it, which
God send.
28th. To Sir G.
Downing, the first visit I have made him since he
come. He is so stingy a fellow I care not to see
him; I quite cleared myself of his office, and did
give him liberty to take any body in. After all this
to my Lord, who lay a-bed till eleven o'clock, it
being almost five before he went to-bed, they supped
so late last night with the King. This morning I saw
poor Bishop Wren going to Chappel, it being a
thanksgiving day for the King's returne. [Matthew
Wren, Bishop of Ely. Ob. 1667, aged 82.]
29th. Up and to
White Hall, where I got my warrant from the Duke to
be Clerke of the Acts. Also I got my Lord's warrant
from the Secretary for his honour of Earl of
Portsmouth, and Viscount Montagu of Hinchingbroke.
So to my Lord, to give him an account of what I had
done. Then to Sir Geffery Palmer, [Sir Geoffrey
Palmer, Attorney General, and Chief Justice of
Chester, 1660; created a Baronet, 1661. Ob 1670.]
who told me that my Lord must have some good
Latinist to make the preamble to his Patent, which
must express his rate service in the best terms that
he can, and he told me in what high flaunting terms
Sir J. Greenville had caused his to be done, which
he do not like; but that Sir Richard Fanshawe [Sir
Richard Fanshawe, Knight and Baronet, Secretary to
Charles the Second in Scotland, and after the
Restoration employed on several embassies. He was a
good linguist, and translated the Lusiad and Pastor
Fido.] had done General Monk's very well. Then to
White Hall, where I was told by Mr. Hutchinson at
the Admiralty, that Mr. Barlow, my predecessor,
Clerke of the Acts, is yet alive, and coming up, to
town to look after his place, which made my heart
sad a little. At night told my Lord thereof, and he
bad me get possession of my Patent; and he would do
all that could be done to keep him out. This night
my Lord and I looked over the list of the Captains,
and marked some that my Lord had a mind to put out.
30th. By times
to Sir R. Fanshawe to draw up the preamble to my
Lord's patent. So to my Lord, and with him to White
Hall, where saw a great many fine antique heads of
marble, that my Lord Northumberland [Algernon Percy,
tenth Earl of Northumberland.] had given the King.
To White Hall with Mr. Moore, where I met with a
letter from Mr. Turner, offering me 150l. to be
joined with me in my patent, and to advise me how to
improve the advantage of my place, and to keep off
Barlow. This day come Will, my boy, to me: the maid
continuing lame. [William Hewer, respecting whose
origin I can only make out, that he was a nephew to
Mr. Blackburne, so often mentioned in these pages,
where his father's death, of the plague, also
occurs. He became afterwards a Commissioner of the
Navy and Treasurer for Tangier; and was the constant
companion of Mr. Pepys, who died in his house at
Clapham, previously the residence of Sir Dennis
Gauden. Mr. Hewer was buried in the old Church at
Clapham, where there is a large monument of marble
in alto relievo erected to his memory.]
JULY 1, 1660.
This morning come home my fine Camlett cloak, with
gold Buttons, and a silk suit, which cost me much
money, and I pray God to make me able to pay for it.
In the afternoon to the Abbey, where a good sermon
by a stranger, but no Common Prayer yet.
2nd. All the
afternoon with my Lord, going up and down the town;
at seven at night he went home, and there the
principal Officers of the Navy, among the rest
myself was reckoned one. We had order to meet
to-morrow, to draw up such an order of the Council
as would put us into action before our patents were
passed. At which my heart was glad.
[A list of the
Officers of the Admiralty, 31st May, 1660.
FROM A MS. IN THE PEPYSIAN LIBRARY.
His Royal Highness James, Duke of York, Lord High
Admiral.
Sir George Carteret, Treasurer.
Sir Robert Slingsby, (soon after) Comptroller.
Sir William Batten, Surveyor.
Samuel Pepys, Esq. Clerk of the Acts.
John, Lord Berkeley, )
Sir William Penn, ) Commissioners.
Peter Pett, Esq. )
]
At night supped
with my Lord, he and I together, in a great
dining-room alone by ourselves.
3rd. The
Officers and Commissioners of the Navy met at Sir G.
Carteret's chamber, and agreed upon orders for the
Council to supersede the old ones, and empower us to
act. [Sir George Carteret, Knight, had originally
been bred to the sea service, and became Comptroller
of the Navy to Charles the First, and Governor of
Jersey where he obtained considerable reputation by
his gallant defence of that Island against the
Parliament forces. At the Restoration he was made
Vice Chamberlain to the King, Treasurer of the Navy,
and A Privy Councillor, and in 1661 M.P. for
Portsmouth. He continued in favour with his
sovereign till 1679, when he died in his 80th year.
He married his cousin Elizabeth, daughter of Sir
Philip Carteret, Knight, of St. Ouen, and had issue
three sons and five daughters.] Dined with Mr.
Stephens, the Treasurer of the Navy, and Mr. Turner,
to whom I offered 50l. out of my own purse for one
year, and the benefit of a Clerke's allowance
beside, which he thanked me for; but I find he hath
some design yet in his head, which I could not think
of. In the afternoon my heart was quite pulled down,
by being told that Mr. Barlow was to enquire to-day
for Mr. Coventry; but at night I met with my Lord,
who told me that I need not fear, for he would get
me the place against the world. And when I come to
W. Howe, he told me that Dr. Petty had been with my
Lord, and did tell him that Barlow was a sickly man,
and did not intend to execute the place himself,
which put me in great comfort again.
4th. To Mr.
Backewell's, the goldsmith, where I took my Lord's
100l. in plate for Mr. Secretary Nicholas, and my
own piece of plate, being a state dish and cup in
chased work for Mr. Coventry, cost me above 19l.
Carried these and the money by coach to my Lord's at
White Hall, and from thence carried Nicholas's plate
to his house and left it there, intending to speak
with him anon. So to my Lord's, and walking all the
afternoon in White Hall Court, in expectation of
what shall be done in the Council as to our
business. It was strange to see how all the people
flocked together bare, to see the King looking out
of the Council window. At night my Lord told me how
my orders that I drew last night about giving us
power to act, are granted by the Council. At which I
was very glad.
5th. This
morning my brother Tom brought me my jackanapes coat
with silver buttons. It rained this morning, which,
makes us fear that the glory of this day will be
lost; the King and Parliament being to be
entertained by the City to-day with great pomp. Mr.
Hater was with me to-day, and I agreed with him to
be my clerke. Being at White Hall, I saw the King,
the Dukes, and all their attendants go forth in the
rain to the City, and it spoiled many a fine suit of
clothes. I was forced to walk all the morning in
White Hall, not knowing how to get out because of
the rain. Met with Mr. Cooling, [Richard Cooling or
Coling, A.M., of All-Souls College, Secretary to the
Earls of Manchester and Arlington, when they filled
the office of Lord Chamberlain, and a Clerk of the
Privy Council in ordinary. There is a mezzotinto
print of him in the Pepysian Collection.] my Lord
Chamberlain's secretary, who took me to dinner among
the gentlemen waiters, and after dinner into the
wine-cellar. He told me how he had a project for all
us Secretaries to join together, and get money by
bringing all business into our hands. Thence to the
Admiralty, where Mr. Blackburne and I (it beginning
to hold up) went and walked an hour or two in the
Park, he giving of me light in many things in my way
in this office that I go about. And in the evening I
got my presents of plate carried to Mr. Coventry's.
At my Lord's at night comes Dr. Petty to me, to tell
me that Barlow was come to town, and other things,
which put me into a despair, and I went to bed very
sad.
6th. In the
afternoon my Lord and I, and Mr. Coventry and Sir G.
Carteret, went and took possession of the
Navy-Office, whereby my mind was a little cheered,
but my hopes not great. From thence Sir G. Carteret
and I to the Treasurer's Office, where he set some
things in order.
8th (Lord's
day). To White Hall chapel, where I got in with ease
by going before the Lord Chancellor with Mr. Kipps.
Here I heard very good musique, the first time that
ever I remember to have heard the organs and
singing-men in surplices in my life. The Bishop of
Chichester [Henry King, Dean of Rochester, advanced
to the See of Chichester, 1641. Ob. 1669.] preached
before the King, and made a great flattering sermon,
which I did not like that the Clergy should meddle
with matters of state. Dined with Mr. Luellin and
Salisbury at a cook's shop. Home, and staid all the
afternoon with my wife till after sermon. There till
Mr. Fairebrother [William Fairbrother, in 1661 made
D.D. at Cambridge per regias litteras.] come to call
us out to my father's to supper. He told me how he
had perfectly procured me to be made Master in Arts
by proxy, which did somewhat please me, though I
remember my cousin Roger Pepys [Roger Pepys, a
Barrister, M.P. for Cambridge, 1661, And afterwards
Recorder of that town.] was the other day persuading
me from it.
[The Grace
which passed the University, on this occasion, is
preserved in Kennett's Chronicle, and commenced as
follows:—Cum Sam Pepys, Coll. Magd. Inceptor in
Artibus in Regia Classe existat e Secretis. exindeq.
apud mare adec occupatissimus ut Comitiis proxime
futuris interesse non possit; placet vobis ut dictus
S. P. admissionem suam necnon creationem recipiat ad
gradum Magistri in Artibus sub pepsona Timothei
Wellfit, Inceptoris, &c. &c.—June 26, 1660.]
9th. To the
Navy-office, where in the afternoon we met and sat,
and there I begun to sign bills in the Office the
first time. [The Navy Office was erected on the site
of Lumley House, formerly belonging to the Fratres
Sanctae Crucis (or Crutched Friars), and all
business connected with Naval concerns was
transacted there, till its removal to Somerset
House. The ground is now occupied by the East India
Company's warehouses.]
10th. This day
I put on my new silk suit, the first that ever I
wore in my life. Home, and called my wife, and took
her to Clodins's to a great wedding of Nan Hartlib
to Mynheer Roder, which was kept at Goring House
[Goring House was burnt in 1674, at which time Lord
Arlington resided in it.] with very great state,
cost, and noble company. But among all the beauties
there, my wife was thought the greatest. And finding
my Lord in White Hall garden, I got him to go to the
Secretary's, which he did, and desired the dispatch
of his and my bills to be signed by the King. His
bill is to be Earle of Sandwich, Viscount
Hinchingbroke, and Baron of St. Neot's. Home, with
my mind pretty quiet: not returning, as I said I
would, to see the bride put to bed.
11th. With Sir
W. Pen by water to the Navy-office, where we met,
and dispatched business. And that being done, we
went all to dinner to the Dolphin, upon Major
Brown's invitation. After that to the office again,
where I was vexed, and so was Commissioner Pett, to
see a busy fellow come to look out the best lodgings
for my Lord Barkley, and the combining between him
and Sir W. Pen; and, indeed, was troubled much at
it.
[Sir William
Pen was born at Bristol in 1621, of the ancient
family of the Pens of Pen Lodge, Wilts. He was
Captain at the age of 21; Rear-Admiral of Ireland at
23; Vice-Admiral of England, and General in the
first Dutch war at 32. He was subsequently M.P, for
Weymonth, Governor of Kinsale, and Vice- Admiral of
Munster, After the Dutch fight in 1665, where he
distinguished himself as second in command under the
Duke of York, he took leave of the sea, but
continued to act as a Commissioner for the Navy till
1669, when he retired on account of his bodily
infirmities to Wanstead, and died there September
16, 1670, aged 49.]
12th. Up early
and by coach to White Hall with Commissioner Pett,
where, after we had talked with my Lord, I went to
the Privy Seale and got my bill perfected there, and
at the Signet: and then to the House of Lords, and
met with Mr. Kipps, who directed me to Mr. Beale to
get my patent engrossed; but he not having time to
get it done in Chancery-hand, I was forced to run
all up and down Chancery-lane, and the Six Clerks'
Office, but could find none that could write the
hand, that were at leisure. And so in despair went
to the Admiralty, where we met the first time there,
my Lord Montagu, my Lord Barkley, Mr. Coventry, and
all the rest of the principal Officers and
Commissioners, except only the Controller, who is
not yet chosen.
13th. Up early,
the first day that I put on my black camlett coat
with silver buttons. To Mr. Spong, whom I found in
his night-gown writing of my patent. It being done,
we carried it to Worcester House, [The Earls of
Worcester had a large house between Durham Place and
the Savoy, which Lord Clarendon rented at 5l. per
annum, while his own was building.] to the
Chancellor, where Mr. Kipps got me the Chancellor's
recepi to my bill; and so carried it to Mr. Beale
for a dockett; but he was very angry, and unwilling
to do it, because he said it was ill writ, (because
I had got it writ by another hand, and not by him);
but by much importunity I got Mr. Spong to go to his
office and make an end of my patent; and in the mean
time Mr. Beale to be preparing my dockett, which
being done, I did give him two pieces, after which
it was strange how civil and tractable he was to me.
Met with Mr. Spong, who still would be giving me
council of getting my patent out, for fear of
another change and my Lord Montagu's fall. After
that to Worcester House, where by Mr. Kipps's means,
and my pressing in General Montagu's name to the
Chancellor, I did, beyond all expectation, get my
seal passed; and while it was doing in one room, I
was forced to keep Sir G. Carteret (who by chance
met me there, ignorant of my business) in talk. I to
my Lord's, where I dispatched an order for a ship to
fetch Sir R. Honywood home. Late writing letters;
and great doings of musique at the next house, which
was Whally's; the King and Dukes there with Madame
Palmer, a pretty woman that they had a fancy to.
[Barbara Villiers, daughter of William Viscount
Grandison, wife of Roger Palmer, Esq., created Earl
of Castlemaine, 1661. She became the King's mistress
soon after the Restoration, and was in 1670 made
Duchess of Cleveland. She died 1709, aged 69.] Here
at the old door that did go into his lodgings, my
Lord, I, and W. Howe, did stand listening a great
while to the musique.
14th. Comes in
Mr. Pagan Fisher, the poet, and promises me that he
had long ago done, a book in praise of the King of
France, with my armes, and a dedication to me very
handsome.
[Payne Fisher,
who styled himself Paganus Piscator, was born in
1616, in Dorsetshire, and removed from Hart Hall,
Oxford, of which he had been a commoner, to
Magdalene College, Cambridge, in 1634; and there
took a degree of B.A., and first discovered a turn
for poetry. He was afterwards a Captain in the
King's service at Marston Moor fight; but leaving
his command, employed his pen against the cause
which he had supported with his sword, and became a
favourite of Cromwell's. After the King's return,
he, obtained a scanty subsistence by flattering men
in power, and was frequently imprisoned for debt. He
died in 1693. He published several poems, chiefly in
Latin; and, in 1682, printed a book of Heraldry,
with the arms of each of the gentry as he had waited
upon with presentation copies. He was a man of
talents, but vain, unsteady, and conceited, and a
great time-server.]
15th. My wife
and I mightily pleased with our new house that we
hope to have. My patent has cost me a great deal of
money; about 40l. In the afternoon to Henry the
Seventh's Chapel, where I heard a Sermon.
17th. This
morning (as indeed all the mornings now-a-days) much
business at my Lord's. There come to my house before
I went out Mr. Barlow, an old consumptive man, and
fair conditioned. After much talk, I did grant, him
what he asked, viz. 50l. per annum, if my salary be
not increased, and 100l. per annum, in case it be
350l. at which he was very well pleased to be paid
as I received my money, and not otherwise, so I
brought him to my Lord's and he and I did agree
together.
18th. This
morning we met at the office: I dined at my house in
Seething Lane.
19th. We did
talk of our old discourse when we did use to talk of
the King, in the time of the Rump, privately; after
that to the Admiralty Office, in White Hall, where I
staid and writ my late observations for these four
days last past. Great talk of the difference between
the Episcopal and Presbyterian Clergy, but I believe
it will come to nothing.
22nd. After
dinner to White Hall, where I find my Lord at home,
and walked in the garden with him, he showing me all
respect. I left him, and went to walk in the inward
park, but could not get in; one man was basted by
the keeper, for carrying some people over on his
back, through the water. Home, and at night had a
chapter read; and I read prayers out of the Common
Prayer Book, the first time that ever I read prayers
in this house. So to bed.
23rd. After
dinner to my Lord, who took me to Secretary
Nicholas; [Sir Edward Nicholas, many years principal
Secretary of State to Charles the First and Second;
dismissed from his office through the intrigues of
Lady Castlemaine in 1668 and ob. 1669, aged 77.] and
before him and Secretary Morris, [Sir William
Morris, Secretary of State from 1660 to 1668. Ob.
1676. He was kinsman to General Monk.] my Lord and I
upon our knees together took our oaths of Allegiance
and Supremacy; and the Oath of the Privy Seale, of
which I was much glad, though I am not likely to get
anything by it at present; but I do desire it, for
fear of a turn-out of our office.
24th. To White
Hall, where I did acquaint Mr. Watkins with my being
sworn into the Privy Seale, at which he was much
troubled, but did offer me a kinsman of his to be my
clerk. In the afternoon I spent much time in walking
in White Hall Court with Mr. Bickerstaffe, who was
very glad of my Lord's being sworn, because of his
business with his brother Baron, which is referred
to my Lord Chancellor, and to be ended to-morrow.
[They were both clerks of the Privy Seal.] Baron had
got a grant beyond sea, to come in before the
reversionary of the Privy Seale.
25th. I got my
certificate of my Lord's and I being sworn. This
morning my Lord took leave of the House of Commons,
and had the thanks of the House for his great
service to his country. [In the Journals this is
stated to have taken place July 24th.]
26th. Early to
White Hall, thinking to have a meeting of my Lord
and the principal officers, but my Lord could not,
it being the day that he was to go and be admitted
in the House of Lords, his patent being done, which
he presented upon his knees to the Speaker; and so
it was read in the House, and he took his place, T.
Doling carried me to St. James's Fair, and there
meeting with W. Symons and his wife, and Luellin,
and D. Scobell's wife and cousin, we went to Wood's
at the Pell Mell (our old house for clubbing), and
there we spent till ten at night.
28th. A boy
brought me a letter from Poet Fisher, who tells me
that he is upon a panegyrique of the King, and
desired to borrow a piece of me; and I sent him half
a piece. To Westminster, and there met Mr. Henson,
who had formerly had the brave clock that went with
bullets (which is now taken away from him by the
King, it being his goods).
29th. With my
Lord to White Hall Chapel, where I heard a cold
sermon of the Bishop of Salisbury's, Duppa's, [Brian
Duppa, successively bishop of Chichester, Salisbury,
and Winchester. Ob. 1662.] and the ceremonies did
not please me, they do so overdo them. My Lord went
to dinner at Kensington with my Lord Camden.
[Baptist, second Viscount Campden, Lord Lieutenant
of Rutlandshire. Ob. 1683.]
30th, This
afternoon I got my 50l., due to me for my first
quarter's salary as Secretary to my Lord, paid to
Tho. Hater for me, which he received and brought
home to me, of which I felt glad. The sword-bearer
of London (Mr. Man) came to ask for us, with whom we
sat late, discoursing about the worth of my office
of Clerke of the Acts, which he hath a mind to buy,
and I asked four years' purchase.
31st. To White
Hall, where my Lord and the principal officers met,
and had a great discourse about raising of money for
the Navy, which is in very sad condition, and money
must be raised for it. I back to the Admiralty, and
there was doing things in order to the calculating
of the debts of the Navy and other business, all the
afternoon. At night I went to the Privy Seale, where
I found Mr. Crofts and Mathews making up all their
things to leave the office to-morrow, to those that
come to wait the next month.
AUGUST 1, 1660.
In the afternoon at the office, where we had many
things to sign and I went to the Council Chamber,
and there got my Lord to sign the first bill, and
the rest all myself; but received no money to-day.
2nd. To
Westminster by water with Sir W. Batten and Sir W.
Pen, (our servants in another boat) to the
Admiralty; and from thence I went to my Lord's to
fetch him thither, where we stayed in the morning
about ordering of money for the victuallers, and
advising how to get a sum of money to carry on the
business of the Navy. From thence W. Hewer and I to
the office of Privy Seale, where I stayed all the
afternoon, and received about 40l. for yesterday and
to-day, at which my heart rejoiced for God's
blessing to me, to give me this advantage by chance,
there being of this 40l. about 10l. due to me for
this day's work. So great is the present profit of
this office, above what it was in the King's time;
there being the last month about 300 bills, whereas
in the late King's time it was much to have 40. I
went and cast up the expense that I laid out upon my
former house, (because there are so many that are
desirous of it, and I am, in my mind, loth to let it
go out of my hands, for fear of a turn.) I find my
layings-out to come to about 20l. which with my fine
will come to about 22l. to him that shall hire my
house of me.
4th. To White
Hall, where I found my Lord gone with the King by
water to dine at the Tower with Sir J. Robinson,
Lieutenant. [Sir John Robinson, created a Baronet
for his services to Charles II., 1660, and had an
augmentation to his arms. He was Lord Mayor of
London, 1663.] I found my Lady Jemimah [Lady Jemimah
Montagu.] at my Lord's, with whom I staid and dined,
all alone; after dinner to the Privy Seale Office,
where I did business. So to a Committee of
Parliament, (Sir Hen. Finch, [Solicitor- General,
1660; Lord Keeper, 1673; Chancellor, 1675; created
Earl of Nottingham, 1681. Ob. 1682,] Chairman), to
give them an answer to an order of theirs, "that we
could not give them any account of the Accounts of
the Navy in the years 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, as they
desire."
6th. This night
Mr. Man offered me 1000l. for my office of Clerke of
the Acts, which made my mouth water; but yet I dare
not take it till I speak with my Lord to have his
consent.
7th. Mr. Moore
and myself dined at my Lord's with Mr. Shepley.
While I was at dinner in come Sam. Hartlibb and his
brother-in- law, now knighted by the King, to
request my promise of a ship for them to Holland,
which I had promised to get for them. After dinner
to the Privy Seale all the afternoon. At night,
meeting Sam. Hartlibb, he took me by coach to
Kensington, to my Lord of Holland's; I staid in the
coach while he went in about his business. [Samuel
Hartlib, son of a Polish merchant, and author of
several ingenious Works on Agriculture, for which he
had a pension from Cromwell.—VIDE CHALMERS'S BIOG.
DICT.]
9th. With Judge
Advocate Fowler, Mr. Creed, and Mr. Shepley to the
Rhenish Wine-house, and Captain Hayward of the
Plymouth, who is now ordered to carry my Lord
Winchelsea, Embassador to Constantinople. We were
very merry, and Judge Advocate did give Captain
Hayward his Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy.
10th. With Mr.
Moore and Creed to Hide-parke by coach, and saw a
fine foot-race three times round the Park, between
an Irishman and Crow, that was once my Lord
Claypoole's footman. [John Lord Claypoole married,
in 1645, Mary, second daughter of Oliver Cromwell,
to whom he became Master of the Horse, and a Lord of
the Bedchamber; he was also placed in his
Father-in-Law's Upper House. During Richard
Cromwell's time he retained all his places at Court;
and at the Restoration, never having made an enemy
whilst his relations were in power, he was not
molested, and lived till 1688. His father had been
proceeded against in the Star Chamber, for resisting
the payment of Ship Money, and was by Cromwell
constituted Clerk of the Hanaper, and created a
Baronet.] By the way I cannot forget that my Lord
Claypoole did the other day make enquiry of Mrs.
Hunt, concerning my house in Axe yard, and did set
her on work to get it of me for him, which methinks
is a very great change. But blessed be God for my
good chance of the Privy Seale, where I get every
day I believe about 3l. This place my Lord did give
me by chance, neither he nor I thinking it to be of
the worth that he and I find it to be.
12th (Lord's
day). To my Lord, and with him to White Hall Chapel,
where Mr. Calamy preached, and made a good sermon
upon these words "To whom much is given, of him much
is required." He was very officious with his three
reverences to the King, as others do. After sermon a
brave anthem of Captain Cooke's, [Henry Cooke,
Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal, and an
excellent musician. Ob. 1672.] which he himself
sung, and the King was well pleased with it. My Lord
dined at my Lord Chamberlin's. [The Earl of
Manchester.]
14th. To the
Privy Seale, and thence to my Lord's, where Mr. Pin
the taylor, and I agreed upon making me a velvet
coat. From thence to the Privy Seale again, where
Sir Samuel Morland come with a Baronet's grant to
pass, which the King had given him to make money of.
Here we staid with him a great while; and he told me
the whole manner of his serving the King in the time
of the Protector; and how Thurloe's bad usage made
him to do it; how he discovered Sir R. Willis, and
how he had sunk his fortune for the King; and that
now the King had given him a pension of 500l. per
annum out of the Post Office for life, and the
benefit of two Baronets; all which do make me begin
to think that he is not so much a fool as I took him
to be. I did make even with Mr. Fairebrother for my
degree of Master of Arts, which cost me about 9l.
16s.
15th. To the
office, and after dinner by water to White Hall,
where I found the King gone this morning by five of
the clock to see a Dutch pleasure-boat below bridge,
where he dines and my Lord with him, The King do
tire all his people that are about him with early
rising since he come.
18th. Captain
Ferrers took me and Creed to the Cockpitt play, the
first that I have had time to see since my coming
from sea, "The Loyall Subject," [A Tragi-comedy by
Beaumont and Fletcher.] where one Kinaston, a boy,
acted the Duke's sister, but made the loveliest lady
that ever I saw in my life. [Edward Kynaston,
engaged by Sir W. Davenant in 1660, to perform the
principal female characters: he afterwards assumed
the male ones in the first parts of tragedy, and
continued on the stage till the end of King
William's reign, The period of his death is not
known.]
20th. This
afternoon at the Privy Seale, where reckoning with
Mr. Moore, he had got 100l. for me together, which I
was glad of, guessing that the profit of this month
would come to 100l. With W. Hewer by coach to
Worcester House, where I light, sending him home
with the 100l. that I received to-day. Here I staid,
and saw my Lord Chancellor come into his Great Hall,
where wonderful how much company there was to expect
him. Before he would begin any business, he took my
papers of the state of the debts of the fleet, and
there viewed them before all the people, and did
give me his advice privately how to order things, to
get as much money as we can of the Parliament.
21st. I met Mr.
Crewe and dined with him, where there dined one Mr.
Hickeman, an Oxford man, who spoke very much against
the height of the now old clergy, for putting out
many of the religious fellows of Colleges, and
inveighing against them for their being drunk. It
being post-night, I wrote to my Lord to give him
notice that all things are well; that General Monk
is made Lieutenant of Ireland, which my Lord Roberts
(made Deputy) do not like of, to be Deputy to any
man but the king himself. [John, second Lord
Robartes, advanced to the dignity of Earl of Radnor,
1679. Ob. 1685.]
22nd. In the
House, after the Committee was up, I met with Mr. G.
Montagu, and joyed him in his entrance (this being
his 3rd day) for Dover. Here he made me sit all
alone in the House, none but he and I, half an hour,
discoursing how there was like to be many factions
at Court between Marquis Ormond, [James, afterwards
created Duke of Ormond, and K.G. and twice Lord
Lieutenant of Ireland.] General Monk, and the Lord
Roberts, about the business of Ireland; as there is
already between the two Houses about the Act of
Indemnity; and in the House of Commons, between the
Episcopalian and Presbyterian men.
23rd. By water
to Doctors' Commons to Dr. Walker, [One of the
Judges of the Admiralty.] to give him my Lord's
papers to view over, concerning his being empowered
to be Vice-Admiral under the Duke of York. Thence by
water to White Hall, to the Parliament House, where
I spoke with Colonel Birch, [Colonel John Birch
represented Leominster at that time, and afterwards
Penryn. He was an active Member of Parliament.] and
so to the Admiralty chamber, where we and Mr.
Coventry had a meeting about several businesses.
Amongst others, it was moved that Phineas Pett,
(kinsman to the commissioner,) of Chatham, should be
suspended his employment till he had answered some
articles put in against him, as that he should
formerly say that the King was a bastard and his
mother a strumpet. [Phineas Pett, an eminent ship-
builder employed by the Admiralty.]
25th. This
night W. Hewer brought me home from Mr. Pim's my
velvet coat and cap, the first that ever I had.
28th. Colonel
Scroope is this day excepted out of the Act of
Indemnity, which has been now long in coming out,
but it is expected tomorrow. [Colonel Adrian
Scroope, one of the persons who sat in judgment upon
Charles I.] I carried home 80l. from Privy Seale, by
coach.
30th. To White
Hall, where I met with the Act of Indemnity, (so
long talked-of and hoped for,) with the Act of Rate
for Pole- money, and for judicial proceedings. This
the first day that ever I saw my wife wear black
patches since we were married.
SEPTEMBER 1,
1660. All this afternoon sending express to the
fleet, to order things against my Lord's coming; and
taking direction of my Lord about some rich
furniture to take along with him for the Princesse.
[The Princess of Orange.] And talking after this, I
hear by Mr. Townsend, that there is the greatest
preparation against the Prince de Ligne's coming
over from the King of Spain, that ever was in
England for their Embassador.
3rd. Up and to
Mr. —, the goldsmith, and there, with much ado, got
him to put a gold ring to the jewell, which the King
of Sweden did give my Lord: out of which my Lord had
now taken the King's picture, and intends to make a
George of it. About noon my Lord, having taken leave
of the King in the Shield Gallery, (where I saw with
what kindnesse the King did hugg my Lord at his
parting,) I went over with him and saw him in his
coach at Lambeth and there took leave of him, he
going to the Downes.
5th. Great
newes now-a-day of the Duke d'Anjou's desire to
marry the Princesse Henrietta. [Only brother to
Louis XIV.; became Duke of Orleans on the death of
his uncle.] Hugh Peters is said to be taken. The
Duke of Gloucester is ill, and it is said it will
prove the small-pox.
13th. This day
the Duke of Gloucester died of the small-pox by the
great negligence of the doctors.
15th. To
Westminster, where I met with Dr. Castles, who chidd
me for some error in our Privy-Seale business; among
the rest, for letting the fees of the six judges
pass unpaid, which I know not what to say to, till I
speak to Mr. Moore. I was much troubled, for fear of
being forced to pay the money myself. Called at my
father's going home, and bespoke mourning for
myself, for the death of the Duke of Gloucester.
16th. My Lord
of Oxford is also dead of the small-pox; in whom his
family dyes, after 600 years having that honour in
their family and name. [This must be a mistake for
some other person. Robert, nineteenth earl of Oxford
having died in 1632, and Aubrey de Vere, his
successor, the twentieth Earl, living till 1703.] To
the Park, where I saw how far they had proceeded in
the Pell-mell, and in making a river through the
Park, which I had never seen before since it was
begun. Thence to White Hall garden, where I saw the
King in purple mourning for his brother.
18th. This day
I heard that the Duke of York, upon the news of the
death of his brother yesterday, came hither by post
last night.
To the Miter
taverne in Wood-streete (a house of the greatest
note in London,) where I met W. Symons, and D.
Scobell, and their wives, Mr. Samford Luellin,
Chetwind, one Mr. Vivion, and Mr. White, formerly
chaplain to the Lady Protectresse, (and still so,
and one they say that is likely to get my Lady
Francesse for his wife). [According to Noble,
Jeremiah White married Lady Frances Cromwell's
waiting-woman, in Oliver's lifetime, and they lived
together fifty years. Lady Frances had two husbands,
Mr. Robert Rich, and Sir John Russell, the last of
whom she survived fifty- two years, dying 1721-2.]
Here some of us fell to handycapp, a sport that I
never knew before.
20th. To Major
Hart's lodgings in Cannon-streete, who used me very
kindly with wine and good discourse, particularly
upon the ill method which Col. Birch and the
Committee use in defending of the army and the navy;
promising the Parliament to save them a great, deal
of money, when we judge that it will cost the King
more than if they had nothing to do with it, by
reason of their delayes and scrupulous enquirys into
the account of both.
21st. Upon the
water saw the corpse of the Duke of Gloucester
brought down to Somerset House stairs, to go by
water to Westminster, to be buried.
22nd. I bought
a pair of short black stockings, to wear over a pair
of silk ones for mourning; and I met with The.
Turner and Joyce, buying of things to go into
mourning too for the Duke, which is now the mode of
all the ladies in towne. This day Mr. Edw. Pickering
is come from my Lord, and says that he left him well
in Holland, and that he will be here within three or
four days.
23rd. This
afternoon, the King having news of the Princesse
being come to Margatte, he and the Duke of York went
down thither in barges to her.
24th. I arose
from table and went to the Temple church, where I
had appointed Sir W. Batten to meet him; and there
at Sir Heneage Finch Solliciter General's chambers,
before him and Sir W. Wilde, Recorder of London
(whom we sent for from his chamber) we were sworn
justices of peace for Middlesex, Essex, Kent, and
Southampton; with which honour I did find myself
mightily pleased, though I am wholly ignorant in the
duties of a justice of peace.
28th. I did
send for a cup of tee (a China drink) of which I
never had drank before, and went away (the King and
the Princesse coming up the river this afternoon as
we were at our pay). My Lord told me how the ship
that brought the Princesse and him (The Tredagh) did
knock six times upon the Kentish Knock, which put
them in great fear for the ship; but got off well.
He told me also how the King had knighted
Vice-admiral Lawson and Sir Richard Stayner.
29th. This day
or yesterday, I hear, Prince Rupert is come to
Court; but welcome to nobody. [Son of Frederic,
Prince Palatine of the Rhine, afterwards styled King
of Bohemia, by Elizabeth, only sister to Charles I.
Ob. 1682.]
OCTOBER 2,
1660. At Will's I met with Mr. Spicer, and with him
to the Abbey to see them at vespers. There I found
but a thin congregation.
3rd. To my
Lord's, who sent a great iron chest to White Hall;
and I saw it carried, into the King's closet, where
I saw most incomparable pictures. Among the rest a
book open upon a desk, which I durst have sworn was
a reall book. Back again to my Lord, and dined all
alone with him, who did treat me with a great deal
of respect; and after dinner did discourse an hour
with me, saying that he believed that he might have
any thing that he would ask of the King. This day I
heard the Duke speak of a great design that he and
my Lord of Pembroke have, and a great many others,
of sending a venture to some parts of Africa to dig
for gold ore there. They intend to admit as many as
will venture their money, and so make themselves a
company. 250l. is the lowest share for every man.
But I do not find that my Lord do much like it.
4th. I and
Lieut. Lambert to Westminster Abbey, where we saw
Dr. Frewen translated to the Archbishoprick of York.
[Dr. Accepted Frewen, Bishop of Lichfield and
Coventry.] Here I saw the Bishops of Winchester,
[Brian Duppa, translated from Salisbury.] Bangor,
[William Roberts.] Rochester, [John Warner, Ob.
1666, aged 86.] Bath and Wells, [William Pierce,
translated from Peterborough, 1632.] and Salisbury,
[Humphrey Henchman, afterwards Bishop of London.]
all in their habits, in King Henry Seventh's chapel.
But, Lord! at their going out, how people did most
of them look upon them as strange creatures, and few
with any kind of love or respect.
6th. Col.
Slingsby and I at the office getting a catch ready
for the Prince de Ligne to carry his things away
to-day, who is now going home again. I was to give
my Lord an account of the stacions and victualls of
the fleet, in order to the choosing of a fleet fit
for him to take to sea, to bring over the Queen.
7th (Lord's
day). To White Hall on foot, calling at my father's
to change my long black cloake for a short one (long
cloakes being now quite out); but he being gone to
church, I could not get one. I heard Dr. Spurstow
preach before the King a poor dry sermon; [William
Spurstow D.D. Vicar of Hackney and Master of
Katherine Hall, Cambridge, both which pieces of
preferment he lost for nonconformity, 1662.] but a
very good anthem of Captn. Cooke's afterwards. To my
Lord's and dined with him; he all dinner-time
talking French to me, and telling me the story how
the Duke of York hath got my Lord Chancellor's
daughter with child, and that she do lay it to him,
and that for certain he did promise her marriage,
and had signed it with his blood, but that he by
stealth had got the paper out of her cabinett. And
that the King would have him to marry her, but that
he will not. So that the thing is very bad for the
Duke, and them all; but my Lord do make light of it,
as a thing that he believes is not a new thing for
the Duke to do abroad. After dinner to the Abbey,
where I heard them read the church-service, but very
ridiculously. A poor cold sermon of Dr. Lamb's, one
of the prebends, in his habitt, come afterwards, and
so all ended.
9th. This
morning Sir W. Batten with Coll. Birch to Deptford
to pay off two ships. Sir W. Pen and I staid to do
business, and afterward together to White Hall,
where I went to my Lord, and saw in his chamber his
picture, very well done; and am with child till I
get it copied out, which I hope to do when he is
gone to sea.
10th. At night
comes Mr. Moore and tells me how Sir Hards. Waller
(who only pleads guilty), [Sir Hardress Waller,
Knt., one of Charles 1st's Judges. His sentence was
commuted to imprisonment for life.] Scott, Coke,
[Coke was Solicitor to the people of England.]
Peters, [Hugh Peters, the fanatical preacher.]
Harrison, &c. were this day arraigned at the bar of
the Sessions House, there being upon the bench the
Lord Mayor, General Monk, my Lord of Sandwich, &c.;
such a bench of noblemen as had not been ever seen
In England! They all seem to be dismayed, and will
all be condemned without question. In Sir Orlando
Bridgman's charge, [Eldest son of John Bridgeman,
Bishop of Chester, became, after the Restoration,
successively Chief Baron of the Exchequer, Chief
Justice of the Common Pleas, and Lord Keeper of the
Great Seal, and was created a Baronet.] he did
wholly rip up the unjustnesse of the war against the
King from the beginning, and so it much reflects
upon all the Long Parliament, though the King had
pardoned them, yet they must hereby confess that the
King do look upon them as traytors. To-morrow they
are to plead what they have to say.
11th. To walk
in St. James's Park, where we observed the several
engines at work to draw up water, with which sight I
was very much pleased. Above all the rest, I liked
that which Mr. Greatorex [A mathematical instrument
maker.] brought, which do carry up the water with a
great deal of ease. Here, in the Park, me met with
Mr. Salisbury, who took Mr. Creed and me to the
Cockpitt to see "The Moore of Venice," which was
well done. Burt acted the Moore; [Burt ranked in the
list of good actors after the Restoration, though he
resigned the part of Othello to Hart. DAVIS'S
DRAMATIC MISC.] by the same token, a very pretty
lady that sat by me, called out, to see Desdemona
smothered.
13th I went out
to Charing Cross, to see Major-general Harrison
hanged, drawn, and quartered; which was done there,
he looking as cheerful as any man could do in that
condition. [Thomas Harrison, son of a butcher at
Newcastle-under-Line, appointed by Cromwell to
convey Charles I. from Windsor to White Hall, in
order to his trial, and afterwards sat as one of his
judges.] He was presently cut down, and his head and
heart shown to the people, at which there was great
shouts of joy. It is said that he said that he was
sure to come shortly at the right hand of Christ to
judge them that now had judged him; and that his
wife do expect his coming again. Thus it was my
chance to see the King beheaded at White Hall, and
to see the first blood shed in revenge for the King
at Charing Cross.
14th. To White
Hall chappell, where one Dr. Crofts made an
indifferent sermon, and after it an anthem, ill
sung, which made the King laugh. Here I first did
see the Princesse Royall since she came into
England. Here I also observed, how the Duke of York
and Mrs. Palmer did talk to one another very
wantonly through the hangings that parts the King's
closet and the closet where the ladies sit.
15th. This
morning Mr. Carew was hanged and quartered at
Charing Cross; but his quarters, by a great favour,
are not to be hanged up. [John Carew, one of the
regicides.]
16th. Being
come home, Will. told me that my Lord had a mind to
speak with me to-night; so I returned by water, and,
coming there, it was only to enquire how the ships
were provided with victuals that are to go with him
to fetch over the Queen, which I gave him a good
account of. He seemed to be in a melancholy humour,
which, I was told by W. Howe, was for that he had
lately lost a great deal of money at cards, which he
fears he do too much addict himself to now-a-days.
18th. This
morning, it being expected that Colonel Hacker and
Axtell should die, I went to Newgate, but found they
were reprieved till to-morrow. [Col. Francis Hacker
commanded the guards at the King's execution. Axtell
had guarded the High Court of Justice.]
19th. This
morning my dining-room was finished with greene
serge hanging and gilt leather, which is very
handsome. This morning Hacker and Axtell were hanged
and quartered, as the rest are. This night I sat up
late to make up my accounts ready against to- morrow
for my Lord.
20th. I dined
with my Lord and Lady; he was very merry, and did
talk very high how he would have a French cooke, and
a master of his horse, and his lady and child to
wear black patches; which methought was strange, but
he is become a perfect courtier; and, among other
things, my Lady saying that she could get a good
merchant for her daughter Jem., he answered, that he
would rather see her with a pedlar's pack at her
back, so she married a gentleman, than she should
marry a citizen. This afternoon, going through
London, and calling at Crowe's the upholsterer's in
Saint Bartholomew's, I saw limbs of some of our new
traytors set upon Aldersgate, which was a sad sight
to see; and a bloody week this and the last have
been, there being ten hanged, drawn, and quartered.
21st. George
Vines carried me up to the top of his turret, where
there is Cooke's head set up for a traytor, and
Harrison's set up on the other side of Westminster
Hall. Here I could see them plainly, as also a very
fair prospect about London.
22nd. All
preparing for my Lord's going to sea to fetch the
Queen to-morrow. At night my Lord come home, with
whom I staid long, and talked of many things. He
told me there hath been a meeting before the King
and my Lord Chancellor, of some Episcopalian and
Presbyterian Divines; but what had passed he could
not tell me.
23rd. About
eight o'clock my Lord went; and going through the
garden, Mr. William Montagu told him of an estate of
land lately come into the King's hands, that he had
a mind my Lord should beg. To which end my Lord writ
a letter presently to my Lord Chancellor to do it
for him, which (after leave taken of my Lord at
White Hall bridge) I did carry to Warwick House to
him; and had a fair promise of him, that he would do
it this day for my Lord. In my way thither I met the
Lord Chancellor and all the Judges riding on
horseback and going to Westminster Hall, it being
the first day of the terme.
24th. Mr. Moore
tells me, among other things, that the Duke of York
is now sorry for his amour with my Lord Chancellor's
daughter, who is now brought to bed of a boy. To Mr.
Lilly's, [William Lilly, the astrologer and
almanack-maker.] where, not finding Mr. Spong, I
went to Mr. Greatorex, where I met him, and where I
bought of him a drawing pen; and he did show me the
manner of the lamp-glasses, which carry the light a
great way, good to read in bed by, and I intend to
have one of them. So to Mr. Lilly's with Mr. Spong,
where well received, there being a club to-night
among his friends. Among the rest Esquire Ashmole,
[Elias Ashmole, the antiquarian.] who I found was a
very ingenious gentleman. With him we two sang
afterwards in Mr. Lilly's study. That done, we all
parted; and I home by coach, taking Mr. Rooker with
me, who did tell me a great many fooleries, which
may be done by nativities, and blaming Mr. Lilly for
writing to please his friends and to keep in with
the times (as he did formerly to his own dishonour,)
and not according to the rules of art, by which he
could not well erre, as he had done.
26th. By
Westminster to White Hall, where I saw the Duke de
Soissons go from his audience with a very great deal
of state; his own coach all red velvet covered with
gold lace, and drawn by six barbes, and attended by
twenty pages very rich in clothes. To Westminster
Hall, and bought, among other books, one of the Life
of our Queen, which I read at home to my wife; but
it was so sillily writ, that we did nothing but
laugh at it: among other things it is dedicated to
that paragon of virtue and beauty the Duchess of
Albemarle. Great talk as if the Duke of York do now
own the marriage between him and the Chancellor's
daughter. To Westminster Abbey, where with much
difficulty, going round to the cloysters, I got in;
this day being a great day for the consecrating of
five Bishopps, which was done after sermon; but I
could not get into Henry the Seventh's chappel.
After dinner to White Hall chappel; my Lady and my
Lady Jemimah and I up to the King's closet, (who is
now gone to meet the Queen). So meeting with one Mr.
Hill, that did know my lady, he did take us into the
King's closet, and there we did stay all
service-time.
29th. I up
early, it being my Lord Mayor's day (Sir Richd.
Browne,) and neglecting my office, I went to the
Wardrobe, where I met my Lady Sandwich, and all the
children; and after drinking of some strange and
incomparable good clarett of Mr. Remball's, he and
Mr. Townsend [Officers of the Wardrobe.] did take
us, and set the young Lords at one Mr. Neville's, a
draper in Paul's church-yard; and my Lady and my
Lady Pickering [Elizabeth Montagu, sister to the
Earl of Sandwich, who had married Sir Gilbert
Pickering, Bart. of Nova Scotia, and of Tichmersh,
co. Northampton.] and I to one Mr. Isaacson's, a
linen-draper at the Key in Cheapside; where there
was a company of fine ladies, and we were very
civilly treated, and had a very good place to see
the pageants, which were many, and I believe good,
for such kind of things, but in themselves but poor
and absurd.
30th. I went to
the Cockpit all alone, and there saw a very fine
play called "The Tamer tamed:" very well acted.
["The Woman's Prize, or Tamer Tamed," A comedy by
John Fletcher.] I hear nothing yet of my Lord,
whether he be gone for the Queen from the Downes or
no; but I believe he is, and that he is now upon
coming back again.
NOVEMBER 1,
1660. This morning Sir W. Pen and I were mounted
early, and had very merry discourse all the way, he
being very good company. We come to Sir W. Batten's,
where he lives like a prince, and we were made very
welcome. Among other things he showed me my Lady's
closet, wherein was great store of rarities; as also
a chair, which he calls King Harry's chaire, where
he that sits down is catched with two irons, that
come round about him, which makes good sport. Here
dined with us two or three more country gentlemen;
among the rest Mr. Christmas, my old school-fellow,
with whom I had much talk. He did remember that I
was a great Roundhead when I was a boy, and I was
much afraid that he would have remembered the words
that I said the day the King was beheaded (that,
were I to preach upon him, my text should be—"The
memory of the wicked shall rot"); But I found
afterwards that he did go away from school before
that time.
2nd. To White
Hall, where I saw the boats coming very thick to
Lambeth, and all the stairs to be full of people. I
was told the Queen was a-coming; so I got a sculler
for sixpence to carry me thither and back again, but
I could not get to see the Queen; so come back, and
to my Lord's, where he was come: and I supt with
him, he being very merry, telling me stories of the
country mayors, how they entertained the King all
the way as he come along; and how the country
gentlewomen did hold up their heads to be kissed by
the King, not taking his hand to kiss as they should
do. I took leave of my Lord and Lady, and so took
coach at White Hall and carried Mr. Childe as far as
the Strand, and myself got as far as Ludgate by all
the bonfires, but with a great deal of trouble; and
there the coachman desired that I would release him,
for he durst not go further for the fires. In Paul's
churchyard I called at Kirton's, and there they had
got a masse book for me, which I bought and cost me
twelve shillings; and, when I come home, sat up late
and read in it with great pleasure to my wife, to
hear that she was long ago acquainted with it. I
observed this night very few bonfires in the City,
not above three in all London, for the Queen's
coming; whereby I guess that (as I believed before)
her coming do please but very few.
3rd. Saturday.
In the afternoon to White Hall, where my Lord and
Lady were gone to kiss the Queen's hand.
4th (Lord's
day). In the morn to our own church, where Mr. Mills
did begin to nibble at the Common Prayer, by saying
"Glory be to the Father, &c." after he had read the
two psalms: but the people had been so little used
to it, that they could not tell what to answer.
[Daniel Milles, D.D., thirty-two years rector of St.
Olave's, Hart-Street, and buried there October 1689,
aged sixty-three. In 1667 Sir Robert Brooks
presented him to the rectory of Wanstead, which he
also held till his death.] This declaration of the
King's do give the Presbyterians some satisfaction,
and a pretence to read the Common Prayer, which they
would not do before because of their former
preaching against it. After dinner to Westminster,
where I went to my Lord's, and, having spoken with
him, I went to the Abbey, where the first time that
ever I heard the organs in a cathedral. My wife
seemed very pretty to-day, it being the first time I
had given her leave to weare a black patch.
5th. At the
office at night, to make up an account of what the
debts of nineteen of the twenty-five ships that
should have been paid off, is increased since the
adjournment of the Parliament, they being to sit
again to-morrow. This 5th day of November is
observed exceeding well in the City; and at night
great bonfires and fireworks.
6th. Mr.
Chetwind told me that he did fear that this late
business of the Duke of York's would prove fatal to
my Lord Chancellor. To our office, where we met all,
for the sale of two ships by an inch of candle (the
first time that ever I saw any of this kind), where
I observed how they do invite one another, and at
last how they all do cry, and we have much to do to
tell who did cry last. The ships were the Indian,
sold for 1300l. and the Half-moone, sold for 830l.
7th. Went by
water to my Lord, where I dined with him, and he in
a very merry humour (present Mr. Borfett and Childe)
at dinner: he, in discourse of the great opinion of
the virtue—gratitude, (which he did account the
greatest thing in the world to him, and had,
therefore, in his mind been often troubled in the
late times how to answer his gratitude to the King,
who raised his father,) did say it was that did
bring him to his obedience to the King; and did also
bless himself with his good fortune, in comparison
to what it was when I was with him in the Sound,
when he durst not own his correspondence with the
King; which is a thing that I never did hear of to
this day before; and I do from this raise an opinion
of him, to be one of the most secret men in the
world, which I was not so convinced of before. After
dinner he bid all go out of the room, and did tell
me how the King had promised him 4000l. per annum
for ever, and had already given him a bill under his
hand (which he showed me) for 4000l. that Mr. Fox is
to pay him. My Lord did advise with me how to get
this received, and to put out 3000l. into safe hands
at use, and the other he will make use for his
present occasion. This he did advise with me about
with great secresy. After this he called for the
fiddles and books, and we two and W. Howe, and Mr.
Childe, did sing and play some psalmes of Will.
Lawes's, and some songs; and so I went away.
[Brother to Henry Lawes the celebrated composer, and
himself a chamber musician to Charles I., in whose
service he took up arms, and was killed at the siege
of Chester, 1645. The King regretted his loss
severely, and used to call him the father of music.]
Notwithstanding this was the first day of the King's
proclamation against hackney coaches coming into the
streets to stand to be hired, yet I got one to carry
me home.
10th. The
Comtroller [Sir R. Slingsby.] and I to the coffee-
house, where he showed me the state of his case; how
the King did owe him above 6000l. But I do not see
great likelihood for them to be paid, since they
begin already in Parliament to dispute the paying
off the just sea-debts, which were already promised
to be paid, and will be the undoing of thousands if
they be not paid.
15th. My Lord
did this day show me the King's picture which was
done in Flanders, that the King did promise my Lord
before he ever saw him, and that we did expect to
have had at sea before the King come to us; but it
come but to-day, and indeed it is the most pleasant
and the most like him that ever I saw picture in my
life. To Sir W. Batten's to dinner, he having a
couple of servants married to-day; and so there was
a great number of merchants, and others of good
quality on purpose after dinner to make an offering,
which, when dinner was done, we did, and I did give
ten shillings and no more, though I believe most of
the rest did give more, and did believe that I did
so too.
19th. I went
with the Treasurer in his coach to White Hall, and
in our way, in discourse, do find him a very
good-natured man; and, talking of those men who now
stand condemned for murdering the King, he says that
he believes, that, if the law would give leave, the
King is a man of so great compassion that he would
wholly acquit them.
20th. Mr.
Shepley and I to the new play-house near Lincoln's-
Inn-Fields (which was formerly Gibbon's
tennis-court), where the play of "Beggar's Bush"
[The "Beggar's Bush," a comedy by Beaumont and
Fletcher.] was newly begun; and so we went in and
saw it well acted: and here I saw the first time one
Moone, who is said to be the best actor in the
world, lately come over with the King, and indeed it
is the finest play-house, I believe, that ever was
in England. [Mohun, or Moone, the celebrated actor
who had borne a Major's commission in the King's
Army. The period of his death is uncertain.] This
morning I found my Lord in bed late, he having been
with the King, Queen, and Princesse, at the Cockpit
all night, where General Monk treated them; and
after supper a play, where the King did put a great
affront upon Singleton's musique, he bidding them
stop and made the French musique play, which, my
Lord says, do much outdo all ours.
22nd. This
morning come the carpenters, to make me a door at
the other side of my house, going into the entry. To
Mr. Fox's, where we found Mrs. Fox within and an
alderman of London paying 1000l. or 1400l. in gold
upon the table for the King. [Elizabeth daughter of
William Whittle, Esq., of Lancashire, wife of
Stephen Fox, Esq., who was knighted in 1665.] Mr.
Fox come in presently and did receive us with a
great deal of respect; and then did take my wife and
I to the Queen's presence-chamber, where he got my
wife placed behind the Queen's chaire, and the two
Princesses come to dinner. The Queen a very little
plain old woman, and nothing more in her presence in
any respect nor garbe than any ordinary woman. The
Princesse of Orange I had often seen before. The
Princesse Henrietta is very pretty, but much below
my expectation; and her dressing of herself with her
haire frized short up to her eares, did make her
seem so much the less to me. But my wife standing
near her with two or three black patches on, and
well dressed, did seem to me much handsomer than
she.
To White Hall
at about nine at night, and there, with Laud the
page that went with me, we could not get out of
Henry the Eighth's gallery into the further part of
the boarded gallery, where my Lord was walking with
my Lord Ormond; and we had a key of Sir S. Morland's,
but all would not do; till at last, by knocking, Mr.
Harrison the door-keeper did open us the door, and,
after some talk with my Lord about getting a catch
to carry my Lord St. Alban's goods to France, I
parted and went home on foot. [Henry Jermyn, created
Lord Jermyn 1614, advanced to the Earldom of St.
Alban's 1660 K.G. Ob. 1683, s.p. He was supposed to
be married to the Queen Dowager.]
25th. I had a
letter brought me from my Lord to get a ship ready
to carry the Queen's things over to France, she
being to go within five or six days.
27th. To
Westminster Hall, and in King Street there being a
great stop of coaches, there was a falling out
between a drayman and my Lord Chesterfield's
coachman, and one of his footmen killed. Mr. Moore
told me how the House had this day voted the King to
have all the Excise for ever. This day I do also
hear that the Queen's going to France is stopt,
which do like me well, because then the King will be
in town the next month, which is my month again at
the Privy Seale.
30th. Sir G.
Carteret did give us an account how Mr. Holland do
intend to prevail with the Parliament to try his
project of discharging the seamen all at present by
ticket, and so promise interest to all men that will
lend money upon them at eight per cent., for so long
as they are unpaid; whereby he do think to take away
the growing debt, which do now lie upon the kingdom
for lack of present money to discharge the seamen.
DECEMBER 4,
1660. This day the Parliament voted that the bodies
of Oliver, Ireton, Bradshaw, &c., should be taken up
out of their graves in the Abbey, and drawn to the
gallows, and there hanged and buried under it: which
(methinks) do trouble me that a man of so great
courage as he was, should have that dishonour,
though otherwise he might deserve it enough.
9th. I went to
the Duke. And first calling upon Mr. Coventry at his
chamber, I went to the Duke's bed-side, who had sat
up late last night, and lay long this morning. This
being done, I went to chapel, and sat in Mr.
Blagrave's pew, and there did sing my part along
with another before the King, and with much ease.
10th. It is
expected that the Duke will marry the Lord
Chancellor's daughter at last; which is likely to be
the ruine of Mr. Davis and my Lord Barkley, who have
carried themselves so high against the Chancellor;
Sir Chas. Barkley swearing that he and others had
intrigued with her often, which all believe to be a
lie.
16th. In the
afternoon I went to White Hall, where I was
surprised with the news of a plot against the King's
person and my Lord Monk's; and that since last night
there were about forty taken up on suspicion; and,
amongst others, it was my lot to meet with Simon
Beale, the Trumpeter, who took me and Tom Doling
into the Guard in Scotland Yard, and showed us
Major-General Overton. [One of Oliver Cromwell's
Major-Generals: a high Republican.] Here I heard him
deny that he is guilty of any such things: but that
whereas it is said that he is found to have brought
many armes to towne, he says it is only to sell
them, as he will prove by oath.
21st. They told
me that this is St. Thomas's, and that by an old
custome, this day the Exchequer men had formerly,
and do intend this night to have a supper; which if
I could I promised, to come to, but did not. To my
Lady's, and dined with her: she told me how
dangerously ill the Princesse Royal is: and that
this morning she was said to be dead. But she hears
that she hath married herself to young Jermyn,
[Henry Jermyn, Master of the Horse to the Duke of
York.] which is worse than the Duke of York's
marrying the Chancellor's daughter, which is now
publicly owned.
26th. To White
Hall by water, and dined with my Lady Sandwich, who
at table did tell me how much fault was laid upon
Dr. Frazer and the rest of the Doctors, for the
death of the Princesse. My Lord, did dine this day
with Sir Henry Wright, in order to his going to sea
with the Queen.
31st. In Paul's
Church-yard I bought the play of Henry the Fourth,
and so went to the new Theatre and saw it acted; but
my expectation being too great, it did not please
me, as otherwise I believe it would: and my having a
book, I believe did spoil it a little. That being
done I went to my Lord's, where I found him private
at cards with my Lord Lauderdale and some persons of
honour.
1660-61. At the
end of the last and the beginning of this year, I do
live in one of the houses belonging to the Navy
Office, as one of the principal officers, and have
done now about half-a- year: my family being,
myself, my wife, Jane, Will. Hewer, and Wayneman, my
girl's brother. Myself in constant good health, and
in a most handsome and thriving condition. Blessed
be Almighty God for it. As to things of State.—The
King settled, and loved of all. The Duke of York
matched to my Lord Chancellor's daughter, which do
not please many. The Queen upon her returne to
France with the Princesse Henrietta. [Youngest
daughter of Charles I., married soon after to Philip
Duke of Orleans, only brother of Louis XIV. She died
suddenly in 1670, not without suspicion of having
been poisoned.] The Princesse of Orange lately dead,
and we into new mourning for her. We have been
lately frighted with a great plot, and many taken up
on it, and the fright not quite over. The
Parliament, which had done all this great good to
the King, beginning to grow factious, the King did
dissolve it December 29th last, and another likely
to be chosen speedily.
1660-61
1660-61.
JANUARY 1. Moore and I went to Mr. Pierce's; in our
way seeing the Duke of York bring his Lady to-day to
wait upon the Queen, the first time that ever she
did since that business; and the Queen is said to
receive her now with much respect and love.
2nd. My Lord
did give me many commands in his business. As to
write to my uncle that Mr. Barnewell's papers should
be locked up, in case he should die, he being now
suspected to be very ill. Also about consulting with
Mr. W. Montagu [William third son to Lord Montagu of
Boughton; afterwards Attorney-General to the Queen;
and made Chief Baron to the Exchequer, 1676.] for
the settling of the 4000l. a-year that the King had
promised my Lord. As also about getting Mr. George
Montagu to be chosen at Huntingdon this next
Parliament, &c. That done, he to White Hall stairs
with much company, and I with him; where we took
water for Lambeth, and there coach for Portsmouth.
The Queen's things were all in White Hall Court
ready to be sent away, and her Majesty ready to be
gone an hour after to Hampton Court to night, and so
to be at Portsmouth on Saturday next. This day I
left Sir W. Batten and Captn. Rider my chine of
beefe for to serve to-morrow at Trinity House, the
Duke of Albemarle being to be there, and all the
rest of the Brethren, it being a great day for the
reading over of their new Charter, which the King
hath newly given them.
3rd. To the
Theatre, where was acted "Beggars' Bush," it being
very well done; and here the first time that ever I
saw women come upon the stage.
4th. I had been
early this morning at White Hall, at the Jewell
Office, to choose a piece of gilt plate for my Lord,
in returne of his offering to the King (which it
seems is usual at this time of year, and an Earle
gives twenty pieces in gold in a purse to the King).
I chose a gilt tankard, weighing 31 ounces and a
half, and he is allowed 30; so I paid 12s. for the
ounce and half over what he is to have: but strange
it was for me to see what a company of small fees I
was called upon by a great many to pay there, which,
I perceive, is the manner that courtiers do get
their estates.
7th. This
morning, news was brought to me to my bed-side, that
there had been a great stir in the City this night
by the Fanatiques, who had been up and killed six or
seven men, but all are fled. My Lord Mayor and the
whole City had been in armes, above 40,000. Tom and
I and my wife to the Theatre, and there saw "The
Silent Woman." Among other things here, Kinaston the
boy had the good turn to appear in three shapes:
first, as a poor woman in ordinary clothes, to
please Morose; then in fine clothes, as a gallant;
and in them was clearly the prettiest woman in the
whole house: and lastly, as a man; and then likewise
did appear the handsomest man in the house. In our
way home we were in many places strictly examined,
more than in the worst of times, there being great
fears of the Fanatiques rising again: for the
present I do not hear that any of them are taken.
8th. Some talk
to-day of a head of Fanatiques that do appear about,
but I do not believe it. However, my Lord Mayor, Sir
Richd. Browne, hath carried himself honourably, and
hath caused one of their meeting-houses in London to
be pulled down.
9th. Waked in
the morning about six o'clock, by people running up
and down in Mr. Davis's house, talking that the
Fanatiques were up in armes in the City. And so I
rose and went forth; where in the street I found
every body in armes at the doors. So I returned and
got my sword and pistol, which, however, I had no
powder to charge; and went to the door, where I
found Sir R. Ford, [Lord Mayor of London, 1671.] and
with him I walked up and down as far as the
Exchange, and there I left him. In our way, the
streets full of train-bands, and great stir. What
mischief these rogues have done! and I think near a
dozen had been killed this morning on both sides.
The shops shut, and all things in trouble.
10th. After
dinner Will. comes to tell me that he had presented
my piece of plate to Mr. Coventry, who takes it very
kindly, and sends me a very kind letter, and the
plate back again; of which my heart is very glad.
Mr. Davis told us the particular examinations of
these Fanatiques that are taken: and in short it is
this, these Fanatiques that have routed all the
train-bands that they met with, put the King's
life-guards to the run, killed about twenty men,
broke through the City gates twice; and all this in
the day-time, when all the City was in armes are not
in all above 31. Whereas we did believe them
(because they were seen up and down in every place
almost in the City, and had been in Highgate two or
three days, and in several other places) to be at
least 500. A thing that never was heard of, that so
few men should dare and do so much mischief. Their
word was, "The King Jesus, and their heads upon the
gates." Few of them would receive any quarter, but
such as were taken by force and kept alive;
expecting Jesus to come here and reign in the world
presently, and will not believe yet. The King this
day come to towne.
11th (Office
day). This day comes news, by letters from
Portsmouth, that the Princesse Henrietta is fallen
sick of the measles on board the London, after the
Queen and she was under sail. And so was forced to
come back again into Portsmouth harbour; and in
their way, by negligence of the pilot, run upon the
Horse sand. The Queen and she continue aboard, and
do not intend to come on shore till she sees what
will become of the young Princesse. This newes do
make people think something indeed, that three of
the Royal Family should fall sick of the same
disease, one after another. This morning likewise,
we had order to see guards set in all the King's
yards; and so Sir Wm. Batten goes to Chatham,
Colonel Slingsby and I to Deptford and Woolwich.
Portsmouth being a garrison, needs none.
12th. We fell
to choosing four captains to command the guards, and
choosing the place where to keep them, and other
things in order thereunto. Never till now did I see
the great authority of my place, all the captains of
the fleete coming cap in hand to us.
13th. After
sermon to Deptford again; where, at the
Commissioner's and the Globe, we staid long. But no
sooner in bed, but we had an alarme, and so we rose:
and the Comptroller comes into the Yard to us; and
seamen of all the ships present repair to us, and
there are armed with every one a handspike, with
which they were as fierce as could be. At last we
hear that it was five or six men that did ride
through the guard in the towne, without stopping to
the guard that was there; and, some say, shot at
them. But all being quiet there, we caused the
seamen to go on board again.
15th. This day
I hear the Princesse is recovered again. The King
hath been this afternoon at Deptford, to see the
yacht that Commissioner Pett is building, which will
be very pretty; as also that his brother at Woolwich
is making.
19th. To the
Comptroller's, and with him by coach to White Hall;
In our way meeting Venner and Pritchard upon a
sledge, who with two more Fifth Monarchy men were
hanged to-day, and the two first drawn and
quartered. [Thomas Venner, a cooper, and preacher to
a conventicle in Coleman-street. He was a violent
enthusiast and leader in the Insurrection on the 7th
of January before mentioned. He was much wounded
before he could be taken, and fought with courage
amounting to desperation.]
21th. It is
strange what weather we have had all this winter; no
cold at all; but the ways are dusty, and the flyes
fly up and down, and the rose-bushes are full of
leaves, such a time of the year as was never known
is this world before here. This day many more of the
Fifth Monarchy men were hanged.
22nd. I met
with Dr. Thos. Fuller. He tells me of his last and
great book that is coming out: that is, the History
of all the Families in England; and could tell me
more of my owne, than I knew myself. And also to
what perfection he hath now brought the art of
memory; that he did lately to four eminently great
scholars dictate together is Latin, upon different
subjects of their proposing, faster than they were
able to write, till they were tired; and that the
best way of beginning a sentence, if a man should be
out and forget his last sentence, (which he never
was,) that then his last refuge is to begin with an
Utcunque.
27th (Lord's
day) Before I rose, letters come to me from
Portsmouth, telling me that the Princesse is now
well, and my Lord Sandwich set sail with the Queen
and her yesterday from thence to France. This day
the parson read a proclamation at church, for the
keeping of Wednesday next, the 30th of January, a
fast for the murther of the late King.
30th (Fast
day). The first time that this day hath been yet
observed: and Mr. Mills made a most excellent
sermon, upon "Lord forgive us our former
iniquities;" speaking excellently of the justice of
God in punishing men for the sins of their
ancestors. To my Lady Batten's; [Elizabeth Woodcock,
married Feb. 3, 1658-9, to Sir W. Batten; and
subsequently became in 1671, the wife of a foreigner
called in the register of Battersea Parish, Lord
Leyenburgh. Lady Leighenburg was buried at
Walthamstowe Sept. 16, 1681.—LYSONS' ENVIRONS.]
where my wife and she are lately come back again
from being abroad, and seeing of Cromwell, Ireton,
and Bradshaw hanged and buried at Tyburne. [Henry
Ireton, married Bridget, daughter to Oliver
Cromwell, and was afterwards one of Charles the
First's Judges, and of the Committee who
superintended his execution. He died at the siege of
Limerick, 1651.]
31st. To the
Theatre, and there sat in the pitt among the company
of fine ladys, &c.; and the house was exceeding
full, to see Argalus and Parthenia, [Argalus and
Parthenia, a pastoral, by Henry Glapthorn, taken
from Sydney's Arcadia.] the first time that it hath
been acted: and indeed it is good, though wronged by
my over great expectations, as all things else are.
FEB. 2,
1660-61. Home; where I found the parson and his wife
gone. And by and by the rest of the company very
well pleased, and I too; it being the last dinner I
intend to make a great while.
3rd (Lord's
day). This day I first begun to go forth in my coate
and sword, as the manner now among gentlemen is. To
White Hall; where I staid to hear the trumpets and
kettle drums, and then the other drums, which are
much cried up, though I think it dull, vulgar musick.
So to Mr. Fox's, unbidd; where I had a good dinner
and special company. Among other discourse, I
observed one story, how my Lord of Northwich,
[George Lord Goring, created Earl of Norwich 1644;
died 1682.] at a public audience before the King of
France, made the Duke of Anjou cry, by making ugly
faces as he was stepping to the King, but
undiscovered. And how Sir Phillip Warwick's lady did
wonder to have Mr. Daray send for several dozen
bottles of Rhenish wine to her house, not knowing
that the wine was his. [Sir Philip Warwick,
Secretary to Charles I. when in the Isle of Wight,
and Clerk of the Signet, to which place he was
restored in 1660; knighted, and elected M.P. for
Westminster. He was also Secretary to the Treasury
under Lord Southampton till 1667. Ob. 1682-3. His
second wife here mentioned was Joan, daughter to Sir
Henry Fanshawe, and widow of Sir William Botteler,
Bart.] Thence to my Lord's; where I am told how Sir
Thomas Crew's Pedro, with two of his countrymen
more, did last night kill one soldier of four that
quarrelled with them in the street, about ten
o'clock. [Eldest son of Mr. afterwards Lord Crewe,
whom he succeeded in that title.] The other two are
taken; but he is now hid at my Lord's till night,
that he do intend to make his escape away.
5th. Into the
Hall; and there saw my Lord Treasurer [Earl of
Southampton.] (who was sworn to-day at the
Exchequer, with a great company of Lords and persons
of honour to attend him) go up to the Treasury
Offices, and take possession thereof; and also saw
the heads of Cromwell, Bradshaw, and Ireton, set up
at the further end of the Hall.
7th. To
Westminster Hall. And after a walk to my Lord's;
where, while I and my Lady were in her chamber in
talk, in comes my Lord from sea, to our great
wonder. He had dined at Havre de Grace on Monday
last, and come to the Downes the next day, and lay
at Canterbury that night; and so to Dartford, and
thence this morning to White Hall. Among others, Mr.
Creed and Captn. Ferrers tell me the stories of my
Lord Duke of Buckingham's and my Lord's falling out
at Havre de Grace, at cards; they two and my Lord
St. Alban's playing. The Duke did, to my Lord's
dishonour, often say that he did in his conscience
know the contrary to what he then said, about the
difference at cards; and so did take up the money
that he should have lost to my Lord. Which my Lord
resenting, said nothing then, but that he doubted
not but; there were ways enough to get his money of
him. So they parted that night; and my Lord sent Sir
R. Stayner the next morning to the Duke, to know
whether he did remember what he said last night, and
whether he would owne it with his sword and a
second; which he said he would, and so both sides
agreed. But my Lord St. Alban's, and the Queen, and
Ambassador Montagu, did way- lay them at their
lodgings till the difference was made up, to my
Lord's honour, who hath got great reputation
thereby.
8th. Captn.
Cuttle, and Curtis, and Mootham, and I, went to the
Fleece Taverne to drink; and there we spent till
four o'clock, telling stories of Algiers, and the
manner of life of slaves there. And truly Captn.
Mootham and Mr. Dawes (who have been both slaves
there) did make me fully acquainted with their
condition there: as, how they eat nothing but bread
and water. At their redemption they pay so much for
the water they drink at the public fountaynes,
during their being slaves. How they are beat upon
the soles of their feet and bellies at the liberty
of their padron. How they are all, at night, called
into their master a Bagnard; and there they lie. How
the poorest men do love their slaves best. How some
rogues do live well, if they do invent to bring
their masters in so much a week by their industry or
theft; and then they are put to no other work at
all. And theft there is counted no great crime at
all.
12th. By coach
to the Theatre, and there saw "The Scornfull Lady,"
[A Comedy, by Beaumont and Fletcher.] now done by a
woman, which makes the play appear much better than
ever it did to me.
14th. The talk
of the towne now is, who the King is like to have
for his Queene: and whether Lent shall be kept with
the strictnesse of the King's proclamation; which is
thought cannot be, because of the poor, who cannot
buy fish. And also the great preparation for the
King's crowning is now much thought upon and talked
of.
18th, It is
much talked that the King is already married to the
niece of the Prince de Ligne, and that he hath two
sons already by her: which I am sorry to hear; but
yet am gladder that it should be so, than that the
Duke of York and his family should come to the
crowne, he being a professed friend to the
Catholiques. Met with Sir G. Carteret: who
afterwards, with the Duke of York, my Lord Sandwich,
and others, went into a private room to consult: and
we were a little troubled that we were not called in
with the rest. But I do believe it was upon
something very private. We staid walking in the
gallery; where we met with Mr. Slingsby, who showed
me the stamps of the King's new coyne; which is
strange to see, how good they are in the stamp and
bad in the money, for lack of skill to make them.
But he says Blondeau will shortly come over, and
then we shall have it better, and the best in the
world. He tells me, he is sure that the King is not
yet married, as it is said; nor that it is known who
he will have.
22nd. My wife
to Sir W. Batten's, and there sat a while; he having
yesterday sent my wife half-a-dozen pair of gloves,
and a pair of silk stockings and garters, for her
Valentines.
23rd. This my
birthday, 28 years. Mr. Hartlett told me how my Lord
Chancellor had lately got the Duke of York and
Duchesse, and her woman, my Lord Ossory, [Thomas,
Earl of Ossory, son of the Duke of Ormond. Ob. 1680,
aged 46.] and a Doctor, to make oath before most of
the Judges of the kingdom, concerning all the
circumstances of their marriage. And in fine, it is
confessed that they were not fully married till
about a month or two before she was brought to bed;
but that they were contracted long before, and time
enough for the child to be legitimate. But I do not
hear that it was put to the Judges to determine
whether it was so or no. To the Play-house, and
there saw "The Changeling," ["The Changeling," a
Tragedy, by Thomas Middleton. The plot is taken from
a story in "God's Revenge against Murder."] the
first time it hath been acted these twenty years,
and it takes exceedingly. Besides, I see the
gallants do begin to be tyred with the vanity and
pride of the theatre actors, who are indeed grown
very proud and rich. I also met with the
Comptroller, who told me how it was easy for us all,
the principal officers, and proper for us, to labour
to get into the next Parliament; and would have me
to ask the Duke's letter, but I shall not endeavour
it. This Is now 28 years that I am born. And blessed
be God, in a state of full content, and a great hope
to be a happy man in all respects, both to myself
and friends.
27th. I called
for a dish of fish, which we had for dinner, this
being the first day of Lent; and I do intend to try
whether I can keep it or no.
28th.
Notwithstanding my resolution, yea for want of other
victualls, I did eat flesh this Lent, but am
resolved to eat as little as I can. This month ends
with two great secrets under dispute but yet known
to very few: first, Who the King will marry; and
What the meaning of this fleet is which we are now
sheathing to set out for the southward. Most think
against Algier against the Turke, or to the East
Indys against the Dutch who, we hear, are setting
out a great fleet thither.
MARCH 1,
1660-61. After dinner Mr. Shepley and I in private
talking about my Lord's intentions to go speedily
into the country, but to what end we know not. We
fear he is to go to sea, with his fleet now
preparing. But we wish that he could get his 4000l.
per annum settled before he do go. To White- fryars,
and saw "The Bondman" acted; [By Massinger.] an
excellent play and well done. But above all that
ever I saw, Beterton do the Bondman the best.
2nd. After
dinner I went to the theatre, where I found so few
people (which is strange, and the reason I do not
know) that I went out again, and so to Salsbury
Court, where the house as full as could be; and it
seems it was a new play, "The Queen's Maske,"
["Love's Mistress, or The Queen's Masque," by T
Heywood.] wherein there are some good humours: among
others, a good jeer to the old story of the Siege of
Troy, making it to be a common country tale. But
above all it was strange to see so little a boy as
that was to act Cupid, which is one of the greatest
parts in it.
4th. My Lord
went this morning on his journey to Hinchingbroke,
Mr. Parker with him; the chief business being to
look over and determine how, and in what manner, his
great work of building shall be done. Before his
going he did give me some jewells to keep for him,
viz. that that the King of Sweden did give him, with
the King's own picture in it, most excellently done;
and a brave George, all of diamonds.
8th. All the
morning at the office. At noon Sir W. Batten, Col.
Slingsby and I by coach to the Tower, to Sir John
Robinson's, to dinner; where great good cheer. High
company; among others the Duchesse of Albemarle,
[Ann Clarges, daughter of a blacksmith, and bred a
milliner; mistress and afterwards wife of General
Monk, over whom she possessed the greatest
influence.] who is ever a plain homely dowdy. After
dinner, to drink all the afternoon. Towards night
the Duchesse and ladies went away. Then we set to it
again till it was very late. And at last come in Sir
William Wale, almost fuddled; and because I was set
between him and another, only to keep them from
talking and spoiling the company (as we did to
others,) he fell out with the Lieutenant of the
Tower; but with much ado we made him understand his
error, and then all quiet.
9th. To my
Lord's, where we found him lately come from
Hinchingbroke. I staid and dined with him. He took
me aside, and asked me what the world spoke of the
King's marriage. Which I answering as one that knew
nothing, he enquired no further of me. But I do
perceive by it that there is something in it that is
ready to come out that the world knows not of yet.
11th. After
dinner I went to the theatre, and there saw "Love's
Mistress" done by them, which I do not like in some
things as well as their acting in Salsbury Court.
15th. This day
my wife and Pall went to see my Lady Kingston, her
brother's lady. [Balthazar St. Michel is the only
brother of Mrs. Pepys, mentioned in the Diary.]
18th. This day
an ambassador from Florence was brought into the
towne in state. Yesterday was said to be the day
that the Princesse Henrietta was to marry the Duke
d'Anjou in France. This day I found in the newes-book
that Roger Pepys is chosen at Cambridge for the
towne, the first place that we hear of to have made
their choice yet.
20th. To White
Hall to Mr. Coventry, where I did some business with
him, and so with Sir W. Pen (who I found with Mr.
Coventry teaching of him the map to understand
Jamaica). The great talk of the towne is the strange
election that the City of London made yesterday for
Parliament-men; viz. Fowle, Love, Jones, and . . .
[Sir W. Thompson was the fourth member.] men that,
so far from being episcopall, are thought to be
Anabaptists; and chosen with a great deal of zeale,
in spite of the other party that thought themselves
so strong, calling out in the Hall, "No Bishops! no
Lord Bishops!" It do make people to fear it may come
to worse, by being an example to the country to do
the same. And indeed the Bishops are so high, that
very few do love them.
23rd. To the
Red Bull (where I had not been since plays come up
again) up to the tireing room, where strange the
confusion and disorder that there is among them in
fitting themselves, especially here, where the
clothes are very poore, and the actors but common
fellows. At last into the pitt, where I think there
was not above ten more than myself, and not one
hundred in the whole house. And the play, which is
called "All's lost by Lust," [A Tragedy, by W.Rowley.]
poorly done; and with so much disorder, among
others, in the musique-room the boy that was to sing
a song, not singing it right, his master fell about
his eares and beat him so, that it put the whole
house in an uprore. Met my uncle Wight, and with him
Lieut.-Col. Baron, who told us how Crofton, the
great Presbyterian minister that had preached so
highly against Bishops, is clapped up this day in
the Tower. Which do please some, and displease
others exceedingly.
APRIL 2, 1661.
To St. James's Park, where I saw the Duke of York
playing at Pelemele, the first time that ever I saw
the sport. Then to the Dolphin to Sir W. Batten, and
Pen, and other company; among others Mr. Delabar;
where strange how these men, who at other times are
all wise men, do now, in their drink, betwitt and
reproach one another with their former conditions,
and their actions as in public concerns, till I was
ashamed to see it.
3rd. I hear
that the Dutch have sent the King a great present of
money, which we think will stop the match with
Portugal; and judge this to be the reason that our
so great haste in sending the two ships to the East
Indys is also stayed.
7th. To White
Hall, and there I met with Dr. Fuller of Twickenham,
newly come from Ireland; and took him to my Lord's,
where he and I dined; and he did give my Lord and me
a good account of the condition of Ireland, and how
it come to pass, through the joyning of the
Fanatiques and the Presbyterians, that the latter
and the former are in their declaration put together
under the names of Fanatiques. [William Fuller of
Magdalene Wall Oxford, was a schoolmaster at
Twickenham during the Rebellion; and at the
Restoration became Dean of St. Patrick's; and in
1663, Bishop of Limerick; and in 1667 was translated
to Lincoln. Ob. 1676.]
9th. at the
sale of old stores at Chatham; and among other
things sold there was all the State's armes, which
Sir W. Batten bought; intending to set up some of
the images in his garden, and the rest to burn on
the Coronacion night.
10th. Then to
Rochester, and there saw the Cathedrall, which is
now fitting for use, and the organ then a-tuning.
Then away thence, observing the great doors of the
church, as they say, covered with the skins of the
Danes.
13th. Met my
Lord with the Duke; and after a little talk with
him, I went to the Banquet-house, and there saw the
King heale, the first time that ever I saw him do
it; which he did with great gravity, and it seemed
to me to be an ugly office and a simple one.
20th. Comes my
boy to tell me that the Duke of York had sent for
all the principall officers, &c. to come to him
to-day. So I went by water to Mr. Coventry's, and
there staid and talked a good while with him till
all the rest come. We went up and saw the Duke dress
himself, and in his night habitt he is a very plain
man. Then he sent us to his closett, where we saw
among other things two very fine chests, covered
with gold and Indian varnish, given him by the East
India Company of Holland. The Duke comes; and after
he had told us that the fleet was designed for
Algier (which was kept from us till now,) we did
advise about many things as to the fitting of the
fleet, and so went away to White Hall; and in the
Banqueting-house saw the King create my Lord
Chancellor and several others, Earles, and Mr. Crewe
and several others, Barons: the first being led up
by Heralds and five old Earles to the King, and
there the patent is read, and the King puts on his
vest, and sword, and coronett, and gives him the
patent. And then he kisseth the King's hand, and
rises and stands covered before the King. And the
same for each Baron, only he is led up by three of
the old Barons, And they are girt with swords before
they go to the King. To the Cockpitt; and there, by
the favour of one Mr. Bowman, he and I got in, and
there saw the King and Duke of York and his
Duchesse, (which is a plain woman, and like her
mother, my Lady Chancellor). And so saw "The
Humersome Lieutenant" acted before the King, but not
very well done. ["The Humorous Lieutenant," a tragi-comedy,
by Beaumont and Fletcher.] But my pleasure was great
to see the manner of it, and so many great beauties,
but above all Mrs. Palmer, with whom the King do
discover a great deal of familiarity.
21st. Dined
with Doctor Thos. Pepys [Doctor in Civil Law.] and
Dr. Fayrebrother; and all our talk about to-morrow's
showe, and our trouble that it is like to be a wet
day. All the way is so thronged with people to see
the triumphall arches, that I could hardly pass for
them.
22nd. The
King's going from the Tower to White Hall. Up early
and made myself as fine as I could, and put on my
velvet coat, the first day that I put it on, though
made half a year ago. And being ready, Sir W.
Batten, my Lady, and his two daughters and his son
and wife, and Sir W. Pen and his son and I, went to
Mr. Young's, the flag maker, in Corne-hill; and
there we had a good room to ourselves, with wine and
good cake, and saw the show very well. In which it
is impossible to relate the glory of this day,
expressed in the clothes of them that rid, and their
horses and horse-clothes. Among others, my Lord
Sandwich's embroidery and diamonds were not ordinary
among them. The Knights of the Bath was a brave
sight of itself; and their Esquires, among which Mr.
Armiger was an Esquire to one of the Knights.
Remarquable were the two men that represent the two
Dukes of Normandy and Aquitane. The Bishops come
next after Barons, which is the higher place; which
makes me think that the next Parliament they will be
called to the House of Lords. My Lord Monk rode bare
after the King, and led in his hand a spare horse,
as being Master of the Horse. The King, in a most
rich embroidered suit and cloak, looked most noble.
Wadlow the vintner, at the Devil, in Fleet-street,
did lead a fine company of soldiers, all young
comely men, in white doublets. There followed the
Vice- Chamberlain, Sir G. Carteret, a Company of men
all like Turkes; but I know not yet what they are
for. The streets all gravelled, and the houses hung
with carpets before them, made brave show, and the
ladies out of the windows. So glorious was the show
with gold and silver, that we were not able to look
at it, our eyes at last being so much overcome. Both
the King and the Duke of York took notice of us, as
they saw us at the window. In the evening, by water
to White Hall to my Lord's, and there I spoke with
my Lord, He talked with me about his suit, which was
made in France, and cost him 200l., and very rich it
is with embroidery.
CORONACON DAY.
23rd. About four I rose and got to the Abbey, where
I followed Sir J. Denham, the Surveyor, with some
company that he was leading in. [Created at the
Restoration K.B., and Surveyor- General of all the
King's buildings; better know as the author of
"Cooper's Hill." Ob. 1668.] And with much ado, by
the favour of Mr. Cooper, his man, did get up into a
great scaffold across the North end of the Abbey,
where with a great deal of patience I sat from past
four till eleven before the King come in. And a
great pleasure it was to see the Abbey raised in the
middle, all covered with red, and a throne (that is
a chaire) and foot-stoole on the top of it; and all
the officers of all kinds, so much as the very
fidlers, in red vests. At last comes in the Dean and
Prebends of Westminster, with the Bishops, (many of
them in cloth of gold copes,) and after them the
Nobility, all in their Parliament robes, which was a
most magnificent sight. Then the Duke and the King
with a scepter (carried by my Lord Sandwich) and
sword and wand before him, and the crowne too. The
King in his robes, bare-headed, which was very fine.
And after all had placed themselves, there was a
sermon and the service; and then in the Quire at the
high altar, the King passed through all the
ceremonies of the Coronation, which to my great
grief I and most in the Abbey could not see. The
crowne being put upon his head, a great shout begun,
and he come forth to the throne, and there passed
through more ceremonies: as taking the oath, and
having things read to him by the Bishopp; and his
lords (who put on their caps as soon as the King put
on his crowne) and bishops come, and kneeled before
him. But three times the King at Armes went to the
three open places on the scaffold, and proclaimed,
that if any one could show any reason why Charles
Stewart should not be King of England, that now he
should come and speak. And a Generall Pardon also
was read by the Lord Chancellor, and meddalls flung
up and down by my Lord Cornwallis, [Sir Frederick
Cornwallis, Bart., had been created a Baron three
days before the Coronation. He was Treasurer of His
Majesty's Household, and a Privy Counsellor. Ob.
Jan. 21, 1661-2.] of silver, but I could not come by
any. But so great a noise that I could make but
little of the musique; and indeed, it was lost to
every body. I went out a little while before the
King had done all his ceremonies, and went round the
Abbey to Westminster Hall, all the way within rayles,
and 10,000 people with the ground covered with blue
cloth; and scaffolds all the way. Into the Hall I
got, where it was very fine with hangings and
scaffolds one upon another full of brave ladies; and
my wife in one little one, on the right hand. Here I
staid walking up and down, and at last upon one of
the side stalls I stood and saw the King come in
with all the persons (but the soldiers) that were
yesterday in the cavalcade; and a most pleasant
sight it was to see them in their several robes. And
the King come in with his crowne on, and his sceptre
in his hand, under a canopy borne up by six silver
staves, carried by Barons of the Cinque Ports, and
little bells at; every end. And after a long time,
he got up to the farther end, and all set themselves
down at their several tables; and that was also a
brave sight: and the King's first course carried up
by the Knights of the Bath. And many fine ceremonies
there was of the Heralds leading up people before
him, and bowing; and my Lord of Albemarle's going to
the kitchin and eating a bit of the first dish that
was to go to the King's table. But, above all, was
these three Lords, Northumberland, and Suffolke,
[James Howard, third Earl of Suffolk.] and the Duke
of Ormond, coming before the courses on horseback,
and staying so all dinner-time, and at last bringing
up (Dymock) the King's Champion, all in armour on
horseback, with his speare and targett carried
before him. And a herald proclaims "That if any dare
deny Charles Stewart to be lawful King of England,
here was a Champion that would fight with him;" and
with these words, the Champion flings down his
gauntlet, and all this he do three times in his
going up towards the King's table. To which when he
is come, the King drinks to him, and then sends him
the cup which is of gold, and he drinks it off, and
then rides back again with the cup in his hand. I
went from table to table to see the Bishops and all
others at their dinner, and was infinitely pleased
with it. And at the Lords' table, I met with William
Howe, and he spoke to my Lord for me, and he did
give him four rabbits and a pullet, and so Mr. Creed
and I got Mr. Minshell to give us some bread, and so
we at a stall eat it, as every body else did what
they could get. I took a great deal of pleasure to
go up and down, and look upon the ladies, and to
hear the musique of all sorts, but above all, the 24
violins. About six at night they had dined, and I
went up to my wife. And strange it is to think, that
these two days have held up fair till now that all
is done, and the King gone out of the Hall; and then
it fell a-raining and thundering and lightening as I
have not seen it do for some years: which people did
take great notice of; God's blessing of the work of
these two days, which is a foolery to take too much
notice of such things. I observed little disorder in
all this, only the King's footmen had got hold of
the canopy and would keep it from the Barons of the
Cinque Ports, which they endeavoured to force from
them again, but could not do it till my Lord Duke of
Albemarle caused it to be put into Sir R. Pye's hand
till to-morrow to be decided. [Sir Robert Pye,
Bart., of Faringdon House, Berks; married Ann,
daughter of the celebrated John Hampden. They lived
together 60 years, and died in 1701, within a few
weeks of each other.] At Mr. Bowyer's; a great deal
of company, some I knew, others I did not. Here we
staid upon the leads and below till it was late,
expecting to see the fire-works, but they were not
performed to- night: only the City had a light like
a glory round about it with bonfires. At last I went
to King-streete, and there sent Crockford to my
father's and my house, to tell them I could not come
home to-night, because of the dirt, and a coach
could not be had. And so I took my wife and Mrs.
Frankleyn (who I profered the civility of lying with
my wife at Mrs. Hunt's to-night) to Axe-yard, in
which at the further end there were three great
bonfires, and a great many great gallants, men and
women; and they laid hold of us, and would have us
drink the King's health upon our knees, kneeling
upon a faggot, which we all did, they drinking to us
one after another. Which we thought a strange
frolique; but these gallants continued there a great
while, and I wondered to see how the ladies did
tipple. At last I sent my wife and her bedfellow to
bed, and Mr. Hunt and I went in with Mr. Thornbury
(who did give the company all their wine, he being
yeoman of the wine-cellar to the King); and there,
with his wife and two of his sisters, and some
gallant sparks that were there, we drank the King's
health, and nothing else, till one of the gentlemen
fell down stark drunk, and there lay; and I went to
my Lord's pretty well. Thus did the day end with joy
every where; and blessed be God, I have not heard of
any mischance to any body through it all, but only
to Serjt. Glynne, whose horse fell upon him
yesterday, and is like to kill him, which people do
please themselves to see how just God is to punish
the rogue at such a time as this: he being now one
of the king's Serjeants, [He had been Recorder of
London; and during the Protectorate was made Chief
Justice of the Upper Bench: nevertheless he did
Charles II. great service, and was in consequence
knighted and appointed King's Serjeant, and his son
created a Baronet. Ob. 1666.] and rode in the
cavalcade with Maynard, to whom people wish the same
fortune. [John Maynard, an eminent lawyer; made
Serjeant to Cromwell in 1653, and afterwards King's
Serjeant by Charles II., who knighted him. In 1661
he was chosen Member for Berealston, and sat in
every Parliament till the Revolution. Ob. 1690, aged
88.] There was also this night in King-streete, a
woman had her eye put out by a boy's flinging a
firebrand into the coach. Now, after all this, I can
say, that, besides the pleasure of the sight of
these glorious things, I may now shut my eyes
against any other objects, nor for the future
trouble myself to see things of state and showe, as
being sure never to see the like again in this
world.
24th. At night,
set myself to write down these three days' diary,
and while I am about it, I hear the noise of the
chambers [Chamber, a species of great gun.] and
other things of the fire- works, which are now
playing upon the Thames before the King; and I wish
myself with them, being sorry not; to see them.
30th. This
morning my wife and I and Mr. Creed, took coach, and
in Fish-street took up Mr. Hater and his wife, who
through her maske seemed at first to be an old
woman, but afterwards I found her to be a very
pretty modest black woman. We got a small bait at
Leatherhead, and so to Godlyman, [Godalming.] where
we lay all night. I am sorry that I am not at
London, to be at Hide- parke to-morrow, among the
great gallants and ladies, which will be very fine.
MAY 1, 1661. Up
early, and bated at Petersfield, in the room which
the King lay in lately at his being there. Here very
merry, and played with our wives at bowles. Then we
set forth again, and so to Portsmouth, seeming to me
to be a very pleasant and strong place; and we lay
at the Red Lyon, where Haselrigge and Scott and
Walton did hold their councill, when they were here,
against Lambert and the Committee of Safety.
2nd. To see the
room where the Duke of Buckingham was killed by
Felton.
6th. I hear
to-night that the Duke of York's son is this day
dead, which I believe will please every body; and I
hear that the Duke and his Lady themselves are not
much troubled at it.
12th. At the
Savoy heard Dr. Fuller preach upon David's words, "I
will wait with patience all the days of my appointed
time until my change comes;" but methought it was a
poor dry sermon. and I am afraid my former high
esteem of his preaching was more out of opinion than
judgment. Met with Mr. Creed, with whom I went and
walked in Grayes-Inn-walks, and from thence to
Islington, and there eate and drank at the house my
father and we were wont of old to go to; and after
that walked homeward, and parted in Smithfield: and
so I home, much wondering to see how things are
altered with Mr. Creed, who, twelve months ago,
might have been got to hang himself almost as soon
as go to a drinking- house on a Sunday.
18th. I went to
Westminster; where it was very pleasant to see the
Hall in the condition it is now, with the Judges on
the benches at the further end of it, which I had
not seen all this terme till now.
19th (Lord's
day). I walked in the morning towards Westminster,
and, seeing many people at York House, I went down
and found them at masse, it being the Spanish
Ambassador's; and so I got into one of the gallerys,
and there heard two masses done, I think, not in so
much state as I have seen them heretofore. After
that into the garden, and walked an hour or two, but
found it not so fine a place as I always took it for
by the outside. Capt. Ferrers and Mr. Howe and
myself to Mr. Wilkinson's at the Crowne: then to my
Lord's, where we went and sat talking and laughing
in the drawing-room a great while. All our talk upon
their going to sea this voyage, which Capt. Ferrers
is in some doubt whether he shall do or no, but
swears that he would go, if he were sure never to
come back again; and I, giving him some hopes, he
grew so mad with joy that he fell a-dancing and
leaping like a madman. Now it fell out that the
balcone windows were open, and he went to the rayle
and made an offer to leap over, and asked what if he
should leap over there. I told him I would give him
40l. if he did not go to sea. With that thought I
shut the doors, and W. Howe hindered him all we
could; yet he opened them again, and, with a vault,
leaps down into the garden:—the greatest and most
desperate frolic that ever I saw in my life. I run
to see what was become of him, and we found him
crawled upon his knees, but could not rise; so we
went down into the garden and dragged him to a
bench, where he looked like a dead man, but could
not stir; and, though he had broke nothing, yet his
pain in his back was such as he could not endure.
With this, my Lord (who was in the little new room)
come to us in amaze, and bid us carry him up, which,
by our strength, we did, and so laid him in East's
bed- room, by the doore; where he lay in great pain.
We sent for a doctor and chyrurgeon, but none to be
found, till by-and-by by chance comes in Dr. Clerke,
who is afraid of him. So we went for a lodging for
him. [He recovered.]
21st. Up early,
and, with Sir R. Slingsby, (and Major Waters the
deafe gentleman, his friend for company's sake) to
the Victualling-office (the first time that I ever
knew where it was), and there staid while he read a
commission for enquiry into some of the King's lands
and houses thereabouts, that are given his brother.
And then we took boat to Woolwich, where we staid
and gave order for the fitting out of some more
ships presently. And then to Deptford, where we did
the same; and so took barge again, and were
overtaken by the King in his barge, he having been
down the river with his yacht this day for pleasure
to try it; and, as I hear, Commissioner Pett's do
prove better than the Dutch one, and that that his
brother built. While we were upon the water, one of
the greatest showers of rain fell that ever I saw.
The Comptroller and I landed with our barge at the
Temple, and from thence I went to my father's, and
there did give order about some clothes to be made.
23rd. In my
black silk suit (the first day I have put it on this
year) to my Lord Mayor's by coach, with a great deal
of honourable company, and great entertainment. At
table I had very good discourse with Mr. Ashmole,
wherein he did assure me that frogs and many insects
do often fall from the sky, ready formed. Dr.
Bates's singularity in not rising up nor drinking
the King's nor other healths at the table was very
much observed. From thence we all took coach, and to
our office, and there sat till it was late; and so
home and to bed by day-light. This day was kept a
holy-day through the towne; and it pleased me to see
the little boys walk up and down in procession with
their broom- staffs in their hands, as I had myself
long ago done.
26th. Sir W.
Batten told me how Mr. Prin (among the two or three
that did refuse to-day to receive the sacrament upon
their knees) was offered by a mistake the drinke
afterwards, which he did receive, being denied the
drinke by Dr. Gunning, unless he would take it on
his knees; and after that by another the bread was
brought him, and he did take it sitting, which is
thought very preposterous.
28th. With Mr.
Shepley to the Exchange about business, and there,
by Mr. Rawlinson's favour, got into a balcone over
against the Exchange; and there saw the hangman
burn, by vote of Parliament, two old acts, the one
for constituting us a Commonwealth, and the other I
have forgot. [It was an Act for subscribing the
Engagement.]
29th (King's
birth-day). Rose early, and put six spoons and a
porringer of silver in my pocket to give away
to-day. Sir W. Pen and I took coach, and (the
weather and way being foule) went to Walthamstow;
and being come there heard Mr. Radcliffe, my former
school fellow at Paul's, (who is yet a merry boy,)
preach upon "Nay, let him take all, since my Lord
the King is returned," &c. He read all, and his
sermon very simple. Back to dinner at Sir William
Batten's; and then, after a walk in the fine
gardens, we went to Mrs. Browne's, where Sir W. Pen
and I were godfathers, and Mrs. Jordan and Shipman
godmothers to her boy. And there, before and after
the christening, we were with the woman above in her
chamber; but whether we carried ourselves well or
ill, I know not; but I was directed by young Mrs.
Batten. One passage of a lady that eats wafers with
her dog did a little displease me. I did give the
midwife 10s. and the nurse 5s. and the maid of the
house 2s. But for as much I expected to give the
name to the childe, but did not, (it being called
John,) I forbore then to give my plate.
30th. This day,
I hear, the Parliament have ordered a bill to be
brought in for restoring the Bishops to the House of
Lords; which they had not done so soon but to spite
Mr. Prin, who is every day so bitter against them in
his discourse in the House.
31st. Great
talk now how the Parliament intend to make a
collection of free gifts to the King through the
Kingdom; but I think it will not come to much.
JUNE 4, 1661.
To my Lord Crewe's to dinner, and had very good
discourse about having of young noblemen and
gentlemen to think of going to sea, as being as
honourable service as the land war. And among other
things he told us how, in Queen Elizabeth's time,
one young nobleman would wait with a trencher at the
back of another till he come to age himself. And
witnessed in my young Lord of Kent, that then was,
who waited upon my Lord Bedford at table, when a
letter come to my Lord Bedford that the Earldome of
Kent was fallen to his servant the young Lord; and
so he rose from table, and made him sit down in his
place, and took a lower for himself, for so he was
by place to sit.
9th. To White
Hall, and there met with Dean Fuller, and walked a
great while with him; among other things discoursed
of the liberty the Bishop (by name he of Galloway)
takes to admit into orders any body that will; among
others Roundtree, a simple mechanique that was a
person formerly of the fleet. He told me he would
complain of it.
10th. Early to
my Lord's, who privately told me how the King had
made him Embassador in the bringing over the Queen.
That he is to go to Algier, &c., to settle the
business, and to put the fleet in order there; and
so to come back to Lisbone with three ships, and
there to meet the fleet that is to follow him. He
sent for me, to tell me that he do intrust me with
the seeing of all things done in his absence as to
this great preparation, as I shall receive orders
from my Lord Chancellor and Mr. Edward Montagu. At
all which my heart is above measure glad; for my
Lord's honour, and some profit to myself, I hope. By
and by, out with Mr. Shepley, Walden, [Lionel.]
Parliament-man for Huntingdon, Rolt, Mackworth, and
Alderman Backwell, to a house hard by, to drink
Lambeth ale. So I back to the Wardrobe, and there
found my Lord going to Trinity House, this being the
solemn day of choosing Master, and my Lord is
chosen.
11th. At the
office this morning, Sir G. Carteret with us; and we
agreed upon a letter to the Duke of York, to tell
him the sad condition of this office for want of
money; how men are not able to serve us more without
some money; and that now the credit of the office is
brought so low, that none will sell us any thing
without our personal security given for the same.
12th.
Wednesday, a day kept between a fast and a feast,
the Bishops not being ready enough to keep the fast
for foule weather before fair weather come; and so
they were forced to keep it between both. Then to
White Hall, where I met my Lord, who told me he must
have 300l. laid out in cloth, to give in Barbary, as
presents among the Turkes.
27th. This day
Mr. Holden sent me a bever, which cost me 4l. 5s.
28th. Went to
Moorefields, and there walked, and stood and saw the
wrestling, which I never saw so much of before,
between the north and west countrymen.
29th. Mr.
Chetwind fell commending of "Hooker's Ecclesiastical
Polity," as the best book, and the only one that
made him a Christian, which puts me upon the buying
of it, which I will do shortly
30th (Lord's
day). To church, where we observe the trade of
briefs is come now up to so constant a course every
Sunday, that we resolve to give no more to them.
This day the Portuguese Embassador come to White
Hall to take leave of the King; he being now going
to end all with the Queen, and to send her over.
JULY 2, 1661.
Went to Sir William Davenant's Opera; this being the
fourth day that it hath begun, and the first that I
have seen it. [Sir William Davenant, the celebrated
dramatic writer, and patentee of the Duke's Theatre
in Lincoln's Inn Fields. Ob. 1668, aged 64.] To-day
was acted the second part of "The Siege of Rhodes."
[Of which Sir W. Davenant was the author.] We staid
a very great while for the King and Queen of
Bohemia. And by the breaking of a board over our
heads, we had a great deal of dust fell into the
ladies' necks and the men's haire, which made good
sport. The King being come, the scene opened; which
indeed is very fine and magnificent, and well acted,
all but the Eunuche, who was so much out that he was
hissed off the stage.
3rd. Dined with
my Lady, who is in some [Probably meant for handsome
in the MS.] mourning for her brother Mr. Saml.
Crewe, who died yesterday of the spotted fever.
4th. I went to
the theatre, and there I saw "Claracilla" [A tragi-comedy
by Thomas Killigrew.] (the first time I ever saw
it,) well acted. But strange to see this house, that
used to be so thronged, now empty since the Opera
begun; and so will continue for a while, I believe.
6th. Waked this
morning with news, brought me by a messenger on
purpose, that my uncle Robert [Of Brampton, in
Huntingdonshire.] is dead; so I set out on
horseback, and got well by nine o'clock to Brampton,
where I found my father well. My uncle's corps in a
coffin standing upon joynt-stooles in the chimney in
the hall; but it begun to smell, and so I caused it
to be set forth in the yard all night, and watched
by my aunt.
7th (Lord's
day). ln the morning my father and I read the will;
where, though he gives me nothing at present till my
father's death, or at least very little, yet I am
glad to see that he hath done so well for us all,
and well to the rest of his kindred. After that
done, we went about getting things, as ribbands and
gloves, ready for the burial. Which in the afternoon
was done; where, it being Sunday, all people far and
near come in; and in the greatest disorder that ever
I saw we made shift to serve them with what we had
of mine and other things; and then to carry him to
the church, where Mr. Taylor buried him, and Mr.
Turner preached a funerall sermon.
14th. To
Hinchingbroke, which is now all in dirt, because of
my Lord's building, which will make it very
magnificent. Back to Brampton.
15th. Up by
three o'clock this morning, and rode to Cambridge to
King's College chappel, where I found the scholars
in their surplices at the service with the organs,
which is a strange sight to what it used in my time
to be here. I rode to Impington, where I found my
old uncle [Talbot Pepys.] sitting all alone, like a
man out of the world: he can hardly see; but all
things else he do pretty livelyly.
22nd. I come to
Hatfield before twelve o'clock, and walked all alone
to the Vineyard, which is now a very beautiful place
again; and coming back I met with Mr. Looker, my
Lord's gardener, (a friend of Mr. Eglin's) who
showed me the house, the chappel with brave
pictures, and, above all, the gardens, such as I
never saw in all my life; nor so good flowers, nor
so great gooseburys, as big as nutmegs. To horse
again, and with much ado got to London.
26th. Mr. Hill
of Cambridge tells me, that yesterday put a change
to the whole state of England as to the Church; for
the King now would be forced to favour Presbytery,
or that the City would leave him: but I heed not
what he says, though upon enquiry I do find that
things in the Parliament are in a great disorder.
27th. To
Westminster Hall, where it was expected that the
Parliament was to have been adjourned for two or
three months, but something hinders it for a day or
two. In the lobby I spoke with Mr. George Montagu,
and advised about a ship to carry my Lord
Hinchingbroke and the rest of the young gentlemen to
France, and they have resolved of going in a hired
vessell from Rye, and not in a man of war. He told
me in discourse, that my Lord Chancellor is much
envied, and that many great men, such as the Duke of
Buckingham and my Lord of Bristoll, [George, second
Earl of Bristol.] do endeavour to undermine him, and
that he believes it will not be done; for that the
King (though he loves him not in the way of a
companion, as he do these young gallants that can
answer him in his pleasures,) yet cannot be without
him, for his policy and service.
30th. After my
singing-master had done with me this morning, I went
to White Hall and Westminster Hall, where I found
the King expected to come and adjourne the
Parliament. I found the two Houses at a great
difference, about the Lords challenging their
privileges not to have their houses searched, which
makes them deny to pass the House of Commons' Bill
for searching for pamphlets and seditious books.
Thence by water to the Wardrobe (meeting the King
upon the water going in his barge to adjourne the
House) where I dined with my Lady.
AUGUST 2, 1661.
I made myself ready to get a-horseback for
Cambridge.
3rd. At
Cambridge. Mr. Pechell, [John Pechell, made Master
of Magdalene College, Cambridge, 1679.] Sanchy, and
others tell me how high the old doctors are in the
University over those they found there, though a
great deal better scholars than themselves; for
which I am very sorry, and, above all, Dr. Gunning.
At night I took horse, and rode with Roger Pepys and
his two brothers to Impington.
4th. To church,
and had a good plain sermon. At our coming in the
country-people all rose with so much reverence; and
when the parson begins, he begins, "Right
worshipfull and dearly beloved" to us. To church
again, and, after supper, to talk about publique
matters, wherein Roger Pepys told me how basely
things had been carried in Parliament by the young
men, that did labour to oppose all things that were
moved by serious men. That they are the most
prophane swearing fellows that ever he heard in his
life, which makes him think that they will spoil
all, and bring things into a warr again if they can.
6th. Took horse
for London, and with much ado, the ways being very
bad, got to Baldwick. [Baldock.] I find that both
here, and every where else that I come, the Quakers
do still continue, and rather grow than lessen.
9th. I to White
Hall, where, after four o'clock, comes my Lord Privy
Seale, [William, first Viscount, and second Baron
Say and Sele, made Lord Privy Seal at the
Restoration. Ob. April, 1662.] and so we went up to
his chamber over the gate at White Hall, where he
asked me what deputacon I had from my Lord, I told
him none; but that I am sworn my Lord's deputy by
both of the Secretarys, which did satisfye him. So
he caused Mr. Moore to read over all the bills, and
all ended very well.
11th. To
Grayes-lnn walks, and there staid a good while;
where I met with Ned Pickering, who told me what a
great match of hunting of a stagg the King had
yesterday; and how the King tired all their horses,
and come home with not above two or three able to
keep pace with him.
14th. This
morning Sir W. Batten, and Sir W. Penn and I, waited
upon the Duke of York in his chamber, to give him an
account of the condition of the Navy for lack of
money, and how our own very bills are offered upon
the Exchange, to be sold at 20 in the 100 loss. He
is much troubled at it, and will speak to the King
and Council of it this morning.
15th. To the
Opera, which begins again to-day with "The Witts,"
[A Comedy by Sir W. Davenant.] never acted yet with
scenes; and the King and Duke and Duchesse were
there (who dined to-day with Sir H. Finch, reader at
the Temple, in great state); and indeed it is a most
excellent play, and admirable scenes.
16th. At the
office all the morning, though little to do; because
all our clerkes are gone to the buriall of Tom
Whitten, one of the Controller's clerkes, a very
ingenious, and a likely young man to live, as any in
the Office. But it is such a sickly time both in the
City and country every where (of a sort of fever),
that never was heard of almost, unless it was in a
plague-time. Among others, the famous Tom Fuller is
dead of it; [D.D., Author of the "Worthies of
England," Chaplain to the King, and Prebendary of
Salisbury.] and Dr. Nichols, Dean of Paul's;
[Matthew Nicholas, D.D., installed Dean of St.
Paul's, July, 1660. Ob. August 14, 1661. He was
brother to Sir Edward Nicholas, Secretary of State.]
and my Lord General Monk is very dangerously ill.
17th. At the
Privy Seale, where we had a seale this morning. Then
met with Ned Pickering, and walked with him into St.
James's Park (where I had not been a great while),
and there found great and very noble alterations.
And, in our discourse, he was very forward to
complain and to speak loud of the lewdnesse and
beggary of the Court, which I am sorry to hear, and
which I am afraid will bring all to ruin again. I to
the Opera, and saw "The Witts" again, which I like
exceedingly. The Queen of Bohemia was here, brought
by my Lord Craven. [William, First Earl of Craven, a
Privy Councillor, and Colonel of the Coldstream
Guards; supposed to be married to the Queen of
Bohemia, Ob. 1697 aged 88.]
18th. To White
Hall, and there hear that my Lord General Monk
continues very ill; and then to walk in St. James's
Park, and saw a great variety of fowle which I never
saw before. At night fell to read In "Hooker's
Ecclesiastical Polity," which Mr. Moore did give me
last Wednesday very handsomely bound; and which I
shall read with great pains and love for his sake.
19th. I am sent
for to the Privy Seale, and there I found a thing of
my Lord Chancellor's to be sealed this afternoon,
and so I am forced to go to Worcester House, where
severall Lords are met in Council this afternoon.
And while I am waiting there, in comes the King in a
plain common riding-suit and velvet cap, in which he
seemed a very ordinary man to one that had not known
him.
27th. My wife
and I to the theatre, and there saw "The Joviall
Crew," [Or the "Merry Beggars," a Comedy, by Richard
Brome.] where the King, Duke and Duchesse, and
Madame Palmer, were; and my wife, to her great
content, had a full sight of them all the while.
31st. At Court
things are in very ill condition, there being so
much emulacion, poverty, and the vices of drinking,
swearing, and loose amours, that I know not what
will be the end of it, but confusion. And the Clergy
so high, that all people that I meet with do protest
against their practice. In short, I see no content
or satisfaction any where, in any one sort of
people. The Benevolence [A voluntary contribution
made by the subjects to their Sovereign.] proves so
little and an occasion of so much discontent every
where, that it had better it had sever been set up.
I think to subscribe 20l. We are at our Office
quiet, only for lack of money all things go to rack.
Our very bills offered to be sold upon the Exchange
at 10 per cent. loss. We are upon getting Sir B.
Ford's house added to our Office. But I see so many
difficulties will follow in pleasing of one another
in the dividing of it, and in becoming bound
personally to pay the rent of 200l. per annum, that
I do believe it will yet scarce come to pass. The
season very sickly every where of strange and fatal
fevers.
SEPTEMBER 1,
1661. Captn. Holmes and I by coach to White Hall; in
our way, I found him by discourse, to be a great
friend of my Lord's, and he told me there was a many
did seek to remove him; but they were old seamen,
such as Sir J. Minnes, [A Vice-Admiral, and
afterwards Comptroller of the Navy.] (but he would
name no more, though he do believe Sir W. Batten is
one of them that do envy him,) but he says he knows
that the King do so love him, and the Duke of York
too, that there is no fear of him. He seems to be
very well acquainted with the King's mind, and with
all the several factions at Court, and spoke all
with so much franknesse, that I do take him to be my
Lord's good friend, and one able to do him great
service, being a cunning fellow, and one (by his own
confession to me) that can put on two several faces,
and look his enemies in the face with as much love
as his friends. But, good God! what an age is this,
and what a world is this! that a man cannot live
without playing the knave and dissimulation.
2nd. I find
that there are endeavours to get my Lord out of play
at sea, which I believe Mr. Coventry and the Duke do
think will make them more absolute; but I hope, for
all this, they will not be able to do it.
3rd. Dined at
home, and then with my wife to the Wardrobe, where
my Lady's child was christened, (my Lord Crewe and
his Lady, and my Lady Montagu, my Lord's
mother-in-law, were the witnesses), and named
Katherine (the Queen elect's name); but to my and
all our trouble, the Parson of the parish christened
her, and did not sign the child with the sign of the
cross. After that was done, we had a very fine
banquet.
7th. Having
appointed the young ladies at the Wardrobe to go
with them to the play to-day, my wife and I took
them to the theatre, where we seated ourselves close
by the King, and Duke of York, and Madame Palmer,
which was great content; and, indeed, I can never
enough admire her beauty. And here was "Bartholomew
Fayre," [A Comedy, by Ben Jonson; first acted in
1614.] with the puppet-showe, acted to day, which
had not been these forty years, (it being so
satyricall against puritanism, they durst not till
now, which is strange they should already dare to do
it, and the King do countenance it,) but I do never
a whit like it the better for the puppets, but
rather the worse. Thence home with the ladies, it
being by reason of our staying a great while for the
King's coming, and the length of the play! near nine
o'clock before it was done.
11th. To Dr.
Williams, who did carry me into his garden, where he
hath abundance of grapes: and he did show me how a
dog that he hath do kill all the cats that come
thither to kill his pigeons, and do afterwards bury
them; and do it with so much care that they shall be
quite covered; that if the tip of the tail hangs out
he will take up the cat again, and dig the hole
deeper. Which is very strange; and he tells me, that
he do believe that he hath killed above 100 cats.
12th. To my
Lady's to dinner at the Wardrobe; and in my way upon
the Thames, I saw the King's new pleasure-boat that
is come now for the King to take pleasure in above
bridge; and also two Gundaloes that are lately
brought, which are very rich and fine. [Gondolas.
Davenant uses the expression, "Step into one of your
peascod boats, whose tilts are not so sumptuous as
the roofs of Gundaloes."]
24th. Letters
from sea, that speak of my Lord's being well; and
his action, though not considerable of any side, at
Argier.
25th. Sir W.
Pen told me that I need not fear any reflection upon
my Lord for their ill successe at Argier, for more
could not be done. To my Lord Crewe's, and dined
with him, where I was used with all imaginable
kindness both from him and her. And I see that he is
afraid my Lord's reputacon will a little suffer in
common talk by this late successe; but there is no
help for it now. The Queen of England (as she is now
owned and called) I hear doth keep open Court, and
distinct at Lisbone.
27th. At noon,
met my wife at the Wardrobe; and there dined where
we found Captn. Country, (my little Captain that I
loved, who carried me to the Sound,) with some
grapes and millons from my Lord at Lisbone. The
first that ever I saw; but the grapes are rare
things. In the afternoon comes Mr. Edwd. Montagu (by
appointment this morning) to talk with my Lady and
me about the provisions fit to be bought, and sent
to my Lord along with him. And told us, that we need
not trouble ourselves how to buy them, for the King
would pay for all, and that he would take care to
get them: which put my Lady and me into a great deal
of ease of mind. Here we staid and supped too, and,
after my wife had put up some of the grapes in a
basket for to be sent to the King we took coach and
home, were we found a hampire of millons sent to me
also.
30th. This
morning up by moone-shine, at 5 o'clock, to White
Hall, to meet Mr. Moore at the Privy Seale, and
there I heard of a fray between the two Embassadors
of Spaine [The Baron de Vatteville.] and France;
[Godfrey, Count D'Estrades, Marshal of France, and
Viceroy of America. He proved himself upon many
occasions, an able diplomatist, and particularly at
the conferences of Nimeguen when acting as
ambassador in 1673. Ob. 1686, aet. suae 79,—VIDE HIS
LETTERS TO LOUIS XIV. IN THE APPEND.] and that, this
day, being the day of the entrance of an Embassador
from Sweden, they intended to fight for the
precedence. Our King, I heard, ordered that no
Englishman should meddle in the business, but let
them do what they would. And to that end all the
soldiers in the town were in arms all the day long,
and some of the train-bands in the City; and a great
bustle through the City all the day. Then we took
coach (which was the business I come for) to Chelsey,
to my Lord Privy Seale, and there got him to seal
the business. Here I saw by day-light two very fine
pictures in the gallery, that a little while ago I
saw by night; and did also go all over the house,
and found it to be the prettiest contrived house
that I ever saw in my life. So back again; and at
White Hall light, and saw the soldiers and people
running up and down the streets. So I went to the
Spanish, Embassador's and the French, and there saw
great preparations on both sides; but the French
made the most noise and ranted most, but the other
made no stir almost at all; so that I was afraid the
other would have too great a conquest over them.
Then to the Wardrobe, and dined there, and then
abroad and in Cheapside hear that the Spanish hath
got the best of it, and killed three of the French
coach-horses and severall men, and is gone through
the City next to our King's coach; at which, it is
strange, to see how all the City did rejoice. And
indeed we do naturally all love the Spanish, and
hate the French. But I, as I am in all things
curious, presently got to the water-side, and there
took oares to Westminster Palace, and run after them
through all the dirt and the streets full of people:
till at last, at the Mewes, I saw the Spanish coach
go, with fifty drawn swords at least to guard it,
and our soldiers shouting for joy. And so I followed
the coach, and then met it at York House, where the
embassador lies; and there it went in with great
state. [York House belonged to the See of York till
James 1st's time, when Toby Matthews exchanged it
with the Crown. Chancellors Egerton and Bacon
resided there, after which it was granted to
Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Subsequently to the
Restoration his son occupied the house some years,
and disposing of the premises, they were converted
into the streets still bearing his names, and the
general appellation of York Buildings.] So then I
went to the French house, where I observe still,
that there is no men in the world of a more insolent
spirit where they do well, nor before they begin a
matter, and more abject if they do miscarry, than
these people are; for they all look like dead men,
and not a word among them, but shake their heads.
The truth is, the Spaniards were not only observed
to fight most desperately, but also they did outwitt
them; first in lining their own harnesse with chains
of iron that they could not be cut, then in setting
their coach in the most advantageous place, and to
appoint men to guard every one of their horses, and
others for to guard the coach, and others the
coachmen. And above all in setting upon the French
horses and killing them, for by that means the
French were not able to stir. There were several men
slain of the French, and one or two of the Spaniards
and one Englishman, by a bullet. Which is very
observable, the French were at least four to one in
number, and had near 100 case of pistols among them,
and the Spaniards had not one gun among them; which
is for their honour for ever, and the others'
disgrace. So, having been very much daubed with
dirt, I got a coach, and home; where I vexed my wife
in telling of her this story, and pleading for the
Spaniards against the French. So ends this month;
myself and family in good condition of health, but
my head full of my Lord's and my own and the office
business: where we are now very busy about sending
forces to Tangier, and the fleet of my Lord of
Sandwich, who is now at Lisbone to bring over the
Queene. The business of Argier hath of late troubled
me, because my Lord hath not done what he went for,
though he did as much as any man in the world could
have done. The want of money puts all things, and
above all, the Navy, out of order; and yet I do not
see that the King takes care to bring in any money,
but thinks of new designs to lay out money.
OCTOBER 4,
1661. By coach to White Hall with Sir W. Pen. So to
Mr. Montagu, where his man, Mons. Eschar, makes a
great complaint against the English, that they did
help the Spaniards against the French the other day;
and that their Embassador do demand justice of our
King, and that he do resolve to be gone for France
the next week; which I, and all that I met with, are
glad of.
17th. Captn.
Cock, a man of great observation and repute, did
tell me, that he was confident that the Parliament,
when it comes the next month to sit again, would
bring trouble with it, and enquire how the King had
disposed of offices and money, before they will
raise more; which, I fear, will bring all things to
ruin again. Dined with Captain Lambert and his
father-in-law, and had much talk of Portugall; from
whence he is lately come, and he tells me it is a
very poor dirty place; I mean the City and Court of
Lisbone; that the King is a very rude and simple
fellow; and, for reviling of somebody a little while
ago, had been killed, had he not told them that he
was their king. That there are no glass windows, nor
will they have any; which makes sport among our
merchants there to talk of an English factor that,
being newly come thither, writ into England that
glasse would be a good commodity to send thither,
&c. That the King has his meat sent up by a dozen of
lazy guards and in pipkins, sometimes, to his own
table; and sometimes nothing but fruits, and,
now-and-then, half a hen. And that now the Infanta
is become our Queen, she is come to have a whole hen
or goose to her table.
18th. To White
Hall, to Mr. Montagu's, where I met with Mr. Pierce
the purser, to advise about the things to be sent to
my Lord for the Queene's provision; now there is all
haste made, for the fleete's going.
20th. To Sir W.
Batten, who is to go to Portsmouth to-morrow to wait
upon the Duke of York, who goes to take possession
and to set in order the garrison there.
26th. This
morning Sir J. Pen and I should have gone out of
town with my Lady Batten, to have met Sir William
coming back from Portsmouth, at Kingston, but could
not, by reason that my Lord of Peterborough (who is
to go Governor of Tangier) come this morning,
[Henry, second Earl of Peterborough, a Privy
Councillor, and in 1685 made Groom of the Stole. He
was also K.G., and died 1697.] with Sir G. Carteret,
to advise with us about completing of the affairs
and preparacions for that place. [This place, so
often mentioned by Mr. Pepys, was first given up to
the English Fleet under Lord Sandwich, by the
Portuguese, Jan. 30, 1662; and Lord Peterborough
left Governor, with a garrison. The greatest pains
were afterwards taken to preserve the fortress, and
a fine Mole was constructed, at a vast expense, to
improve the harbour. At length, after immense sums
of money had been wasted there, the House of Commons
expressed a dislike to the management of the
garrison, (which they suspected to be a nursery for
a Popish army,) and seemed disinclined to maintain
it any longer. The King consequently, in 1683, sent
Lord Dartmouth to bring home the troops, and destroy
the works; which he performed most effectually, and
Tangier fell into the hands of the Moors, its
importance having ceased with the demolition of the
Mole.] News was brought that Sir R. Slingsby, our
Comptroller (who hath this day been sick a week), is
dead; which put me into so great a trouble of mind,
that all the night I could not sleep, he being a man
that loved me, and had many qualitys that made me to
love him above all the officers and commissioners in
the Navy.
27th. (Lord's
day.) At church in the morning; where in pew both
Sir Williams and I had much talk about the death of
Sir Robert, which troubles me much; and them in
appearance, though I do not believe it; because I
know that he was a cheque to their engrossing the
whole trade of the Navy-office.
29th. This day
I put on my half cloth black stockings and my new
coate of the fashion, which pleases me well, and
with my beaver I was (after office was done) ready
to go to my Lord Mayor's feast, as we are all
invited; but the Sir Williams were both loth to go,
because of the crowd, and so none of us went. This
Lord Mayor, it seems, brings up again the custom of
Lord Mayors going the day of their instalment to
Paul's, and walking round about the Crosse, and
offering something, at the altar.
30th. Sir Henry
Vane, Lambert, and others, are lately sent suddenly
away from the Tower, prisoners to Scilly; but I do
not think there is any plot as is said, but only a
pretence; as there was once pretended often against
the Cavaliers.
NOVEMBER 1,
1661. Sir Wm. sent for his son Mr. Wm. Pen lately
come from Oxford. [The celebrated Quaker, and
founder of Pennsylvania.]
2nd. At the
office all the morning; where Sir John Minnes, our
new comptroller, was fetched by Sir Wm. Pen and
myself from Sir Wm. Batten's, and led to his place
in the office. The first time that he had come
thither, and he seems in a good fair condition, and
one that I am glad hath the office.
4th. With my
wife to the Opera, where we saw "The Bondman," which
of old we both did so doate on, and do still; though
to both our thinking not so well acted here, (having
too great expectations) as formally at
Salisbury-court. But for Beterton, he is called by
us both the best actor in the world. [Thomas
Betterton, the celebrated actor, born in 1635, was
the son of an under cook to Charles I., and first
appeared on the stage at the Cockpit in Drury Lane,
in 1659. After the Restoration, two distinct
theatres were established by Royal Authority; one in
Drury Lane, called the King's Company, under a
patent granted to Killigrew: the other in Lincoln's
Inn Fields, styled the Duke's Troop, the patentee of
which was Sir W. Davenant, who engaged Mr. Betterton
in 1662, Mr. B. died in 1710, and was buried in the
cloisters of Westminster Abbey.]
8th. This
morning up early, and to my Lord Chancellor's with a
letter to him from my Lord, and did speak with him;
and he did ask me whether I was was son to Mr.
Talbot Pepys or no, [Of Impington, great uncle to
our Author.] (with whom he was once acquainted in
the Court of Requests), and spoke to me with great
respect.
10th. At St.
Gregory's, where I hear our Queene Katherine, the
first time by name publickly prayed for.
12th. This day
Holmes come to town; and we do expect hourly to hear
what usage he hath from the Duke and the King about
his late business of letting the Swedish Embassador
go by him without striking his flag.
13th. By
appointment, we all went this morning to wait upon
the Duke of York, which we did in his chamber, as he
was dressing himself in his riding suit to go this
day by sea to the Downes. He is in mourning for his
wife's grandmother, which is thought a great piece
of fondness. After we had given him our letter
relating the bad condition of the Navy for want of
money, he referred it to his coming back and so
parted. Thence on foot to my Lord Crewe's; here I
was well received by my Lord and Sir Thomas; with
whom I had great talk: and he tells me in good
earnest that he do believe the Parliament, (which
comes to sit again the next week,) will be
troublesome to the Court and Clergy, which God
forbid! But they see things carried so by my Lord
Chancellor and some others, that get money
themselves, that they will not endure it.
17th. To
church; and heard a simple fellow upon the praise of
Church musique, and exclaiming against men's wearing
their hats on in the church.
20th. To
Westminster Hall by water in the morning, where I
saw the King going in his barge to the Parliament
House; this being the first day of their meeting
again. And the Bishops, I hear, do take their places
is the Lords' House this day. I walked longe in the
Hall, but hear nothing of newes, but what Ned
Pickering tells me, which I am troubled at, that Sir
J. Minnes should send word to the King, that if he
did not remove all my Lord Sandwich's captains out
of this fleet, he believed the King would not be
master of the fleet at its coming again: and so do
endeavour to bring disgrace upon my Lord. But I hope
all that will not do, for the King loves him.
21st. At the
office all the afternoon; it being the first
afternoon that we have sat, which we are now to do
always, so long as the Parliament sits, who this day
have voted the King 120,000l. to be raised to pay
his debts. [According to the Journals 1,200,000l.]
28th. Letters
from my Lord Sandwich, from Tangier; where he
continues still, and hath done some execution upon
the Turks, and retaken an Englishman from them, one
Mr. Parker, a merchant in Marke-lane.
29th. I lay
long in bed, till Sir Williams both sent me word
that we were to wait upon the Duke of York to-day;
and that they would have me to meet them at
Westminster Hall, at noon: so I rose and went
thither; and there I understand that they are gone
to Mr. Coventry's lodgings, in the Old Palace Yard,
to dinner (the first time that I knew he had any);
and there I met them, and Sir G. Carteret, and had a
very fine dinner, and good welcome, and discourse:
and so, by water, after dinner to White Hall to the
Duke, who met us in his closet; and there did
discourse upon the business of Holmes, and did
desire of us to know what hath been the common
practice about making of forrayne ships to strike
sail to us, which they did all do as much as they
could; but I could say nothing to it, which I was
sorry for. After we were gone from the Duke, I told
Mr. Coventry that I had heard Mr. Selden often say,
that he could prove that in Henry the 7th's time, he
did give commission to his captains to make the King
of Denmark's ships to strike to him in the Baltique.
30th. This is
the last day for the old State's coyne to pass in
common payments, but they say it is to pass in
publique payments to the King three months still.
DECEMBER 1,
1661. There hath lately been great clapping up of
some old statesmen, such as Ireton, Moyer, [Samuel
Moyer, one of the Council of State, 1653.] and
others, and they say, upon a great plot, but I
believe no such thing; but it is but justice that
they should be served as they served the poor
Cavaliers; and I believe it will oftentimes be so as
long as they live, whether there be cause or no.
6th. To White
Hall, where, at Sir G. Carteret's, Sir Williams both
and I dined very pleasantly; and after dinner, by
appointment, came the Governors of the East India
Company, to sign and seal the contract between us
(in the King's name) and them. And, that done, we
all went to the King's closet, and there spoke with
the King and the Duke of York, who promise to be
very careful of the India trade to the utmost.
7th. To the
Privy Seale, and sealed there; and, among other
things that passed, there was a patent for Roger
Palmer (Madam Palmer's husband [Ob. July, 1705.]) to
be Earle of Castlemaine and Baron of Limbricke in
Ireland; but the honor is tied up to the males got
of the body of this wife, the Lady Barbary: the
reason whereof every body knows. That done, by water
to the office, where I found Sir W. Pen, and with
him Captn. Holmes, who had wrote his case, and gives
me a copy, as he hath many among his friends, and
presented the same to the King and Council. Which I
have made use of in my attempt of writing something
concerning the business of striking sail, which I am
now about. But he do cry out against Sir John Minnes,
as the veriest knave and rogue and coward in the
world.
9th. At noon to
dinner at the Wardrobe; where my Lady Wright was,
who did talk much upon the worth and the desert of
gallantry; and that there was none fit to be
courtiers, but such as have been abroad and know
fashions. [See note on Sir Harry Wright, 27th March
1660.] Which I endeavoured to oppose; and was
troubled to hear her talk so, though she be a very
wise and discreet lady in other things.
15th. I am now
full of study about writing something about our
making of strangers strike to us at sea; and so am
altogether reading Selden and Grotius, and such
other authors to that purpose.
18th. After
dinner to the Opera, where there was a new play,
(Cutter of Coleman Street) made in the year 1658,
with reflections much upon the late times; and it
being the first time the pay was doubled, and so to
save money, my wife and I went into the gallery, and
there sat and saw very well; and a very good play it
is. It seems of Cowly's making.
21st. To White
Hall to the Privy Seale, as my Lord Privy Seale did
tell me he could seale no more this month, for he
goes thirty miles out of towne to keep his
Christmas. At which I was glad, but only afraid lest
any thing of the King's should force as to go after
him to get a seale in the country. I spoke to Mr.
Falconberge to look whether he could out of Domesday
Book, give me any thing concerning the sea, and the
dominion thereof; which he says he will look after.
27th. In the
morning to my Bookseller's to bespeak a Stephens'
Thesaurus, for which I offer 4l., to give to Paul's
School, and from thence to Paul's Church; and there
I did hear Dr. Gunning preach a good sermon upon the
day, (being St. John's day,) and did hear him tell a
story, which he did persuade us to believe to be
true, that St. John and the Virgin Mary did appear
to Gregory, a Bishopp, at his prayer to be confirmed
in the faith, which I did wonder to hear from him.
28th. At home
all the morning; and in the afternoon all of us at
the office, upon a letter from the Duke for the
making up of a speedy estimate of all the debts of
the Navy, which is put into good forwardness.
31st. To the
office; and there late finishing our estimate of the
debts of the Navy to this day; and it come to near
374,000l. I suppose myself to be worth about 500l.
clear in the world, and my goods of my house my owne,
and what is coming to me from Brampton, when my
father dies, which God defer. But, by my uncle's
death, the whole care and trouble, and settling of
all lies upon me, which is very great, because of
law-suits, especially that with T. Frice, about the
interest of 200l. I am upon writing a little
treatise to present to the Duke, about our privilege
in the seas, as to other nations striking their
flags to us.
1661-62
JANUARY 2,
1661-62. I went forth, by appointment, to meet with
Mr. Grant, who promised to bring me acquainted with
Cooper, the great limner in little. [ Samuel Cooper,
the celebrated miniature painter, Ob. 1672.] Sir
Richd. Fanshaw is come suddenly from Portugal, and
nobody knows what his business is about.
To Faithorne's,
[William Faithorne, the well known engraver Ob.
1691.] and there bought some pictures of him; and
while I was there, comes by the King's life-guard,
he being gone to Lincoln's Inne this afternoon to
see the Revells there; there being, according to an
old custome, a prince and all his nobles, and other
matters of sport and charge.
11th. To the
Exchange, and there all the news is of the French
and Dutch joyning against us; but I do not think it
yet true. In the afternoon, to Sir W. Batten's,
where in discourse I heard the custome of the
election of the Duke of Genoa, who for two years is
every day attended in the greatest state, and four
or five hundred men always waiting upon him as a
king; and when the two years are out, and another is
chose, a messenger is sent to him, who stands at the
bottom of the stairs, and he at, the top, and says,
"Va. Illustrissima Serenita sta finita, et puede
andar en casa."—"Your serenity is now ended; and now
you may be going home;" and so claps on his hat. And
the old Duke (having by custom sent his goods home
before,) walks away, it may be but with one man at
his heels; and the new one brought immediately in
his room, in the greatest state in the world.
Another account was told us, how in the Dukedom of
Ragusa, in the Adriatique, (a State that is little,
but more ancient, they say, than Venice, and is
called the mother of Venice, and the Turkes lie
round about it,) that they change all the officers
of their guard, for fear of conspiracy, every
twenty-four hours, so that nobody knows who shall be
captain of the guard to-night; but two men come to a
man, and lay hold of him as a prisoner, and carry
him to the place; and there he hath the keys of the
garrison given him, and he presently issues his
orders for that night's watch: and so always from
night to night. Sir Wm. Rider told the first of his
own knowledge; and both he and Sir W. Batten confirm
the last.
13th. Before
twelve o'clock comes, by appointment, Mr. Peter and
the Dean, [Michael Honywood, installed Dean of
Lincoln, 1660, Ob. 1681, aged 85.] and Colonel
Honiwood, brothers, to dine with me; but so soon
that I was troubled at it. Mr. Peter did show us the
experiment (which I had heard talke of) of the
chymicall glasses, which break all to dust by
breaking off a little small end; which is a great
mystery to me.
15th. Mr.
Berkenshaw [Mr. Pepys's music master.] asked me
whether we had not committed a fault in eating
to-day; telling me that it is a fast day ordered by
the Parliament, to pray for more seasonable weather;
it having hitherto been summer weather, that it is,
both as to warmth and every other thing, just as if
it were the middle of May or June, which do threaten
a plague (as all men think) to follow, for so it was
almost the last winter; and the whole year after
hath been a very sickly time to this day.
16th. Towards
Cheapside; and in Paul's Church-yard saw the funeral
of my Lord Cornwallis, late Steward of the King's
House, go by. Stoakes told us, that notwithstanding
the country of Gambo is so unhealthy, yet the people
of the place live very long, so as the present King
there is 150 years old, which they count by rains:
because every year it rains continually four months
together. He also told us, that the Kings there have
above 100 wives a-piece.
18th. Comes Mr.
Moore to give me an account how Mr. Montagu [Edward
Montagu.] was gone away of a sudden with the fleet,
in such haste that he hath left behind some
servants, and many things of consequence; and among
others, my Lord's commission for Embassador.
Whereupon he and I took coach, and to Whitehall to
my Lord's lodgings, to have spoke with Mr. Ralph
Montagu [Ralph, eldest son of Edward, second Baron
Montagu, of Boughton; created Duke of Montagu, and
died 1709. His sister Elizabeth had married Sir D.
Harvey, Knt., Ambassador to Constantinople.] his
brother; (and here we staid talking with Sarah and
the old man,) but by and by hearing that he was in
Covent Garden, we went thither: and at my Lady
Harvy's, his sister, I spoke with him, and he tells
me that the Commission is not left behind.
22nd. After
musique-practice, to White Hall, and thence to
Westminster, in my way calling at Mr. George
Montagu's, to condole on the loss of his son, who
was a fine gentleman. after this discourse he told
me, among other news, the great jealousys that are
now in the Parliament House. The Lord Chancellor, it
seems, taking occasion from this late plot to raise
fears in the people, did project the raising of an
army forthwith, besides the constant militia,
thinking to make the Duke of York General thereof.
But the House did, in very open termes, say, they
were grown too wise to be fooled again into another
army; and said they had found how that man that hath
the command of an army is not beholden to any body
to make him King. There are factions (private ones
at Court) about Madam Palmer; but what it is about I
know not. But it is something about the King's
favour to her now that the Queene is coming. He told
me, too, what sport the King and Court do make at
Mr. Edwd. Montagu's leaving his things behind him.
But the Chancellor (taking it a little more
seriously) did openly say to my Lord Chamberlaine,
that had it been such a gallant as my Lord
Mandeville his son, [Lord Mandeville was a Gentleman
of the Bedchamber to Charles II. He became Earl of
Manchester on his father's death, and died at Paris
in 1682.] it might have been taken as a frolique:
but for him that would be thought a grave coxcombe,
it was very strange. Thence to the Hall, where I
heard the House had ordered all the King's
murderers, that remain, to be executed, but
Fleetwood [Charles, son of Sir Wm. Fleetwood, Knt.,
General and Commander in Chief to the Protector
Richard, whose sister, Bridget, widow of Ireton, he
had married. After the King's return he lived in
contemptible obscurity, and died circa 1689.] and
Downes.
25th. At home
and the office all the morning. Walking in the
garden to give the gardener directions what to do
this year (for I intend to have the garden
handsome), Sir W. Pen come to me, and did break a
business to me about removing his son from Oxford to
Cambridge to some private college. I proposed
Magdalene, but cannot name a tutor at present; but I
shall think and write about it. Thence with him to
the Trinity-house to dinner; where Sir Richd. Brown,
one of the clerkes of the Council, and who is much
concerned against Sir N. Crisp's project of making a
great sasse ["Sasse, a sluice, or lock, used in
water-works."—BAILEY'S DICTIONARY. This project is
mentioned by Evelyn, and Lysons, ENVIRONS, VOL. iv.
p. 392.] in the King's lands about Deptford, to be a
wett-dock to hold 200 sail of ships. But the ground,
it seems, was long since given by the King to Sir
Richard. After the Trinity-house men had done their
business, the master, Sir Wm. Rider, come to bid us
welcome; and so to dinner. Comes Mr.Moore with
letters from my Lord Sandwich, speaking of his lying
still at Tangier, looking for the fleet; which, we
hope, is now in a good way thither.
27th. This
morning, both Sir Williams and I by barge to
Deptford-yard to give orders in business there; and
called on several ships, also to give orders. Going
to take water upon Tower-hill, we met with three
sleddes standing there to carry my Lord Monson
[William, second son of Sir Thomas Monson, Bart.;
created by Charles I. Viscount Castlemaine of the
kingdom of Ireland; notwithstanding which, he was
instrumental in his Majesty's death: and in 1661,
being degraded of his honours, was sentenced, with
Sir Henry Mildmay and Mr. Robert Wallop, to be drawn
on sledges, with ropes round their necks, to Tyburn,
and back to the Tower, there to remain prisoners for
life. None of their names were subscribed to the
King's sentence.] and Sir H. Mildmay [Sir H. Mildmay
had enjoyed the confidence of Charles I., who made
him Master of the Jewels; but he sat a few days as
one of the King's Judges. He died at Antwerp.] and
another, to the gallows and back again, with ropes
about their necks; which is to be repeated every
year, this being the day of their sentencing the
King.
FEBRUARY 1,
1661-62 This morning with Commissioner Pett to the
office; and he staid there writing, while I and Sir
W. Pen walked in the garden talking about his
business of putting his son to Cambridge; and to
that end I intend to write to-night to Dr.
Fairebrother, to give me an account of Mr. Burton
[Hezekiah Burton, S. T. B. 1661.] of Magdalene.
Thence with Mr. Pett to the Paynter's; and he likes
our pictures very well, and so do I. Thence he and I
to the Countesse of Sandwich, to lead him to her to
kiss her hands: and dined with her, and told her the
news (which Sir W. Pen told me to do) that expresse
is come from my Lord with letters, that by a great
storm and tempest the mole of Argier is broken down,
and many of their ships sunk into the mole. So that
God Almighty hath now ended that unlucky business
for us; which is very good news.
4th. To
Westminster Hall, where it was full terme. Here all
the morning, and at noon to my Lord Crewe's, where
one Mr. Templer (an ingenious man and a person of
honour he seems to be) dined; and, discoursing of
the nature of serpents, he told us some in the waste
places of Lancashire do grow to a great bigness, and
do feed upon larkes, which they take thus:—They
observe when the lark is soared to the highest, and
do crawl till they come to be just underneath them;
and there they place themselves with their mouth
uppermost, and there, as is conceived, they do eject
poyson upon the bird; for the bird do suddenly come
down again in its course of a circle, and falls
directly into the mouth of the serpent; which is
very strange. He is a great traveller; and, speaking
of the tarantula, he says that all the harvest long
(about which times they are most busy) there are
fidlers go up and down the fields every where, in
expectation of being hired by those that are stung.
This afternoon, going into the office, one met me
and did serve a subpoena upon me for one Field, whom
we did commit to prison the other day for some ill
words he did give the office. The like he had for
others, but we shall scoure him for it.
5th. To the
Playhouse, and there saw "Rule a wife and have a
Wife;" [A comedy by J. Fletcher.] very well done.
And here also I did look long upon my Lady
Castlemaine, who, notwithstanding her sickness,
continues a great beauty.
7th. I hear the
prisoners in the Tower that are to die are come to
the Parliament-house this morning. To the Wardrobe
to dinner with my Lady; where a civitt cat, parrot,
apes, and many other things, are come from my Lord
by Captain Hill, who dined with my Lady with us
to-day. Thence to the Paynter's, and am well pleased
with our pictures.
10th. To Paul's
Church-yard, and there I met with Dr. Fuller's
"England's Worthys," the first time that I ever saw
it; and so I sat down reading in it; being much
troubled that (though he had some discourse with me
about my family and armes) he says nothing at all,
nor mentions us either in Cambridgeshire or Norfolke.
But I believe, indeed, our family were never
considerable.
13th. Mr.
Blackburne do tell me plain of the corruption of all
our Treasurer's officers, and that they hardly pay
any money under ten per cent.; and that the other
day for a mere assignation of 200l. to some
counties, they took 15l. which is very strange. Last
night died the Queene of Bohemia.
15th. With the
two Sir Williams to the Trinity-house; and there in
their society had the business debated of Sir
Nicholas Crisp's sasse at Deptford. After dinner I
was sworn a Younger Brother; Sir W. Rider being
Deputy-Master for my Lord of Sandwich; and after I
was sworn, all the Elder Brothers shake me by the
hand: it is their custom, it seems. No news yet of
our fleet gone to Tangier, which we now begin to
think long.
17th. This
morning, both Sir Williams, myself, and Captn. Cock,
and Captn. Tinker of the Covertine, which we are
going to look upon, (being intended with these ships
fitting for the East Indys) down to Deptford; and
thence, after being on ship-board, to Woolwich, and
there eat something. The Sir Williams being
unwilling to eat flesh, Captn. Cock and I had a
breast of veale roasted.
18th. Having
agreed with Sir Wm. Pen to meet him at the Opera,
and finding by my walking in the streets, which were
every where full of brick-bates and tyles flung down
by the extraordinary winde the last night (such as
hath not been in memory before, unless at the death
of the late Protector,) that it was dangerous to go
out of doors; and hearing how several persons had
been killed to-day by the fall of things in the
streets, and that the pageant in Fleet-streete is
most of it blown down, and hath broke down part of
several houses, among others Dick Brigden's; and
that one Lady Sanderson, a person of quality in
Covent-Garden, was killed by the fall of the house,
in her bed, last night; I sent my boy to forbid him
to go forth, But he bringing me word that he is
gone, I went thither and saw "The Law against
Lovers," [A tragi-comedy by Sir William Davenant;
taken from "Measure for Measure," and "Much Ado
about Nothing."] a good play and well performed,
especially the little girl's (whom I never saw act
before) dancing and singing; and were it not for
her, the losse of Roxalana would spoil the house.
20th. Letters
from Tangier from my Lord, telling me how, upon a
Great defete given to the Portuguese there by the
Moors, he had put in 300 men into the towne, and so
he is in possession, of which we are very glad,
because now the Spaniards' designs of hindering our
getting the place are frustrated. I went with the
letter inclosed to my Lord Chancellor to the House
of Lords, and did give it him in the House. Went by
promise to Mr. Savill's, and there sat the first
time for my picture in little, which pleaseth me
well.
22nd. This
evening I wrote letters to my father; among other
things acquainted him with the unhappy accident
which hath happened lately to my Lord of Dorset's
two oldest sons, who, with two Belasses and one
Squire Wentworth, were lately apprehended for
killing and robbing of a tanner about Newington on
Wednesday last, and are all now in Newgate. I am
much troubled for it, and for the grief and disgrace
it brings to their familys and friends. [The
following account of this transaction is abridged
from the MERCURIUS PUBLICUS of the day:—"Charles
Lord Brockhurst, Edward Sackville, Esq., his
brother; Sir Henry Belasyse, K.B., eldest son of
Lord Belasyse; John Belasyse, brother to Lord
Faulconberg; and Thomas Wentworth, Esq., only son of
Sir G. Wentworth, whilst in pursuit of thieves near
Waltham Cross, mortally wounded an innocent tanner
named Hoppy, whom they had endeavoured to secure,
suspecting him to have been one of the robbers; and
as they took away the money found on his person,
under the idea that it was stolen property they were
soon after apprehended on the charges of robbery and
murder; but the Grand Jury found a bill for
manslaughter only." By a subsequent allusion in the
Diary to their trial, it seems probable that a
verdict of acquittal was pronounced.]
23rd. This day
by God's mercy I am 29 years of age, and in very
good health, and like to live and get an estate; and
if I have a heart to be contented, I think I may
reckon myself as happy a man as any in the world,
for which God be praised. So to prayers and to bed.
25th. Great
talk of the effects of this late great wind; and I
heard one say that he had five great trees standing
together blown down; and, beginning to lop them, one
of them, as soon as the lops were cut off, did, by
the weight of the root, rise again and fasten. We
have letters from the forest of Deane, that above
1000 oakes and as many beeches are blown down in one
walke there. And letters from my father tell me of
20l. hurt done to us at Brampton. This day in the
news-booke I find that my Lord Buckhurst [Charles
Lord Buckhurst, eldest son of Richard, fifth Earl of
Dorset; created Earl of Middlesex soon after his
uncle's death, in 1675, and succeeded his father in
1677. Ob. 1705-6.] and his fellows have printed
their case as they did give it in upon examination
to a Justice of Peace, wherein they make themselves
a very good tale that they were in pursuit of
thieves, and that they took this man for one of
them, and so killed him; and that he himself
confessed it was the first time of his robbing; and
that he did pay dearly for it, for he was a dead
man. But I doubt things will be proved otherwise
than they say.
MARCH 1,
1661-62. To the Opera, and there saw "Romeo and
Juliet," the first time it was ever acted. I am
resolved to go no more to see the first time of
acting, for they were all of them out more or less.
3rd. I am told
that this day the Parliament hath voted 2s. per
annum for every chimney in England, as a constant
revenue for ever to the Crowne.
7th. Early to
White Hall to the chapel, where by Mr. Blagrave's
means I got into his pew, and heard Mr. Creeton, the
great Scotchman, and chaplain in ordinary to the
King, preach before the King, and Duke and Duchesse,
upon the words of Micah:—"Roule yourselves in dust."
He made a most learned sermon upon the words; but in
his application, the most comical man that ever I
heard in my life. Just such a man as Hugh Peters;
saying that it had been better for the poor Cavalier
never to have come with the King into England again;
for he that hath the impudence to deny obedience to
the lawful magistrate, and to swear to the oath of
allegiance, &c., was better treated now-a-days in
Newgate, than a poor Royalist that hath suffered all
his life for the King, is at White Hall among his
friends.
8th. By coach
with both Sir Williams to Westminster; this being a
great day there in the House to pass the business
for chimney- money, which was done. In the Hall I
met with Surgeon Pierce: and he told me how my Lady
Monk hath disposed of all the places which Mr. Edwd.
Montagu hoped to have had as he was Master of the
Horse to the Queene; which I am afraid will undo
him, because he depended much upon the profit of
what he should make by these places. He told me,
also, many more scurvy stories of him and his
brother Ralph, which troubles me to hear of persons
of honour as they are. Sir W. Pen and I to the
office, whither afterward come Sir G. Carteret; and
we sent for Sir Thos. Allen, one of the Aldermen of
the City, [Probably Sheriff of London, 1654.] about
the business of one Colonel Appesly, whom we had
taken counterfeiting of bills with all our hands and
the officers of the yards, so well that I should
never have mistrusted them. We staid about this
business at the office till ten at night, and at
last did send him with a constable to the Counter;
and did give warrants for the seizing of a complice
of his, one Blenkinsopp.
12th. This
morning we had news from Mr. Coventry, that Sir G.
Downing (like a perfidious rogue, though the action
is good and of service to the King, yet he cannot
with a good conscience do it) hath taken Okey,
Corbet, and Barkestead at Delfe, in Holland, and
sent them home in the Blackmore. [According to Hume,
Downing had once been chaplain to Okey's regiment.
John Okey, Miles Corbet, and John Barkstead, three
of the regicides; executed April 19th following.]
Sir W. Pen, talking to me this afternoon of what a
strange thing it is for Downing to do this, he told
me of a speech he made to the Lords States of
Holland, telling them to their faces that he
observed that he was not received with the respect
and observance now that he was when he came from the
traitor and rebell Cromwell: by whom, I am sure, he
hath got all he hath in the world,—and they know it
too.
14th. Home to
dinner. In the afternoon come the German Dr.
Knuffler, to discourse with us about his engine to
blow up ships. We doubted not the matter of fact, it
being tried in Cromwell's time, but the safety of
carrying them in ships; but he do tell us, that when
he comes to tell the King his secret, (for none but
the Kings, successively, and their heirs must know
it,) it will appear to be of no danger at all. We
concluded nothing: but shall discourse with the Duke
of York to-morrow about it.
16th. Walked to
White Hall; and an houre or two in the Parke, which
is now very pleasant. Here the King and Duke come to
see their fowle play. The Duke took very civil
notice of me.
17th. Last
night the Blackmore pinke brought the three
prisoners Barkestead, Okey, and Corbet, to the
Tower, being taken at Delfe in Holland; where, the
Captain tells me, the Dutch were a good while before
they could be persuaded to let them go, they being
taken prisoners in their land. But Sir G. Downing
would not be answered so: though all the world takes
notice of him for a most ungrateful villaine for his
pains.
21st. To
Westminster Hall; and there walked up and down and
heard the great difference that hath been between my
Lord Chancellor and my Lord of Bristol, about a
proviso that my Lord Chancellor would have brought
into the Bill for Conformity, that it shall be in
the power of the King, when he sees fit to dispense
with the Act of Conformity; and though it be carried
in the House of Lords, yet it is believed it will
hardly pass in the Commons.
23rd. To White
Hall, and there met with Captn. Isham, this day come
from Lisbone, with letters from the Queene to the
King and he did give me letters which speak that our
fleet is all at Lisbone; and that the Queene do not
intend to embarque sooner than to-morrow come
fortnight.
24th. By and by
comes La Belle Pierce to see my wife, and to bring
her a pair of peruques of hair, as the fashion now
is for ladies to wear; which are pretty, and are of
my wife's own hair, or else I should not endure
them.
APRIL 6, 1662.
(Lord's day). By water to White Hall, to Sir G.
Carteret, to give him an account of the
backwardnesse of the ships we have hired to
Portugall: at which he is much troubled. Thence to
the Chapel, and there, though crowded, heard a very
honest sermon before the King by a Canon of Christ
Church, upon these words, "Having a form of
godlinesse, but denying," &c. Among other things he
did much insist upon the sin of adultery: which
methought might touch the King, and the more because
he forced it into his sermon, besides his text. So
up and saw the King at dinner; and thence with Sir
G. Carteret to his lodgings to dinner, with him and
his lady. All their discount, which was very much,
was upon their sufferings and services for the King.
Yet not without some trouble, to see that some that
had been much bound to them, do now neglect them;
and others again most civil that have received least
from them: and I do believe that he hath been a,
good servant to the King. Thence to the Parke, where
the King and Duke did walk.
7th. To the
Lords' House, and stood within the House, while the
Bishops and Lords did stay till the Chancellor's
coming and then we were put out. I sent in a note to
my Lord Privy Seale and he come out to me; and I
desired he would make another deputy for me, because
of my great business of the Navy this month; but he
told me he could not do it without the King's
consent, which vexed me. The great talk is, that the
Spaniards and the Hollanders do intend to set upon
the Portugais by sea, at Lisbone, as soon as our
fleet is come away; and by that means our fleet is
not likely to come yet these two months or three;
which I hope is not true.
9th. Sir George
[Carteret.] showed me an account in French of the
great famine, which is to the greatest extremity in
some part of France at this day; which is very
strange.
10th. Yesterday
come Col. Talbot with letters from Portugall, that
the Queene is resolved to embarque for England this
week. Thence to the office all the afternoon. My
Lord Windsor come to us to discourse of his affaire,
and to take his leave of us; he being to go Governor
of Jamaica with this fleet that is now going.
[Thomas Baron Windsor, Lord Lieutenant of
Worcestershire; advanced to the Earldom of Plymouth,
1682. Ob. 1687.]
11th. With Sir
W. Pen by water to Deptford; and among the ships now
going to Portugall with men and horse, to see them
dispatched. So to Greenwich; and had a fine pleasant
walk to Woolwich, having in our company Captn.
Minnes, whom I was much pleased to hear talk. Among
other things, he and the Captains that were with us
told me that negroes drowned looked white and lose
their blackness, which I never heard before. At
Woolwich up and down to do the same business; and so
back to Greenwich by water. Sir William and I walked
into the Parke, where the King hath planted trees
and made steps in the hill up to the Castle, which
is very magnificent. So up and down the house, which
is now repayring in the Queens's lodgings.
13th. To Grayes
Inn walkes; and there met Mr. Pickering. His
discourse most about the pride of the Duchesse of
York; and how all the ladies envy my Lady
Castlemaine. He intends to go to Portsmouth to meet
the Queene this week; which is now the discourse and
expectation of the towne.
15th. With my
wife, by coach, to the New Exchange, to buy her some
things; where we saw some new-fashion pettycoats of
sarcenett, with a black broad lace printed round the
bottom and before, very handsome, and my wife had a
mind to one of them.
19th. This
morning, before we sat, I went to Aldgate; and at
the corner shop, a draper's, I stood, and, did see
Barkestead, Okey, and Corbet, drawne towards the
gallows at Tyburne; and there they were hanged and
quartered. They all looked very cheerful; but I hear
they all die defending what they did to the King to
be just; which is very strange.
20th.
(Lord's-day). My intention being to go this morning
to White Hall to hear Louth, my Lord Chancellor's
chaplain, the famous preacher and oratour of Oxford,
(who the last Lord's-day did sink down in the pulpit
before the King, and could not proceed,) it did
rain, and the wind against me, that I could by no
means get a boat or coach to carry me; and so I
staid at Paul's, where the Judges did all meet, and
heard a sermon, it being the first Sunday of the
terme; but they had a very poor sermon.
21st. At noon
dined with my Lord Crewe; and after dinner went up
to Sir Thos. Crewe's chamber, who is still ill. He
tells me how my Lady Duchesse of Richmond [Mary,
daughter to George Duke of Buckingham wife of James,
fourth Duke of Lennox and third Duke of Richmond.]
and Castlemaine had a falling out the other day; and
she calls the latter Jane Shore, and did hope to see
her come to the same end. Coming down again to my
Lord, he told me that news was come that the Queene
is landed; at which I took leave, and by coach
hurried to White Hall, the bells ringing in several
places; but I found there no such matter, nor
anything like it.
22nd. We come
to Gilford.
23rd. Up early,
and to Petersfield; and thence got a countryman to
guide us by Havant, to avoid going through the
Forest; but he carried us much out of the way. I lay
at Wiard's, the chyrurgeon's, in Portsmouth.
24th. All of us
to the Pay-house; but the books not being ready, we
went to church to the lecture, where there was my
Lord Ormond and Manchester, and much London company,
though not so much as I expected. Here we had a very
good sermon upon this text: "In love serving one
another;" which pleased me very well. No news of the
Queene at all. So to dinner; and then to the Pay all
the afternoon. Then W. Pen and I walked to the
King's Yard.
26th. Sir
George and I, and his clerk Mr. Stephens, and Mr.
Holt our guide, over to Gosport; and so rode to
Southampton. In our way, besides my Lord
Southampton's parks and lands, which in one viewe we
could see 6000l. per annum, [Tichfield House,
erected by Sir Thomas Wriothesley, on the site of an
Abbey of Premonstratenses, granted to him with their
estates, 29th Henry VIII. Upon the death of his
descendant, Thomas, Earl of Southampton, and Lord
Treasurer, without issue male, the house and manor
were allotted to his eldest daughter Elizabeth, wife
of Edmund, 1st Earl of Gainsborough; and their only
son dying S.P.M., the property devolved to his
sister Elizabeth, married to Henry, Duke of Portland
whose grandson, the 3rd Duke, alienated it to Mr.
Delme.] we observed a little church-yard, where the
graves are accustomed to be all sowed with sage. At
Southampton. The towne is one most gallant street,
and is walled round with stone, &c., and Bevis's
picture upon one of the gates; many old walls of
religious houses, and the keye, well worth seeing.
27th. I rode to
church, and met my Lord Chamberlaine upon the walls
of the garrison, who owned and spoke to me. I
followed him in the crowde of gallants through the
Queene's lodgings to chapel; the rooms being all
rarely furnished, and escaped hardly being set on
fire yesterday. At chapel we had a most excellent
and eloquent sermon. By coach to the Yard, and then
on board the Swallow in the dock, where our navy
chaplain preached a sad sermon, full of nonsense and
false Latin; but prayed for the Right Honourable the
principall officers. Visited the Mayor, Mr. Timbrell,
our anchor-smith, who showed us the present they
have for the Queene; which is a salt-sellar of
silver, the walls christall, with four eagles and
four greyhounds standing up at the top to bear up a
dish; which indeed is one of the neatest pieces of
plate that ever I saw, and the case is very pretty
also. [A salt-sellar answering this description is
preserved at the Tower.] This evening come a
merchantman in the harbour, which we hired at London
to carry horses to Portugall; but Lord! what
running, here was to the seaside to hear what news,
thinking it had come from the Queene.
MAY 1, 1662.
Sir G. Carteret, Sir W. Pen, and myself, with our
clerks, set out this morning from Portsmouth very
early, and got by noon to Petersfield; several
officers of the Yard accompanying us so far. At
dinner comes my Lord Carlingford [Theobald second
Viscount Taafe, created Earl of Carlingford, co.
Louth, 1661-2.] from London, going to Portsmouth:
tells us that the Duchesse of York is brought to bed
of a girle, at which I find nobody pleased; and that
Prince Rupert and the Duke of Buckingham are sworne
of the Privy Councell.
7th. Walked to
Westminster; where I understand the news that Mr.
Montagu is last night come to the King with news,
that he left the Queene and fleete in the Bay of
Biscay, coming this wayward; and that he believes
she is now at the Isle of Scilly. Thence to Paul's
Church Yard; where seeing my Ladys Sandwich and
Carteret, and my wife (who this day made a visit the
first time to my Lady Carteret) come by coach, and
going to Hide Parke, I was resolved to follow them;
and so went to Mrs. Turner's: and thence at the
Theatre, where I saw the last act of the "Knight of
the Burning Pestle," [A Comedy by Beaumont and
Fletcher.] (which pleased me not at all), and so
after the play done, she and The. Turner and Mrs.
Lucin and I, in her coach to the Parke; and there
found them out, and spoke to them; and observed many
fine ladies, and staid till all were gone almost.
8th. Sir G.
Carteret told me, that the Queene and the fleet were
in Mount's Bay on Monday last; and that the Queene
endures her sickness pretty well. He also told me
how Sir John Lawson hath done some execution upon
the Turkes in the Straight, of which I was glad, and
told the news the first on the Exchange, and was
much followed by merchants to tell it. Sir G.
Carteret, among other discourse, tells me that it is
Mr. Coventry that is to come to us as a Commissioner
of the Navy; at which he is much vexed, and cries
out upon Sir W. Pen, and threatens him highly. And
looking upon his lodgings, which are now enlarging,
he in a passion cried, "Guarda mi spada; for, by
God, I may chance to keep him in Ireland, when he is
there:" for Sir W. Pen is going thither with my Lord
Lieutenant. But it is my design to keep much in with
Sir George; and I think I have begun very well
towards it.
9th. The Duke
of York went last night to Portsmouth; so that I
believe the Queene is near.
10th. At noon
to the Wardrobe; there dined. My Lady told me how my
Lady Castlemaine do speak of going to lie at Hampton
Court; which she and all our ladies are much
troubled at, because of the King's being forced to
show her countenance in the sight of the Queene when
she comes. In the evening Sir G. Carteret and I did
hire a ship for Tangier, and other things together;
and I find that he do single me out to join with me
apart from the rest, which I am much glad of.
11th. In the
afternoon to White Hall; and there walked an houre
or two in the Parke, where I saw the King now out of
mourning, in a suit laced with gold and silver,
which it is said was out of fashion. Thence to the
Wardrobe; and there consulted with the ladies about
going to Hampton Court to-morrow.
12th. Mr.
Townsend called us up by four o'clock; and by five
the three ladies, my wife and I, and Mr. Townsend,
his son and daughter, were got to the barge and set
out. We walked from Mortlake to Richmond, and so to
boat again. And from Teddington to Hampton Court Mr.
Townsend and I walked again. And then met the
ladies, and were showed the whole house by Mr.
Marriott; which is indeed nobly furnished,
particularly the Queene's bed, given her by the
States of Holland; a looking-glasse sent by the
Queene-mother from France, hanging in the Queene's
chamber, and many brave pictures. And so to barge
again; and got home about eight at night very well.
14th. Dined at
the Wardrobe; and after dinner, sat talking an hour
or two alone with my Lady. She is afraid that my
Lady Castlemaine will keep still with the King.
15th. To
Westminster; and at the Privy Seale I saw Mr.
Coventry's seal for his being Commissioner with us.
At night, all the bells of the towne rung, and
bonfires made for the joy of the Queene's arrival,
who landed at Portsmouth last night. But I do not
see much true joy, but only an indifferent one, in
the hearts of the people, who are much discontented
at the pride and luxury of the Court, and running in
debt.
18th.
(Whitsunday.) By water to White Hall, and there to
chapel in my pew belonging to me as Clerke of the
Privy Seale; and there I heard a most excellent
sermon of Dr. Hacket, Bishop of Lichfield and
Coventry, [John Hacket, elected Bishop of that see
1661, Ob. 1670.] upon these words: "He that drinketh
this water shall never thirst." We had an excellent
anthem, sung by Captn. Cooke and another, and brave
musique. And then the King come down and offered,
and took the sacrament upon his knees; a sight very
well worth seeing. After dinner to chapel again; and
there had another good anthem of Captn. Cooke's.
Thence to the Councell-chamber; where the King and
Councell sat till almost eleven o'clock at night,
and I forced to walk up and down the gallerys till
that time of night. They were reading all the bills
over that are to pass to-morrow at the House, before
the King's going out of towne and proroguing the
House. At last the Councell risen, Sir G. Carteret
told me what the Councell hath ordered about the
ships designed to carry horse from Ireland to
Portugall, which is now altered.
19th. I hear
that the House of Commons do think much that they
should be forced to huddle over business this
morning against afternoon, for the King to pass
their Acts, that he may go out of towne. But he, I
hear since, was forced to stay till almost nine
o'clock at night before he could have done, and then
prorogued them; and so to Gilford, and lay there.
20th. Sir W.
Pen and I did a little business at the office, and
so home again. Then comes Dean Fuller; [Dean of St.
Patrick's] and I am most pleased with his company
and goodness.
21st. My wife
and I to my Lord's lodging; where she and I staid
walking in White Hall garden. And in the
Privy-garden saw the finest smocks and linnen
petticoats of my Lady Castlemaine's, laced with rich
lace at the bottom, that ever I saw: and did me good
to look at them. Sarah told me how the King dined at
my Lady Castlemaine's, and supped, every day and
night the last week; and that the night that the
bonfires were made for joy of the Queene's arrivall,
the King was there; but there was no fire at her
door, though at all the rest of the doors almost in
the street; which was much observed: and that the
King and she did send for a pair of scales and
weighed one another; and she, being with child, was
said to be heaviest. But she is now a most
disconsolate creature, and comes not out of doors,
since the King's going.
22nd. This
morning comes an order from the Secretary of State,
Nicholas, for me to let one Mr. Lee, a Councellor,
view what papers I have relating to passages of the
late times, wherein Sir H. Vane's hand is employed,
in order to the drawing up his charge; which I did.
23rd. To the
Wardrobe, reading of the King's and Chancellor's
late speeches at the proroguing of the Houses of
Parliament. And while I was reading, news was
brought me that my Lord Sandwich is come and gone up
to my Lady's chamber; which by and by he did, and
looks very well. He very merry, and hath left the
King and Queene at Portsmouth, and is come up to
stay here till next Wednesday, and then to meet the
King and Queene at Hampton Court. So to dinner; and
my Lord mighty merry; among other things, saying
that the Queene is a very agreeable lady, and paints
well. After dinner I showed him my letter from
Teddiman about the news from Argier, which pleases
him exceedingly; and he writ one to the Duke of York
about it, and sent it express.
24th. Abroad
with Mr. Creed, of whom I informed myself of all I
had a mind to know. Among other things, the great
difficulty my Lord hath been in all this summer for
lack of good and full orders from the King: and I
doubt our Lords of the Councell do not mind things
as the late powers did, but their pleasure or profit
more. That the Bull Feasts are a simple sport, yet
the greatest in Spaine. That the Queene hath given
no rewards to any of the captains or officers, but
only to my Lord Sandwich; and that was a bag of
gold, which was no honorable present, of about;
1400l. sterling. How recluse the Queene hath ever
been, and all the voyage never come upon the deck,
nor put her head out of her cabin; but did love my
Lord's musique, and would send for it down to the
state-room, and she sit in her cabin within hearing
of it. But my Lord was forced to have some clashing
with the Council of Portugall about payment of the
portion, before he could get it; which was, besides
Tangier and free trade in the Indys, two millions of
crownes, half now, and the other half in twelve
months. But they have brought but little money; but
the rest in sugars and other commoditys, and bills
of exchange. That the King of Portugall is a very
foole almost, and his mother do all, and he is a
very poor Prince.
25th. To
church, and heard a good sermon of Mr. Woodcocke's
at our church: only in his latter prayer for a woman
in childbed, he prayed that; God would deliver her
from the hereditary curse of childe-bearing, which
seemed a pretty strange expression. Out with Captn.
Ferrers to Charing Cross; and there at the Triumph
taverne he showed me some Portugall ladys, which are
come to towne before the Queene. They are not
handsome, and their farthingales a strange dress.
Many ladies and persons of quality come to see them.
I find nothing in them that is pleasing; and I see
they have learnt to kiss and look freely up and down
already, and I do believe will soon forget the
recluse practice of their own country. They complain
much for lack of good water to drink. The King's
guards and some City companies do walk up and downe
the towne these five or six days; which makes me
think, and they do say, there are some plots in
laying.
26th. To the
Trinity House; where the Brethren have been at
Deptford choosing a new Master; which is Sir J.
Minnes, notwithstanding Sir W. Batten did contend
highly for it; at which I am not a little pleased,
because of his proud lady.
29th. This day,
being the King's birth-day, was very solemnly
observed; and the more, for that the Queene this day
comes to Hampton Court. In the evening bonfires were
made, but nothing to the great number that was
heretofore at the burning of the Rump.
31st. The
Queene is brought a few days since to Hampton Court:
and all people say of her to be a very fine and
handsome lady, and very discreet; and that the King
is pleased enough with her: which, I fear, will put
Madam Castlemaine's nose out of joynt. The Court is
wholly now at Hampton. A peace with Argier is lately
made; which is also good news. My Lord Sandwich is
lately come with the Queene from sea, very well and
in good repute. The Act for Uniformity is lately
printed, which, it is thought, will make mad work
among the Presbyterian ministers. People of all
sides are very much discontented; some thinking
themselves used, contrary to promise, too hardly;
and the other, that they are not rewarded so much as
they expected by the King.
JUNE 3, 1662.
At the office, and Mr. Coventry brought his patent
and took his place with us this morning. To the
Wardrobe, where I found my lady come from Hampton
Court, where the Queene hath used her very civilly;
and my lady tells me is a most pretty woman.
Yesterday (Sir R. Ford told me) the aldermen of the
City did attend her in their habits, and did present
her with a gold cupp and 1000l. in gold therein.
But, he told me, that they are so poor in their
Chamber, that they were fain to call two or three
aldermen to raise fines to make up this sum.
4th. Povy
[Thomas Povy, M.P. for Bosiney, 1658 and Treasurer
for Tangier. Evelyn mentions his house in Lincoln's
Inn-fields; and he appears, from an ancient plan of
Whitehall Palace, to have had apartments there.] and
Sir W. Batten and I by water to Woolwich; and there
saw an experiment made of Sir R. Ford's Holland's
yarne, (about which we have lately had so much stir;
and I have much concerned myself for our rope-maker,
Mr. Hughes, who represented it so bad,) and we found
it to be very bad, and broke sooner than, upon a
fair triall, five threads of that against four of
Riga yarne; and also that some of it had old stuffe
that had been tarred, covered over with new hempe,
which is such a cheat as hath not been heard of.
7th. To the
office. I find Mr. Coventry is resolved to do much
good, and to enquire into all the miscarriages of
the office. At noon with him and Sir W. Batten to
dinner at Trinity House; where, among others, Sir J.
Robinson, Lieutenant of the Tower, was, who says
that yesterday Sir H. Vane had a full hearing at the
King's Bench, and is found guilty; and that he did
never hear any man argue more simply than he in all
his life, and so others say. Sent for to Sir G.
Carteret's. I perceive, as; he told me, were it not
that Mr. Coventry had already feathered his nest in
selling of places, he do like him very well, and
hopes great good from him. But he complains so of
lack of money, that my heart is very sad, under the
apprehension of the fall of the office.
10th. All the
morning much business; and great hopes of bringing
things, by Mr. Coventry's means, to a good condition
in the office.
12th. I tried
on my riding cloth suit with close knees, the first
that ever I had; and I think they will be very
convenient. At the office all the morning. Among
other businesses, I did get a vote signed by all,
concerning my issuing of warrants, which they did
not smell the use I intend to make of it; but it is
to plead for my clerks to have their right of giving
out all the warrants. A great difference happened
between Sir G. Carteret and Mr. Coventry, about
passing the Victualler's account, and whether Sir
George is to pay the Victualler his money, or the
Exchequer; Sir George claiming it to be his place to
save his three-pences. It ended in anger, and I
believe will come to be a question before the King
and Council.
13th. Up by 4
o'clock in the morning, and read Cicero's Second
Oration against Cataline, which pleased me
exceedingly: and more I discern therein than ever I
thought was to be found in him; but I perceive it
was my ignorance, and that he is as good a writer as
ever I read in my life. By and by to Sir G.
Carteret's, to talk with him about yesterday's
difference at the office; and offered my service to
look into my old books or papers that I have, that
may make for him. He was well pleased therewith, and
did much inveigh against Mr. Coventry; telling me
how he had done him service in the Parliament, when
Prin had drawn up things against him for taking of
money for places; that he did at his desire, and
upon his letters, keep him off from doing it. And
many other things he told me, as how the King was
beholden to him, and in what a miserable condition
his family would be, if he should die before he hath
cleared his accounts. Upon the whole, I do find that
he do much esteem of me, and is my friend.
14th. About 11
o'clock, having a room got ready for us, we all went
out to the Tower-hill; and there, over against the
scaffold, made on purpose this day, saw Sis Henry
Vane brought. A very great press of people. He made
a long speech, many times interrupted by the
Sheriffe and others there; and they would have taken
his paper out of his hand, but he would not let it
go. But they caused all the books of those that writ
after him to be given the Sheriffe; and the trumpets
were brought under the scaffold that he might not be
heard. Then he prayed, and so fitted himself, and
received the blow; but the scaffold was so crowded
that we could not see it done. But Boreman, who had
been upon the scaffold, told us, that first he began
to speak of the irregular proceeding against him;
that he was, against Magna Charta, denied to have
his exceptions against the indictment allowed; and
that there he was stopped by the Sheriffe. Then he
drew out his paper of notes, and begun to tell them
first his life; that he was born a gentleman; he had
been, till he was seventeen years old, a good
fellow, but then it pleased God to lay a foundation
of grace in his heart, by which he was persuaded,
against his worldly interest, to leave all
preferment and go abroad, where he might serve God
with more freedom. Then he was called home; and made
a member of the Long Parliament; where he never did,
to this day, any thing against his conscience, but
all for the glory of God. Here he would have given
them an account of the proceedings of the Long
Parliament, but they so often interrupted him, that
at last he was forced to give over: and so fell into
prayer for England in generall, then for the
churches in England, and then for the City of
London: and so fitted himself for the block, and
received the blow. He had a blister, or issue, upon
his neck, which he desired them not to hurt: he
changed not his colour or speech to the last, but
died justifying himself and the cause he had stood
for; and spoke very confidently of his being
presently at the right hand of Christ; and in all
things appeared the most resolved man that ever died
in that manner, and showed more of heate than
cowardize, but yet with all humility and gravity.
One asked him why he did not pray for the King. He
answered, "You shall see I can pray for the King: I
pray God bless him!" The King had given his body to
his friends; and, therefore, he told them that he
hoped they would be civil to his body when dead; and
desired they would let him die like a gentleman and
a Christian, and not crowded and pressed as he was.
So to the office a little, and to the Trinity-house,
and there all of us to dinner; and to the office
again all the afternoon till night. This day, I
hear, my Lord Peterborough is come unexpected from
Tangier, to give the King an account of the place,
which, we fear, is in none of the best condition. We
had also certain news to-day that the Spaniard is
before Lisbone with thirteen sayle; six Dutch, and
the rest his own ships; which will, I fear, be ill
for Portugall. I writ a letter of all this day's
proceedings to my Lord, at Hinchingbroke.
18th. Up early;
and after reading a little in Cicero, to my office.
To my Lord Crewe's and dined with him; where I hear
the courage of Sir H. Vane at his death is talked on
every where as a miracle. I walked to Lilly's, the
painter's, [Peter Lely, the celebrated painter,
afterwards knighted. Ob. 1680.] where I saw among
other rare things, the Duchesse of York, her whole
body, sitting in state in a chair, in white sattin,
and another of the King's, that is not finished;
most rare things. I did give the fellow something
that showed them us, and promised to come some other
time, and he would show me Lady Castlemaine's, which
I could not then see, it being locked up! Thence to
Wright's, the painter's: [Michael Wright, a native
of Scotland, and portrait- painter of some note,
settled in London.] but, Lord! the difference that
is between their two works.
20th. Drew up
the agreement between the King and Sir John Winter
[Secretary and Chancellor to the Queen Dowager.]
about the Forrest of Deane; and having done it, he
come himself, (I did not know him to be the Queene's
Secretary before, but observed him to be a man of
fine parts); and we read it, and both liked it well,
That done, I turned to the Forrest of Deane, in
Speede's Mapps, and there he showed me how it lies;
and the Sea-bayly, with the great charge of carrying
it to Lydny, and many other things worth my knowing;
and I do perceive that I am very short in my
business by not knowing many times the geographical
part of my business.
I went to the
Exchange, and I hear that the merchants have a great
fear of a breach with the Spaniard; for they think
he will not brook our having Tangier, Dunkirke, and
Jamaica; and our merchants begin to draw home their
estates as fast as they can.
21st. At noon,
Sir W. Pen and I to the Trinity House; where was a
feast made by the Wardens. Great good cheer, and
much but ordinary company. The Lieutenant of the
Tower, upon my demanding how Sir H. Vane died, told
me that he died in a passion; but all confess with
so much courage as never man did.
22nd. This day
I am told of a Portugall lady, at Hampton Court,
that hath dropped a child already since the Queene's
coming, and the King would not have them searched
whose it is; and so it is not commonly known yet.
Coming home to-night, I met with Will. Swan, who do
talk as high for the Fanatiques as ever he did in
his life; and do pity my Lord Sandwich and me that
we should be given up to the wickedness of the
world; and that a fall is coming upon us all; for he
finds that he and his company are the true spirit of
the nation, and the greater part of the nation too,
who will have liberty of conscience in spite of this
"Act of Uniformity," or they will die; and if they
may not preach abroad, they will preach in their own
houses. He told me that certainly Sir H. Vane must
be gone to Heaven, for he died as much a martyr and
saint as ever man did; and that the King hath lost
more by that man's death, than he will get again a
good while. At all which I know not what to think;
but, I confess, I do think that the Bishops will
never be able to carry it so high as they do.
Meeting with Frank Moore, my Lord Lambeth's man
formerly, we, and two or three friends of his did go
to a taverne; but one of our company, a talking
fellow, did in discourse say much of this Act
against Seamen, for their being brought to account;
and that it was made on purpose for my Lord
Sandwich, who was in debt 100,000l. and hath been
forced to have pardon oftentimes from Oliver for the
same: at, which I was vexed.
24th. At night
news is brought me that Field the rogue hath this
day cast me at Guildhall in 30l. for his
imprisonment, to which I signed his commitment with
the rest of the officers; but they having been
parliament-men, he do begin the law with me; but
threatens more.
26th. Mr.
Nicholson, [Thomas Nicholson, A.M., 1672.] my old
fellow-student at Magdalene, come, and we played
three or four things upon the violin and basse.
27th. To my
Lord, who rose as soon as be heard I was there; and
in his night-gowne and shirt stood talking with me
alone two hours, I believe, concerning his greatest
matters of state and interest,—among other things,
that his greatest design is, first, to get clear of
all debts to the King for the Embassy money, and
then a pardon. Then, to get his land settled; and
then to discourse and advise what is best for him,
whether to keep his sea employment longer or no. For
he do discern that the Duke would be willing to have
him out, and that by Coventry's means. And here he
told me, how the terms at Argier were wholly his;
and that be did plainly tell Lawson and agree with
him, that he would have the honour of them, if they
should ever be agreed to; and that accordingly they
did come over hither entitled, "Articles concluded
on by Sir J. Lawson, according to instructions
received from His Royal Highness James Duke of York,
&c. and from His Excellency the Earle of Sandwich."
(Which however was more than needed; but Lawson
tells my Lord in his letter, that it was not he, but
the Council of Warr that would have "His Royal
Highness" put into the title, though he did not
contribute one word to it.) But the Duke of York did
yesterday propose them to the Council, to be printed
with this title: "Concluded on by Sir J. Lawson,
Knt." and my Lord quite left out. Here I find my
Lord very politique; for he tells me, that he
discerns they design to set up Lawson as much, as
they can: and that he do counterplot them by setting
him up higher still; by which they will find
themselves spoiled of their design, and at last grow
jealous of Lawson. This he told me with much
pleasure; and that several of the Duke's servants,
by name my Lord Barkeley, Mr. Talbot, and others,
had complained to my Lord, of Coventry, and would
have him out. My Lord do acknowledge that his
greatest obstacle is Coventry. He did seem to hint
such a question as this: "Hitherto I have been
supported by the King and Chancellor against the
Duke; but what if it should come about, that it
should be the Duke and Chancellor against the King:"
which, though he said it in several plain words, yet
I could not fully understand it; but may more
hereafter. My Lord did also tell me, that the Duke
himself at Portsmouth did thank my Lord for all his
pains and care; and that he perceived it must be the
old Captains that must do the business; and that the
new ones would spoil all. And that my Lord did very
discreetly tell the Duke, (though quite against his
judgement and inclination) that, however, the King's
new captaines ought to be borne with a little and
encouraged. By which he will oblige that party, and
prevent, as much as may be, their entry; but he says
certainly things will go to rack if ever the old
captains should be wholly out, and the new ones only
command.
I met Sir W.
Pen; he told me the day now was fixed for his going
into Ireland; and that whereas I had mentioned some
service he could do a friend of mine there, Saml.
Pepys, [Mentioned elsewhere as "My cousin in
Ireland."] he told me he would most readily do what
I would command him.
28th. Great
talk there is of a fear of a war with the Dutch; and
we have order to pitch upon twenty ships to be
forthwith set out; but I hope it is but; a
scare-crow to the world, to let them see that we can
be ready for them; though, God knows! the King is
not able to set out five ships at this present
without great difficulty, we neither having money,
credit, nor stores.
30th. Told my
Lady (Carteret) how my Lady Fanshaw [Anne, daughter
of Sir John Harrison, wife of Sir Richard Fanshawe.
She wrote Memoirs of her life,—VIDE SEWARDS
ANECDOTES.] is fallen out with her only for speaking
in behalf of the French, which my Lady wonders at,
they having been formerly like sisters. Thence to my
house, where I took great pride to lead her through
the Court by the hand, she being very fine, and her
page carrying up her train.
OBSERVATIONS.
This I take to
be as bad a juncture as ever I observed. The King
and his new Queene minding their pleasures at
Hampton Court. All people discontented; some that
the King do not gratify them enough; and the others,
Fanatiques of all sorts, that the King do take away
their liberty of conscience; and the height of the
Bishops, who I fear will ruin all again. They do
much cry up the manner of Sir H. Vane's death, and
he deserves it. Much clamour against the
chimney-money; and the people say, they will not pay
it without force. And in the meantime, like to have
war abroad; and Portugall to assist, when we have
not money to pay for any ordinary layings-out at
home.
JULY 2, 1662.
Up while the chimes went four, and so put down my
journal. So to my office, to read over such
instructions as concern the officers of the Yard;
for I am much upon seeing into the miscarriages
there. By and by, by appointment, comes Commissioner
Pett; and then a messenger from Mr. Coventry, who
sits in his boat expecting us. So we down to him at
the Tower, and there took water all, and to
Deptford, (he in our passage taking notice how much
difference there is between the old Captains for
obedience and order, and the King's new Captains,
which I am very glad to hear him confess); and there
we went into the Store-house, and viewed first the
provisions there, and then his books, (but Mr. Davis
himself was not there); and I do not perceive that
there is one-third of their duties performed; but I
perceive, to my great content, Mr. Coventry will
have things performed. In the evening come Mr. Lewis
to me, and very ingeniously did enquire whether I
ever did look into the business of the Chest at
Chatham; and after my readiness to be informed did
appear to him, he did produce a paper, wherein he
stated the government of the Chest to me; and upon
the whole did tell me how it hath ever been abused,
and to this day is; and what a meritorious act it
would be to look after it; which I am resolved to
do, if God bless me: and do thank him very much for
it.
3rd. Dined with
the Officers of the Ordnance; where Sir W. Compton,
Mr. O'Neale, and other great persons, were. After
dinner, was brought to Sir W. Compton a gun to
discharge seven times; the best of all devices that
ever I saw, and very serviceable, and not a bawble;
for it is much approved of, and many thereof made.
6th. To supper
with my Lady (Sandwich); who tells me, with much
trouble, that my Lady Castlemaine is still as great
with the King, and that the King comes as often to
her as ever he did. Jack Cole, my old friend, found
me out at the Wardrobe; and, among other things, he
told me that certainly most; of the chief ministers
of London would fling up their livings; and that,
soon or late, the issue thereof would be sad to the
King and Court.
8th. To the
Wardrobe; where, all alone with my Lord above an
hour; and he do seem still to have his old
confidence in me; and tells me to boot, that Mr.
Coventry hath spoke of me to him to great advantage;
wherein I am much pleased. By and by comes in Mr.
Coventry to visit my Lord; and so my Lord and he and
I walked together in the great chamber a good while;
and I found him a most ingenuous man and good
company.
16th. This day
I was told that my Lady Castlemaine (being quite
fallen out with her husband) did yesterday go away
from him, with all her plate, jewels, and other best
things; and is gone to Richmond to a brother of
hers; which, I am apt to think, was a design to get
out of town, that the King might come at her the
better.
17th. To my
office, and by and by to our sitting; where much
business. Mr. Coventry took his leave, being to go
with the Duke over for the Queene-Mother.
19th. In the
afternoon I went upon the river: it raining hard
upon the water, I put ashore and sheltered myself,
while the King come by in his barge, going down
towards the Downes to meet the Queene: the Duke
being gone yesterday. But methought it lessened my
esteem of a king, that he should not be able to
command the rain.
21st. To
Woolwich to the Rope-yard; and there looked over
several sorts of hemp, and did fall upon my great
survey of seeing the working and experiments of the
strength and the charge in the dressing of every
sort; and I do think have brought it to so great a
certainty, as I have done the King some service in
it; and do purpose to get it ready against the
Duke's coming to towne to present to him. I see it
is impossible for the King to have things done as
cheap as other men.
22nd. I had
letters from the Downes from Mr. Coventry; who tells
me of the foul weather they had last Sunday, that
drove them back from near Bologne, whither they were
going for the Queene, back again to the Downes, with
the loss of their cables, sayles, and masts; but are
all safe, only my Lord Sandwich, who went before
with the yacht: they know not what is become of him,
which do trouble me much; but I hope he got ashore
before the storm begun; which God grant!
23rd. Much
disturbed, by reason of the talk up and downe the
towne, that my Lord Sandwich is lost: but I trust in
God the contrary.
24th. I hear,
to my great content, that my Lord Sandwich is safe
landed in France.
26th. I had a
letter from Mr. Creed, who hath escaped narrowly in
the King's yacht, and got safe to the Downes after
the late storm; and he says that there the King do
tell him, that he is sure my Lord is landed in
Callis safe. This afternoon I went to Westminster:
and there hear that the King and Queene intend to
come to White Hall from Hampton Court next week, for
all winter. Thence to Mrs. Sarah, [Lord Sandwich's
Housekeeper.] and there looked over my Lord's
lodgings, which are very pretty; and White Hall
garden and the Bowling-ally (where lords and ladies
are now at bowles), in brave condition. Mrs. Sarah
told me how the falling out between my Lady
Castlemaine and her Lord was about christening of
the child lately, which he would have, and had done
by a priest: and some days after, she had it again
christened by a minister; the King, and Lord of
Oxford, [Aubrey de Vere, twentieth and last Earl of
Oxford. Ob. 1702-3. s. p.] and Duchesse of Suffolk
[Perhaps a mistake for Countess, as there was no
Duchess of Suffolk at that period.] being witnesses:
and christened with a proviso, that it had not
already been christened. Since that she left her
Lord, carrying away every thing in the house; so
much as every dish, and cloth, and servant but the
porter. He is gone discontented into France, they
say, to enter a monastery; and now she is coming
back again to her house in King-streete. But I hear
that the Queene did prick her out of the list
presented her by the King; desiring that she might
have that favour done her, or that he would send her
from whence she come: and that the King was angry
and the Queene discontented a whole day and night
upon it; but that the King hath promised to have
nothing to do with her hereafter. But I cannot
believe that the King can fling her off so, he
loving her too well: and so I writ this night to my
Lady to be my opinion; she calling her my lady, and
the lady I admire. Here I find that my Lord hath
lost the garden to his lodgings, and that it is
turning into a tennis-court.
27th. I to walk
in the Parke, which is now every day more and more
pleasant, by the new works upon it.
28th. Walked to
the water-side, and there took boat for the Tower;
hearing that the Queene-Mother is come this morning
already as high as Woolwich: and that my Lord
Sandwich was with her; at which my heart was glad.
30th. By water
to White Hall, and there waited upon my Lord
Sandwich; and joyed him, at his lodgings, of his
safe coming home after all his danger, which he
confesses to be very great. And his people do tell
me how bravely my Lord did carry himself, while my
Lord Crofts [William Crofts, created Baron Crofts of
Saxham in Suffolk 1658 and died s.p. 1677.] did cry;
and I perceive all the town talk how poorly he
carried himself. But the best was one of Mr.
Rawlins, a courtier, that was with my Lord; and in
the greatest danger cried, "My Lord I won't give you
three-pence for your place now." But all ends in the
honour of the pleasure-boats; which, had they not
been very good boats, they could never have endured
the sea as they did.
31st. At noon
Mr. Coventry and I by his coach to the Exchange
together; and in Lombard-Streete met Captn. Browne
of the Rosebush: at which he was cruel angry; and
did threaten to go to-day to the Duke at Hampton
Court, and get him turned out because he was not
sailed.
AUGUST 3, 1662.
This day Commissioner Pett told me how despicable a
thing it is to be a hangman in Poland, although it
be a place of credit. And that, in his time, there
was some repairs to be made of the gallows there,
which was very fine of stone; but nobody could be
got to mend it till the Burgo-master, or Mayor of
the towne, with all the companies of those trades
which were necessary to be used about those repairs,
did go in their habits with flags, in solemn
procession to the place, and there the Burgo-master
did give the first blow with the hammer upon the
wooden work; and the rest of the Masters of the
Companys upon the works belonging to their trades;
that so workmen might not be ashamed to be employed
upon doing of the gallows works.
6th. By water
to White Hall; and so to St. James's; but there
found Mr. Coventry gone to Hampton Court. So to my
Lord's; and he is also gone: this being a great day
at the Council about some business before the King.
Here Mr. Pierce, the chyrurgeon, told me how Mr.
Edward Montagu hath lately had a duell with Mr.
Cholmely, that is first gentleman-usher to the
Queene, and was a messenger to her from the King of
Portugall, and is a fine gentleman; but had received
many affronts from Mr. Montagu, and some unkindness
from my Lord, upon his score, (for which I am
sorry.) He proved too hard for Montagu, and drove
him so far backward that he fell into a ditch, and
dropt his sword, but with honour would take no
advantage over him; but did give him his life: and
the world says Mr. Montagu did carry himself very
poorly in the business, and hath lost his honour for
ever with all people in it. This afternoon Mr. Waith
was with me, and did tell me much concerning the
Chest, which I am resolved to look into; and I
perceive he is sensible of Sir W. Batten's carriage;
and is pleased to see any thing work against him.
8th. Dined with
Mr. Falconer; thence we walked talking all the way
to Greenwich, and I do find excellent discourse from
him. Among other things, his rule of suspecting
every man that proposes any thing to him to be a
knave; or, at least, to have some ends of his own in
it. Being led thereto by the story of Sir John
Millicent, that would have had a patent from King
James for every man to have had leave to have gives
him a shilling; and that he might take it of every
man that had a mind to give it; and what he would do
to them that would not give him. He answered, he
would not force them; but that they should come to
the Council of State, to give a reason why they
would not. Another rule is a proverb that he hath
been taught, which is that a man that cannot sit
still in his chamber, (the reason of which I did not
understand,) and he that cannot say no, (that is,
that is of so good a nature that he cannot deny any
thing, or cross another in doing any thing) is not
fit for business. The last of which is a very great
fault of mine, which I must amend in.
9th. Mr.
Coventry and I alone eat at the office all the
morning upon business. And so to dinner to Trinity
House, and thence by his coach towards White Hall;
but there being a stop at the Savoy, we light and
took water, and my Lord Sandwich being out of towne,
we parted there.
10th. I walked
to St. Dunstan's, the church being now finished; and
here I heard Dr. Bates, [Dr. Bates, a celebrated
Nonconformist divine.] who made a most eloquent
sermon; and I am sorry I have hitherto had so low an
opinion of the man, for I have not heard a neater
sermon a great while, and more to my content. My
uncle Fenner told me the new service-booke (which is
now lately come forth) was laid upon their deske at
St. Sepulchre's for Mr. George to read; but he laid
it aside, and would not meddle with it: and I
perceive the Presbyters do all prepare to give over
all against Bartholomewtide. Mr. Herring, being
lately turned out at St. Bride's, did read the
psalme to the people while they sung at Dr. Bates's,
which methought is a strange turn. After dinner to
St, Bride's, and there heard one Carpenter, an old
man, who, they say, hath been a Jesuite priest, and
is come over to us; but he preached very well. Mr.
Calamy hath taken his farewell this day of his
people, and others will do so the next Sunday. Mr.
Turner, [Sir William Turner, Lord Mayor of London,
1669.] the draper, I hear, is knighted, made
Alderman, and pricked for Sheriffe, with Sir Thomas
Bluddel, [A mistake for Bludworth.] for the next
year, by the King, and so are called with great
honour the King's Sheriffes.
13th. Up early,
and to my office. By and by we met on purpose to
enquire into the business of flag-makers, where I am
the person that do chiefly manage the business
against them on the King's part; and I do find it
the greatest cheat that I have yet found; they
having eightpence per yard allowed them by pretence
of a contract, where no such thing appears; and it
is threepence more than was formerly paid, and than
I now offer the board to have them done. To Lambeth;
and there saw the little pleasure- boat in building
by the King, my Lord Brunkard, [William, second Lord
Brouncker, Viscount of castle Lyons; created M.D. in
1642 at Oxford: Keeper of the Great Seal to the
Queen; a Commissioner of the Admiralty; and Master
of St. Catherine's Hospital. He was a man of
considerable talents, and some years President of
the Royal Society. Ob. 1684, aged 64.] and the
virtuosoes of the towne, according to new lines,
which Mr. Pett cries up mightily, but how it will
prove we shall soon see.
14th.
Commissioner Pett and I being invited, went by Sir
John Winter's coach sent for us, to the Miter, in
Fanchurch-street, to a venison-pasty; where I found
him a very worthy man; and good discourse. Most of
which was concerning the Forest of Deane, and the
timber there, and iron-workes with their great
antiquity, and the vast heaps of cinders, which they
find, and are now of great value, being necessary
for the making of Iron at this day ; and without
which they cannot work: with the age of many trees
there left at a great fall in Edward the Third's
time, by the name of forbid-trees, which at this
day, are called vorbid trees.
15th. I went to
Paul's Church Yard to my bookseller's; and there I
hear that next Sunday will be the last of a great
many Presbyterian ministers in towne, who, I hear,
will give up all. I pray God the issue may be good,
for the discontent is great. My mind well pleased
with a letter that I found at home from Mr.
Coventry, expressing his satisfaction in a letter I
writ last night, and sent him this morning, to be
corrected by him in order to its sending down to all
the Yards as a charge to them.
17th. This
being the last Sunday that the Presbyterians are to
preach, unless they read the new Common Prayer and
renounce the Covenant, I had a mind to hear Dr.
Bates's farewell sermon; and walked to St Dunstan's,
where, it not being seven o'clock yet, the doors
were not open; and so I walked an hour in the
Temple- garden. At eight o'clock I went, and crowded
in at a back door among others, the church being
half-full almost before any doors were open
publicly; and so got into the gallery, beside the
pulpit, and heard very well. His text was, "Now the
God of Peace—;" the last Hebrews, and the 20th
verse: he making a very good sermon, and very little
reflections in it to any thing of the times. To
Madam Turner's, and dined with her. She had heard
Parson Herring take his leave; tho' he, by reading
so much of the Common Prayer as he did, hath cast
himself out of the good opinion of both sides. After
dinner to St. Dunstan's again; and the church quite
crowded before I come, which was just at one
o'clock; but I got into the gallery again, but stood
in a crowd. He [Dr. Bates.] pursued his text again
very well; and only at the conclusion told us, after
this manner: "I do believe that many of you do
expect that I should say something to you in
reference to the time, this being the last time that
possibly I may appear here. You know not it is not
my manner to speak anything in the pulpit that is
extraneous to my text and business; yet this I shall
say, that it is not my opinion, fashion, or humour
that keeps me from complying with what is required
of us; but something after much prayer, discourse,
and study yet remains unsatisfied, and commands me
herein. Wherefore, if it is my unhappinesse not to
receive such an illuminacion as should direct me to
do otherwise, I know no reason why men should not
pardon me in this world, as I am confident God will
pardon me for it in the next." And so he concluded.
Parson Herring read a psalme and chapters before
sermon; and one was the chapter in the Acts, where
the story of Ananias and Sapphira is. And after he
had done, says he, "This is just the case of England
at present. God he bids us to preach, and men bid us
not to preach; and if we do, we are to be imprisoned
and further punished. All that I can say to it is,
that I beg your prayers, and the prayers of all good
Christians, for us." This was all the exposition be
made of the chapter in these very words, and no
more. I was much pleased with Bates's manner of
bringing in the Lord's Prayer after his owne; thus,
"In whose comprehensive words we sum up all our
imperfect desires; saying, 'Our Father,'" &c. I hear
most of the Presbyters took their leaves to-day, and
that the City is much dissatisfied with it. I pray
God keep peace among men in their rooms, or else all
will fly a-pieces; for bad ones will not go down
with the City.
18th. Mr. Deane
[Anthony Deane, afterwards knighted and M.P. for
Harwich; a commissioner of the Navy, 1672.] of
Woolwich and I rid into Waltham Forest, and there we
saw many trees of the King's a-hewing; and he showed
me the whole mystery of off square, wherein the King
is abused in the timber that he buys, which I shall
with much pleasure be able to correct. We rode to
Illford, and there, while dinner was getting ready,
he and I practised measuring of the tables and other
things till I did understand measure of timber and
board very well.
19th. At the
office; and Mr. Coventry did tell us of the duell
between Mr. Jermyn, [He became Baron Jermyn on the
death of his uncle, the Earl of St. Alban's, 1683;
and died unmarried, 1703.] nephew to my Lord St.
Alban's, and Colonel Giles Rawlins, the latter of
whom is killed, and the first mortally wounded, as
it is thought. They fought against Captain Thomas
Howard, [According to Collins, Lord Carlisle's
brother's name was Charles.] my Lord Carlisle's
brother, and another unknown; who, they say, had
armor on that they could not be hurt, so that one of
their swords went up to the hilt against it. They
had horses ready, and are fled. But what is most
strange, Howard sent one challenge before, but they
could not meet till yesterday at the old Pall Mall
at St. James's, and he would not to the last tell
Jermyn what the quarrel was; nor do any body know.
The Court is much concerned in this fray, and I am
glad of it; hoping that it will cause some good laws
against it. After sitting, Sir G. Carteret did tell
me how he had spoke of me to my Lord Chancellor, and
that if my Lord Sandwich would ask my Lord
Chancellor, he should know what he had said of me to
him to my advantage.
20th. To my
Lord Sandwich, whom I found in bed. Among other
talk, he do tell me that he hath put me into
commission with a great many great persons in the
business of Tangier, which is a very great honour to
me, and may be of good concernment to me. By and by
comes in Mr. Coventry to us, whom my Lord tells that
he is also put into the commission, and that I am
there, of which he said he was glad; and did tell my
Lord that I was indeed the life of this office, and
much more to my commendation beyond measure. And
that, whereas before he did bear me respect for his
sake, so he do it now much more for my own; which is
a great blessing to me. Sir G. Carteret having told
me what he did yesterday concerning his speaking to
my Lord Chancellor about me. So that on all hands,
by God's blessing, I find myself a very rising man.
By and by comes my Lord Peterborough in, with whom
we talked a good while, and he is going to-morrow
toward Tangier again. I perceive there is yet good
hopes of peace with Guyland [A Moorish usurper, who
had put himself at the head of an army for the
purpose of attacking Tangier.] which is of great
concernment to Tangier.
23rd. Mr.
Coventry and I did walk together a great while in
the Garden, where he did tell me his mind about Sir
G. Carteret's having so much the command of the
money, which must be removed. And indeed it is the
bane of all our business. He observed to me also how
Sir W. Batten begins to struggle and to look after
his business. I also put him upon getting an order
from the Duke for our inquiries into the Chest,
which he will see done.
Mr. Creed and I
walked down to the Tylt Yard, and so all along
Thames-street, but could not get a boat: I offered
eight shillings for a boat to attend me this
afternoon, and they would not, it being the day of
the Queene's coming to town from Hampton Court. So
we fairly walked in to White Hall, and through my
Lord's lodgings we got into White Hall garden, and
so to the Bowling-greene, and up to the top of the
new Banqueting House there, over the Thames, which
was a most pleasant place as any I could have got;
and all the show consisted chiefly in the number of
boats and barges; and two pageants, one of a King,
and another of a Queene, with her Maydes of Honour
sitting at her feet very prettily; and they tell me
the Queene is Sir Richard Ford's daughter. Anon come
the King and Queene in a barge under a canopy with
1000 barges and boats I know, for we could see no
water for them, nor discern the King nor Queene. And
so they landed at White Hall Bridge, and the great
guns on the other side went off. But that which
pleased me best was, that my Lady Castlemaine stood
over against us upon a piece of White Hall. But
methought it was strange to see her Lord and her
upon the same place walking up and down without
taking notice one of another, only at first entry he
put off his hat, and she made him a very civil
salute, but afterwards took no notice one of
another; but both of them now and then would take
their child, which the nurse held in her armes, and
dandle it. One thing more; there happened a scaffold
below to fall, and we feared some hurt, but there
was none, but she of all the great ladies only run
down among the common rabble to see what hurt was
done, and did take care of a child that received
some little hurt, which methought was so noble. Anon
there come one there booted and spurred that she
talked along with. And by and by, she being in her
haire, she put on his hat, which was but an ordinary
one, to keep the wind off. But it become her
mightily, as every thing else do.
24th. Walked to
my uncle Wight's: here I staid supper, and much
company there was; among others, Dr. Burnett, Mr.
Cole the lawyer, Mr. Rawlinson, and Mr. Sutton.
Among other things they tell me that there hath been
a disturbance in a church in Friday- street; a great
many young people knotting together and crying out
"Porridge" often and seditiously in the Church, and
they took the Common Prayer Book, they say, away;
and, some say, did tear it; but it is a thing which
appears to me very ominous. I pray God avert it.
31st. To Mr.
Rawlinson's, and there supped with him. Our
discourse of the discontents that are abroad, among,
and by reason of the Presbyters. Some were clapped
up to-day, and strict watch is kept in the City by
the train-bands, and abettors of a plot are taken.
God preserve us, for all these things bode very ill.
SEPTEMBER 1,
1662. With Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen by coach to
St. James's, this being the first day of our meeting
there by the Duke's order; but when we come, we
found him going out by coach with his Duchesse, and
he told us he was to go abroad with the Queene
to-day, (to Durdan's, it seems, to dine with my Lord
Barkeley, [Lord Berkeley's seat near Epsom.] where I
have been very merry when I was a little boy;) so we
went and staid a little at Mr. Coventry's chamber,
and I to my Lord Sandwich's, who is gone to wait
upon the King and Queene to-day.
Sept. 3. Mr.
Coventry told us how the Fanatiques and Presbyters,
that did intend to rise about this time, did choose
this day as the most auspicious to them in their
endeavours against monarchy: it being fatal twice to
the King, and the day of Oliver's death. But,
blessed be God! all is likely to be quiet, I hope.
Dr. Fairbrother tells me, what I heard confirmed
since, that it was fully resolved by the King's new
Council that an indulgence should be granted the
Presbyters; but upon the Bishop of London's [Gilbert
Sheldon.] speech, (who is now one of the most
powerful men in England with the King,) their minds
were wholly turned. And it is said that my Lord
Albemarle did oppose him most; but that I do believe
is only an appearance. He told me also that most of
the Presbyters now begin to wish they had complied,
now they see that no indulgence will be granted
them, which they hoped for; and that the Bishop of
London hath taken good care that places are supplied
with very good and able men, which is the only thing
that will keep all quiet.
4th. At noon to
the Trinity House, where we treated, very dearly I
believe, the officers of the Ordnance; where was Sir
W. Compton and the Lieutenant of the Tower. We had
much and good musique. Sir Wm. Compton I heard talk
with great pleasure of the difference between the
fleet now and in Queene Elizabeth's days; where, in
88, she had but 36 sail great and small, in the
world; and ten rounds of powder was their allowance
at that time against the Spaniard.
5th. By water
to Woolwich: in my way saw the yacht lately built by
our virtuosoes (my Lord Brunkard and others, with
the help of Commissioner Pett also,) set out from
Greenwich with the little Dutch bezan, to try for
mastery; and before they got to Woolwich the Dutch
beat them half-a-mile; (and I hear this afternoon,
that, in coming home, it got above three miles;)
which all our people are glad of. To Mr. Bland's,
the merchant, by invitation; where I found all the
officers of the Customs, very grave fine gentlemen,
and I am very glad to know them; viz.—Sir Job Harvy,
Sir John Wolstenholme [Sir John Wolstenholme;
created a Baronet, 1664. An intimate friend of Lord
Clarendon's; and collector outward for the Port of
London. Ob. 1679.], Sir John Jacob, [Sir John Jacob
of Bromley, Middlesex; created a Baronet, 1664, for
his loyalty and zeal for the Royal Family. Ob.
1665-6.] Sir Nicholas Crisp, Sir John Harrison, and
Sir John Shaw: [Sir John Shaw was created a Baronet
in 1665, for his services in lending the King large
sums of money during his exile. Ob. 1679-80.] very
good company. And among other discourse, some was of
Sir Jerom Bowes, Embassador from Queene Elizabeth to
the Emperor of Russia; [In 1583: the object of his
mission being to persuade the Muscovite to a peace
with John, King of Sweden. He was also employed to
confirm the trade of the English with Russia; and,
having incurred some personal danger, was received
with favour on his return by the Queen. He died in
1616. There is a portrait of him in Lord Suffolk's
collection at Charlton.] who, because some of the
noblemen there would go up-stairs to the Emperor
before him, he would not go up till the Emperor had
ordered those two men to be dragged down-stairs,
with their heads knocking upon every stair till they
were killed. And when he was come up, they demanded
his sword of him before he entered the room. He told
them, if they would have his sword, they should have
his boots too. And so caused his boots to be pulled
off, and his night- gown and night-cap and slippers
to be sent for; and made the Emperor stay till he
could go in his night-dress, since he might not go
as a soldier. And lastly when the Emperor in
contempt, to show his command of his subjects did
command one to leap from the window down and broke
his neck in the sight of our Embassador, he replied
that his mistress did set more by, and did make
better use of the necks of her subjects: but said,
that, to show what her subjects would do for her, he
would, and did, fling down his gantlett before the
Emperor; and challenged all the nobility there to
take it up, in defence of the Emperor against his
Queene; for which, at this very day, the name of Sir
Jerom Bowes is famous and honoured there. I this day
heard that Mr. Martin Noell is knighted by the King,
which I much wonder at; but yet he is certainly a
very useful man.
7th. Home with
Mr. Fox and his lady; and there dined with them.
Most of our discourse was what ministers are flung
out that will not conform: and the care of the
Bishop of London that we are here supplied with very
good men. Meeting Mr. Pierce, the chyrurgeon, he
took me into Somersett House; and there carried me
into the Queene-Mother's presence-chamber, where she
was with our own Queene sitting on her left hand
(whom I did never see before); and though she be not
very charming, yet she hath a good, modest, and
innocent look, which is pleasing. Here I also saw
Madam Castlemaine, and, which pleased me most, Mr.
Crofts, [James, son of Charles II. by Mrs. Lucy
Waters; who bore the name of Crofts till he was
created Duke of Monmouth in 1662, previously to his
marriage with Lady Anne Scot, daughter to Francis,
Earl of Buccleuch.] the King's bastard, a most
pretty sparke of about 15 years old, who, I
perceive, do hang much upon my Lady Castlemaine, and
is always with her; and, I hear, the Queenes both
are mighty kind to him. By and by in comes the King,
and anon the Duke and his Duchesse; so that, they
being all together, was such a sight as I never
could almost have happened to see with so much ease
and leisure. They staid till it was dark, and then
went away; the King and his Queene, and my Lady
Castlemaine and young Crofts, in one coach and the
rest in other coaches. Here were great stores of
great ladies, but very few handsome. The King and
Queene were very merry; and he would have made the
Queene-Mother believe that his Queene was with
child, and said that she said so. And the young
Queene answered, "You lye;" which was the first
English word that I ever heard her say: which made
the King good sport; and he would have made her say
in English, "Confess and be hanged."
8th. With Mr.
Coventry to the Duke; who, after he was out of his
bed, did send for us in; and, when he was quite
ready, took us into his closet, and there told us
that he do intend to renew the old custom for the
Admirals to have their principal officers to meet
them once a-week, to give them an account what they
have done that week; which I am glad of: and so the
rest did tell His Royal Highness that I could do it
best for the time past. And so I produced my short
notes, and did give him an account of all that we
have of late done; and proposed to him several
things for his commands, which he did give us, and
so dismissed us.
12th. This day,
by letters from my father, I hear that Captn.
Ferrers, who is with my Lord in the country, was at
Brampton (with Mr. Creed) to see him; and that a day
or two ago being provoked to strike one of my Lord's
footmen, the footman drew his sword, and hath almost
cut the fingers of one of his hands off; which I am
very sorry for: but this is the vanity of being apt
to command and strike.
14th. To White
Hall chapel, where sermon almost done, and I heard
Captn. Cooke's new musique. This the first day of
having vialls and other instruments to play a
symphony between every verse of the anthems; but the
musique more full than it was the last Sunday, and
very fine it is. But yet I could discern Captn.
Cooke to overdo his part at singing, which I never
did before. Thence up into the Queene's presence,
and there saw the Queene again as I did last Sunday,
and some fine ladies with her; but, my troth, not
many. Thence to Sir G. Carteret's.
15th. By water
with Sir Wm. Pen to White Hall; and, with much ado,
was fain to walk over the piles through the bridge,
while Sir W. Batten and Sir J. Minnes were aground
against the bridge, and could not in a great while
get through. At White Hall we hear that the Duke of
York is gone a-hunting to-day; and so we returned:
they going to the Duke of Albemarle's, where I left
them (after I had observed a very good picture or
two there).
18th. At noon
Sir G. Carteret, Mr Coventry, and I by invitation to
dinner to Sheriff Maynell's, the great money-man;
he, Alderman Backewell, and much noble and brave
company, with the privilege of their rare discourse,
which is great content to me above all other things
in the world. And after a great dinner and much
discourse, we took leave. Among other discourses,
speaking concerning the great charity used in
Catholique countrys, Mr. Ashburnham did tell us,
that this last yeare, there being great want of
corne in Paris, and so a collection made for the
poor, there was two pearles brought in, nobody knew
from whom (till the Queene, seeing them, knew whose
they were, but did not, discover it), which were
sold for 200,000 crownes.
21st
(Lord's-day). To the Parke. The Queene coming by in
her coach, going to her chapel at St. James's (the
first time it hath been ready for her), I crowded
after her, and I got up to the room where her closet
is; and there stood and saw the fine altar,
ornaments, and the fryers in their habits, and the
priests come in with their fine crosses and many
other fine things. I heard their musique too; which
may be good but it did not appear so to me, neither
as to their manner of singing, nor was it good
concord to my ears, whatever the matter was. The
Queene very devout: but what pleased me best was to
see my dear Lady Castlemaine, who, tho' a
Protestant, did wait upon the Queene to chapel. By
and by, after masse was done, a fryer with his cowl
did rise up and preach a sermon in Portuguese; which
I not understanding, did go away, and to the King's
chapel, but that was done; and so up to the Queene's
presence-chamber, where she and the King was
expected to dine: but she staying at St. James's,
they were forced to remove the things to the King's
presence; and there he dined alone.
23rd. Sir G.
Carteret told me how in most cabaretts in France
they have writ upon the walls in fair letters to be
read "Dieu te regarde." as a good lesson to be in
every man's mind, and have also in Holland their
poor's box; in both which places at the making all
contracts and bargains they give so much, which they
call God's penny.
24th. To my
Lord Crewe's, and there dined alone with him, and
among other things, he do advise me by all means to
keep my Lord Sandwich from proceeding too far in the
business of Tangier. First, for that he is confident
the King will not be able to find money for the
building the Mole; and next, for that it is to be
done as we propose it by the reducing of the
garrison; and then either my Lord must oppose the
Duke of York, who will have the Irish regiment under
the command of Fitzgerald continued, or else my Lord
Peterborough, who is concerned to have the English
continued, but he, it seems, is gone back again
merely upon my Lord Sandwich's encouragement.
28th
(Lord's-day.) To the French Church at the Savoy, and
there they have the Common Prayer Book read in
French, and, which I never saw before, the minister
do preach with his hat off, I suppose in further
conformity with our Church.
29th. To Mr.
Coventry's, and so with him and Sir W. Pen up to the
Duke, where the King come also and staid till the
Duke was ready. It being Collar-day, we had no time
to talk with him about any business. To the King's
Theatre, where we saw "Midsummer's Night's dream,"
which I had never seen before, nor shall ever again,
for it is the most insipid ridiculous play that ever
I saw in my life.
30th. My
condition at present is this, I have long been
building, and my house to my great content is now
almost done. My Lord Sandwich has lately been in the
country, and very civil to my wife, and hath himself
spent some pains in drawing a plot of some
alterations in our house there, which I shall follow
as I get money. As for the office, my late industry
hath been such, as I am become as high in reputation
as any man there, and good hold I have of Mr.
Coventry and Sir G. Carteret, which I am resolved,
and it is necessary for me, to maintain by all fair
means. Things are all quiet. The late outing of the
Presbyterian clergy by their not renouncing the
Covenant as the Act of Parliament commands, is the
greatest piece of state now in discourse. But for
ought I see they are gone out very peaceably, and
the people not so much concerned therein as was
expected.
OCTOBER 2,
1662. At night hearing that there was a play at the
Cockpit, (and my Lord Sandwich, who come to town
last night, at it,) I do go thither, and by very
great fortune did follow four or five gentlemen who
were carried to a little private door in a wall, and
so crept through a narrow place and come into one of
the boxes next the King's, but so as I could not see
the King or Queene, but many of the fine ladies, who
yet are not really so handsome generally as I used
to take them to be, but that they are finely
dressed. Then we saw "The Cardinall," [A tragi-comedy
by James Shirley.] a tragedy I had never seen
before, nor is there any great matter in it. The
company that come in with me into the box, were all
Frenchmen that could speak no English, but Lord!
what sport they made to ask a pretty lady that they
got among them that understood both French and
English to make her tell them what the actors said.
5th. I to
church; and this day the parson has got one to read
with a surplice on. I suppose himself will take it
up hereafter, for a cunning fellow he is as any of
his coate.
6th. To White
Hall with Mr. Coventry, and so to my Lord Sandwich's
lodgings, but my Lord not within, being at a ball
this night with the King at my Lady Castlemaine's at
next door.
8th. To my Lord
Sandwich's, and among other things to my
extraordinary joy, he did tell me how much I was
beholding to the Duke of York, who did yesterday of
his own accord tell him that he did thank him for
one person brought into the Navy, naming myself, and
much more to my commendation, which is the greatest
comfort and encouragement that ever I had in my
life, and do owe it all to Mr. Coventry's goodness
and ingenuity. At night by coach to my Lord's again,
but he is at White Hall with the King, before whom
the puppet plays I saw this summer in Covent-garden
are acted this night.
9th. To the
office; and I bid them adieu for a week, having the
Duke's leave got me by Mr. Coventry. To whom I did
give thanks for my news yesterday of the Duke's
words to my Lord Sandwich concerning me, which he
took well; and do tell me so freely his love and
value of me, that my mind is now in as great a state
quiet as to my interest in the office, as I could
ever wish to be. Between one and two o'clock got on
horseback at our back gate, with my man Will. with
me, both well-mounted on two grey horses. We got to
Ware before night; and so I resolved to ride on to
Puckeridge, which we did, though the way was bad,
and the evening dark before we got thither, by help
of company riding before us; among others, a
gentleman that took up at the same inn, his name Mr.
Brian, with whom I supped, and was very good
company, and a scholar. He tells me that it is
believed the Queene is with child, for that the
coaches are ordered to ride very easily through the
streets.
10th. Up, and
between eight and nine mounted again, and so rid to
Cambridge; the way so good that I got very well
thither, and set up at the Beare: and there my cosen
Angier come to me, and I must needs to his house;
and there found Dr. Fairbrother, with a good dinner.
But, above all, he telling me that this day there is
a Congregation for the choice of some officers in
the University, he after dinner gets me a gowne,
cap, and hoode, and carries me to the Schooles,
where Mr. Pepper, my brother's tutor, and this day
chosen Proctor, did appoint a M.A. to lead me into
the Regent House, where I sat with them, and did
vote by subscribing papers thus: "Ego Samuel Pepys
eligo Magistrum Bernardum Skelton, (and which was
more strange, my old schoolfellow and acquaintance,
and who afterwards did take notice of me, and we
spoke together,) alterum e taxatoribus hujus
academiae in annum sequentem." The like I did for
one Briggs, for the other Taxor, and for other
officers, as the Vice-Proctor, (Mr. Covell) for Mr.
Pepper, and which was the gentleman that did carry
me into the Regent House.
11th. To
Brampton; where I found my father and two brothers,
my mother and sister.
12th. To
church; where I saw, among others, Mrs. Hanbury, a
proper lady, and Mr. Bernard and his Lady, with her
father, my late Lord St. John, who looks now like a
very plain grave man. [Oliver St. John, one of
Cromwell's Lords, and Chief Justice; and therefore,
after the Restoration, properly called "My LATE
Lord." His third daughter, Elizabeth, by his second
wife, daughter of Henry Cromwell of Upwood, Esq.,
uncle to the Protector, married Mr. John Bernard,
who became a Baronet on the death of his father, Sir
Robert, in 1666 and was M.P. for Huntingdon. Ob.
1689.]
13th. To the
Court, and did sue out a recovery, and cut off the
entayle; and my brothers there, to join therein. And
my father and I admitted to all the lands; he for
life, and I for myself and my heirs in reversion. I
did with most compleat joy of mind go from the Court
with my father home, and away, calling in at
Hinchingbroke, and taking leave in three words of my
lady, and the young ladies; and so by moonlight to
Cambridge, whither we come at about nine o'clock,
and took up at the Beare.
15th. Showed
Mr. Cooke King's College Chapel, Trinity College,
and St. John's College Library; and that being done,
to our inn again; where I met Dr. Fairbrother. He
told us how the room we were in, was the room where
Cromwell and his associated officers did begin to
plot and act their mischiefs in these counties. Took
leave of all, and begun our journey about nine
o'clock, the roads being every where but bad; but
finding our horses in good case, we even made shift
to reach London, though both of us very weary. Found
all things well, there happening nothing since our
going to my discontent in the least degree; which do
also please me, that I cannot but bless God for my
journey, observing a whole course of successe from
the beginning to the end of it.
16th. I hear
Sir H. Bennet [Created Baron of Arlington 1663, and
Viscount Thetford and Earl of Arlington, 1672; he
was also K.G., and Chamberlain to the King. Ob.
1685.] is made Secretary of State in Sir Edward
Nicholas's stead; not known whether by consent or
not.
17th. To
Creed's chamber, and there sat a good while and
drank chocolate. Here I am told how things go at
Court; that the young men get uppermost, and the old
serious lords are out of favour; that Sir H. Bennet,
being brought into Sir Edward Nicholas's place, Sir
Charles Barkeley is made Privy Purse; a most vicious
person, and one whom Mr. Pierce, the surgeon, did
tell me that he offered his wife 300l. per annum to
be his mistress. He also told me, that none in Court
hath more the King's eare now than Sir Charles
Barkeley, and Sir R. Bennet, and my Lady Castlemaine,
whose interest now is as great as ever: and that
Mrs. Haslerigge, the great beauty, is now brought to
bed, and lays it to the King or the Duke of York. He
tells me also, that my Lord St. Albans is like to be
Lord Treasurer: all which things do trouble me much.
19th
(Lord's-day). Put on my first new lace-band; and so
neat it is, that I am resolved my great expence
shall be lace-bands, and it will set off any thing
else the more. I am sorry to hear that the news of
the selling of Dunkirke is taken so generally ill,
as I find it is among the merchants; and other
things, as removal of officers at Court, good for
worse; and all things else made much worse in their
report among people than they are. And this night, I
know not upon what ground, the gates of the City
ordered to be all shut, and double guards every
where. Indeed I do find every body's spirit very
full of trouble: and the things of the Court and
Council very ill taken; so as to be apt to appear in
bad colours, if there should ever be a beginning of
trouble, which God forbid!
20th. In Sir J.
Minnes's coach with him and Sir W. Batten to White
Hall, where now the Duke is come again to lodge: and
to Mr. Coventry's little new chamber there. And by
and by up to the Duke, who was making himself ready;
and there young Killigrew did so commend "The
Villaine," a new play made by Tom Porter, and acted
only on Saturday at the Duke's house, as if there
never had been any such play come upon the stage.
The same yesterday was told me by Captn. Ferrers;
and this morning afterwards by Dr. Clarke, who saw
it. After I had done with the Duke, with
Commissioner Pett to Mr. Lilly's, the great painter,
who come forth to us; but believing that I come to
bespeak a picture, he prevented it; by telling us,
that he should, not be at leisure these three weeks;
which methinks is a rare thing. And then to see in
what pomp his table was laid for himself to go to
dinner; and here, among other pictures, saw the so
much desired by me picture of my Lady Castlemaine,
which is a most blessed picture; and one that I must
have a copy of. From thence I took my wife by coach
to the Duke's house, there was the house full of
company: but whether it was in overexpecting or
what, I know not, but I was never less pleased with
a play in my life. Though there was good singing and
dancing, yet no fancy in the play.
21st. By water
with Mr. Smith, to Mr. Lechmore, the Councellor at
the Temple, [Nicholas Lechmere, knighted and made a
Baron of the Exchequer, 1689. Ob. 1701.] about
Field's business; and he tells me plainly that there
being a verdict against me, there is no help for it,
but it must proceed to judgement. It is 30l. damage
to me for my joining with others in committing Field
to prison, as being not Justices of the Peace in the
City, though in Middlesex; which troubled me, and I
hope the King will make it good to us.
24th. Mr.
Pierce, the chyrurgeon, tells me how ill things go
at Court: that the King do show no countenance to
any that belong to the Queene; nor, above all, to
such English as she brought over with her, or hath
here since, for fear they should tell her how he
carries himself to Mrs. Palmer; insomuch that though
he has a promise, and is sure of being made her
chyrurgeon, he is at a loss what to do in it,
whether to take it or no, since the King's mind is
so altered and favor to all her dependents, whom she
is fain to let go back into Portugall, (though she
brought them from their friends against their wills
with promise of preferment,) without doing anything
for them. That her owne physician did tell him
within these three days that the Queene do know how
the King orders things, and how be carries himself
to my Lady Castlemaine and others, as well as any
body; but though she hath spirit enough, yet seeing
that she do no good by taking notice of it, for the
present she forbears it in policy; of which I am
very glad. But I do pray God keep us in peace; for
this, with other things, do give great discontent to
all people.
26th
(Lord's-day). Put on my new Scallop, which is very
fine. To church, and there saw the first time Mr.
Mills in a surplice; but it seemed absurd for him to
pull it over his eares in the reading-pew, after he
had done, before all the church, to go up to the
pulpitt, to preach without it. All this day soldiers
going up and down the towne, there being an alarme,
and many Quakers and other clapped up; but I believe
without any reason: only they say in Dorsetshire
there hath been some rising discovered.
27th. To my
Lord Sandwich, who now-a-days calls me into his
chamber, and alone did discourse with me about the
jealousy that the Court have of people's rising;
wherein he do much dislike my Lord Monk's being so
eager against a company of poor wretches, dragging
them up and down the street; but would have him
rather take some of the greatest ringleaders of
them, and punish them; whereas this do but tell the
world the King's fears and doubts. For Dunkirke, he
wonders any wise people should be so troubled
thereat, and scorns all their talk against it, for
that he sees it was not Dunkirke, but the other
places, that did and would annoy us, though we had
that, as much as if we had it not. He also took
notice of the new Ministers of State, Sir H. Bennet
and Sir Charles Barkeley, their bringing in, and the
high game that my Lady Castlemaine plays at Court.
Afterwards he told me of poor Mr. Spong, that being
with other people examined before the King and
Council, (they being laid up as suspected persons;
and it seems Spong is so far thought guilty as that
they intend to pitch upon him to put to the wracke
or some other torture,) he do take knowledge of my
Lord Sandwich, and said that he was well known to
Mr. Pepys. But my Lord knows, and I told him, that
it was only in matter of musique and pipes, but that
I thought him to be a very innocent fellow; and
indeed I am very sorry for him. After my Lord and I
had done in private, we went out, and with Captain
Cuttance and Bunn did look over their draught of a
bridge for Tangier, which will be brought by my
desire to our office by them to-morrow. To
Westminster Hall, and there walked long with Creed.
He showed me our commission, wherein the Duke of
York, Prince Rupert, Duke of Albemarle, Lord
Peterborough, Lord Sandwich, Sir G. Carteret, Sir
William Compton, Mr. Coventry, Sir R. Ford, Sir
William Rider, Mr. Cholmley, Mr. Povy, myself, and
Captain Cuttance, in this order are joyned for the
carrying on the service of Tangier. He told me what
great faction there is at Court; and above all, what
is whispered, that young Crofts is lawful son to the
King, the King being married to his mother. How true
this is, God knows; but I believe the Duke of York
will not be fooled in this of three crowns. Thence
to White Hall, and walked long in the gardens, till
(as they are commanded to all strange persons,) one
come to tell us, we not being known, and being
observed to walk there four or five houres, (which
was not true, unless they count my walking there in
the morning,) he was commanded to ask who we were;
which being told, he excused his question, and was
satisfied. These things speake great fear and
jealousys.
29th. Sir G.
Carteret, who had been at the examining most of the
late people that are clapped up, do say that he do
not think that there hath been any great plotting
among them, though they have a good will to it; and
their condition is so poor, and silly, and low, that
they do not fear them at all.
30th. To my
Lord Sandwich, who was up in his chamber and all
alone, and did acquaint me with his business; which
was, that our old acquaintance Mr. Wade, (in Axe
Yard) hath discovered to him 7000l. hid in the
Tower, of which he was to have two for discovery; my
Lord himself two, and the King the other three, when
it was found: and that the King's warrant runs for
me on my Lord's part, and one Mr. Lee for Sir Harry
Bennet, to demand leave of the Lieutenant of the
Tower for to make search. After he had told me the
whole business, I took leave: and at noon, comes Mr.
Wade with my Lord's letter. So we consulted for me
to go first to Sir H. Bennet, who is now with many
of the Privy Counsellors at the Tower, examining of
their late prisoners, to advise with him when to
begin. So I went; and the guard at the Tower Gate,
making me leave my sword at the gate, I was forced
to stay so long in the ale-house close by, till my
boy run home for my cloak, that my Lord Mayor that
now is, Sir John Robinson, Lieutenant of the Tower,
with all his company, was gone with their coaches to
his house in Minchen Lane. So my cloak being come, I
walked thither: and there, by Sir G. Carteret's
means, did presently speak with Sir H. Bennet, who
did give me the King's warrant, for the paying of
2000l. to my Lord, and other two to the discoverers.
After a little discourse, dinner come in; and I
dined with them. There was my Lord Mayor, my Lord
Lauderdale, Mr. Secretary Morris, to whom Sir H.
Bennet would give the upper hand; Sir Wm. Compton,
Sir G. Carteret, and myself, and some other company,
and a brave dinner. After dinner, Sir H. Bennet did
call aside the Lord Mayor and me, and did break the
business to him, who did not, nor durst appear the
least averse to it, but did promise all assistance
forthwith to set upon it. So Mr. Lee and I to our
office, and there walked till Mr. Wade and one Evett
his guide did come, and W. Griffin, and a porter
with his pick-axes, &c.: and so they walked along
with us to the Tower, and Sir H. Bennet and my Lord
Mayor did give us full power to fall to work. So our
guide demands a candle, and down into the cellars he
goes, enquiring whether they were the same that
Baxter alway had. He went into several little
cellars, and then went out a-doors to view, and to
the Cole Harbour; but none did answer so well to the
marks which was given him to find it by, as one
arched vault. Where, after a great deal of council
whether to set upon it now, or delay for better and
more full advice, to digging we went till almost
eight o'clock at night, but could find nothing. But,
however, our guides did not at all seem discouraged;
for that they being confident that the money is
there they look for, but having never been in the
cellars, they could not be positive to the place,
and therefore will inform themselves more fully now
they have been there, of the party that do advise
them. So locking the door after us, we left here
to-night, and up to the Deputy Governor, (my Lord
Mayor, and Sir H. Bennet, with the rest of the
company being gone an hour before;) and he do
undertake to keep the key of the cellars, that none
shall go down without his privity. But, Lord! to see
what a young simple fantastick coxcombe is made
Deputy Governor, would make me mad; and how he
called out for his night-gowne of silk, only to make
a show to us: and yet for half an hour I did not
think he was the Deputy Governor, and so spoke not
to him about the business, but waited for another
man; but at last I broke our business to him; and he
promising his care, we parted. And Mr. Lee and I by
coach to White Hall, where I did give my Lord
Sandwich a full account; of our proceedings, and
some encouragement to hope for something hereafter.
This morning, walking with Mr. Coventry in the
garden, he did tell me how Sir G. Carteret had
carried the business of the Victuallers' money to be
paid by himself, contrary to old practice; at which
he is angry I perceive, but I believe means no hurt,
but that things may be done as they ought. He
expects Sir George should not bespatter him
privately, in revenge, not openly. Against which he
prepares to bedaube him, and swears he will do it
from the beginning, from Jersey to this day. But as
to his own taking of too large fees or rewards for
places that he had sold, he will prove that he was
directed to it by Sir George himself among others.
And yet he did not deny Sir G. Carteret his due, in
saying that he is a man that do take the most pains,
and gives himself the most to do business of any
about the Court, without any desire of pleasure or
divertisements: which is very true. But which
pleased me mightily, he said in these words, that he
was resolved, whatever it cost him, to make an
experiment, and see whether it was possible for a
man to keep himself up in Court by dealing plainly
and walking uprightly. In the doing whereof if his
ground do slip from under him, he will be contented:
but he is resolved to try, and never to baulke
taking notice of anything that is to the King's
prejudice, let it fall where it will; which is a
most brave resolution. He was very free with me: and
by my troth, I do see more reall worth in him than
in most men that I do know. I would not forget two
passages of Sir J. Minnes's at yesterday's dinner.
The one, that to the question how it comes to pass
that there are no boars seen in London, but many
sowes and pigs; it was answered, that the constable
gets them a-nights. The other, Thos. Killigrew's way
of getting to see plays when he was a boy. He would
go to the Red Bull, and when the man cried to the
boys, "Who will go and be a devil, and he shall see
the play for nothing?" then would he go in, and be a
devil upon the stage, and so get to see plays.
31st. I thank
God I have no crosses, but only much business to
trouble my mind with. In all other things as happy a
man as any in the world, for the whole world seems
to smile upon me, and if my house were done that I
could diligently follow my business, I would not
doubt to do God, and the King, and myself good
service. And all I do impute almost wholly to my
late temperance, since my making of my vowes against
wine and plays, which keeps me most happily and
contentfully to my business; which God continue!
Public matters are full of discontent, what with the
sale of Dunkirke, and my Lady Castlemaine, and her
faction at Court; though I know not what they would
have more than to debauch the King, whom God
preserve from it! And then great plots are talked to
be discovered, and all the prisons in towne full of
ordinary people, taken from their meeting-places
last Sunday. But for certain some plots there hath
been, though not brought to a head.
NOVEMBER 1,
1662. To my office, to meet Mr. Lee again, from Sir
H. Bennet. And he and I, with Wade, and his
intelligencer and labourers, to the Tower cellars,
to make one triall more; where we staid two or three
hours, and dug a great deal all under the arches, as
it was now most confidently directed, and so
seriously, and upon pretended good grounds, that I
myself did truly expect to speed; but we missed of
all: and so we went away the second time like fools.
And to our office; and I by appointment to the
Dolphin Taverne, to meet Wade and the other, Capt.
Evett, who now do tell me plainly, that he that do
put him upon this is one that had it from
Barkestead's own mouth, and was advised with by him,
just before the King's coming in, how to get it out,
and had all the signs told him how and where it lay,
and had always been the great confident of
Barkestead even to the trusting him with his life
and all he had. So that he did much convince me that
there is good ground for what he goes about. But I
fear it may be that he did find some conveyance of
it away, without the help of this man, before he
died. But he is resolved to go to the party once
more, and then to determine what we shall do
further.
3rd. To White
Hall, to the Duke's; but found him gone a-hunting.
Thence to my Lord Sandwich, from whom I receive
every day more and more signs of his confidence and
esteem of me. Here I met with Pierce the chyrurgeon,
who tells me that my Lady Castlemaine is with child;
but though it be the King's, yet her Lord being
still in towne, and sometimes seeing of her, it will
be laid to him. He tells me also how the Duke of
York is smitten in love with my Lady Chesterfield,
[Lady Elizabeth Butler, daughter of James, Duke of
Ormond, married Philip, second Earl of Chesterfield.
Ob. 1665. Vide "MEMOIRES DE GRAMMONT."] (a virtuous
lady, daughter to my Lord of Ormond); and so much,
that the Duchesse of York hath complained to the
King and her father about it, and my Lady
Chesterfield is gone into the country for it. At all
which I am sorry; but it is the effect of idlenesse,
and having nothing else to employ their great
spirits upon. At night to my office, and did
business; and there come to me Mr. Wade and Evett,
who have been again with their prime intelligencer,
a woman, I perceive: and though we have missed
twice, yet they bring such an account of the
probability of the truth of the thing, though we are
not certain of the place, that we shall set upon it
once more; and I am willing and hopefull in it. So
we resolved to set upon it again on Wednesday
morning and the woman herself will be there in a
disguise, and confirm us in the place.
4th. This
morning we had news by letters that Sir Richard
Stayner is dead at sea in the Mary, which is now
come into Portsmouth from Lisbon; which we are sorry
for, he being a very stout seaman.
7th. Being by
appointment called upon by Mr. Lee, he and I to the
Tower, to make our third attempt upon the cellar.
And now privately the woman, Barkestead's great
confident, is brought, who do positively say that
this is the place which he did say the money was hid
in, and where he and she did put up the 7000l. in
butter firkins; and the very day that he went out of
England did say that neither he nor his would be the
better for that money, and therefore wishing that
she and hers might. And so left us, and we full of
hope did resolve to dig all over the cellar, which
by seven o'clock at night we performed. At noon we
sent for a dinner, and upon the head of a barrel
dined very merrily, and to work again. But at last
we saw we were mistaken; and after digging the
cellar quite through, and removing the barrels from
one side to the other, we were forced to pay our
porters, and give over our expectations, though I do
believe there must be money hid somewhere by him, or
else he did delude this woman in hopes to oblige her
to further serving him, which I am apt to believe.
9th.
(Lord's-day.) Walked to my brother's, where my wife
is, calling at many churches, and then to the
Temple, hearing a bit there too, and observing that
in the streets and churches the Sunday is kept in
appearance as well as I have known it at any time.
10th. A little
to the office, and so with Sir J. Minnes, Sir W.
Batten, and myself by coach to White Hall, to the
Duke, who, after he was ready, did take us into his
closett. Thither come my Lord General Monk, and did
privately talk with the Duke about having the
life-guards pass through the City to-day only for
show and to fright people, for perceive there are
great fears abroad; for all which I am troubled and
full of doubt that things will not go well. He being
gone, we fell to business of the Navy. Among other
things, how to pay off this fleet that is now come
from Portugall; the King of Portugall sending them
home, he having no more use for them, which we
wonder at, that his condition should be so soon
altered. And our landmen also are coming back, being
almost starved in that poor country. To my Lord
Crewe's, and dined with him and his brother, I know
not his name. Where very good discourse. Among
others, of France's intention to make a patriarch of
his own, independent from the Pope, by which he will
be able to cope with the Spaniard in all councils,
which hitherto he has never done. My Lord Crewe told
us how he heard my Lord of Holland [Henry Rich, Earl
of Holland.] say, that being Embassador about the
match with the Queene-Mother that now is, the King
of France insisted upon a dispensation from the
Pope, which my Lord Holland making a question of, as
he was commanded to yield to nothing to the
prejudice of our religion, says the King of France,
"You need not fear that, for if the Pope will not
dispense with the match, my Bishop of Paris shall."
By and by come in the great Mr. Swinfen, [John
Swinfen, M.P. for Tamworth.] the Parliament-man,
who, among other discourse of the rise and fall of
familys, told us of Bishop Bridgeman [John
Bridgeman, Bishop of Chester.] (father of Sir
Orlando) who lately hath bought a seat anciently of
the Levers, and then the Ashtons; and so he hath in
his great hall window (having repaired and
beautified the house) caused four great places to be
left for coates of armes. In one he hath put the
Levers, with this motto, "Olim." In another the
Ashtons, with this, "Heri." In the next his own,
with this, "Hodie." In the fourth nothing but this
motto, "Cras nescio cujus." The towne I hear is full
of discontents, and all know of the King's new
bastard by Mrs. Haslerigge, and as far as I can hear
will never be contented with Episcopacy, they are so
cruelly set for Presbytery, and the Bishops carry
themselves so high, that they are never likely to
gain anything upon them. To the Dolphin Tavern near
home, by appointment, and there met with Wade and
Evett, and have resolved to make a new attempt upon
another discovery, in which God give us better
fortune than in the other, but I have great
confidence that there is no cheat in these people,
but that they go upon good grounds, though they have
been mistaken in the place of the first.
13th. To my
office, and there this afternoon me had our first
meeting upon our commission of inspecting the Chest.
Sir Francis Clerke, [M.P. for Rochester.] Mr. Heath,
Atturney of the Dutchy, Mr. Prinn, Sir W. Rider,
Captn. Cooke, and myself. Our first work was to read
over the Institution, which is a decree in Chancery
in the year 1617, upon an inquisition made at
Rochester about that time into the revenues of the
Chest, which had then, from the year 1588 or 1590,
by the advice of the Lord High Admiral and principal
officers then being, by consent of the seamen, been
settled, paying sixpence per month, according to
their wages then, which was then but 10s. which is
now 24s.
17th. To the
Duke's to-day, but he is gone a-hunting. At White
Hall by appointment, Mr. Creed carried my wife and I
to the Cockpitt, and we had excellent places, and
saw the King, Queene, Duke of Monmouth, his son, and
my Lady Castlemaine, and all the fine ladies; and
"The Scornfull Lady," well performed. They had done
by eleven o'clock, and it being fine moonshine, we
took coach and home.
18th. Late at
my office, drawing up a letter to my Lord Treasurer,
which we have been long about.
20th. After
dinner to the Temple, to Mr. Thurland; [Edward
Thurland, M.P. for Ryegate, afterwards knighted.]
and thence to my Lord Chief Baron, Sir Edward
Hale's, [Sir Matthew Hale succeeded Sir Orlando
Bridgeman as Chief Baron of the Exchequer (according
to Beatson,) in 1666; there is consequently some
mistake.] and take Mr. Thurland to his chamber,
where he told us that Field will have the better of
us; and that we must study to make up the business
as well as we can, which do much vex and trouble us:
but I am glad the Duke is concerned in it.
21st. This day
come the King's pleasure-boats from Calais, with the
Dunkirke money, being 400,000 pistolles.
22nd. This day
Mr. Moore told me, that for certain the Queene-
Mother is married to my Lord St. Albans, and he is
like to be made Lord Treasurer. News that Sir J.
Lawson hath made up a peace now with Tunis and
Tripoli, as well as Argiers, by which he will come
home very highly honoured.
23rd. I hear
to-day old rich Audley [There is an old Tract
called, "The Way to be Rich, according to the
Practice of the great Audley, who began with 200l.
in 1605, and dyed worth 400,000l. November, 1662."
London, printed for E. Davis. 1662.] is lately dead,
and left a very great estate, and made a great many
poor familys rich, not all to one. Among others, one
Davis, my old schoolfellow at Paul's, and since a
bookseller in Paul's Church Yard: and it seems do
forgive one man 6000l. which he had wronged him of,
but names not his name; but it is well known to be
the scrivener in Fleete-streete, at whose house he
lodged. There is also this week dead a poulterer, in
Gracious- street, which was thought rich, but not so
rich, that hath, left 800l. per annum, taken in
other men's names, and 40,000 Jacobs in gold.
24th. Sir J.
Minnes, Sir W. Batten, and I, going forth toward
White Hall, we hear that the King and Duke are come
this morning to the Tower to see the Dunkirke money.
So we by coach to them, and there went up and down
all the magazines with them; but methought it was
but poor discourse and frothy that the King's
companions (young Killigrew among the rest,) had
with him. We saw none of the money, but Mr.
Slingslby did show the King, and I did see, the
stamps of the new money that is now to be made by
Blondeau's fashion, which are very neat, and like
the King. Thence the King to Woolwich, though a very
cold day; and the Duke to White Hall, commanding us
to come after him; and in his closet, my Lord
Sandwich being there, did discourse with us about
getting some of this money to pay off the Fleets,
and other matters.
25th. Great
talk among people how some of the Fanatiques do say
that the end of the world is at hand, and that next
Tuesday is to be the day. Against which, whenever it
shall be, good God fit us all.
27th. At my
waking, I found the tops of the houses covered with
snow, which is a rare sight, which I have not seen
these three years. To the office, where we sat till
noon; when we all went to the next house upon Tower
Hill, to see the coming by of the Russian Embassador;
for whose reception all the City trained bands do
attend in the streets, and the King's life-guards,
and most of the wealthy citizens in their black
velvet coats, and gold chains, (which remain of
their gallantry at the King's coming in,) but they
staid so long that we went down again to dinner. And
after I had dined I walked to the Conduit in the
Quarrefowr, at the end of Gracious-street and
Cornhill; and there (the spouts thereof running very
near me upon all the people that were under it) I
saw them pretty well go by. I could not see the
Embassador in his coach; but his attendants in their
habits and fur caps very handsome, comely men, and
most of them with hawkes upon their fists to present
to the King. But Lord! to see the absurd nature of
Englishmen, that cannot forbear laughing and jeering
at every thing that looks strange.
28th. A very
hard frost; which is news to us after having none
almost these three years. By ten o'clock to
Ironmongers' Hall, to the funeral of Sir Richard
Stayner. Here we were, all the officers of the navy,
and my Lord Sandwich, who did discourse with us
about the fishery, telling us of his Majesty's
resolution to give 200l. to every man that will set
out a Brisse; [A small sea-vessel used by the
Hollanders for the herring-fishery.] and advising
about the effects of this encouragement, which will
be a very great matter certainly. Here we had good
rings.
29th. To the
office; and this morning come Sir G. Carteret to us
(being the first time since his coming from France):
he tells us, that the silver which is received for
Dunkirke did weigh 120,000 weight. To my Lord's,
where my Lord and Mr. Coventry, Sir Wm. Darcy,
[Third son of Sir Conyers Darcy, summoned to
Parliament as Lord Darcy 1642.] one Mr. Parham, (a
very knowing and well-spoken man in this business),
with several others, did meet about stating the
business of the fishery, and the manner of the
King's giving of this 200l. to every man that shall
set out a new-made English Brisse by the middle of
June next. In which business we had many fine pretty
discourses; and I did here see the great pleasure to
be had in discoursing of publick matters with men
that are particularly acquainted with this or that
business. Having come to some issue, wherein a
motion of mine was well received, about sending
these invitations from the King to all the
fishing-ports in general, with limiting so many
Brisses to this, and that port, before we know the
readiness of subscribers, we parted.
30th. Publick
matters in an ill condition of discontent against
the height and vanity of the Court, and their bad
payments: but that which troubles most, is the
Clergy, which will never content the City, which is
not to be reconciled to Bishopps: but more the pity
that differences must still be. Dunkirke newly sold,
and the money brought over; of which we hope to get
some to pay the Navy: which by Sir J. Lawson's
having dispatched the business in the Straights, by
making peace with Argier, Tunis, and Tripoli, (and
so his fleet will also shortly come home,) will now
every day grow less, and so the King's charge be
abated; which God send!
DECEMBER 1,
1662. To my Lord Sandwich's, to Mr. Moore; and then
over the Parke, (where I first in my life, it being
a great frost, did see people sliding with their
skeates, which is a very pretty art,) to Mr.
Coventry s chamber to St. James's, where we all met
to a venison pasty, Major Norwood being with us,
whom they did play upon for his surrendering of
Dunkirke. Here we staid till three or four o'clock:
and so to the Council Chamber, where there met the
Duke of York, Prince Rupert, Duke of Albermarle, my
Lord Sandwich, Sir Wm. Compton, Mr. Coventry, Sir J.
Minnes, Sir R. Ford, Sir W. Rider, myself, and
Captain Cuttance, as Commissioners for Tangier. And
after our Commission was read by Mr. Creed, who I
perceive is to be our Secretary, we did fall to
discourse of matters: as, first, the supplying them
forthwith with victualls; then the reducing it; to
make way for the money, which upon their reduction
is to go to the building of the Molle; and so to
other matters, ordered as against next meeting.
3rd. To
Deptford; and so by water with Mr. Pett home again,
all the way reading his Chest accounts, in which I
did see things which did not please me; as his
allowing himself 300l. for one year's looking to the
business of the Chest, and 150l. per annum for the
rest of the years. But I found no fault to him
himself, but shall when they come to be read at the
Board. We walked to the Temple, in our way seeing
one of the Russian Embassador's coaches go along,
with his footmen not in liverys, but their country
habits; one of one colour and another of another,
which was very strange.
5th. I walked
towards Guildhall, being summoned by the
Commissioners for the Lieutenancy; but they sat not
this morning. So meeting in my way W. Swan, I took
him to a house thereabouts, he telling me much of
his Fanatique stories, as if he were a great zealot,
when I know him to be a very rogue. But I do it for
discourse, and to see how things stand with him and
his party; who I perceive have great expectation
that God will not bless the Court nor Church, as it
is now settled, but they must be purified. The worst
news he tells me, is that Mr. Chetwind is dead, my
old and most ingenious acquaintance. To the Duke's,
where the Committee for Tangier met: and here we sat
down all with him at a table, and had much discourse
about the business.
13th. We sat,
Mr. Coventry and I, (Sir G. Carteret being gone,)
and among other things, Field and Strip did come,
and received the 41l. given him by the judgement
against me and Harry Kem; and we did also sign bonds
in 500l. to stand to the award of Mr. Porter and
Smith for the rest: which, however, I did not sign
to till I got Mr. Coventry to go up with me to Sir
W. Pen; and he did promise me before him to bear his
share in what should be awarded, and both concluded
that Sir W. Batten would do no less.
15th. To the
Duke, and followed him into the Parke, where, though
the ice-was broken and dangerous, yet he would go
slide upon his scates, which I did not like, but he
slides very well. So back to his closet, whither my
Lord Sandwich comes, and there Mr. Coventry, and we
three had long discourse together about the matters
of the Navy; and, indeed, I find myself more and
more obliged to Mr. Coventry, who studies to do me
all the right he can in every thing to the Duke.
Thence walked a good while up and down the gallerys;
and among others, met with Dr. Clarke, who in
discourse tells me, that Sir Charles Barkeley's
greatness is only his being pimp to the King, and to
my Lady Castlemaine. And yet for all this, that the
King is very kind to the Queene; who, he says, is
one of the best women in the world. Strange how the
King is bewitched to this pretty Castlemaine. I
walked up and down the gallerys, spending my time
upon the pictures, till the Duke and the Committee
for Tangier met, (the Duke not staying with us,)
where the only matter was to discourse with my Lord
Rutherford, [Andrew, created Baron of Rutherford and
Earl of Teviot, 1660; successively Governor of
Dunkirk and Tangier, where he was killed by the
Moors in 1663.] who is this day made Governor of
Tangier, for I know not what reasons; and my Lord of
Peterborough to be called home: which, though it is
said it is done with kindness, I am sorry to see a
Catholicke Governor sent to command there, where all
the rest of the officers almost are such already.
But God knows what the reason is! and all may see
how slippery places all courtiers stand in. Thence
home, in my way calling upon Sir John Berkenheade,
[Sir John Berkenhead, F.R.S., a political author,
held in some esteem, M.P. for Wilton, 1661, and
knighted the following year. Master of the Faculty
Office, and Court of Requests. Ob. 1679.] to speak
about my assessment of 42l. to the Loyal Sufferers;
which, I perceive, I cannot help; but he tells me I
have been abused by Sir R. Ford. Thence called at
the Major-General's, Sir R. Browne, about my being
assessed armes to the militia; but he was abroad.
16th. To
dinner, thinking to have had Mr. Coventry, but he
could not go with me; and so I took Captn. Murford.
Of whom I do hear what the world says of me; that
all do conclude Mr. Coventry, and Pett, and me, to
be of a knot; and that we do now carry all things
before us: and much more in particular of me, and my
studiousnesse, &c. to my great content. To White
Hall to Secretary Bennet's, and agreed with Mr. Lee
to set upon our new adventure at the Tower
to-morrow.
17th. This
morning come Mr. Lee, Wade, and Evett, intending to
have gone upon our new design to the Tower; but it
raining, and the work being to be done in the open
garden, we put it off to Friday next.
19th. Up and by
appointment with Mr. Lee, Wade, Evett, and workmen
to the Tower, and with the Lieutenant's leave set
them to work in the garden, in the corner against
the mayne-guard, a most unlikely place. It being
cold, Mr. Lee and I did sit all the day till three
o'clock by the fire in the Governor's house; I
reading a play of Fletcher's, being "A Wife for a
Month," wherein no great wit or language. We went to
them at work, and having wrought below the bottom of
the foundation of the wall, I bid them give over,
and so all our hopes ended.
20th. To the
office, and thence with Mr. Coventry in his coach to
St. James's, with great content and pride to see him
treat me so friendly; and dined with him, and so to
White Hall together; where we met upon the Tangier
Commission, and discoursed many things thereon: but
little will be done before my Lord Rutherford comes
there, as to the fortification and Mole. That done,
my Lord Sandwich and I walked together a good while
in the matted gallery, he acquainting me with his
late enquiries into the Wardrobe business to his
content; and tells me how things stand. And that the
first year was worth about 3000l. to him, and the
next about as much: so that at this day, if he were
paid, it will be worth about 7000l. to him.
21st. To White
Hall, and there to chapel, and from thence up
stairs, and up and down the house and gallerys on
the King's and Queen's side, and so through the
garden to my Lord's lodgings, where there was Mr.
Gibbons, Madge, Mallard, and Pagett; and by and by
comes in my Lord Sandwich, and so we had great store
of good musique. By and by comes in my simple Lord
Chandois, [William, seventh Lord Chandos. Ob.1676.]
who (my Lord Sandwich being gone-out to Court) began
to sing psalms, but so dully that I was weary of it.
22nd. I walked
to Mr. Coventry's chamber, where I found him gone
out into the Parke with the Duke, so I shifted
myself into a riding-habitt, and followed him
through White Hall, and in the Parke Mr. Coventry's
people having a horse ready for me (so fine a one
that I was almost afraid to get upon him, but I did,
and found myself more feared than hurt) and followed
the Duke, who, with some of his people (among others
Mr. Coventry) was riding out. And with them to Hide
Parke. Where Mr. Coventry asking leave of the Duke,
he bids us go to Woolwich. So he and I to the
water-side, and our horses coming by the ferry, we
by oars over to Lambeth, and from thence, with brave
discourse by the way, rode to Woolwich, where we put
in practice my new way of the Call-booke, which will
be of great use.
23rd. Dr.
Pierce tells me that my Lady Castlemaine's interest
at Court increases, and is more and greater than the
Queene's; that she hath brought in, Sir H. Bennet,
and Sir Charles Barkeley; but that the Queene is a
most good lady, and takes all with the greatest
meekness that may be. He tells me, also, that Mr.
Edward Montagu is quite broke at Court with his
repute and purse; and that he lately was engaged in
a quarrell against my Lord Chesterfield: but that
the King did cause it to be taken up. He tells me,
too, that the King is much concerned in the
Chancellor's sickness, and that the Chancellor is as
great, he thinks, as ever with the King. He also
tells me what the world says of me, "that Mr.
Coventry and I do all the business of the office
almost:" at which I am highly proud.
24th. To my
bookseller's, and paid at another shop 4l. 10s. for
Stephens's Thesaurus Graecae Linguae, given to
Paul's Schoole. To my Lord Crewe's, and dined alone
with him. I understand there are great factions at
Court, and something he said that did imply a
difference like to be between the King and the Duke,
in case the Queene should not be with child. I
understand, about this bastard. He says, also, that
some great man will be aimed at when Parliament
comes to sit again; I understand, the Chancellor:
and that there is a bill will be brought in, that
none that have been in armes for the Parliament
shall be capable of office. And that the Court are
weary of my Lord Albemarle and Chamberlin. [Edward
Earl of Manchester.] He wishes that my Lord Sandwich
had some good occasion to be abroad this summer
which is coming on, and that my Lord Hinchingbroke
were well married, and Sydney [Lord Sandwich's
second son.] had some place at Court. He pities the
poor ministers that are put out, to whom, he says,
the King is beholden for his coming in, and that if
any such thing had been foreseen he had never come
in. Met Mr. Creed at my bookseller's in Paul's
Church-yard, who takes it ill my letter last night
to Mr. Povy, wherein I accuse him of the neglect; of
the Tangier boats, in which I must confess I did not
do altogether like a friend; but however it was
truth, and I must owne it to be so though I fall
wholly out with him for it.
25th.
(Christmas-day.) Had a pleasant walk to White Hall,
where I Intended to have received the communion with
the family, but I come a little too late. So I
walked up into the house and spent my time looking
over pictures, particularly the ships in King Henry
the VIIIth's Voyage to Bullaen [Boulogne] marking
the great difference between those built then and
now. By and by down to the chapel again, where
Bishop Morley [George Morley, Bishop of Winchester,
to which See he was translated from Worcester, in
1662. Ob. 1684.] preached upon the song of the
angels, "Glory to God on high, on earth peace, and
good will towards men." Methought he made but a poor
sermon, but long, and reprehending the common
jollity of the Court for the true joy that shall and
ought to be on these days. Particularized concerning
their excess in playes and gaming, saying that he
whose office it is to keep the gamesters in order
and within bounds, serves but for a second rather in
a duell, meaning the groome-porter. Upon which it
was worth observing how far they are come from
taking the reprehensions of a bishop seriously, that
they all laugh in the chapel when he reflected on
their ill actions and courses. He did much press us
to joy in these publick days of joy, and to
hospitality. But one that stood by whispered in my
eare that the Bishop do not spend one groate to the
poor himself. The sermon done, a good anthem
followed with vialls, and the King come down to
receive the Sacrament.
26th. To the
Wardrobe. Hither come Mr. Battersby; and we falling
into discourse of a new book of drollery in use,
called Hudebras, I would needs go find it out, and
met with it at the Temple: cost me 2s. 6d. But when
I come to read it, it is so silly an abuse of the
Presbyter Knight going to the warrs, that I am
ashamed of it; and by and by meeting at Mr.
Townsend's at dinner, I sold it to him for 18d.
27th. With my
wife to the Duke's Theatre, and saw the second part
of "Rhodes," ["The Siege of Rhodes," a tragi-comedy,
in two parts, by Sir Wm. Davenant.] done with the
new Roxalana; [An actress whose name is unknown, but
she had been seduced by the Earl of Oxford, and had
recently quitted the stage. For her history, VIDE
"MEMOIRES DE GRAMMONT."] which do it rather better
in all respects for person, voice, and judgment,
than the first Roxalana.
29th. To
Westminster Hall, where I staid reading at Mrs.
Mitchell's shop. She told me what I heard not of
before, the strange burning of Mr. De Laun, a
merchant's house in Lothbury, and his lady (Sir
Thomas Allen's daughter [Sir Thomas Alleyne, Lord
Mayor of London. 1660.]) and her whole family; not
one thing; dog nor cat, escaping; nor any of the
neighbours almost hearing of it till the house was
quite down and burnt. How this should come to passe,
God knows, but a most strange thing it is! Hither
come Jack Spicer, and talked of Exchequer matters,
and how the Lord Treasurer hath now ordered all
monies to be brought into the Exchequer, and hath
settled the King's revenues, and given to every
general expence proper assignments; to the Navy
200,000l. and odde. He also told me of the great
vast trade of the goldsmiths in supplying the King
with money at dear rates. Thence to White Hall, and
got up to the top gallerys in the Banquetting House,
to see the audience of the Russia Embassador; which
took place after our long waiting and fear of the
falling of the gallery (it being so full and part of
it being parted from the rest, for nobody to come up
merely from the weaknesse thereof:) and very
handsome it was. After they had come in, I went down
and got through the croude almost as high as the
King and the Embassadors, where I saw all the
presents, being rich furs, hawkes, carpets, cloths
of tissue, and sea-horse teeth. The King took two or
three hawkes upon his fist, having a glove on
wrought with gold, given him for the purpose. The
son of one of the Embassadors was in the richest
suit for pearl and tissue, that ever I did see, or
shall, I believe. After they and all the company had
kissed the King's hand, then the three Embassadors
and the son, and no more, did kiss the Queene's. One
thing more I did observe, that the chief Embassador
did carry up his master's letters in state before
him on high; and as soon as he had delivered them,
he did fall down to the ground and lay there a great
while. After all was done, the company broke up; and
I spent a little while walking up and down the
gallery seeing the ladies, the two Queenes, and the
Duke of Monmouth with his little mistress, [Lady
Anne Scot.] which is very little, and like my
brother-in-law's wife.
30th. Visited
Mrs. Ferrer, and staid talking with her a good
while, there being a little, proud, ugly, talking
lady there, that was much crying up the Queene-Mother's
Court at Somerset House above our own Queene's;
there being before her no allowance of laughing and
the mirth that is at the other's; and indeed it is
observed that the greatest Court now-a-days is
there. Thence to White Hall, where I carried my wife
to see the Queene in her presence-chamber; and the
maydes of honour and the young Duke of Monmouth
playing at cards. Some of them, and but a few, were
very pretty; though all well dressed in velvet
gowns.
31st. Mr. Povy
and I to White Hall; he taking me thither on purpose
to carry me into the ball this night before the
King. He brought me first to the Duke's chamber,
where I saw him and the Duchesse at supper; and
thence into the room where the ball was to be,
crammed with fine ladies, the greatest of the Court.
By and by comes the King and Queene, the Duke and
Duchesse, and all the great ones: and after seating
themselves, the King takes out the Duchesse of York;
and the Duke, the Duchesse of Buckingham; the Duke
of Monmouth, my Lady Castlemaine; and so other lords
other ladies: and they danced the Brantle. [Branle.
Espece de danse de plusieurs personnes qui se
tiennent par la main, et qui se menent tour-a-tour.—DICTIONNAIRE
DE L'ACADEMIE.] After that, the King led a lady a
single Coranto; and then the rest of the lords, one
after another, other ladies: very noble it was, and
great pleasure to see. Then to country dances; the
King leading the first, which he called for; which
was, says he, "Cuckolds all awry," the old dance of
England. Of the ladies that danced, the Duke of
Monmouth's mistress, and my Lady Castlemaine, and a
daughter of Sir Harry de Vicke's, were the best.
[Sir Henry de Vic of Guernsey, Bart., had been
twenty years Resident for Charles II. at Brussels,
and was Chancellor of the Order of the Garter. He
died 1672, and was buried in Westminster Abbey. His
only daughter, Anne Charlotte, married John Lord
Fresheville, Baron of Stavely.] The manner was, when
the King dances, all the ladies in the room, and the
Queene herself, stand up: and indeed he dances
rarely, and much better than the Duke of York.
Having staid here as long as I thought fit, to my
infinite content, it being the greatest pleasure I
could wish now to see at Court, I went home, leaving
them dancing.
Thus ends this
year with great mirth to me and my wife. Our
condition being thus:—we are at present spending a
night or two at my Lord's lodgings at White Hall.
Our home at the Navy- office, which is and hath a
pretty while been in good condition, finished and
made very convenient. By my last year's diligence in
my office, blessed be God! I am come to a good
degree of knowledge therein; and am acknowledged so
by all the world, even the Duke himself to whom I
have a good accesse: and by that, and by my being
Commissioner for Tangier, he takes much notice of
me; and I doubt not but, by the continuance of the
same endeavours, I shall in a little time come to be
a man much taken notice of in the world, specially
being come to so great an esteem with Mr. Coventry.
Publick matters stand thus: The King is bringing, as
is said, his family, and Navy, and all other his
charges, to a less expence. In the mean time,
himself following his pleasures more than with good
advice he would do; at least, to be seen to all the
world to do so. His dalliance with my Lady
Castlemaine being publick, every day, to his great
reproach; and his favouring of none at Court so much
as those that are the confidants of his pleasure, as
Sir H. Bennet and Sir Charles Barkeley; which, good
God! put it into his heart to mend, before he makes
himself too much contemned by his people for it! The
Duke of Monmouth is in so great splendour at Court,
and so dandled by the King, that some doubt, that,
if the King should have no child by the Queene
(which there is yet no appearance of), whether he
would not be acknowledged for a lawful son; and that
there will be a difference follow between the Duke
of York and him; which God prevent! My Lord
Chancellor is threatened by people to be questioned,
the next sitting of the Parliament, by some spirits
that do not love to see him so great: but certainly
he is a good servant to the King. The Queene-Mother
is said to keep too great a Court now; and her being
married to my Lord St. Alban's is commonly talked
of; and that they had a daughter between them in
France, how true, God knows. The Bishops are high,
and go on without any diffidence in pressing
uniformity; and the Presbyters seem silent in it,
and either conform or lay down, though without doubt
they expect a turn, and would be glad these
endeavours of the other Fanatiques would take
effect; there having been a plot lately found for
which four have been publickly tried at the Old
Bayley and hanged. My Lord Sandwich is still in good
esteem, and now keeping his Christmas in the
country; and I in good esteem, I think, as any man
can be, with him. In fine, for the good condition of
myself, wife, family, and estate, in the great
degree that it is, and for the public state of the
nation, so quiet as it is, the Lord God be praised!
1662-63
1662-63,
JANUARY 1. Among other discourse, Mrs. Sarah tells
us how the King sups at least four times every week
with my Lady Castlemaine; and most often stays till
the morning with her, and goes home through the
garden all alone privately, and that so as the very
centrys take notice of it and speak of it. She tells
me, that about a month ago she quickened at my Lord
Gerard's [Charles Lord Gerard of Brandon, Gentleman
of the Bedchamber to Charles II and Captain of his
Guards; created Earl of Macclesfield 1679, and died
about 1693. His wife, mentioned afterwards, was a
French lady, whose name has not been preserved.] at
dinner, and cried out that she was undone; and all
the lords and men were fain to quit the room, and
women called to help her.
5th. To the
Duke, who himself told me that Sir J. Lawson was
come home to Portsmouth from the Streights with
great renowne among all men, and, I perceive,
mightily esteemed at Court by all. The Duke did not
stay long in his chamber; but to the King's chamber,
whither by and by the Russia Embassadors come; who,
it seems, have a custom that they will not come to
have any treaty with our or any King's
Commissioners, but they will themselves see at the
time the face of the King himself, be it forty days
one after another; and so they did to-day only go in
and see the King; and so out again to the
Council-chamber. To the Duke's closet, where Sir G.
Carteret, Sir J. Minnes, Sir W. Batten, Mr.
Coventry, and myself attended him about the business
of the Navy; and after much discourse and pleasant
talk he went away. To the Cockpitt, where we saw "Claracilla,"
[A Tragi- comedy by Thomas Killigrew.] a poor play,
done by the King's house; but neither the King nor
Queene were there, but only the Duke and Duchesse.
Elborough (my old school-fellow at Paul's) do tell
me, and so do others, that Dr. Calamy is this day
sent to Newgate for preaching, Sunday was se'nnight
without leave, though he did it only to supply the
place; otherwise the people must have gone away
without ever a sermon, they being disappointed of a
minister: but the Bishop of London will not take
that as an excuse. Dined at home; and there being
the famous new play acted the first time to-day,
which is called "The Adventures of Five Hours," at
the Duke's house, being, they say, made or
translated by Colonel Tuke, [Sir George Tuke of
Crossing Temple in Essex, Mr. Evelyn's cousin. The
play was taken from the original of the Spanish poet
Calderon.] I did long to see it; and so we went; and
though early, were forced to sit, almost out of
sight, at the end of one of the lower formes, so
full was the house. And the play, in one word, is
the best, for the variety and the most excellent
continuance of the plot to the very end, that ever I
saw, or think ever shall.
12th. I found
my Lord within, and he and I went out through the
garden towards the Duke's chamber, to sit upon the
Tangier matters; but a lady called to my Lord out of
my Lady Castlemaine's lodgings, telling him that the
King was there and would speak with him. My Lord
could not tell me what to say at the Committee to
excuse his absence, but that he was with the King;
nor would suffer me to go into the Privy Garden,
(which is now a through-passage and common,) but bid
me to go through some other way, which I did; so
that I see that he is a servant of the King's
pleasures too, as well as business.
19th. Singled
out Mr. Coventry into the matted gallery, and there
I told him the complaints I meet every day about our
Treasurer's or his people's paying no money, but at
the goldsmith's shops, where they are forced to pay
fifteen or twenty sometimes per cent, for their
money, which is a most horrid shame, and that which
must not be suffered. Nor is it likely that the
Treasurer (at least his people) will suffer Maynell
the Goldsmith to go away with 10,000l. per annum, as
he do now get, by making people pay after this
manner for their money.
To my Lord
Chancellor's, where the King was to meet my Lord
Treasurer and many great men, to settle the revenue
of Tangier. I staid talking awhile there, but the
King not coming I walked to my brother's. This day
by Dr. Clarke I was told the occasion of my Lord
Chesterfield's going and taking his lady (my Lord
Ormond's daughter) from Court. It seems he not only
hath been long jealous of the Duke of York, but did
find them two talking together, though there were
others in the room, and the lady by all opinions a
most good, virtuous woman. He the next day (of which
the Duke was warned by somebody that saw the passion
my Lord Chesterfield was in the night before,) went
and told the Duke how much he did apprehend himself
wronged, in his picking out his lady of the whole
Court to be the subject of his dishonor; which the
Duke did answer with great calmnesse, not seeming to
understand the reason of complaint, and that was all
that passed: but my Lord did presently pack his lady
into the country in Derbyshire, near the Peake;
which is become a proverb at Court, to send a man's
wife to the Peake when she vexes him.
23rd. Mr. Grant
and I to a coffee-house, where Sir J. Cutler was;
[Citizen and Grocer, stigmatized by Pope for his
avarice.] and he did fully make out that the trade
of England is as great as ever it was, only in more
hands; and that of all trades there is a greater
number than ever there was, by reason of men's
taking more 'prentices. His discourse was well worth
hearing. I bought "Audley's Way to be Rich," a
serious pamphlett, and some good things worth my
minding.
25th. I
understand the King of France is upon consulting his
divines upon the old question, what the power of the
Pope is? and do intend to make war against him,
unless he do right him for the wrong his Embassador
received; and banish the Cardinall Imperiall, by
which I understand is not meant the Cardinall
belonging or chosen by the Emperor, but the name of
his family is Imperiali. To my Lord, and I staid
talking with him an hour alone in his chamber, about
sundry publick and private matters. Among others, he
wonders what the project should be of the Duke's
going down to Portsmouth again now with his Lady, at
this time of the year: it being no way, we think, to
increase his popularity, which is not great; nor yet
safe to do it, for that reason, if it would have any
such effect. Captn. Ferrers tells me of my Lady
Caslemaine's and Sir Charles Barkeley being the
great favourites at Court, and growing every day
more and more so; and that upon a late dispute
between my Lord Chesterfield, that is the Queene's
Lord Chamberlain, and Mr. Edward Montagu her Master
of the Horse, who should have the precedence in
taking the Queene's upperhand abroad out of the
house, which Mr. Montagu challenges, it was given to
my Lord Chesterfield. So that I perceive he goes
down the wind in honor as well as every thing else,
every day.
26th. I met
with Monsieur Raby, who is lately come from France.
I had a great deal of very good discourse with him,
concerning the difference between the French and the
Pope, and the occasion, which he told me very
particularly, and to my great content; and of most
of the chief affairs of France, which I did enquire:
and that the King is a most excellent Prince, doing
all business himself; and that it is true he hath a
mistresse, Mademoiselle La Valiere, one of the
Princess Henriette's women, that he courts for his
pleasure every other day, but not so as to make him
neglect his publick affairs. He tells me how the
King do carry himself nobly to the relations of the
dead Cardinall, [Cardinal Mazarine.] and will not
suffer one pasquill to come forth against him; and
that he acts by what directions he received from him
before his death.
30th. My
manuscript is brought home handsomely bound, to my
full content; and now I think I have a better
collection in reference to the Navy, and shall have
by the time I have filled it, than any of my
predecessors.
FEBRUARY 1,
1662-63. This day Creed and I walking in White Hall,
did see the King coming privately from my Lady
Castlemaine's; which is a poor thing for a Prince to
do; and so I expressed my sense of it to Creed in
terms which I should not have done, but that I
believe he is trusty in that point.
2nd. With Sir
J. Minnes and Sir W. Batten to the Duke; and after
discourse as usual with him in his closet, I went to
my Lord's: the King and the Duke being gone to
chapel, it being a collar day, Candlemas-day; where
I staid with him until towards noon, there being
Jonas Moore [Jonas Moore, a most celebrated
mathematician, knighted by Charles II., and made
Surveyor of the Ordnance. Ob. 1679.] talking about
some mathematical businesses. With Mr. Coventry down
to his chamber, where he did tell me how he do make
himself an interest by doing business truly and
justly, though he thwarts others greater than
himself, not striving to make himself friends by
addresses; and by this he thinks and observes he do
live as contentedly, (now he finds himself secured
from fear of want,) and, take one time with another,
as void of fear or cares, or more, than they that
(as his own termes were) have quicker pleasures and
sharper agonies than he.
4th. To Paul's
Schoole, it being opposition-day there. I heard some
of their speeches, and they were just as schoolboys'
used to be, of the seven liberal sciences; but I
think not so good as ours were in our time. Thence
to Bow Church, to the Court; of Arches, where a
judge sits, and his proctors about him in their
habits, and their pleadings all in Latin. Here I was
sworn to give a true answer to my uncle's libells.
And back again to Paul's Schoole, and went up to see
the head forms posed in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.
Dr. Wilkins and Outram were examiners. [John
Wilkins, D.D., afterwards Bishop of Chester. William
Outram, D.D., Prebendary of Westminster. Ob. 1679;
one of the ablest and best of the Conformists, and
eminent for his piety and charity, and an excellent
preacher.]
6th. To
Lincoln's Inn Fields; and it being too soon to go to
dinner, I walked up and down, and looked upon the
outside of the new theatre building in Covent
Garden, which will be very fine. And so to a
bookseller's in the Strand, and there bought
Hudibras again, it being certainly some ill humour
to be so against that which all the world cries up
to be the example of wit; for which I am resolved
once more to read him, and see whether I can find it
or no.
7th, To White
Hall to chapel, where there preached little Dr.
Duport, [James Duport, D.D., Dean of Peterborough
1664, and Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge,
1668. Ob. 1679.] of Cambridge, upon Josiah's
words,—"But I and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Thence with Mr. Creed to the King's Head ordinary.
After dinner Sir Thomas Willis [Sir Thomas Willis,
Bart., Ob. Nov. 1705, aged 90, and was buried at
Ditton, in Cambridgeshire, where he possessed some
property. In 1679, he had been put out of the
Commission of the Peace for that County, for
concurring with the Fanatic party in opposing the
Court. COLE'S MSS.] and another stranger, and Creed
and I fell a- talking; they of the errours and
corruption of the Navy, and great expence thereof,
not knowing who I was, which at last I did undertake
to confute, and disabuse them: and they took it very
well, and I hope it was to good purpose, they being
Parliament- men. Creed and I and Captn. Ferrers to
the Parke, and there walked finely, seeing people
slide, we talking all the while; and Captn. Ferrers
telling me, among other Court passages, how about a
month ago, at a ball at Court, a child was dropped
by one of the ladies in dancing, but nobody knew
who, it being taken up by somebody in their
handkercher. The next morning all the Ladies of
Honour appeared early at Court for their
vindication, so that nobody could tell whose this
mischance should be. But it seems Mrs. Wells [Maid
of Honour to the Queen, and one of Charles II.'s
numerous mistresses. Vide "MEMOIRES DE GRAMMONT."]
fell sick that afternoon, and hath disappeared ever
since, so that it is concluded it was her. The
little Duke of Monmouth, it seems, is ordered to
take place of all Dukes, and so do follow Prince
Rupert now, before the Duke of Buckingham, or any
else.
13th. To my
office, where late upon business; Mr. Bland sitting
with me, talking of my Lord Windsor's being come
home from Jamaica, unlooked for; which makes us
think that these young Lords are not fit to do any
service abroad, though it is said that he could not
have his health there, but hath raced a fort of the
King of Spain upon Cuba, which is considerable, or
said to be so, for his honour.
16th. To
Westminster Hall, and there find great expectation
what the Parliament will do, when they come two days
hence to sit again, in matters of religion. The
great question is, whether the Presbyters will be
contented to let the Papists have the same liberty
of conscience with them, or no, or rather be denied
it themselves: and the Papists, I hear, are very
busy in designing how to make the Presbyters consent
to take their liberty, and to let them have the same
with them, which some are apt to think they will. It
seems a priest was taken in his vests officiating
somewhere in Holborne the other day, and was
committed by Secretary Morris according to law; and
they say the Bishop of London did give him thanks
for it.
17th. To my
Lord Sandwich, whom I found at cards with Pickering;
but he made an end soon: and so all alone, he told
me he had a great secret to tell me, such as no
flesh knew but himself, nor ought; which was
this:—that yesterday morning Eschar, Mr. Edward
Montagu's man, did come to him from his master with
some of the Clerkes of the Exchequer, for my Lord to
sign to their books for the Embassy money; which my
Lord very civilly desired not to do till he had
spoke with his master himself. In the afternoon, my
Lord and my Lady Wright being at cards in his
chamber, in comes Mr. Montagu; and desiring to speak
with my Lord at the window in his chamber, he began
to charge my Lord with the greatest ingratitude in
the world: that he that had received his earldom,
garter, 4000l. per annum, and whatever he has in the
world, from him, should now study him all the
dishonour that he could: and so fell to tell my
Lord, that if he should speak all that he knew of
him, he could do so and so. In a word, he did rip up
all that, could be said they was unworthy, and in
the basest terms they could be spoken in. To which
my Lord answered with great temper, justifying
himself, but endeavouring to lessen his heat, which
was a strange temper in him, knowing that he did owe
all he hath in the world to my Lord, and that he is
now all that he is by his means and favour. But my
Lord did forbear to increase the quarrel, knowing
that it would be to no good purpose for the world to
see a difference in the family; but did allay them
so as that he fell to weeping. And after much talk
(among other things Mr. Montagu telling him that
there was a fellow in the towne, naming me, that had
done ill offices, and that if he knew it to be so,
he would have him cudgelled) my Lord did promise
him, that, if upon account he saw that there was not
many tradesmen unpaid, he would sign the books; but
if there was, he could not bear with taking too
great a debt upon him. So this day he sent him an
account, and a letter assuring him there was not
above 200l. unpaid; and so my Lord did sign to the
Exchequer books. Upon the whole, I understand fully
what a rogue he is, and how my Lord do think and
will think of him for the future; telling me that
thus he has served his father my Lord Manchester,
and his whole family, and now himself: and, which is
worst, that he hath abused, and in speeches every
day do abuse my Lord Chancellor, whose favour he
hath lost; and hath no friend but Sir H. Bennet, and
that (I knowing the rise of his friendship) only
from the likeness of their pleasures, and
acquaintance, and concealments, they have in the
same matters of lust and baseness; for which, God
forgive them! But he do flatter himself, from
promises of Sir H. Bennet, that he shall have a
pension of 2000l. per annum, and be made an Earl. My
Lord told me he expected a challenge from him, but
told me there was no great fear of him, for there
was no man lies under such an imputation as he do in
the business of Mr. Cholmly, who, though a simple
sorry fellow, do brave him and struts before him
with the Queene, to the sport and observation of the
whole Court. Mr. Pickering tells me the story is
very true of a child being dropped at the ball at
Court; and that the King had it in his closet a week
after, and did dissect it; and making great sport of
it, said that in his opinion it must have been a
month and three houres old; and that, whatever
others think, he hath the greatest loss, (it being a
boy, as he says,) that hath lost a subject by the
business. He tells me too, that Sir H. Bennet is a
Catholique, and how all the Court almost is changed
to the worse since his coming in, they being affraid
of him. And that the Queene-Mother's Court is now
the greatest of all; and that our own Queene hath
little or no company come to her, which I know also
to be very true, and am sorry to see it.
18th. Mr. Hater
and I alone at the office, finishing our account of
the extra charge of the Navy, not properly belonging
to the Navy, since the King's coming in to Christmas
last; and all extra things being abated, I find that
the true charge of the Navy to that time hath been
after the rate of 374,743l. a year. I made an end by
eleven o'clock at night. This day the Parliament met
again, after their long prorogation; but I know not
any thing what they have done, being within doors
all day.
19th. This day
I read the King's speech to the Parliament
yesterday; which is very short, and not very
obliging; but only telling them his desire to have a
power of indulging tender consciences, and that he
will yield to have any mixture in the uniformity of
the Church's discipline; and says the same for the
Papists, but declares against their ever being
admitted to have any offices or places of trust in
the kingdom; but, God knows, too many have.
21st. To the
office, where Sir J. Minnes (most of the rest being
at the Parliament-house,) all the morning answering
petitions and other business. Towards noon there
comes a man as if upon ordinary business, and shows
me a writ from the Exchequer, called a Commission of
Rebellion, and tells me that I am his prisoner in
Field's business; which methought did strike me to
the heart, to think that we could not sit in the
middle of the King's business. I told him how and
where we were employed, and bid him have a care; and
perceiving that we were busy, he said he would, and
did withdraw for an houre: in which time Sir J.
Minnes took coach and to Court, to see what he could
do from thence; and our solicitor against Field come
by chance and told me that he would go and satisfy
the fees of the Court, and would end the business.
So he went away about that, and I staid in my
closet, till by and by the man and four more of his
fellows come to know what I would do; and I told
them to stay till I heard from the King or my Lord
Chief Baron, to both whom I had now sent. With that
they consulted, and told me that if I would promise
to stay in the house, they would go and refresh
themselves, and come again, and know what answer I
had: so they away, and I home to dinner. Before I
had dined, the bayleys come back again with the
constable, and at the office knock for me, but found
me not there: and I hearing in what manner they were
come, did forbear letting them know where I was; so
they stood knocking and enquiring for me. By and by
at my parler-window comes Sir W. Batten's Mungo, to
tell me that his master and lady would have me come
to their house through Sir J. Minnes's lodgings,
which I could not do; but, however, by ladders, did
get over the pale between our yards and their house,
where I found them (as they have reason) to be much
concerned for me, my lady, especially. The fellows
staid in the yard swearing with one or two
constables, and some time we locked them into the
yard, and by and by let them out again, and so kept
them all the afternoon, not letting them see me, or
know where I was. One time I went up to the top of
Sir W. Batten's house, and out of one of their
windows spoke to my wife out of one of ours; which
methought, though I did it in mirth, yet I was sad
to think what a sad thing it would be for me to be
really in that condition. By and by comes Sir J.
Minnes, who (like himself and all that he do) tells
us that he can do no good, but that my Lord
Chancellor wonders that; we did not cause the seamen
to fall about their eares: which we wished we could
have done without our being seen in it; and Captain
Grove being there, he did give them some affront,
and would have got some seamen to have drubbed them,
but he had not time, nor did we think it fit to have
done it, they having executed their commission; but
there was occasion given that he did draw upon one
of them who did complain that Grove had pricked him
in the breast, but no hurt done; but I see that
Grove would have done our business to them if we had
bid him. By and by comes Mr. Clerke, our sollicitor,
who brings us a release from our adverse atturney,
we paying the fees of the commission, which comes to
five markes, and the charges of these fellows, which
are called the commissioners, but are the most
rake-shamed rogues that ever I saw in my life; so he
showed them this release, and they seemed satisfied,
and went away with him to their atturney to be paid
by him. But before they went, Sir W. Batten and my
lady did begin to taunt them, but the rogues
answered them as high as themselves, and swore they
would come again, and called me rogue and rebel, and
they would bring the sheriffe and untile his house,
before he should harbour a rebel in his house, and
that they would be here again shortly. Well, at last
they went away, and I by advice took occasion to go
abroad, and walked through the street to show myself
among the neighbours, that they might not think
worse than the business is. I home to Sir W.
Batten's again, where Sir J. Lawson, Captain Allen,
Spragge, [Afterwards Sir Edward Spragg, a
distinguished naval commander, who perished in a
boat, which was sunk during an action with Van
Tromp, in 1673, whilst he was preparing to hoist his
flag on board a third ship, having previously lost
two in the engagement.] and several others, and all
our discourse about the disgrace done to our office
to be liable to this trouble, which we must get
removed. Hither comes Mr. Clerke by and by, and
tells me that he hath paid the fees of the Court for
the commission; but the men are not contented with
under 5l. for their charges, which he will not give
them, and therefore advises me not to stir abroad
till Monday that he comes or sends to me again,
whereby I shall not be able to go to White Hall to
the Duke of York, as I ought. Here I staid vexing,
and yet pleased to see every body for me; and so
home, where my people are mightily surprised to see
this business, but it troubles me not very much, it
being nothing touching my particular person or
estate. Sir W. Batten tells me that little is done
yet in the Parliament-house, but only this day it
was moved and ordered that all the members of the
House do subscribe to the renouncing of the
Covenant, which it is thought will try some of them.
There is also a bill brought in for the wearing of
nothing but cloth or stuffs of our own manufacture,
and is likely to be passed. Among other talk this
morning, my lady did speak concerning Commissioner
Pett's calling the present King bastard, and other
high words heretofore: and Sir W. Batten did tell
us, that he did give the Duke and Mr. Coventry an
account of that and other like matters in writing
under oath, of which I was ashamed, and for which I
was sorry.
22nd
(Lord's-day). Went not out all the morning; but
after dinner to Sir W. Batten's and Sir W. Pen's,
where discoursing much of yesterday's trouble and
scandal; but that which troubled me most was Sir J.
Minnes coming from Court at night, and instead of
bringing great comfort from thence, (but I expected
no better from him,) he tells me that the Duke and
Mr. Coventry make no great matter of it.
23rd. Up by
times; and not daring to go by land, did (Griffin
going along with me for fear,) slip to White Hall by
water; where to Mr. Coventry, and, as we used to do,
to the Duke; the other of my fellows being come. But
we did nothing of our business, the Duke being sent
for to the King, that he could not stay to speak
with us. This morning come my Lord Windsor [Created
Earl of Plymouth, 6th December, 1682.] to kiss the
Duke's hand, being returned from Jamaica. He tells
the Duke that from such a degree of latitude going
thither he began to be sick, and was never well till
his coming so far back again, and then presently
begun to be well. He told the Duke of their taking
the fort of St. Jago, upon Cuba, with his men; but
upon the whole, I believe, that he did matters like
a young lord, and was weary of being upon service
out of his own country, where he might have
pleasure. For methought it was a shame to see him
this very afternoon, being the first day of his
coming to town, to be at a playhouse. To my Lord
Sandwich: it was a great trouble to me (and I had
great apprehensions of it) that my Lord desired me
to go to Westminster Hall, to the Parliament-house
door, about business; and to Sir Wm. Wheeler, [M.P.
for Queensborough.] which I told him I would, but
durst not go for fear of being taken by these
rogues; but was forced to go to White Hall and take
boat, and so land below the Tower at the Iron-gate,
and so the back way over Little Tower Hill; and with
my cloak over my face, took one of the watermen
along with me, and staid behind our garden-wall,
while he went to see whether any body stood within
the Merchants' Gate. But there was nobody, and so I
got safe into the garden, and coming to open my
office door, something behind it fell in the
opening, which made me start. So that God knows in
what a sad condition I should be if I were truly in
debt: and therefore ought to bless God that I have
no such real reason, and to endeavour to keep
myself, by my good deportment and good husbandry,
out of any such condition. At home I find, by a note
that Mr. Clerke in my absence hath left here, that I
am free; and that he hath stopped all matters in
Court; and I was very glad of it. We took coach and
to Court, and there saw "The Wilde Gallant," [A
Comedy by Dryden.] performed by the King's house,
but it was ill acted. The King did not seem pleased
at all, the whole play, nor any body else. My Lady
Castlemaine was all worth seeing to-night, and
little Steward. [Frances, daughter of Walter
Stewart, son of Lord Blantyre, married Charles,
fifth Duke of Richmond, and died 1702.] Mrs. Wells
do appear at Court again, and looks well; so that,
it may be, the late report of laying the dropped
child to her was not true. This day I was told that
my Lady Castlemaine hath all the King's Christmas
presents, made him by the peers, given to her, which
is a most abominable thing; and that at the great
ball she was much richer in jewells than the Queene
and Duchesse put both together.
24th. Among
other things, my Lord Sandwich tells me, that he
hears the Commons will not agree to the King's late
declaration, nor will yield that the Papists have
any ground given them to raise themselves up again
in England, which I perceive by my Lord was expected
at Court.
25th. The
Commons in Parliament, I hear, are very high to
stand to the Act of Uniformity, and will not indulge
the Papists (which is endeavoured by the Court
Party,) nor the Presbyters.
26th. Sir W.
Batten and I by water to the Parliament-house: he
went in, and I walked up and down the Hall. All the
newes is the great oddes yesterday in the votes
between them that are for the Indulgence to the
Papists and Presbyters, and those that are against
it, which did carry it by 200 against 30. And pretty
it is to consider how the King would appear to be a
stiff Protestant and son of the Church; and yet
willing to give a liberty to these people, because
of his promise at Breda. And yet all the world do
believe that the King would not have the liberty
given them at all.
27th. About 11
o'clock, Commissioner Pett and I walked to
Chyrurgeon's Hall, (we being all invited thither,
and promised to dine there;) where we were led into
the Theatre: and by and by comes the reader, Dr.
Tearne, [Christopher Terne, of Leyden, M.D.,
originally of Cambridge, and Fellow of the College
of Physicians. Ob. 1673.] with the Master and
Company, In a very handsome manner: and all being
settled, he begun his lecture; and his discourse
being ended, we had a fine dinner and good learned
company, many Doctors of Phisique, and we used with
extraordinary great respect. Among other observables
we drunk the King's health out of a gilt cup given
by King Henry VIII. to this Company, with bells
hanging at it, which every man is to ring by shaking
after he hath drunk up the whole cup. There is also
a very excellent piece of the King, done by Holbein,
stands up in the Hall, with the officers of the
Company kneeling to him to receive their Charter.
Dr. Scarborough took some of his friends, and I went
with them, to see the body of a lusty fellow, a
seaman, that was hanged for a robbery. It seems one
Dillon, of a great family, was, after much
endeavours to have saved him, hanged with a silken
halter this Sessions, (of his own preparing,) not
for honour only, but it being soft and sleek it do
slip close and kills, that is, strangles presently:
whereas, a stiff one do not come so close together,
and so the party may live the longer before killed.
But all the Doctors at table conclude, that there is
no pain at all in hanging, for that it do stop the
circulation of the blood; and so stops all sense and
motion in an instant. To Sir W. Batten's to speak
upon some business, where I found Sir J. Minnes
pretty well fuddled I thought: he took me aside to
tell me how being at my Lord Chancellor's to-day, my
Lord told him that there was a Great Seal passing
for Sir W. Pen, through the impossibility of the
Comptroller's duty to be performed by one man; to be
as it were joynt-comptroller with him, at which he
is stark mad; and swears he will give up his place.
For my part, I do hope, when all is done that my
following my business will keep me secure against
all their envys. But to see how the old man do
strut, and swear that he understands all his duty as
easily as crack a nut, and easier, he told my Lord
Chancellor, for his teeth are gone; and that he
understands it as well as any man in England; and
that he will never leave to record that he should be
said to be unable to do his duty alone; though, God
knows, he cannot do it more than a child.
28th. The House
have this noon been with the King to give him their
reasons for refusing to grant any indulgence to
Presbyters or Papists; which he, with great content
and seeming pleasure, took, saying, that he doubted
not but he and they should agree in all things,
though there may seem a difference in judgements, he
having writ and declared for an indulgence: and that
he did believe never prince was happier in a House
of Commons, than he was in them. At the Privy Seale
I did see the docquet by which Sir W. Pen is made
the Comptroller's assistant, as Sir J. Minnes told
me last night.
MARCH 3,
1662-63. This afternoon Roger Pepys tells me, that
for certain the King is for all this very highly
incensed at the Parliament's late opposing the
Indulgence; which I am sorry for, and fear it will
breed great discontent.
5th. To the
Lobby, and spoke with my cousin Roger, who is going
to Cambridge to-morrow. In the Hall I do hear that
the Catholiques are in great hopes for all this, and
do set hard upon the King to get Indulgence.
Matters, I hear, are all naught in Ireland, and the
people, that is the Papists, do cry out against the
Commissioners sent by the King; so that they say the
English interest will be lost there.
6th. This day
it seems the House of Commons have been very high
against the Papists, being incensed by the stir
which they make for their having an Indulgence;
which, without doubt, is a great folly in them to be
so hot upon at this time, when they see how averse
already the House have showed themselves from it.
This evening Mr. Povy tells me that my Lord Sandwich
is this day so ill that he is much afraid of him,
which puts me to great pain, not more for my own
sake than for his poor family's.
7th. Creed told
me how for some words of my Lady Gerard's, against
my Lady Castlemaine to the Queene, the King did the
other day apprehend her in going out to dance with
her at a ball, when she desired it as the ladies do,
and is since forbid attending the Queene by the
King; which is much talked of, my Lord her husband
being a great favourite.
8th (Lord's
day). To White Hall to-day; I heard Dr. King, Bishop
of Chichester, make a good and eloquent sermon upon
these words, "They that sow in tears, shall reap in
joy." Whence (the chapel in Lent being hung with
black, and no anthem after sermon, as at other
times,) to my Lord Sandwich at Sir W. Wheeler's. I
found him out of order, thinking himself to be in a
fit of ague. After dinner up to my Lord, there being
Mr. Rumball. My Lord, among other discourse, did
tell me of his great difficultys passed in the
business of the Sound, and of his receiving letters
from the King there, but his sending them by
Whetstone was a great folly; and the story how my
Lord being at dinner with Sydney, [The famous
Algernon Sydney, one of the Ambassadors sent to
Sweden and Denmark by Richard Cromwell.] one of his
fellow plenipotentiarys and his mortal enemy, did
see Whetstone, and put off his hat three times to
him, and the fellow would not be known, which my
Lord imputed to his coxcombly humour, (of which he
was full) and bid Sydney take notice of him too,
when at the very time he had letters [These letters
are, in Thurloe's State Papers, vol. vii. One was
from the King the other from Chancellor Hyde.] in
his pocket from the King, as it proved afterwards.
And Sydney afterwards did find it out at Copenhagen,
the Dutch Commissioners telling him how my Lord
Sandwich had desired one of their ships to carry
back Whetstone to Lubeck, he being come from
Flanders from the King. But I cannot but remember my
Lord's equanimity in all these affairs with
admiration.
9th. About noon
Sir J. Robinson, Lord Mayor, desiring way through
the garden from the Tower, called in at the office
and there invited me (and Sir W. Pen, who happened
to be in the way) to dinner, and we did go, and
there had a great Lent dinner of fish, little flesh.
There dined with us to-day Mr. Slingsby of the Mint,
[Master of the Mint, frequently mentioned by
Evelyn.] who showed us all the new pieces both gold
and silver (examples of them all) that were made for
the King, by Blondeau's way; and compared them with
those made for Oliver. The pictures of the latter
made by Symons, [Thomas Simon, an engraver of coins
and medals.] and of the King by one Rotyr, [There
were three brothers named Rotier, all Medallists;
Philip intoduced the likeness of Mrs. Stewart in the
figure of Britannia.] a German; I think, that dined
with us also. He extolls those of Rotyr above the
others; and, indeed, I think they are the better,
because the sweeter of the two; but, upon my word,
those of the Protector are more like in my mind,
than the King's, but both very well worth seeing.
The crownes of Cromwell are now sold, it seems, for
25s. and 30s. a-piece.
16th. To the
Duke where we met of course, and talked of our Navy
matters. Then to the Commission of Tangier, and
there had my Lord Peterborough's Commission read
over; and Mr. Secretary Bennet did make his querys
upon it, in order to the drawing one for my Lord
Rutherford more regularly, that being a very
extravagant thing. Here long discoursing upon my
Lord Rutherford's despatch, and so broke up. Mr.
Coventry and I discoursed how the Treasurer doth
intend to come to pay in course, which is the thing
of the world that will do the King the greatest
service in the Navy, and which joys my heart to hear
of. He tells me of the business of Sir J. Minnes,
and Sir W. Pen; which, he said, was chiefly to make
Mr. Pett's being joyned with Sir W. Batten to go
down the better. And how he well sees that neither
one nor the other can do their duties without help.
17th. To St.
Margaret's Hill in Southwark, where the Judge of the
Admiralty come, and the rest of the Doctors of the
Civill law, and some other Commissioners, whose
Commission of Oyer and Terminer was read, and then
the charge, given by Dr. Exton, [Sir Thomas Exton,
Dean of the Arches and Judge of the Admiralty
Court.] which methought was somewhat dull, though he
would seem to intend it to be very rhetoricall,
saying that Justice had two wings, one of which
spread itself over the land, and the other over the
water, which was this Admiralty Court. I perceive
that this Court is yet but in its infancy, (as to
its rising again) and their design and consultation
was, I could overhear them, how to proceed with the
most solemnity, and spend time, there being only two
businesses to do, which of themselves could not
spend much time. Sir W. Batten and I to my Lord
Mayor's, where we found my Lord with Colonel
Strangways [Giles Strangways, M.P. for Dorsetshire.]
and Sir Richard Floyd, [Probably Sir Richard Lloyd.,
M.P. for Radnorshire.] Parliament-men, in the cellar
drinking, were we sat with them, and then up; and by
and by come in Sir Richard Ford. We had many
discourses, but from all of them I do find Sir R.
Ford a very able man of his brains and tongue, and a
scholler. But my Lord Mayor a talking, bragging,
buffleheaded fellow, that would be thought to have
led all the City in the great business of bringing
in the King, and that nobody understood his plot,
and the dark lanthorn he walked by; but led them and
plowed with them as oxen and asses (his own words)
to do what he had a mind: when in every discourse I
observe him to be as very a coxcombe as I could have
thought had been in the City. But he is resolved to
do great matters in pulling down the shops quite
through the City, as he hath done in many places,
and will make a thorough passage quite through the
City, through Canning-street, which indeed will be
very fine. And then his precept, which he, in
vain-glory, said he had drawn up himself, and hath
printed it, against coachmen and carmen affronting
of the gentry in the street; it is drawn so like a
fool, and some faults were openly found in it, that
I believe he will have so much wit as not to proceed
upon it though it be printed. Here we staid talking
till eleven at night, Sir R. Ford breaking to my
Lord our business of our patent to be Justices of
the Peace in the City, which he stuck at mightily;
but, however, Sir R. Ford knows him to be a fool,
and so in his discourse he made him appear, and
cajoled him into a consent to it: but so as I
believe when he comes to his right mind to-morrow he
will be of another opinion; and though Sir R. Ford
moved it very weightily and neatly, yet I had rather
it had been spared now. But to see how he rants, and
pretends to sway all the City in the Court of
Aldermen, and says plainly that they cannot do, nor
will he suffer them to do, any thing but what he
pleases; nor is there any officer of the City but of
his putting in; nor any man that could have kept the
City for the King thus well and long but him. And if
the country can be preserved, he will undertake that
the City shall not dare to stir again. When I am
confident there is no man almost in the City cares
for him, nor hath he brains to outwit any ordinary
tradesman.
20th. Meeting
with Mr. Kirton's kinsman in Paul's Church Yard, he
and I to a coffee-house; where I hear how there had
like to have been a surprizall of Dublin by some
discontented protestants, and other things of like
nature; and it seems the Commissioners have carried
themselves so high for the Papists that the others
will not endure it. Hewlett and some others are
taken and clapped up; and they say the King hath
sent over to dissolve the Parliament there, who went
very high against the Commissioners. Pray God send
all well!
21st. By
appointment our full board met, and Sir Philip
Warwick and Sir Robert Long come from my Lord
Treasurer to speak with us about the state of the
debts of the Navy; and how to settle it, so as to
begin upon the new foundation of 200,000l. per
annum, which the King is now resolved not to exceed.
22nd (Lord's
day). Wrote out our bill for the Parliament about
our being made Justices of Peace in the City. So to
church, where a dull formall fellow that prayed for
the right Hon. John Lord Barkeley, Lord President of
Connaught, &c. To my Lord Sandwich, and with him
talking a good while; I find the Court would have
this Indulgence go on, but the Parliament are
against it. Matters in Ireland are full of
discontent.
29th. After
dinner in comes Mr. Moore, and sat and talked with
us a good while; among other things, telling me that
neither my Lord nor he are under apprehensions of
the late discourse in the House of Commons,
concerning resumption of Crowne lands.
APRIL 1st,
1663. I went to the Temple to my Cozen Roger Pepys,
to see and talk with him a little; who tells me
that, with much ado, the Parliament do agree to
throw down Popery: but he says it is with so much
spite and passion, and an endeavour of bringing all
Non-conformists into the same condition, that he is
afraid matters will not yet go so well as he could
wish.
2nd. Sir W. Pen
told me, that this day the King hath sent to the
House his concurrence wholly with them against the
Popish priests, Jesuits, &c. which gives great
content and I am glad of it.
3rd. To the
Tangier Committee, where we find ourselves at a
great stand; the establishment being but 7000l. per
annum, and the forces to be kept in the town at the
least estimate that my Lord Rutherford can be got to
bring is 5300l. The charge of this year's work of
the Mole will be 13,000l.; besides 1000l. a-year to
my Lord Peterborough as a pension, and the
fortifications and contingencys, which puts us to a
great stand. I find at Court that there is some bad
news from Ireland of an insurrection of the
Catholiques there, which puts them into an alarme. I
hear also in the City that for certain there is an
embargo upon all our ships in Spayne, upon this
action of my Lord Windsor's at Cuba, which signifies
little or nothing, but only he hath a mind to say
that he hath done something before he comes back
again.
4th. After
dinner to Hide Parke; at the Parke was the King, and
in another coach my Lady Castlemaine, they greeting
one another at every turn.
8th. By water
to White Hall, to chapel; where preached Dr. Pierce,
the famous man that preached the sermon so much
cried up, before the King against the Papists. His
matter was the Devil tempting our Saviour, being
carried into the Wilderness by the spirit. And he
hath as much of natural eloquence as most men that
ever I heard in my life, mixed with so much
learning. After sermon I went up and saw the
ceremony of the Bishop of Peterborough's paying
homage upon the knee to the King, while Sir H.
Bennet, Secretary, read the King's grant of the
Bishopric of Lincolne, to which he is translated.
His name is Dr. Lany. [Benjamin Lany, S. T. P., made
Bishop of Peterborough 1660, translated to Lincoln
1662-3, and to Ely 1667.] Here I also saw the Duke
of Monmouth, with his Order of the Garter, the first
time I ever saw it. I hear that the University of
Cambridge did treat him a little while since with
all the honour possible, with a comedy at Trinity
College, and banquet; and made him Master of Arts
there. All which, they say, the King took very well.
Dr. Raynbow, Master of Magdalene, being now
Vice-Chancellor. [Edward Rainbow, chaplain to the
King, and Dean of Peterborough, and in 1664 Bishop
of Carlisle. Ob. 1684.]
12th. (Lord's
day). Coming home to-night, a drunken boy was
carrying by our constable to our new pair of stocks
to handsel them.
14th. Sir G.
Carteret tells me to-night that he perceives the
Parliament is likely to make a great bustle before
they will give the King any money; will call all
things in question; and, above all, the expences of
the Navy; and do enquire into the King's expences
everywhere, and into the truth of the report of
people being forced to sell their bills at 15 per
cent. losse in the Navy; and, lastly, that they are
in a very angry pettish mood at present, and not
likely to be better.
17th. It being
Good Friday, our dinner was only sugar-sopps and
fish; the only time that we have had a Lenten dinner
all this Lent. To Paul's Church Yard, to cause the
title of my English "Mare Clausum" to be changed,
and the new title dedicated to the King, to be put
to it, because I am ashamed to have the other seen
dedicated to the Commonwealth.
20th. With Sir
G. Carteret and Sir John Minnes to my Lord
Treasurer's, thinking to have spoken about getting
money for paying the Yards; but we found him with
some ladies at cards: and so, it being a bad time to
speak, we parted. This day the little Duke of
Monmouth was marryed at White Hall, in the King's
chamber; and to-night is a great supper and dancing
at his lodgings, near Charing-Cross. I observed his
coate at the tail of his coach: he gives the arms of
England, Scotland, and France, quartered upon some
other fields, but what it is that speaks his being a
bastard I know not.
23th. I did
hear that the Queene is much grieved of late at the
King's neglecting her, he having not supped once
with her this quarter of a year, and almost every
night with my Lady Castlemaine: who hath been with
him this St. George's feast at Windsor, and come
home with him last night; and, which is more, they
say is removed as to her bed from her own home to a
chamber in White Hall, next to the King's owne;
which I am sorry to hear, though I love her much.
27th. By water
to White Hall; but found the Duke of York gone to
St. James's for this summer; and thence with Mr.
Coventry and Sir W. Pen up to the Duke's closet. And
a good while with him about Navy business; and so I
to White Hall, and there a long while with my Lord
Sandwich discoursing about his debt to the Navy,
wherein he hath given me some things to resolve him
in.
The Queene
(which I did not know,) it seems was at Windsor, at
the late St. George's feast there: and the Duke of
Monmouth dancing with her with his hat in his hand,
the King came in and kissed him, and made him put on
his hat, which every body took notice of.
28th. To
Chelsey, where we found my Lord all alone with one
joynt of meat at dinner, and mightily extolling the
manner of his retirement, and the goodness of his
diet: the mistress of the house hath all things most
excellently dressed; among others her cakes
admirable, and so good that my Lord's words were,
they were fit to present to my Lady Castlemaine.
From ordinary discourse my Lord fell to talk of
other matters to me, of which chiefly the second
part of the fray, which he told me a little while
since of, between Mr. Edward Montagu and himself;
that he hath forborn coming to him almost two
months, and do speak not only slightly of my Lord
every where, but hath complained to my Lord
Chancellor of him, and arrogated all that ever my
Lord hath done to be only by his direction and
persuasion. Whether he hath done the like to the
King or no, my Lord knows not; but my Lord hath been
with the King since, and finds all things fair; and
my Lord Chancellor hath told him of it, but he so
much contemns Mr. Montagu, as my Lord knows himself
very secure against any thing the fool can do; and
notwithstanding all this, so noble is his nature,
that he professes himself ready to show kindness and
pity to Mr. Montagu on any occasion. My Lord told me
of his presenting Sir H. Bennet with a, gold cup of
100l., which he refuses, with a compliment; but my
Lord would have been glad he had taken it, that be
might have had some obligations upon him which he
thinks possible the other may refuse to prevent it;
not that he hath any reason to doubt his kindness.
But I perceive great differences there are at Court:
and Sir H. Bennet, and my Lord Bristol, and their
faction, are likely to carry all things before them,
(which my Lord's judgement is, will not be for the
best,) and particularly against the Chancellor, who,
he tells me, is irrecoverably lost: but, however,
that he do so not actually joyne in any thing
against the Chancellor, whom he do own to be a most
sure friend, and to have been his greatest; and
therefore will not; openly act in either, but
passively carry himself even. The Queene, my Lord
tells me, he thinks he hath incurred some
displeasure with, for his kindness to his neighbour
my Lady Castlemaine. My Lord tells me he hath no
reason to fall for her sake, whose wit, management,
nor interest, is not likely to hold up any man, and
therefore he thinks it not his obligation to stand
for her against his own interest. The Duke and Mr.
Coventry my Lord sees he is very well with, and
fears not but they will show themselves his very
good friends, specially at this time, he being able
to serve them, and they needing him, which he did
not tell me wherein. Talking of the business of
Tangier, he tells me that my Lord Teviott is gone
away without the least respect paid to him, nor
indeed to any man, but without his commission; and
(if it be true what he says) having laid out seven
or eight thousand pounds in commodities for the
place: and besides having not only disobliged all
the Commissioners for Tangier, but also Sir Charles
Barkeley the other day, who spoke in behalf of
Colonel Fitz-Gerald, that having been
deputy-governor there already, he ought to have
expected and had the governorship upon the death or
removal of the former Governor and whereas it is
said that he and his men are Irish, which is indeed
the main thing that hath moved the King and Council
to put in Teviott to prevent the Irish having too
great and the whole command there under Fitz-Gerald;
he further said that there was never an Englishman
fit to command Tangier; my Lord Teviott answered
yes, there were many more fit than himself or
Fitz-Gerald either. So that Fitz-Gerald being so
great with the Duke of York, and being already made
deputy- governor, independent of my Lord Teviott,
and he being also left here behind him for a while,
my Lord Sandwich do think, that, putting all these
things together, the few friends he hath left, and
the ill posture of his affairs, my Lord Teviott is
not a man of the conduct and management that either
people take him to be, or is fit for the command of
the place. And here, speaking of the Duke of York
and Sir Charles Barkeley, my Lord tells me that he
do very much admire the good management, and
discretion, and nobleness of the Duke, that however
he may be led by him or Mr. Coventry singly in
private, yet he did not observe that in public
matters but he did give as ready hearing, and as
good acceptance to any reasons offered by any other
man against the opinions of them, as he did to them,
and would concur in the prosecution of it. Then we
come to discourse upon his own sea-accompts, and
come to a resolution how to proceed in them:
wherein, though I offered him a way of evading the
greatest part of his debt honestly, by making
himself debtor to the Parliament before the King's
time, which he might justly do, yet he resolved to
go openly and nakedly in it, and put himself to the
kindness of the King and Duke, which humour, I must
confess, and so did tell him (with which he was not
a little pleased) had thriven very well with him,
being known to be a man of candid and open dealing,
without any private tricks or hidden designs as
other men commonly have in what they do. From that
we had discourse of Sir G. Carteret, and of many
others; and upon the whole I do find that it is a
troublesome thing for a man of any condition at
Court to carry himself even, and without contracting
envy or envyers; and that much discretion and
dissimulation is necessary to do it.
MAY 4, 1663. To
St. James's; where Mr. Coventry, Sir W. Pen and I
staid for the Duke's coming in, but not coming, we
walked to White Hall; and meeting the King, we
followed him into the Parke, where Mr. Coventry and
he talking of building a new yacht out of his
private purse, he having some contrivance of his
own. The talk being done, we fell off to White Hall,
leaving the King in the Park; and going back, met
the Duke going towards St. James's to meet us. So he
turned back again, and to his closet at White Hall;
and there, my Lord Sandwich present, we did our
weekly errand, and so broke up; and I to the garden
with my Lord Sandwich, (after we had sat an hour at
the Tangier Committee;) and after talking largely of
his own businesses, we began to talk how matters are
at Court: and though he did not flatly tell me any
such thing, yet I do suspect that all is not kind
between the King and the Duke, and that the King's
fondness to the little Duke do occasion it; and it
may be that there is some fear of his being made
heire to the Crown. But this my Lord did not tell
me, but is my guess only; and that my Lord
Chancellor is without doubt falling past hopes.
5th. With Sir
J. Minnes, he telling many old stories of the Navy,
and of the state of the Navy at the beginning of the
late troubles, and I am troubled at my heart to
think, and shall hereafter cease to wonder, at the
bad success of the King's cause, when such a knave
as he (if it be true what he says) had the whole
management of the fleet, and the design of putting
out of my Lord Warwicke, [Henry Rich, Earl of
Warwick and Holland; beheaded for putting himself in
arms to aid Charles I.] and carrying the fleet to
the King, wherein he failed most fatally to the
King's ruine.
6th. To the
Exchange with Creed, where we met Sir J. Minnes, who
tells us, in great heat, that the Parliament will
make mad work; that they will render all men
incapable of any military or civil employment that
have borne arms in the late troubles against the
King, excepting some persons; which, if it be so, as
I hope it is not, will give great cause of
discontent, and I doubt will have but bad effects.
Sir Thomas
Crewe this day tells me that the Queene, hearing
that there was 40,000l. per annum brought into her
account among the other expences of the Crown before
the Committee of Parliament, she took order to let
them know that she hath yet for the payment of her
whole family received but 4000l., which is a notable
act of spirit, and I believe is true.
7th. To my Lord
Crewe's, and there dined with him. He tells me of
the order the House of Commons have made for the
drawing an Act for the rendering none capable of
preferment or employment in the State, but who have
been loyall and constant to the King and Church;
which will be fatal to a great many, and makes me
doubt lest I myself, with all my innocence during
the late times, should be brought in, being employed
in the Exchequer; but, I hope, God will provide for
me.
10th. Put on a
black cloth suit, with white lynings under all, as
the fashion is to wear, to appear under the
breeches. I walked to St. James's, and was there at
masse, and was forced in the croud to kneel down:
and masse being done, to the King's Head ordinary,
where many Parliament-men; and most of their talk
was about the news from Scotland, that the Bishop of
Galloway was besieged in his house by some women,
and had like to have been outraged, but I know not
how he was secured; which is bad news, and looks as
it did in the beginning of the late troubles. From
thence they talked of rebellion; and I perceive they
make it their great maxime to be sure to master the
City of London, whatever comes of it or from it.
11th. With Sir
W. Pen to St. James's, where we attended the Duke of
York: and, among other things, Sir G. Carteret and I
had a great dispute about the different value of the
pieces of eight rated by Mr. Creed at 4s. and 5d.,
and by Pitts at 4s. and 9d., which was the greatest
husbandry to the King? he proposing that the
greatest sum was; which is as ridiculous a piece of
ignorance as could be imagined. However, it is to be
argued at the Board, and reported to the Duke next
week; which I shall do with advantage, I hope. I
went homeward, after a little discourse with Mr.
Pierce the surgeon, who tells me that my Lady
Castlemaine hath now got lodgings near the King's
chamber at Court; and that the other day Dr. Clarke
and he did dissect two bodies, a man and a woman,
before the King, with which the King was highly
pleased.
14th. Met Mr.
Moore; and with him to an ale-house in Holborne;
where in discourse he told me that he fears the King
will be tempted to endeavour the setting the Crown
upon the little Duke, which may cause troubles;
which God forbid, unless it be his due! He told me
my Lord do begin to settle to business again; and
that the King did send for him the other day to my
Lady Castlemaine's, to play at cards, where he lost
50l.; for which I am sorry, though he says my Lord
was pleased at it, and said he would be glad at any
time to lose 50l. for the King to send for him to
play, which I do not so well like.
15th. I walked
in the Parke, discoursing with the keeper of the
Pell Mell, who was sweeping of it; who told me of
what the earth is mixed that do floor the Mall, and
that over all there is cockle-shells powdered, and
spread to keep it fast; which, however, in dry
weather, turns to dust and deads the ball. Thence to
Mr. Coventry; and sitting by his bedside, he did
tell me that he did send for me to discourse upon my
Lord Sandwich's allowances for his several pays, and
what his thoughts are concerning his demands; which
he could not take the freedom to do face to face, it
being not so proper as by me: and did give me a most
friendly and ingenuous account of all; telling me
how unsafe, at this juncture, while every man's, and
his actions particularly, are descanted upon, it is
either for him to put the Duke upon doing, or my
Lord himself to desire anything extraordinary,
'specially the King having been so bountifull
already; which the world takes notice of even to
some repinings. All which he did desire me to
discourse to my Lord of; which I have undertaken to
do. At noon by coach to my Lord Crewe's, hearing
that my Lord Sandwich dined there; where I told him
what had passed between Mr. Coventry and myself;
with which he was contented, though I could perceive
not very well pleased. And I do believe that my Lord
do find some other things go against his mind in the
House; for in the motion made the other day in the
House by my Lord Bruce, that none be capable of
employment but such as have been loyal and constant
to the King and Church, that the General and my Lord
were mentioned to be excepted; and my Lord Bruce did
come since to my Lord, to clear himself that he
meant nothing to his prejudice, nor could it have
any such effect if he did mean it. After discourse
with my Lord, to dinner with him; there dining there
my Lord Montagu of Boughton, [Edward, second Lord
Montagu of Boughton, in 1664 succeeded his father,
who had been created a Baron by James I., and died
1684, leaving a son afterwards Duke of Montagu.] Mr.
William Montagu his brother, the Queene's
Sollicitor, &c., and a fine dinner. Their talk about
a ridiculous falling-out two days ago at my Lord of
Oxford's house, at an entertainment of his, there
being there my Lord of Albemarle, Lynsey, two of the
Porters, my Lord Bellasses, and others, where there
were high words and some blows, and pulling off of
perriwiggs; till my Lord Monk took away some of
their swords, and sent for some soldiers to guard
the house till the fray was ended. To such a degree
of madness the nobility of this age is come! After
dinner, I went up to Sir Thomas Crewe, who lies
there not very well in his head, being troubled with
vapours and fits of dizzinesse: and there I sat
talking with him all the afternoon upon the unhappy
posture of things at this time; that the King do
mind nothing but pleasures, and hates the very sight
or thoughts of business. If any of the sober
counsellors give him good advice, and move him in
any way that is to his good and honour, the other
part, which are his counsellors of pleasure, take
him when he is with my Lady Castlemaine, and in a
humour of delight, and then persuade him that he
ought not to hear or listen to the advice of those
old dotards or counsellors that were heretofore his
enemies when, God knows! it is they that now-a-days
do most study his honour. It seems the present
favourites now are my Lord Bristol, Duke of
Buckingham, Sir H. Bennet, my Lord Ashley, and Sir
Charles Barkeley; who, among them, have cast my Lord
Chancellor upon his back, past ever getting up
again: there being now little for him to do, and he
waits at Court; attending to speak to the King as
others do: which I pray God may prove of good
effects, for it is feared it will be the same with
my Lord Treasurer shortly. But strange to hear how
my Lord Ashley, by my Lord Bristol's means, (he
being brought over to the Catholique party against
the Bishops, whom he hates to the death, and
publicly rails against them; not that he is become a
Catholique, but merely opposes the Bishops; and yet,
for aught I hear, the Bishop of London keeps as
great with the King as ever,) is got into favour, so
much that, being a man of great business and yet of
pleasure, and drolling too, he, it is thought, will
be made Lord Treasurer upon the death or removal of
the good old man. [The Earl of Southampton.] My Lord
Albemarle, I hear, do bear through and bustle among
them, and will not be removed from the King's good
opinion and favour, though none of the Cabinet; but
yet he is envied enough. It is made very doubtful
whether the King do not intend the making of the
Duke of Monmouth legitimate; but surely the Commons
of England will never do it, nor the Duke of York
suffer it, whose Lady I am told is very troublesome
to him by her jealousy. No care is observed to be
taken of the main chance, either for maintaining of
trade or opposing of factions, which, God knows, are
ready to break out, if any of them (which God
forbid!) should dare to begin; the King and every
man about him minding so much their pleasures or
profits. My Lord Hinchingbroke, I am told, hath had
a mischance to kill his boy by his birding-piece
going off as he was a fowling. The gun was charged
with small shot, and hit the boy in the face and
about the temples, and he lived four days. In
Scotland, it seems, for all the newsbooks tell us
every week that they are all so quiet, and every
thing in the Church settled, the old woman had liked
to have killed, the other day, the Bishop of
Galloway, and not half the Churches of the whole
kingdom conform. Strange were the effects of the
late thunder and lightning about a week since at
Northampton, coming with great rain, which caused
extraordinary floods in a few houres, bearing away
bridges, drowning horses, men, and cattle. Two men
passing over a bridge on horseback, the arches
before and behind them were borne away, and that
left which they were upon: but, however, one of the
horses fell over, and was drowned. Stacks of faggots
carried as high as a steeple, and other dreadful
things; which Sir Thomas Crewe showed me letters to
him about from Mr. Freemantle and others, that it is
very true. The Portugalls have choused us, it seems,
in the Island of Bombay, in the East Indys; for
after a great charge of our fleets being sent
thither with full commission from the King of
Portugall to receive it, the Governour by some
pretence or other will not deliver it to Sir Abraham
Shipman, sent from the King, nor to my Lord of
Marlborough; [James Ley, third Earl of Marlborough,
killed in the great sea-fight with the Dutch, 1665.]
which the King takes highly ill, and I fear our
Queene will fare the worse for it. The Dutch decay
there exceedingly, it being believed that their
people will revolt from them there, and they forced
to give up their trade. Sir Thomas showed me his
picture and Sir Anthony Vandyke's in crayon in
little, done exceedingly well.
18th. I walked
to White Hall, and into the Parke, seeing the Queene
and Maids of Honour passing through the house going
to the Parke. But above all, Mrs. Stuart is a fine
woman, and they say now a common mistress to the
King, as my Lady Castlemaine is; which is a great
pity.
19th. With Sir
John Minnes to the Tower; and by Mr. Slingsby, and
Mr. Howard, Controller of the Mint we were shown the
method of making this new money. That being done,
the Controller would have us dine with him and his
company, the King giving them a dinner every day.
And very merry and good discourse upon the business
we have been upon. They now coyne between 16 and
24,000 pounds in a week. At dinner they did
discourse very finely to us of the probability that
there is a vast deal of money hid in the land, from
this:—that in King Charles's time there was near ten
millions of money coyned, besides what was then in
being of King James's and Queene Elizabeth's, of
which there is a good deal at this day in being.
Next, that there was but 750,000l. coyned of the
Harp and Crosse money, and of this there was
500,000l. brought in upon its being called in. And
from very good arguments they find that there cannot
be less of it in Ireland and Scotland than
100,000l.; so that there is but 150,000l. missing;
and of that, suppose that there should be not above
50,000l. still remaining, either melted down, hid,
or lost, or hoarded up in England, there will then
be but 100,000l. left to be thought to have been
transported. Now, if 750,000l. in twelve years' time
lost but a 100,000l. in danger of being transported,
then 10,000,000l. in thirty-five years' time will
have lost but 3,888,880l. and odd pounds; and as
there is 650,000l. remaining after twelve years time
in England, so after thirty-five years' time, which
was within this two years, there ought in proportion
to have resting 6,111,120l. or thereabouts, besides
King James and Queene Elizabeth's money. Now, that
most of this must be hid is evident, as they reckon,
because of the dearth of money immediately upon the
calling in of the State's money, which was 500,000l.
that come in; and then there was not any money to be
had in this City, which they say to their own
observation and knowledge was so. And therefore,
though I can say nothing in it myself, I do not
dispute it.
23rd. To White
Hall; where, in the Matted Gallery, Mr. Coventry
was, who told us how the Parliament have required of
Sir G. Carteret and him an account what money shall
be necessary to be settled upon the Navy for the
ordinary charge, which they intend to report
200,000l. per annum. And how to allott this we met;
this afternoon, and took their papers for our
perusal, and so parted.
24th. Meeting
Mr. Lewis Phillips of Brampton, he and afterwards
others tell me that news come last night to Court,
that the King of France is sick of the spotted
fever, and that they are struck in again; and this
afternoon my Lord Mandeville is gone from the King
to make him a visit which will be great news, and of
great import through Europe. By and by, in comes my
Lord Sandwich: he told me this day a vote hath
passed that the King's grants of land to my Lord
Monk and him should be made good; which pleases him
very much. He also tells me that things do not go
right in the House with Mr. Coventry; I suppose he
means in the business of selling places; but I am
sorry for it.
27th. With Pett
to my Lord Ashley, Chancellor of the Exchequer;
where we met the auditors about settling the
business of the accounts of persons to whom money is
due before the King's time in the Navy, and the
clearing of their imprests for what little of their
debts they have received. I find my Lord, as he is
reported, a very ready, quiet, and diligent person.
Roger Pepys tells me that the King hath sent to the
Parliament to hasten to make an end by midsummer,
because of his going into the country; so they have
set upon four bills to dispatch: the first of which
is, he says, too devilish a severe act against
conventicles; so beyond all moderation, that he is
afraid it will ruin all: telling me that it is
matter of the greatest grief to him in the world,
that he should be put upon this trust of being a
Parliament-man, because he says nothing is done,
that he can see, out of any truth and sincerity, but
mere envy and design. Then into the Great Garden up
to the Banqueting House; and there by my Lord's
glass we drew in the species very pretty. [This word
is here used as an optical term, and signifies the
image painted on the retina of the eye, and the rays
of light reflected from the several points of the
surface of objects.] Afterwards to nine- pins, Creed
and I playing against my Lord and Cooke.
28th. By water
to the Royal Theatre; but that was so full they told
us we could have no room. And so to the Duke's
house; and there saw "Hamlett" done, giving us fresh
reason never to think enough of Betterton. Who
should we see come upon the stage but Gosnell, my
wife's maid? but neither spoke, danced, nor sung;
which I was sorry for.
29th. This day
is kept strictly as a holy-day, being the King's
Coronation. Creed and I abroad, and called at
several churches; and it is a wonder to see, and by
that to guess the ill temper of the City, at this
time, either to religion in general, or to the King,
that in some churches there was hardly ten people,
and those poor people. To the Duke's house, and
there saw "The Slighted Mayde," [A comedy, by Sir
Robert Stapylton.] wherein Gosnell acted AEromena, a
great part, and did it very well. Then with Creed to
see the German Princesse, [Mary Carleton, of whom
see more June 7 following; and April 15, 1664.] at
the Gate- house, at Westminster.
31st. This
month the greatest news is, the height and heat that
the Parliament is in, in enquiring into the revenue,
which displeases the Court, and their backwardness
to give the King any money. Their enquiring into the
selling of places do trouble a great many; among the
chief, my Lord Chancellor (against whom particularly
it is carried), and Mr. Coventry; for which I am
sorry. The King of France was given out to be
poisoned and dead; but it proves to be the meazles:
and he is well, or likely to be soon well again. I
find myself growing in the esteem and credit that I
have in the office, and I hope falling to my
business again will confirm me in it.
JUNE 1, 1663.
The Duke having been a-hunting to-day, and so lately
come home and gone to bed, we could not see him, and
we walked away. And I with Sir J. Minnes to the
Strand May-pole; and there light out of his coach,
and walked to the New Theatre, which, since the
King's players are gone to the Royal one, is this
day begun to be employed by the fencers to play
prizes at. And here I come and saw the first prize I
ever saw in my life: and it was between one Mathews,
who did beat at all weapons, and one Westwicke, who
was soundly cut several times both in the head and
legs, that he was all over blood: and other deadly
blows they did give and take in very good earnest,
till Westwicke was in a sad pickle. They fought at
eight weapons, three boutes at each weapon. This
being upon a private quarrel, they did it in good
earnest; and I felt one of the swords, and found it
to be very little, if at all blunter on the edge,
than the common swords are. Strange to see what a
deal of money is flung to them both upon the stage
between every boute. This day I hear at Court of the
great plot which was lately discovered in Ireland,
made among the Presbyters and others, designing to
cry up the Covenant, and to secure Dublin Castle and
other places; and they have debauched a good part of
the army there, promising them ready money. Some of
the Parliament there, they say, are guilty, and some
withdrawn upon it; several persons taken, and among
others a son of Scott's, that was executed here for
the King's murder. What reason the King hath, I know
not; but it seems he is doubtfull of Scotland: and
this afternoon, when I was there, the Council was
called extraordinary; and they were opening the
letter this last post's coming and going between
Scotland and us and other places. The King of France
is well again.
2nd. To St.
James's, to Mr. Coventry; where I had an hour's
private talk with him concerning his own condition,
at present being under the censure of the House,
being concerned with others in the Bill for selling
of offices. He tells me, that though he thinks
himself to suffer much in his fame hereby, yet he
values nothing more of evil to hang over him; for
that it is against no statute, as is pretended, nor
more than what his predecessors time out of mind
have taken; and that so soon as he found himself to
be in an errour, he did desire to have his fees set,
which was done; and since that time he hath not
taken a token more. He undertakes to prove, that he
did never take a token of any captain to get him
employed in his life beforehand, or demanded any
thing: and for the other accusation, that the
Cavaliers are not employed, he looked over the list
of them now in the service, and of the twenty-seven
that are employed, thirteen have been heretofore
always under the King; two neutralls, and the other
twelve men of great courage, and such as had either
the King's particular command or great
recommendation to put them in, and none by himself.
Besides that, he sees it is not the King's nor
Duke's opinion that the whole party of the late
officers should be rendered desperate. And lastly,
he confesses that the more of the Cavaliers are put
in, the less of discipline hath followed in the
fleet; and that, whenever there comes occasion, it
must be the old ones that must do any good. He tells
me, that he cannot guess whom all this should come
from; but he suspects Sir G. Carteret, as I also do,
at least that he is pleased with it. But he tells me
that he will bring Sir G. Carteret to be the first
adviser and instructor of him what is to make his
place of benefit to him; telling him that Smith did
make his place worth 5000l. and he believed 7000l.
to him the first year; besides something else
greater than all this, which he forbore to tell me.
It seems one Sir Thomas Tomkins [M.P. for Weobly,
and one of the proposed Knights of the Royal Oak,
for Herefordshire.] of the House, that makes many
mad motions, did bring it into the House, saying
that a letter was left at his lodgings, subscribed
by one Benson, (which is a feigned name, for there
is no such in the Navy,) telling how many places in
the Navy have been sold. And by another letter, left
in the same manner since, nobody appearing, he
writes him that there is one Hughes and another
Butler (both rogues, that have for their roguery
been turned out of their places,) that will swear
that Mr. Coventry did sell their places and other
things. I offered him my service, and will with all
my heart serve him; but he tells me he do not think
it convenient to meddle, or to any purpose. To
Westminster Hall, where I hear more of the plot from
Ireland; which it seems hath been hatching, and
known to the Lord Lieutenant a great while, and kept
close till within three days that it should have
taken effect.
4th. In the
Hall a good while; where I heard that this day the
Archbishop of Canterbury, Juxon, [William Juxon,
made Bishop of London 1633, translated to
Canterbury, 1660.] a man well spoken of by all for a
good man, is dead; and the Bishop of London [Gilbert
Sheldon, who did succeed him.] is to have his seat.
The match between Sir J. Cutts [Of Childerley near
Cambridge.] and my Lady Jemimah, [Lady Jemimah
Montagu, daughter to the Earl of Sandwich.] he says,
is likely to go on; for which I am glad. In the Hall
to-day Dr. Pierce tells me that the Queene begins to
be briske, and play like other ladies, and is quite
another woman from what she was. It may be, it may
make the King like her the better, and forsake his
two mistresses my Lady Castlemaine and Stewart.
[Spelt indiscriminately in the MS Stuart, Steward,
and Stewart.]
6th. To York
House, where the Russia Embassador do lie; and there
I saw his people go up and down louseing themselves:
they are all in a great hurry, being to be gone the
beginning of next week. But that that pleased me
best, was the remains of the noble soul of the late
Duke of Buckingham appearing in his house, in every
place, in the door-cases and the windows. Sir John
Hebden, the Russia Resident, did tell me how he is
vexed to see things at Court ordered as they are by
nobody that attends to business, but every man
himself or his pleasures. He cries up my Lord Ashley
to be almost the only man that he sees to look after
business; and with the ease and mastery, that he
wonders at him. He cries out against the King's
dealing so much with goldsmiths, and suffering
himself to have his purse kept and commanded by
them. He tells me also with what exact care and
order the States of Holland's stores are kept in
their Yards, and every thing managed there by their
builders with such husbandry as is not imaginable;
which I will endeavour to understand further.
7th. Mrs.
Turner, who is often at Court, do tell me to-day
that for certain the Queene hath much changed her
humour, and is become very pleasant and sociable as
any; and they say is with child, or believed to be
so. After church to Sir W. Batten's; where my Lady
Batten enveighed mightily against the German
Princesse, and I as high in the defence of her wit
and spirit, and glad that she is cleared at the
sessions.
12th. To the
Royal Theatre; and there saw "The Committee," ["The
Committee," a comedy, by Sir Robert Howard.] a merry
but indifferent play, only Lacey's part, an Irish
footman, is beyond imagination. Here I saw my Lord
Falconbridge, [Thos. Bellasses Viscount Falconberg,
frequently called Falconbridge, married Mary, third
daughter of Oliver Cromwell. She died 1712.] and his
Lady, my Lady Mary Cromwell, who looks as well as I
have known her, and well clad: but when the House
began to fill she put on her vizard, and so kept it
on all the play; which of late is become a great
fashion among the ladies, which hides their whole
face. So to the Exchange, to buy things with my
wife; among others, a vizard for herself.
13th. To the
Royal Theatre; and in our way saw my Lady
Castlemaine, who, I fear, is not so handsome as I
have taken her for, and now she begins to decay
something. This is my wife's opinion also.
Yesterday, upon conference with the King in the
Banqueting House, the Parliament did agree with much
ado, it being carried but by forty-two voices, that
they would supply him with a sum of money; but what
and how is not yet known, but expected to be done
with great disputes the next week, But if done at
all, it is well.
15th. To the
Trinity House; where, among others, I found my Lords
Sandwich and Craven, and my cousin Roger Pepys, and
Sir Wm. Wheeler. Both at and after dinner we had
great discourses of the nature and power-of spirits,
and whether they can animate dead bodies; in all
which, as of the general appearance of spirits, my
Lord Sandwich is very scepticall. He says the
greatest warrants that ever he had to believe any,
is the present appearing of the Devil in Wiltshire,
much of late talked of, who beats a drum up and
down. There are books of it, and, they say, very
true; but my Lord observes, that though he do answer
to any tune that you will play to him upon another
drum, yet one time he tried to play and could not;
which makes him suspect the whole; and I think it is
a good argument. [Joseph Glanville published a
Relation of the famed disturbance at the house of
Mr. Mompesson, at Tedworth, Wilts, occasioned by the
beating of an invisible drum every night for a year.
This story, which was believed at the time,
furnished the plot for Addison's play of "The
Drummer, or the Haunted House," In the "Mercurius
Publicus," April 16-23, 1663 there is a curious
examination on this subject, by which it appears
that one William Drury, of Uscut, Wilts, was the
invisible drummer.]
16th. Dined
with Sir W. Batten; who tells me that the House have
voted the supply, intended for the King, shall be by
subsidy.
17th. This day
I met with Pierce the surgeon; who tells me that the
King has made peace between Mr. Edward Montagu and
his father Lord Montagu, and that all is well again;
at which, for the family's sake, I am glad, but do
not think it will hold long.
19th. To
Lambeth, expecting to have seen the archbishop lie
in state; but it seems he is not laid out yet. At
the Privy Seale Office examined the books, and found
the grant of increase of salary to the principall
officers in the year 1639, 300l. among the
Controller, Surveyor, and Clerk to the Shippes. Met
Captain Ferrers; who tells us that the King of
France is well again, and that he saw him train his
Guards, all brave men, at Paris; and that when he
goes to his mistress, Madame La Valiere, a pretty
little woman, now with child by him, he goes
publicly, and his trumpets and kettle-drums with
him; and yet he says that, for all this, the Queene
do not know of it, for that nobody dares to tell
her; but that I dare not believe.
22nd. To
Westminster, where all along I find the shops
evening with the sides of the houses, even in the
broadest streets; which will make the City very much
better than it was. It seems the House do consent to
send to the King to desire that he would be
graciously pleased to let them know who it was that
did inform him of what words Sir Richard Temple [Sir
Richard Temple, of Stowe. Bart, M.P. for Buckingham
and K.B. Ob. 1694.] should say, which were to this
purpose: "That if the King would side with him, or
be guided by him and his party, that he should not
lack money:" but without knowing who told it, they
do not think fit to call him to any account for it.
The Duke being gone a-hunting, by and by come in and
shifted himself; he having in his hunting led his
horse through a river up to his breast, and came so
home: and being ready, we had a long discourse with
him.
23rd. To the
office; and after an hour or two, by water to the
Temple, to my cousen Roger; who, I perceive, is a
deadly high man in the Parliament business, and
against the Court, showing me how they have computed
that the King hath spent, at least hath received,
above four millions of money since he come in: and
in Sir J. Winter's case, in which I spoke to him, he
is so high that he says he deserves to be hanged. To
the 'Change; and by and by comes the King and the
Queene by in great state, and the streets full of
people. I stood in Mr. —'s balcone. They dine all at
my Lord Mayor's; but what he do for victualls, or
room for them, I know not.
24th. To
St.James's,and there an hour's private discourse
with Mr. Coventry; he speaking of Sir G. Carteret
slightly, and diminishing of his services for the
King in Jersey; that he was well rewarded, and had
good lands and rents, and other profits from the
King, all the time he was there; and that it was
always his humour to have things done his way. He
brought an example how he would not let the Castle
there be victualled for more than a month, that so
he might keep it at his beck, though the people of
the town did offer to supply it more often
themselves. Another thing he told me, how the Duke
of York did give Sir G. Carteret and the Island his
profit as Admirall and other things, toward the
building of of a pier there. But it was never laid
out, nor like to be. So it falling out that a lady
being brought to bed, the Duke was to be desired to
be one of the godfathers; and it being objected that
that would not be proper, there being no peer of the
land to be joyned with him, the lady replied, "Why,
let him choose; and if he will not be a godfather
without a peer, then let him even stay till he hath
made a pier of his own." He tells me, too, that he
hath lately been observed to tack about at Court,
and to endeavour to strike in with the persons that
are against the Chancellor; but this he says of him,
that he do not say nor do anything to the prejudice
of the Chancellor. But he told me that the
Chancellor was rising again, and that of late Sir G.
Carteret's business and employment hath not been so
full as it used to be while the Chancellor stood up.
From that we discoursed of the evil of putting out
men of experience in business as the Chancellor, and
of the condition of the King's party at present,
who, as the Papists, though otherwise fine persons,
yet being by law kept for these fourscore years out
of employment, they are now wholly uncapable of
business; and so the Cavaliers for twenty years,
who, says he, for the most part have either given
themselves over to look after country and family
business, and those the best of them, and the rest
to debauchery, &c.; and that was it that hath made
him high against the late Bill brought into the
House for the making all men incapable of employment
that had served against the King. People, says he,
in the sea-service, it is impossible to do any thing
without them, there being not more than three men of
the whole King's side that are fit to command
almost; and these were Captn. Allen, Smith, and
Beech; [Probably Richard Beach, afterwards knighted,
and in 1668 Commissioner at Portsmouth.] and it may
be Holmes, and Utber, and Batts might do something.
25th. Sir C.
Carteret did tell us that upon Tuesday last, being
with my Lord Treasurer, he showed him a letter from
Portugall speaking of the advance of the Spaniards
into their country, and yet that the Portuguese were
never more courageous than now: for by an old
prophecy sent thither some years though not many
since from the French King, it is foretold that the
Spaniards should come into their country, and in
such a valley they should be all killed, and then
their country should be wholly delivered from the
Spaniards. This was on Tuesday last, and yesterday
come the very first news that in this valley they
had thus routed and killed the Spaniards.
26th. The House
is upon the King's answer to their message about
Temple, which is, that my Lord of Bristoll did tell
him that Temple did say those words; so the House
are resolved upon sending some of their members to
him to know the truth, and to demand satisfaction if
it be not true. Sir W. Batten, Sir J. Minnes, my
Lady Batten, and I by coach to Bednall Green, to Sir
W. Rider's to dinner. A fine merry walk with the
ladies alone after dinner in the garden: the
greatest quantity of strawberrys I ever saw, and
good. This very house was built by the blind beggar
of Bednall Green, so much talked of and sang in
ballads; but they say it was only some of the
outhouses of it. [Called Kirby Castle, the property
of Sir William Ryder, Knight, who died herein
1669.—LYSONS' ENVIRONS.] At table, discoursing of
thunder and lightning, Sir W. Rider did tell a story
of his own knowledge, that a Genoese gally in
Legorne Roads was struck by thunder, so as the mast
was broke a-pieces, and the shackle upon one of the
slaves was melted clear off his leg without hurting
his leg. Sir William went on board the vessel, and
would have contributed toward the release of the
slave whom Heaven had thus set free, but he could
not compass it, and so he was brought to his fetters
again.
29th. Up and
down the streets is cried mightily the great victory
got by the Portugalls against the Spaniards, where
10,000 slain, 3 or 4000 taken prisoners, with all
the artillery, baggage, money, &c., and Don John [He
was a natural son of Philip IV. King of Spain, who
after his father's death in 1666 exerted his whole
influence to overthrow the Regency appointed during
the young King's minority.] of Austria forced to
flee with a man or two with him.
30th. Public
matters are in an ill condition: Parliament sitting
and raising four subsidys for the King, which is but
a little, considering his wants; and yet that parted
withal with great hardness. They being offended to
see so much money go, and no debts of the public's
paid, but all swallowed by a luxurious Court; which
the King it is believed and hoped will retrench in a
little time, when he comes to see the utmost of the
revenue which shall be settled on him; he expecting
to have his 1,200,000l. made good to him, which is
not yet done by above 150,000l. as he himself
reports to the House. The charge the Navy intended
to be limited to 200,000l. per annum, the ordinary
charge of it, and that to be settled upon the
Customes. The King gets greatly taken up with Madam
Castlemaine and Mrs. Stewart, which Heaven put an
end to!
JULY 1, 1663.
Being in the Parliament lobby, I there saw my Lord
of Bristoll come to the Commons House to give his
answer to their question, about some words he should
tell the King that were spoke by Sir Richard Temple.
A chair was set at the bar of the House for him,
which he used but little, but made an harangue of
half an hour bareheaded, the House covered. His
speech being done, he come out into a little room
till the House had concluded of an answer to his
speech; which they staying long upon, I went away.
And by and by out comes Sis W. Batten; and he told
me that his Lordship had made a long and a
comedian-like speech, and delivered with such action
as was not becoming his Lordship. He confesses he
did tell the King such a thing of Sir Richard
Temple, but that upon his honour the words were not
spoke by Sir Richard, he having taken a liberty of
enlarging to the King upon the discourse which had
been between Sir Richard and himself lately; and so
took upon himself the whole blame, and desired their
pardon, it being not to do any wrong to their
fellow- member, but out of zeal to the King. He told
them, among many other things, that as to religion
he was a Roman Catholick, but such a one as thought
no man to have right to the Crown of England but the
Prince that hath it; and such a one as, if the King
should desire counsel as to his own, he would not
advise him to another religion than the old true
reformed religion of this kingdom as it now stands;
and concluded with a submission to what the House
shall do with, him, saying, that whatever they shall
do,—"thanks be to God, this head, this heart, and
this sword; (pointing to them all) will find me a
being in any place in Europe." The House hath
hereupon voted clearly Sir Richard Temple to be free
from the imputation of saying those words; but when
Sir William Batten come out, had not concluded what
to say to my Lord, it being argued that to own any
satisfaction as to my Lord from his speech, would be
to lay some fault upon the King for the message he
should upon no better accounts send to the
impeaching of one of their members. Walking out, I
hear that the House of Lords are offended that my
Lord Digby [Digby, Earl of Bristol.] should come to
this House and make a speech there without leave
first asked of the House of Lords. I hear also of
another difficulty now upon him; that my Lord of
Sunderland [Henry, fourth Lord Spence, and second
Earl of Sunderland, Ambassador to Spain 1671. Ob.
1702.] (whom I do not know) was so near to the
marriage of his daughter, as that the
wedding-clothes were made, and portion and every
thing agreed on and ready; and the other day he goes
away nobody yet knows whither, sending her the next
morning a release of his right or claim to her, and
advice to his friends not to enquire into the reason
of this doing, for he hath enough for it; and that
he gives them liberty to say and think what they
will of him, so they do not demand the reason of his
leaving her, being resolved never to have her. To
Sir W. Batten, to the Trinity House; and after
dinner we fell a-talking, Mr. Batten telling us of a
late triall of Sir Charles Sedley [Sir Charles
Sedley, Bart., celebrated for his wit and
profligacy, and author of several plays. He is said
to have been fined 500l. for this outrage. He was
father to James II.'s mistress, created Countess of
Dorchester, and died 1701.] the other day, before my
Lord Chief Justice Foster [Sir Robert Foster, Knt.
Chief Justice of the King's Bench. Ob. 1663.] and
the whole bench, for his debauchery a little while
since at Oxford Kate's. [The details in the original
are too gross to print.] It seems my Lord and the
rest of the Judges did all of them round give him a
most high reproofe; my Lord Chief Justice saying,
that it was for him, and such wicked wretches as he
was, that God's anger and judgments hung over us,
calling him sirrah many times. It seems they have
bound him to his good behaviour (there being no law
against him for it) in 5000l. It being told that my
Lord Buckhurst was there, my Lord asked whether it
was that Buckhurst that was lately tried for
robbery; [See an account of this, February 22nd,
1661-2.] and when answered yes, he asked whether he
had so soon forgot his deliverance at that time, and
that it would have more become him to have been at
his prayers begging God's forgiveness, than now
running into such courses again. This day I hear at
dinner that Don John of Austria, since his flight
out of Portugall, is dead of his wounds: so there is
a great man gone, and a great dispute like to be
indeed for the crown of Spayne, if the King should,
have died before him. My cousin Roger told us the
whole passage of my Lord Digby to-day, much as I
have said here above; only that he did say that he
would draw his sword against the Pope himself, if he
should offer any thing against his Majesty, and the
good of these nations; and that he never was the man
that did either look for a Cardinal's cap for
himself, or any body else, meaning Abbot Montagu:
[Walter, second son to the first Earl of Manchester,
embracing the Catholic religion while on his
travels, was made abbot of Ponthoise through the
influence of Mary de' Medici: he afterwards became
Almoner to the Queen-Dowager of England: and died
1670.] and the House upon the whole did vote Sir
Richard Temple innocent; and that my Lord Digby hath
cleared the honour of His Majesty, and Sir Richard
Temple's, and given perfect satisfaction of his own
respects to the House.
2nd. Walking in
the garden this evening with Sir G. Carteret and Sir
J. Minnes, Sir G. Carteret told us with great
content how like a stage-player my Lord Digby spoke
yesterday, pointing to his head as my Lord did, and
saying, "First, for his head," says Sir G. Carteret,
"I know when a calfe's head would have done better
by half: for his heart and his sword, I have nothing
to say to them." He told us that for certain his
head cost the late King his, for it was he that
broke off the treaty at Uxbridge. He told us also
how great a man he was raised from a private
gentleman in France by Monsieur Grandmont, and
afterwards by the Cardinal, who raised him to be a
Lieutenant-generall, and then higher; and entrusted
by the Cardinal when he was banished out of France
with great matters, and recommended by him to the
Queene as a man to be trusted and ruled by: yet when
he come to have some power over the Queene, he begun
to dissuade her from her opinion of the Cardinal;
which she said nothing to till the Cardinal
[Cardinal Mazarin.] was returned, and then she told
him of it; who told my Lord Digby, "Et bien,
Monsieur, vous estes un fort bon amy donc:" but
presently put him out of all; and then, from a
certainty of coming in two or three years' time to
be Mareschall of France, (to which all strangers,
even Protestants, and those as often as French
themselves, are capable of coming, though it be one
of the greatest places in France,) he was driven to
go out of France into Flanders; but there was not
trusted, nor received any kindness from the Prince
of Conde, as one to whom also he had been false, as
he had been to the Cardinal and Grandmont. In fine,
he told us that he is a man of excellent parts, but
of no great faith nor judgment, and one very easy to
get up to great height of preferment, but never able
to hold it.
3rd. Mr. Moore
tells me great news that my Lady Castlemaine is
fallen from Court, and this morning retired. He
gives me no account of the reason, but that it is
so: for which I am sorry; and yet if the King do it
to leave off not only her but all other mistresses,
I should be heartily glad of it, that he may fall to
look after business. I hear my Lord Digby is
condemned at Court for his speech, and that my Lord
Chancellor grows great again. With Mr. Creed over
the water to Lambeth; but could not see the
Archbishop's hearse: so over the fields to
Southwarke. I spent half an hour in St. Mary Overy's
Church, where are fine monuments of great antiquity.
4th. Sir Allen
Apsley [Sir Allen Apsley, a faithful adherent to
Charles I., after the Restoration was made Falconer
to the King, and Almoner to the Duke of York in
whose regiment he bore a commission. He was in 1661
M.P. for Thetford, and died 1683.] showed the Duke
the Lisbon Gazette in Spanish, where the late
victory is set down particularly, and to the great
honour of the English beyond measure. They have
since taken back Evora, which was lost to the
Spaniards, the English making the assault, and lost
not more than three men. Here I learnt that the
English foot are highly esteemed all over the world,
but the horse not so much, which yet we count among
ourselves the best: but they abroad have had no
great knowledge of our horse, it seems. To the
King's Head ordinary; and a pretty gentleman in our
company, who confirms my Lady Castlemaine's being
gone from Court, but knows not the reason; he told
us of one wipe the Queene a little while ago did
give her, when she come in and found the Queene
under the dresser's hands, and had been so long: "I
wonder your Majesty," says she, "can have the
patience to sit so long a- dressing?"—"I have so
much reason to use patience," says the Queene, "that
I can very well bear with it." He thinks it may be
the Queene hath commanded her to retire, though that
is not likely. Thence with Creed to hire a coach to
carry us to Hide Parke, to-day there being a general
muster of the King's Guards, horse and foot but they
demand so high, that I, spying Mr. Cutler the
merchant, did take notice of him, and he going into
his coach, and telling me that he was going to the
muster, I asked and went along with him; where a
goodly sight to see so many fine horses and
officers, and the King, Duke, and others come by a-
horseback, and the two Queenes in the
Queene-Mother's coach, (my Lady Castlemaine not
being there). And after long being there, I light,
and walked to the place where the King, Duke, &c.
did stand to see the horse and foot march by and
discharge their guns, to show a French Marquisse
(for whom this muster was caused) the goodness of
our firemen; which indeed was very good, though not
without a slip now and then: and one broadside close
to our coach we had going out of the Park, even to
the nearnesse as to be ready to burn our hairs. Yet
methought all these gay men are not the soldiers
that must do the King's business, it being such as
these that lost the old King all he had, and were
beat by the most ordinary fellows that could be.
Thence with much ado out of the Park, and through
St. James's down the waterside over to Lambeth, to
see the Archhishop's corps, (who is to be carried
away to Oxford on Monday,) but come too late. This
day in the Duke's chamber there being a Roman story
in the hangings, and upon the standard written these
four letters— S. P. Q. R., Sir G. Carteret came to
me to know what the meaning of those four letters
were; which ignorance is not to be borne in a Privy
Counsellor, methinks, what a schoolboy should be
whipt for not knowing.
6th. At my
office all the morning, writing of a list of the
King's ships in my Navy collections with great
pleasure.
7th. In Mr.
Pett's garden I eat some of the first cherries I
have eat this year, off the tree where the King
himself had been gathering some this morning. Deane
tells me that Mr. Pett did to-day, that my Lord
Bristoll told the King that he will impeach the
Chancellor of High Treason: but I find that my Lord
Bristoll hath undone himself already in everybody's
opinion, and now he endeavours to raise dust to put
out other men's eyes, as well as his own; but I hope
it will not take, in consideration merely that it is
hard for a Prince to spare an experienced old
officer, be he never so corrupt; though I hope this
man is not so, as some report him to be. He tells me
that Don John is yet alive, and not killed, as was
said, in the great victory against the Spaniards in
Portugall of late.
9th. Sir W. Pen
tells me, my Lady Castlemaine was at Court, for all
this talk this week; but it seems the King is
stranger than ordinary to her.
10th. I met
Pierce the chirurgeon, who tells me that for certain
the King is grown colder to my Lady Castlemaine than
ordinary, and that he believes he begins to love the
Queene, and do make much of her, more than he used
to do. Mr. Coventry tells me that my Lord Bristoll
hath this day impeached my Lord Chancellor in the
House of Lords of High Treason. The chief of the
articles are these: 1st. That he should be the
occasion of the peace made with Holland lately upon
such disadvantageous terms, and that he was bribed
to it. 2nd. That Dunkirke was also sold by his
advice chiefly, so much to the damage of England.
3rd. That he had 6000l. given him for the drawing-up
or promoting of the Irish declaration lately,
concerning the division of the lands there. 4th. He
did carry on the design of the Portugall match, so
much to the prejudice of the Crown of England,
notwithstanding that he knew the Queene is not
capable of bearing children. 5th. That the Duke's
marrying of his daughter was a practice of his,
thereby to raise his family; and that it was done by
indiscreet courses. 6th. As to the breaking-off of
the match with Parma, in which he was employed at
the very time when the match with Portugall was made
up here, which he took as a great slur to him, and
so it was; and that, indeed, is the chief occasion
of all this fewde. 7th. That he hath endeavoured to
bring in Popery, and wrote to the Pope for a cap for
a subject of the King of England's (my Lord Aubigny
[Brother to the Duke of Lennox, and Almoner to the
King.]); and some say that he lays it to the
Chancellor, that a good Protestant Secretary, (Sir
Edward Nicholas) was laid aside, and a Papist, Sir
H. Bennet, put in his room: which is very strange,
when the last of these two is his own creature, and
such an enemy accounted to the Chancellor, that they
never did nor do agree; and all the world did judge
the Chancellor to be falling from the time that Sir
H. Bennet was brought in, Besides my Lord Bristoll
being a Catholique himself, all this is very
strange. These are the main of the Articles. Upon
which my Lord Chancellor desired the noble Lord that
brought in these Articles, would sign to them with
his hand; which my Lord Bristoll did presently. Then
the House did order that the Judges should, against
Monday next, bring in their opinion, Whether these
articles are treason, or no? and next, they would
know, Whether they were brought in regularly or no,
without leave of the Lords' House?
11th. By barge
to St. Mary's Creeke; where Commissioner Pett,
(doubtful of the growing greatnesse of Portsmouth by
the finding of those creekes there,) do design a
wett docke at no great charge, and yet no little
one; he thinks towards 10,000l. And the place,
indeed, is likely to be a very fit place, when the
King hath money to do it with.
13th. I walked
to the Temple; and there, from my cousin Roger, hear
that the Judges have this day brought in their
answer to the Lords, That the articles against my
Lord Chancellor are not Treason; and to-morrow they
are to bring in their arguments to the House for the
same. This day also the King did send by my Lord
Chamberlain to the Lords; to tell them from him,
that the most of the articles against my Lord
Chancellor he himself knows to be false. I met the
Queene-Mother walking in the Pell Mell, led by my
Lord St. Alban's. And finding many coaches at the
Gate, I found upon enquiry that the Duchesse is
brought to bed of a boy; and hearing that the King
and Queene are rode abroad with the Ladies of Honour
to the Parke, and seeing a great crowd of gallants
staying here to see their return, I also staid
walking up and down. By and by the King and Queene,
who looked in this dress (a white laced waistcoate
and a crimson short pettycoate, and her hair dressed
A LA NEGLIGENCE) mighty pretty; and the King rode
hand in hand with her. Here was also my Lady
Castlemaine rode among the rest of the ladies; but
the King took, methought, no notice of her; nor when
she light, did any body press (as she seemed to
expect, and staid for it,) to take her down, but was
taken down by her own gentlemen. She looked mighty
out of humour, and had a yellow plume in her hat,
(which all took notice of,) and yet is very
handsome, but very melancholy: nor did any body
speak to her, or she so much as smile or speak to
any body. I followed them up into White Hall, and
into the Queene's presence, where all the ladies
walked, talking and fiddling with their hats and
feathers, and changing and trying one another's by
one another's heads, and laughing. But it was the
finest sight to me, considering their great beautys,
and dress, that ever I did see in all my life. But,
above all, Mrs. Stewart in this dresse, with her hat
cocked and a red plume, with her sweet eye, little
Roman nose, and excellent taille, is now the
greatest beauty I ever saw, I think, in my life;
and, if ever woman can, do exceed my Lady
Castlemaine, at least in this dress: nor do I wonder
if the King changes, which I verily believe is the
reason of his coldness to my Lady Castlemaine.
14th. This day
I hear the Judges, according to order yesterday, did
bring into the Lords' House their reasons of their
judgments in the business between my Lord Bristoll
and the Chancellor; and the Lords do concur with the
Judges that the articles are not Treason, nor
regularly brought into the House, and so voted that
a Committee should be chosen to examine them; but
nothing to be done therein till the next sitting of
this Parliament, (which is likely to be adjourned in
a day or two,) and in the mean time the two Lords to
remain without prejudice done to either of them.
15th. Captain
Grove come and dined with me. He told me of
discourse very much to my honour, both as to my care
and ability, happening at the Duke of Albemarle's
table the other day, both from the Duke and the
Duchesse themselves; and how I paid so much a year
to him whose place it was of right, and that Mr.
Coventry did report this of me.
21st. This day
the Parliament kept a fast for the present
unseasonable weather.
22nd. To my
Lord Crewe's. My Lord not being come home, I met and
staid below with Captn. Ferrers, who was come to
wait upon my Lady Jemimah to St. James's, she being
one of the four ladies that hold up the mantle at
the christening this afternoon of the Duke's child
(a boy). In discourse of the ladies at Court, Captn.
Ferrers tells me that my Lady Castlemaine is now as
great again as ever she was; and that her going away
was only a fit of her own upon some slighting words
of the King, so that she called for her coach at a
quarter an hour's warning, and went to Richmond; and
the King the next morning, under pretence of going
a-hunting, went to see her and make friends, and
never was a- hunting at all. After which she came
back to Court, and commands the King as much as
ever, and hath and doth what she will. No longer ago
than last night, there was a private entertainment
made for the King and Queene at the Duke of
Buckingham's, and she was not invited: but being at
my Lady Suffolk's, [Barbara, second wife of James
Earl of Suffolk, eldest daughter of Sir Edward
Villiers, and widow of Sir Richard Wentworth. She
died Dec. 1681, leaving one daughter, Elizabeth, who
married Sir Thomas Felton, Bart.] her aunt's (where
my Lady Jemimah and Lord Sandwich dined,) yesterday,
she was heard to say, "Well, much good may it do
them, and for all that I will be as merry as they:"
and so she went home and caused a great supper to be
prepared. And after the King had been with the
Queene at Wallingford House, [Wallingford House
stood on the site of the present Admiralty: it
originally belonged to the Knollys family, and
during the Protectorate the office for granting
passes to persons going abroad was kept there.] he
come to my Lady Castlemaine's, and was there all
night, and my Lord Sandwich with him. He tells me he
believes that, as soon as the King can get a husband
for Mrs. Stewart, however, my Lady Castlemaine's
nose will be out of joynt; for that she comes to be
in great esteem, and is more handsome than she.
Wotten tells me the reason of Harris's [Joseph
Harris, a celebrated actor, who first appeared at
the Theatre in Lincoln's inn Fields, 1662. He
probably died or left the stage about 1679.] going
from Sir Wm. Davenant's house is, that he grew very
proud and demanded 20l. for himself extraordinary,
more than Betterton or any body else, upon every new
play, and 10l. upon every revive which with other
things Sir W. Davenant would not give him, and so he
swore he would never act there more, in expectation
of being received in the other House; but the King
will not suffer it, upon Sir W. Davenant's desire
that he would not, for then he might shut up house,
and that is true. We tells me that his going is at
present a great loss to the House, and that he fears
he hath a stipend from the other House privately. He
tells me that the fellow grew very proud of late,
the King and every body else crying him up so high,
and that above Betterton he being a more ayery man,
as he is indeed. But yet Betterton, he says, they
all say do act some parts that none but himself can
do. I hear that the Moores have made some attaques
upon the outworks of Tangier; but my Lord Teviott,
with the loss of about; 200 men, did beat them of
and killed many of them. To-morrow the King and
Queene for certain go down to Tunbridge. But the
King comes back again against Monday to raise the
Parliament.
25th. Having
intended this day to go to Banstead Downes to see a
famous race, I sent Will. to get himself ready to go
with me: but I hear it is put off, because the Lords
do sit in Parliament to-day. After some debate,
Creed and I resolved to go to Clapham, to Mr.
Gauden's. [Dennis Gauden, Victualler to the Navy;
subsequently knighted when Sheriff of London.] When
I come there, the first thing was to show me his
house, which is almost built. I find it very regular
and finely contrived, and the gardens and offices
about it as convenient and as full of good variety
as ever I saw in my life. It is true he hath been
censured for laying out so much money; but he tells
me that he built it for his brother, who is since
dead, (the Bishop [Of Exeter.]) who when he should
come to be Bishop of Winchester, which he was
promised, (to which bishopricke at present there is
no house), he did intend to dwell here. By and by to
dinner, and in comes Mr. Creed; I saluted his lady
and the young ladies, and his sister, the Bishop's
widow; who was, it seems, Sir W. Russel's daughter,
the Treasurer of the Navy; who I find to be very
well-bred, and a woman of excellent discourse.
Towards the evening we bade them adieu! and took
horse; being resolved that, instead of the race
which fails us, we would go to Epsom. When we come
there we could hear of no lodging the town so full;
but which was better, I went toward Ashsted, and
there we got a lodging in a little hole we could not
stand upright in. While supper was getting I walked
up and down behind my cosen Pepys's house that was,
which I find comes little short of what I took it to
be when I was a little boy.
26th (Lord's
day). Up and to the Wells, where a great store of
citizens, which was the greatest part of the
company, though there were some others of better
quality. Thence I walked to Mr. Minnes's house, and
thence to Durdan's and walked within the Court Yard
and to the Bowling-green, where I have seen so much
mirth in my time; but now no family in it, (my Lord
Barkeley, whose it is, being with his family at
London.) Then rode through Epsom, the whole town
over, seeing the various companys that were there
walking; which was very pleasant to see how they are
there without knowing what to do, but only in the
morning to drink waters. But Lord! to see how many I
met there of citizens, that I could not have thought
to have seen there; that they had ever had it in
their heads or purses to go down thither. We went
through Nonesuch Parke to the house, and there
viewed as much as we could of the outside, and
looked through the great gates, and found a noble
court; and altogether believe it to have been a very
noble house, and a delicate parke about it, where
just now there was a doe killed for the King to
carry up to Court.
27th. We rode
hard home, and see up our horses at Fox Hall, and I
by water (observing the King's barge attending his
going to the House this day) home, it being about
one o'clock. By water to Westminster, and there come
most luckily to the Lords' House, as the House of
Commons were going into the Lords' House, and there
I crowded in along with the Speaker, and got to
stand close behind him, where he made his speech to
the King (who sat with his crown on and robes, and
so all the Lords in their robes, a fine sight);
wherein he told his Majesty what they have done this
Parliament, and now offered for his royall consent.
The greatest matters were a bill for the Lord's day,
(which it seems the Lords have lost, and so cannot
be passed, at which the Commons are displeased.) The
bills against Conventicles and Papists (but it seems
the Lords have not passed them), and giving his
Majesty four entire subsidys; which last, with about
twenty smaller Acts, were passed with this form: The
Clerk of the House reads the title of the bill, and
then looks at the end and there finds (writ by the
King I suppose) "Le Roy le veult," and that he
reads. And to others he reads, "Soit fait comme vous
desirez." And to the Subsidys as well that for the
Commons, I mean the layety, as for the Clergy, the
King writes, "Le Roy remerciant les Seigneurs et
Prelats et accepte leur benevolences." The Speaker's
speech was far from any oratory, but was as plain
(though good matter) as any thing could be, and void
of elocution. After the bills passed, the King,
sitting on his throne, with his speech writ in a
paper which he held in his lap, and scarce looked
off of it all the time he made his speech to them,
giving them thanks for their subsidys, of which, had
he not need, he would not have asked or received
them; and that need, not from any extravagancys of
his, he was sure, in any thing, but the disorders of
the times compelling him to be at greater charge
than he hoped for the future, by their care in their
country, he should be: and that for his family
expenses and others, he would labour however to
retrench in many things convenient, and would have
all others to do so too. He desired that nothing of
old faults should be remembered, or severity for the
same used to any in the country, it being his desire
to have all forgot as well as forgiven. But,
however, to use all care in suppressing any tumults,
&c.; assuring them that the restless spirits of his
and their adversaries have great expectations of
something to be done this summer. And promised that
though the Acts about Conventicles and Papists, were
not ripe for passing this Sessions, yet he would
take care himself that neither of them should in
this intervall be encouraged to the endangering of
the peace; and that at their next meeting he would
himself prepare two bills for them concerning them.
So he concluded, that for the better proceeding of
justice he did think fit to make this a Sessions,
and to prorogue them to the 16th of March next. His
speech was very plain, nothing at all of spirit in
it, nor spoke with any; but rather on the contrary
imperfectly, repeating many times his words though
he read all: which I am sorry to see, it having not
been hard for him to have got all the speech without
booke. So they all went away, the King out of the
House at the upper end, he being by and by to go to
Tunbridge to the Queene; and I in the Painted
Chamber spoke with my Lord Sandwich while he was
putting off his robes, who tells me he will now
hasten down into the country. By water to White
Hall, and walked over the Parke to St. James's, but
missed Mr. Coventry; and so out again, and there the
Duke was coming along the Pell-Mell. It being a
little darkish, I staid not to take notice of him,
but went directly back again. And in our walk over
the Parke, one of the Duke's footmen come running
behind us, and come looking just in our faces to see
who we were, and went back again. What his meaning
is I know not, but was fearful that I might not go
far enough with my hat off.
29th. To
Deptford, reading by the way a most ridiculous play,
a new one, called "The Politician cheated." [A
comedy by Alexander Green.]
30th. To
Woolwich, and there come Sir G. Carteret, and then
by water back to Deptford, where we dined with him
at his house. I find his little daughter Betty, [Her
name was Caroline. Elizabeth died unmarried.] that
was in hanging sleeves but a month or two ago, and
is a very little young child, married, and to whom,
but to young Scott, [Thomas, eldest son of Sir
Thomas Scott, of Scott's Hall, in the parish of
Smeeth, Kent.] son to Madam Catharine Scott, [Prince
Rupert was supposed to have intrigued with Mrs.
Scott, and was probably the father of the child.]
that was so long in law, and at whose trial I was
with her husband; he pleading that it was unlawfully
got and would not own it, but it seems a little
before his death he did owne the child, and hath
left him his estate, not long since. So Sir G.
Carteret hath struck up of a sudden a match with him
for his little daughter. He hath about 2000l. per
annum; and it seems Sir G. C. hath by this means
over-reached Sir H. Bennet, who did endeavour to get
this gentleman for a sister of his. By this means
Sir G. Carteret hath married two daughters this year
both very well. [The other daughter was Anne, wife
of Sir Nicholas Slaning, K.B.] The towne talk this
day is of nothing but the great foot-race run this
day on Banstead Downes, between Lee, the Duke of
Richmond's footman, and a tyler, a famous runner.
And Lee hath beat him; though the King and Duke of
York and all men almost did bet three or four to one
upon the tyler's head.
31st. To the
Exchange, where I met Dr. Pierce, who tells me of
his good luck to get to be groom of the
Privy-Chamber to the Queene, and without my Lord
Sandwich's help, but only by his good fortune,
meeting a man that hath let him have his right for a
small matter, about 60l. for which he can every day
have 400l. But he tells me my Lord bath lost much
honour in standing so long and so much for that
coxcomb Pickering, and at last not carrying it for
him; but hath his name struck out by the King and
Queene themselves after he had been in ever since
the Queene's coming. But he tells me he believes
that either Sir H. Bennet, my Lady Castlemaine, or
Sir Charles Barkeley had received some money for the
place, and so the King could not disappoint them,
but was forced to put out this fool rather than a
better man. And I am sorry to hear what he tells me
that Sir Charles Barkeley hath still such power over
the King, as to be able to fetch him from the
Council-table to my Lady Castlemaine when he
pleases. He tells me also, as a friend, the great
injury that he thinks I do myself by being so severe
in the Yards, and contracting the ill- will of the
whole Navy for those offices, singly upon myself.
Now I discharge a good conscience therein, and I
tell him that no man can (nor do he say any say it,)
charge me with doing wrong; but rather do as many
good offices as any man. They think, he says, that I
have a mind to get a good name with the King and
Duke, who he tells me do not consider any such
thing; but I shall have as good thanks to let all
alone, and do as the rest. But I believe the
contrary; and yet I told him I never go to the Duke
alone, as others do, to talk of my own services.
However, I will make use of his council, and take
some course to prevent having the single ill-will of
the office. Mr. Grant showed me letters of Sir
William Petty's, wherein he says, that his vessel
which he hath built upon two keeles, (a modell
whereof, built for the King, he showed me) hath this
month won a wager of 50l. in sailing between Dublin
and Holyhead with the pacquett-boat, the best ship
or vessel the King hath there; and he offers to lay
with any vessel in the world. It is about thirty ton
in burden, and carries thirty men, with good
accommodation, (as much more as any ship of her
burden,) and so any vessel of this figure shall
carry more men, with better accommodation by half,
than any other ship. This carries also ten guns, of
about five tons weight. In their coming back from
Holyhead they started together, and this vessel come
to Dublin by five at night, and the pacquett-boat
not before eight the next morning; and when they
come they did believe that this vessel had been
drowned, or at least behind, not thinking she could
have lived in that sea. Strange things are told of
this vessel, and he concludes his letter with this
position, "I only affirm that the perfection of
sayling lies in my principle, finde it out who can."
AUGUST 8, 1663.
I with Mr. Coventry down to the water-side, talking,
wherein I see so much goodness and endeavours of
doing the King service, that I do more and more
admire him.
9th. To church,
and heard Mr. Mills (who is lately returned out of
the country, and it seems was fetched in by many of
the parishioners, with great state,) preach upon the
authority of the ministers, upon these words, "We
are therefore embassadors of Christ." Wherein, among
other high expressions, he said, that such a learned
man used to say, that if a minister of the word and
an angell should meet him together, he would salute
the minister first; which methought was a little too
high. This day I begun to make use of the silver pen
(Mr. Coventry did give me,) in writing of this
sermon, taking only the heads of it in Latin, which
I shall, I think, continue to do.
10th. To the
Committee of Tangier, where my Lord Sandwich, my
Lord Peterborough, (whom I have not seen before
since his coming back,) Sir W. Compton, and Mr.
Povy. Our discourse about supplying my Lord Teviott
with money, wherein I am sorry to see, though they
do not care for him, yet they are willing to let him
for civility and compliment only have money also
without expecting any account of it; and he being
such a cunning fellow as he is, the King is like to
pay dear for our courtier's ceremony. Thence by
coach with my Lords Peterborough and Sandwich to my
Lord Peterborough's house; and there, after an
hour's looking over some fine books of the Italian
buildings, with fine cuts, and also my Lord
Peterborough's bowes and arrows, of which he is a
great lover, we sat down to dinner, my Lady
[Penelope, daughter of Barnabas, Earl of Thomond,
Countess of Peterborough.] coming down to dinner
also, and there being Mr. Williamson, [Joseph
Williamson, Keeper of the Paper Office at White
Hall, and in 1665 made Under Secretary of State, and
soon afterwards knighted: and in 1674 he became
Secretary of State, which situation he retained four
years. He represented Thetford and Rochester in
several Parliaments, and was in 1678 President of
the Royal Society. Ob. 1701.] that belongs to Sir H.
Bennet, whom I find a pretty understanding and
accomplished man, but a little conceited. Yesterday,
I am told, that Sir J. Lenthall, [Son to the
Speaker, and Governor of Windsor Castle under
Cromwell. Ob. 1681.] in Southwarke did apprehend
about one hundred Quakers, and other such people,
and hath sent some of them to the gaole at Kingston,
it being now the time of the Assizes. Dr. Pierce
tells me the Queene is grown a very debonnaire lady;
but my Lady Castlemaine, who rules the King in
matters of state, and do what she list with him, he
believes is now falling quite out of favour. After
the Queene is come back she goes to the Bath, and so
to Oxford, where great entertainments are making for
her. This day I am told that my Lord Bristoll hath
warrants issued out against him, to have carried him
to the Tower, but he is fled away or hid himself. So
much the Chancellor hath got the better of him.
13th. Met with
Mr. Hoole [William, son of Robert Hoole of
Walkeringham, admitted of Magdalene College June
1648.] my old acquaintance of Magdalene, and walked
with him an hour in the Parke, discoursing chiefly
of Sir Samuel Morland, whose lady [Susanne de
Milleville, daughter of Daniel de Milleville, Baron
of Boessen in France, naturalized 1662. When she
died I cannot learn, but Sir Samuel Morland survived
a second and a third wife, both buried in
Westminster Abbey.] is gone into France. It seems he
buys ground and a farm in that country, and lays out
money upon building, and God knows what! so that
most of the money he sold his pension of 500l. per
annum for to Sir Arthur Slingsby, [A younger son of
Sir Guildford Slingsby, Comptroller of the Navy,
knighted by Charles II., and afterwards created a
Baronet at Brussels 1657, which title has long been
extinct.] is believed is gone. It seems he hath very
great promises from the King, and Boole hath seen
some of the King's letters, under his own hand, to
Morland, promising him great things; (and among
others, the order of the Garter, as Sir Samuel
says,) but his lady thought it below her to ask any
thing at the King's first coming, believing the King
would do it of himself, when as Hoole do really
think if he had asked to be Secretary of State at
the King's first coming, he might have had it. And
the other day at her going into France, she did
speak largely to the King herself, how her husband
hath failed of what his Majesty had promised, and
she was sure intended him; and the King did promise
still, as he is a King and a gentleman, to be as
good as his word in a little time, to a tittle: but
I never believe it.
21st. Meeting
with Mr. Creed he told me how my Lord Teviott hath
received another attacque from Guyland at Tangier
with 10,000 men, and at last, as is said, is come,
after a personal treaty with him, to a good
understanding and peace with him.
23rd. To
church, and so home to my wife; and with her read
"Iter Boreale," [Robert Wild, a Nonconformist
Divine, published a poem in 1660, upon Monk's march
from Scotland to London, called "Iter Boreale," and
Wood mentions three others of the same name by
Eades, Corbett, and Marten, it having been a
favourite subject at that time.] a poem, made first
at the King's coming home; but I never read it
before, and now like it pretty well, but not so as
it was cried up.
24th. At my
Lord Sandwich's, where I was a good while alone with
my Lord; and I perceive he confides in me and loves
me as he uses to do, and tells me his condition,
which is now very well; all I fear is that he will
not live within compass. There come to him this
morning his prints of the river Tagus and the City
of Lisbon, which he measured with his own hand, and
printed by command of the King. My Lord pleases
himself with it, but methinks it ought to have been
better done than by Jobing. Besides I put him upon
having some took off upon white sattin, which he
ordered presently. I offered my lord my accounts,
and did give him up his old bond for 500l. and took
a new one of him for 700l., which I am by lending
him more money to make up: and am glad of it.
25th. This noon
going to the Exchange, I met a fine fellow with
trumpets before him in Leadenhall-street, and upon
enquiry I find that he is the clerke of the City
Market; and three or four men carried each of them
an arrow of a pound weight in their hands. It seems
this Lord Mayor [Sir John Frederic.] begins again an
old custome, that upon the three first days of
Bartholomew Fayre, the first, there is a match of
wrestling, which was done, and the Lord Mayor there
and the Aldermen in Moorefields yesterday: second
day, shooting: and to-morrow hunting, And this
officer of course is to perform this ceremony of
riding through the city, I think to proclaim or
challenge any to shoot. It seems the people of the
faire cry out upon it as a great hindrance to them.
26th. To White
Hall, where the Court full of waggons and horses,
the King and Court going this day out towards the
Bath. Pleased to see Captn. Hickes come to me with a
list of all the officers of Deptford Yard, wherein
he, being a high old Cavalier, do give me an account
of every one of them to their reproach in all
respects, and discovers many of their knaverys; and
tells me, and so I thank God I hear every where,
that my name is up for a good husband to the King,
and a good man, for which I bless God; and that he
did this by particular direction of Mr. Coventry.
28th. Cold all
night and this morning, and a very great frost they
say abroad, which is much, having had no summer at
all almost.
SEPTEMBER 2,
1663. To dinner with my Lord Mayor and the Aldermen,
and a very great dinner and most excellent venison,
but it almost made me sick by not daring to drink
wine. After dinner into a withdrawing room; and
there we talked, among other things, of the Lord
Mayor's sword. They tell me this sword is at least a
hundred or two hundred years old; and another that
he hath, which is called the Black Sword, which the
Lord Mayor wears when he mournes, but properly is
their Lenten sword to wear upon Good Friday and
other Lent days, is older than that. Mr. Lewellin,
lately come from Ireland, tells me how the English
interest falls mightily there, the Irish party being
too great, so that most of the old rebells are found
innocent, and their lands, which were forfeited and
bought or given to the English, are restored to
them; which gives great discontent there among the
English. Going through the City, my Lord Mayor told
me how the piller set up by Exeter House is only to
show where the pipes of water run to the City; and
observed that this City is as well watered as any
city in the world, and that the bringing of water to
the City hath cost it first and last above
300,000l.; but by the new building, and the building
of St. James's by my Lord St. Albans, which is now
about (and which the City stomach I perceive highly,
but dare not oppose it,) were it now to be done, it
would not be done for a million of money.
4th. To
Westminster Hall, and there bought the first news
books of L'Estrange's writing, he beginning this
week; and makes, methinks, but a simple beginning.
[Roger L'Estrange, author of numerous pamphlets and
periodical papers. He was Licenser of the Press to
Charles II. and his successor; and M.P. for
Winchester in James II.'s Parliament. Ob. 1704 aged
88.] This day I read a Proclamation for calling in
and commanding every body to apprehend my Lord
Bristoll.
5th. I did
inform myself well in things relating to the East
Indys; both of the country, and the disappointment
the King met with the last voyage, by the knavery of
the Portugall Viceroy, and the inconsiderableness of
the place of Bombaim, [Bombay.] if we had had it.
But, above all things, it seems strange to me that
matters should not be understood before they went
out; and also that such a thing as this, which was
expected to be one of the best parts of the Queene's
portion, should not be better understood; it being,
if we had it, but a poor place, and not really so as
was described to our King in the draught of it, but
a poor little island; whereas they made the King and
Lord Chancellor, and other learned men about the
King, believe that that, and other islands which are
near it, were all one piece; and so the draught was
drawn and presented to the King, and believed by the
King, and expected to prove so when our men come
thither; but it is quite otherwise.
12th. Up
betimes, and by water to White Hall: and thence to
Sir Philip Warwick, and there had half an hour's
private discourse with him: and did give him some
good satisfaction in our Navy matters, and he also
me, as to the money paid and due to the Navy; so as
he makes me assured by particulars, that Sir G.
Carteret is paid within 80,000l. every farthing that
we owe to this day, nay to Michaelmas day next have
demanded; and that, I am sure is above 50,000l. more
than truly our expences have been, whatever is
become of the money. Home with great content that I
have thus begun an acquaintance with him, who is a
great man, and a man of as much business as any man
in England; which I will endeavour to deserve and
keep.
22nd. This day
the King and Queene are to come to Oxford. I hear my
Lady Castlemaine is for certain gone to Oxford to
meet him, having lain within here at home this week
or two, supposed to have miscarried; but for certain
is as great in favour as heretofore; at least Mrs.
Sarah at my Lord's, who hears all from their own
family, do say so. Every day brings news of the
Turke's advance into Germany, to the awakening of
all the Christian Princes thereabouts, and
possessing himself of Hungary.
24th. I went
forth by water to Sir Philip Warwick's, where I was
with him a pretty while; and in discourse he tells
me, and made it appear to me that the King cannot be
in debt to the Navy at this time 5000l.; and it is
my opinion that Sir G. Carteret do owe the King
money, and yet the whole Navy debt paid. Hence I
parted, being doubtful of myself that I have not
spoke with the gravity and weight that I ought to do
in so, great a business. But I rather hope it is my
doubtfulness of myself, and the haste which he was
in, some very great personages waiting for him
without, while he was with me, that made him willing
to be gone.
28th. To White
Hall, where Sir J. Minnes and I did spend an hour in
the Gallery, looking upon the pictures, in which he
hath some judgement. And by and by the Commissioners
for Tangier met: and there my Lord Teviott, together
with Captain Cuttance, Captain Evans, and Jonas
Moore, sent to that purpose, did bring us a brave
draught of the Mole to be built there; and report
that it is likely to be the most considerable place
the King of England hath in the world; and so I am
apt to think it will. After discourse of this, and
of supplying the garrison with some more horse, we
rose; and Sir J. Minnes and I home again, finding
the street about our house full, Sir R. Ford
beginning his shrievalty to-day: and, what with his
and our houses being new painted, the street begins
to look a great deal better than it did, and more
gracefull. News that the King comes to town for
certain on Thursday next from his great progress.
30th. In the
afternoon by water to White Hall, to the Tangier
Committee; where my Lord Teviott; which grieves me
to see that his accounts being to be examined by us,
there are none of the great men at the Board that in
compliment will except against any thing in them,
and so none of the little persons dare do it: so the
King is abused.
OCTOBER 5,
1663. My Lord Sandwich sent a messenger to know
whether the King intends to come to Newmarket, as is
talked, that he may be ready to entertain him at
Hinchingbroke.
12th. At St.
James's we attended the Duke all of us. And there,
after my discourse, Mr. Coventry of his own accord
begun to tell the Duke how he found that discourse
abroad did run to his prejudice about the fees that
he took, and how he sold places and other things;
wherein he desired to appeal to his Highness,
whether he did any thing more than what his
predecessors did, and appealed to us all. So Sir G.
Carteret did answer that some fees were heretofore
taken, but what he knows not; only that selling of
places never was nor ought to be countenanced. So
Mr. Coventry very hotly answered to Sir G. Carteret,
and appealed to himself whether he was not one of
the first that put him upon looking after this
business of fees, and that he told him that Mr.
Smith should say that he made 50001. the first year,
and he believed he made 7000l. This Sir G. Carteret
denied, and said, that if he did say so he told a
lie, for he could not, nor did know, that ever he
did make that profit of his place; but that he
believes he might say, 2500l. the first year. Mr.
Coventry instanced in another thing, particularly
wherein Sir G. Carteret did advise with him about
the selling of the auditor's place of the stores,
when in the beginning there was an intention of
creating such an office. This he confessed, but with
some lessening of the tale Mr. Coventry told, it
being only for a respect to my Lord FitzHarding.
[Sir Charles Berkeley, mentioned before, created
Lord Berkeley of Rathdown and Viscount Fitzharding
in Ireland, second son to Sir Charles Berkeley of
Bruton, co. Somerset; afterwards made an English
peer by the titles of Lord Botetourt and Earl of
Falmouth, and killed in the great sea-fight, June
1685.] In fine, Mr. Coventry did put into the Duke's
hand a list of above 250 places that he did give
without receiving one farthing, so much as his
ordinary fees for them, upon his life and oath; and
that since the Duke's establishment of fees he had
never received one token more of any man; and that
in his whole life he never conditioned or discoursed
of any consideration from any commanders since he
come to the Navy. And afterwards, my Lord Barkeley
merrily discoursing that he wished his profit
greater than it was, and that he did believe that he
had got 50,000l. since he come in, Mr. Coventry did
openly declare that his Lordship, or any of us,
should have not only all he had got, but all that he
had in the world, (and yet he did not come a beggar
into the Navy, nor would yet he thought to speak in
any contempt of his Royall Highness's bounty,) and
should have a year to consider of it too, for
25,000l. The Duke's answer was, that he wished we
all had made more profit than we had of our places,
and that we had all of us got as much as one man
below stayres in the Court, which he presently
named, and it was Sir George Lane. [One of the
Clerks of the Privy Council and Secretary to the
Marquis of Ormond.]
13th. I find at
Court, that either the King is doubtful of some
disturbance, or else would seem so, (and I have
reason to hope it is no worse,) by his commanding
little commanders of castles, &c. to repair to their
charges; and mustering the Guards the other day
himself, where he found reason to dislike their
condition to my Lord Gerard, finding so many absent
men, or dead pays. My Lady Castlemaine, I hear, is
in as great favour as ever, and the King supped with
her the very first night he come from Bath: and last
night and the night before supped with her; when
there being a chine of beef to roast, and the tide
rising into their kitchen that it could not be
roasted there, and the cook telling her of it, she
answered "Zounds! she must set the house on fire but
it should be roasted!" So it was carried to Mrs.
Sarah's husband's, and there it was roasted.
After dinner my
wife and I, by Mr. Rawlinson's conduct, to the
Jewish Synagogue: where the men and boys In their
vayles, and the women behind a lettice out of sight;
and some things stand up, which I believe is their
law, in a press to which all coming in do bow; and
at the putting on their vayles do say something, to
which others that hear the Priest do cry Amen, and
the party do kiss his vayle. Their service all in a
singing way, and in Hebrew. And anon their Laws that
they take out of the press are carried by several
men, four or five several burthens in all, and they
do relieve one another; and whether it is that every
one desires to have the carrying of it, thus they
carried it round about the room while such a service
is singing. And in the end they had a prayer for the
King, in which they pronounced his name in
Portugall; but the prayer, like the rest, in Hebrew.
But, Lord! to see the disorder, laughing, sporting,
and no attention, but confusion in all their
service, more like brutes than people knowing the
true God, would make a man forswear ever seeing them
more: and indeed I never did see so much, or could
have imagined there had been any religion in the
whole world so absurdly performed as this.
17th. Some
discourse of the Queene's being very sick, if not
dead, the Duke and Duchesse of York being sent for
betimes this morning to come to White Hall to her.
18th. The
parson, Mr. Mills, I perceive, did not know whether
to pray for the Queene or no, and so said nothing
about her; which makes me fear she is dead. But
enquiring of Sir J. Minnes, he told me that he heard
she was better last night.
19th. Waked
with a very high wind, and said to my wife, "I pray
God I hear not of the death of any great person,
this wind is so high! fearing that the Queene might
be dead. So up; and going by coach with Sir W.
Batten and Sir J. Minnes to St. James's, they tell
me that Sir W. Compton, who it is true had been a
little sickly for a week or fortnight, but was very
well upon Friday at night last at the Tangier
Committee with us, was dead,—died yesterday: at
which I was most exceedingly surprised, he being,
and so all the world saying that he was, one of the
worthyest men and best officers of State now in
England; and so in my conscience he was: of the best
temper, valour, ability of mind, integrity, worth,
fine person, and diligence of any one man he hath
left behind him in the three kingdoms; and yet not
forty years old, or if so, that is all. I find the
sober men of the Court troubled for him; and yet not
so as to hinder or lessen their mirth, talking,
laughing, and eating, drinking, and doing every
thing else, just as if there was no such thing.
Coming to St.
James's, I hear that the Queene did sleep five hours
pretty well to-night, and that she waked and gargled
her mouth, and to sleep again; but that her pulse
beats fast, beating twenty to the King's or my Lady
Suffolk's eleven; but not so strong as it was. It
seems she was so ill as to be shaved and pidgeons
put to her feet, and to have the extreme unction
given her by the priests, who were so long about it
that the doctors were angry. The King they all say
is most fondly disconsolate for her, and weeps by
her, which makes her weep; which one this day told
me he reckons a good sign, for that it carries away
some rheume from the head. To the Coffee-house in
Cornhill; where much talk about the Turke's
proceedings, and that the plague is got to
Amsterdam, brought by a ship from Argier; and it is
also carried to Hambrough. The Duke says the King
purposes to forbid any of their ships coming into
the river. The Duke also told us of several
Christian commanders (French) gone over to the
Turkes to serve them; and upon enquiry I find that
the King of France do by this aspire to the Empire,
and so to get the Crowne of Spayne also upon the
death of the King, which is very probable, it seems.
20th. This
evening at my Lord's lodgings Mrs. Sarah talking
with my wife and I how the Queene do, and how the
King tends her being so ill. She tells that the
Queene's sickness is the spotted fever; that she was
as full of the spots as a leopard: which is very
strange that it should be no more known; but perhaps
it is not so. And that the King do seem to take it
much to heart, for that he hath wept before her;
but, for all that, that he hath not missed one night
since she was sick, of supping with my Lady
Castlemaine; which I believe is true, for she says
that her husband hath dressed the suppers every
night; and I confess I saw him myself coming through
the street dressing up a great supper to-night,
which Sarah says is also for the King and her; which
is a very strange thing.
22nd. This
morning, hearing that the Queene grows worse again,
I sent to stop the making of my velvet cloak, till I
see whether she lives or dies.
23rd. The
Queene slept pretty well last night, but her fever
continues upon her still. It seems she hath never a
Portuguese doctor here.
24th. The
Queene is in a good way of recovery; and Sir Francis
Pridgeon, [Vertue (according to Walpole) had seen a
portrait of Dr. Prujeon painted by Streater, and a
print of "Opinion sitting on a tree," thus
inscribed: "Viro clariss, Dno. Francisco Prujeano
Medico, omnium bonarum artium et elegantiarum
fautori et admiratori summo; D.D. D.H. Peacham." He
was President of the College of Physicians, 1653.]
hath got great honour by it, it being all imputed to
his cordiall, which in her dispaire did give her
rest, and brought her to some hopes of recovery. It
seems that, after much talk of troubles and a plot,
something is found in the North that a party was to
rise, and some persons that were to command it, as I
find in a letter that Mr. Coventry read to- day
about it from those parts.
26th. Dr.
Pierce tells me that the Queene is in a way to be
pretty well again, but that her delirium in her head
continues still; that she talks idle not by fits,
but always, which in some lasts a week after so high
a fever, in some more, and in some for ever; that
this morning she talked mightily that she was
brought to bed, and that she wondered that she
should be delivered without pin and without being
sick, and that she was troubled that her boy was but
an ugly boy. But the King being by, said "No, it is
a very pretty boy."—" Nay," says she, "if it be like
you it is a fine boy indeed, and I would be very
well pleased with it." They say that the Turkes go
on apace, and that my Lord Castlehaven [The eldest
son of the infamous Earl of Castlehaven, had a new
creation to his father's forfeited titles, in 1634,
and died c.p. 1684. He had served with distinction
under the Duke of Ormond, and afterwards joined
Charles II. at Paris.] is going to raise 10,000 men
here for to go against him; that the King of France
do offer to assist the Empire upon condition that he
may be their Generalissimo, and the Dolphin chosen
King of the Romans: and it is said that the King of
France do occasion this difference among the
Christian Princes of the Empire, which gives the
Turke such advantages. They say also that the King
of Spayne is making all imaginable force against
Portugall again.
27th. Mr.
Coventry tells me to-day that the Queene had a very
good night last night; but yet it is strange that
still she raves and talks of little more than of her
having of children, and fancys now that she hath
three children, and that the girle is very like the
King. And this morning about five o'clock, the
physician feeling her pulse, thinking to be better
able to judge, she being still and asleep, waked
her, and the first word she said was, "How do the
children?"
29th. To Guild
Hall; and meeting with Mr. Proby, (Sir R. Ford's
son,) and Lieutenant-Colonel Baron, a City
commander, we went up and down to see the tables;
where under every salt there was a bill of fare, and
at the end of the table the persons proper for the
table. Many were the tables, but none in the Hall
but the Mayor's and the Lords of the Privy Council
that had napkins or knives, which was very strange.
We went into the Buttry, and there stayed and
talked, and then into the Hall again: and there wine
was offered and they drunk, I only drinking some
hypocras, which do not break my vowe, it being to
the best of my present judgement, only a mixed
compound drink, and not any wine. If I am mistaken,
God forgive me! but I hope and do think I am not. By
and by met with Creed; and we, with the others, went
within the several Courts, and there saw the tables
prepared for the Ladies and Judges and Bishops: all
great sign of a great dinner to come. By and by
about one o'clock, before the Lord Mayor come, come
into the Hall, from the room where they were first
led into, the Lord Chancellor (Archbishop before
him,) with the Lords of the Council, and other
Bishopps, and they to dinner. Anon comes the Lord
Mayor, who went up to the lords, and then to the
other tables to bid wellcome; and so all to dinner.
I set near Proby, Baron, and Creed at the Merchant
Strangers' table; where ten good dishes to a messe,
with plenty of wine of all sorts, of which I drunk
none; but it was very unpleasing that we had no
napkins nor change of trenchers, and drunk out of
earthen pitchers and wooden dishes. It happened that
after the lords had half dined, come the French
Embassador up to the lords' table, where he was to
have sat; he would not sit down nor dine with the
Lord Mayor, who was not yet come, nor have a table
to himself, which was offered; but in a discontent
went away again. After I had dined, I and Creed rose
and went up and down the house, and up to the ladys'
room, and there stayed gazing upon them. But though
there were many and fine, both young and old, yet I
could not discern one handsome face there; which was
very strange. I expected musique, but there was none
but only trumpets and drums, which displeased me.
The dinner, it seems, is made by the Mayor and two
Sheriffs for the time being, the Lord Mayor paying
one half, and they the other. And the whole, Proby
says, is reckoned to come to about 7 or 800l. at
most. The Queene mends apace, they say; but yet
talks idle still.
30th. To my
great sorrow find myself 43l. worse than I was the
last month, which was then 760l. and now it is but
717l. But it hath chiefly arisen from my layings-out
in clothes for myself and wife; viz. for her about
12l. and for myself 55l., or thereabouts: having
made myself a velvet cloak, two new cloth skirts,
black, plain both; a new shag gown, trimmed with
gold buttons and twist, with a new hat, and silk
tops for my legs, and many other things, being
resolved, henceforward to go like myself. And also
two perriwiggs, one whereof costs me 3l. and the
other 40s. I have worn neither yet, but will begin
next week, God willing. The Queene continues
light-headed, but in hopes to recover. The plague is
much in Amsterdam, and we in fear of it here, which
God defend. The Turke goes on mighty in the
Emperor's dominions, and the Princes cannot agree
among themselves how to go against him.
NOVEMBER 2,
1663. Up, and by coach to White Hall, and there in
the long matted Gallery I find Sir G. Carteret, Sir
J. Minnes, and Sir W. Batten; and by and by comes
the King to walk there with three or four with him;
and soon as he saw us, says he, "Here is the Navy
Office," and there walked twenty turns the length of
the gallery, talking, methought, but ordinary talk.
By and by come the Duke, and he walked, and at last
they went into the Duke's lodgings. The King staid
so long that we could not; discourse with the Duke,
and so we parted. I heard the Duke say that he was
going to wear a perriwigg; and they say the King
also will. I never till this day observed that the
King is mighty gray,
6th. Lord
Sandwich tells me how Mr. Edward Montagu begins to
show respect to him again after his endeavouring to
bespatter him all was possible; but he is resolved
never to admit him into his friendship again. He
tells me how he and Sir H. Bennet, the Duke of
Buckingham and his Duchesse, was of a committee with
somebody else for the getting of Mrs. Stewart for
the King; but that she proves a cunning slut, and is
advised at Somerset House by the Queene-Mother, and
by her mother, and so all the plot is spoiled and
the whole committee broke, Mr. Montagu and the Duke
of Buckingham fallen a-pieces, the Duchesse going to
a nunnery; and so Montagu begins to enter friendship
with my Lord, and to attend the Chancellor whom he
had deserted. My Lord tells me that Mr. Montagu,
among other things, did endeavour to represent him
to the Chancellor's sons as one that did desert
their father in the business of my Lord of Bristoll;
which is most false, being the only man that hath
several times dined with him when no soul hath come
to him, and went with him that very day home when
the Earl impeached him in the Parliament House, and
hath refused ever to pay a visit to my Lord of
Bristoll, not so much as in return to a visit of
his. So that the Chancellor and my Lord are well
known and trusted one by another. But yet my Lord
blames the Chancellor for desiring to have it put
off to the next Sessions of Parliament, contrary to
my Lord Treasurer's advice, to whom he swore he
would not do it: and, perhaps, my Lord ChanceIlor,
for ought I see by my Lord's discourse, may suffer
by it when the Parliament comes to sit. My Lord
tells me that he observes the Duke of York do follow
and understand business very well, and is mightily
improved thereby.
8th. To church,
where I found that my coming in a perriwigg did not
prove so strange as I was afraid it would, for I
thought that all the church would presently have
cast their eyes all upon me.
9th. To the
Duke, where, when we come into his closet, he told
us that; Mr. Pepys was so altered with his new
perriwigg that he did not know him. So to our
discourse, and among and above other things we were
taken up in talkings upon Sir J. Lawson's coming
home, he being come to Portsmouth; and Captain
Berkely is come to town with a letter from the Duana
of Algier to the King, wherein they do demand again
the searching of our ships and taking out of
strangers, and their goods; and that what English
ships are taken without the Duke's pass they will
detain (though it be flat contrary to the words of
the peace,) as prizes, till they do hear from our
King, which they advise him may be speedy. And this
they did the very next day after they had received
with great joy the Grand Seignor's confirmation of
the Peace from Constantinople by Captain Berkely; so
that there is no command nor certainty to be had of
these people. The King is resolved to send his will
by a fleet of ships; and it is thought best and
speediest to send these very ships that are now come
home, five sail of good ships, back again after
cleaning, victualling, and paying them. But it is a
pleasant thing to think how their Basha, Shavan Aga,
did tear his hair to see the soldiers order things
thus; for (just like his late predecessors,) when
they see the evil of war with England, then for
certain they complain to the Grand Seignor of him,
and cut his head off: this he is sure of, and knows
as certain. Thence to Westminster Hall, where I met
with Mr. Pierce, surgeon: and among other things he
asked me seriously whether I knew any thing of my
Lord's being out of favour with the King; and told
me, that for certain the King do take mighty notice
of my Lord's living obscurely in a corner not like
himself, and becoming the honour that he is come to.
I was sorry to hear, and the truth is, from my
Lord's discourse among his people (which I am told)
of the uncertainty of princes' favour, and his
melancholy keeping from Court, I am doubtful of some
such thing; but I seemed wholly strange to him in
it, but will make my use of it. We told me also how
loose the Court is, nobody looking after business,
but every man his lust and gain; and how the King is
now become besotted upon Mrs Stewart, that he gets
into corners, and will be with her half an hour
together kissing her to the observation of all the
world; and she now stays by herself and expects it,
as my Lady Castlemaine did used to do; to whom the
King, he says, is still kind, so as now and then he
goes to her as he believes; but with no such
fondness as he used to do. But yet it is thought
that this new wench is so subtle, that it is verily
thought if the Queene had died, he would have
married her. Mr. Blackburne and I fell to talk of
many things, wherein he was very open to me: first,
in that of religion, he makes it greater matter of
prudence for the King and Council to suffer liberty
of conscience; and imputes the loss of Hungary to
the Turke from the Emperor's denying them this
liberty of their religion. He says that many pious
ministers of the word of God, some thousands of
them, do now beg their bread: and told me how highly
the present clergy carry themselves every where so
as that they are hated and laughed at by every body;
among other things, for their excommunications,
which they send upon the least occasions almost that
can be. And I am convinced in my judgement, not only
from his discourse, but my thoughts in general, that
the present clergy will never heartily go down with
the generality of the commons of England; they have
been so used to liberty and freedom, and they are so
acquainted with the pride and debauchery of the
present clergy. He did give me many stories of the
affronts which the clergy receive in all places of
England from the gentry and ordinary persons of the
parish. He do tell me what the City thinks of
General Monk, as of a most perfidious man that hath
betrayed every body, and the King also; who, as he
thinks, and his party, and so I have heard other
good friends of the King say, it might have been
better for the King to have had his hands a little
bound for the present, than be forced to bring such
a crew of poor people about him, and be liable to
satisfy the demands of every one of them. He told me
that to his knowledge, (being present at every
meeting at the Treaty at the Isle of Wight,) that
the old King did confess himself over-ruled and
convinced in his judgement against the Bishopps, and
would have suffered and did agree to exclude the
service out of the churches, nay his own chapell;
and that he did always say, that this he did not by
force, for that he would never abate one inch by any
violence; but what he did was out of his reason and
judgement. He tells me that the King by name, with
all his dignities, is prayed for by them that they
call Fanatiques, as heartily and powerfully as in
any of the other churches that are thought better:
and that, let the King think what he will, it is
them that must help him in the day of warr. For so
generally they are the most substantiall sort of
people, and the soberest; and did desire me to
observe it to my Lord Sandwich, among other things,
that of all the old army now you cannot see a man
begging about the streets; but what? You shall have
this captain turned a shoemaker; the lieutenant, a
baker; this a brewer; that a haberdasher; this
common soldier, a porter; and every man in his apron
and frock, &c., as if they had never done anything
else: whereas the other go with their belts and
swords, swearing and cursing, and stealing; running
into people's houses, by force oftentimes, to carry
away something; and this is the difference between
the temper of one and the other; and concludes (and
I think: with some reason,) that the spirits of the
old parliament soldiers are so quiet and contented
with God's providences, that the King is safer from
any evil meant him by them one thousand times more
than from his own discontented Cavalier. And then to
the publick management of business: it is done, as
he observes, so loosely and so carelessly, that the
kingdom can never be happy with it, every man
looking after himself, and his own lust and luxury;
and that half of what money the Parliament gives the
King is not so much as gathered. And to the purpose
he told me how the Bellamys (who had some of the
northern counties assigned them for their debt for
the petty warrant victnalling) have often complained
to him that they cannot get it collected, for that
nobody minds, or if they do, they won't pay it in.
Whereas (which is a very remarkable thing,) he hath
been told by some of the Treasurers at Warr here of
late, to whom the most of the 120,000l. monthly was
paid, that for most months the payments were
gathered so duly, that they seldom had so much or
more than 40s. or the like short in the whole
collection; whereas now the very Commissioners for
Assessments and other publick payments are such
persons, and those that they choose in the country
so like themselves, that from top to bottom there is
not a man carefull of any thing, or if he be, is not
solvent; that what between the beggar and the knave,
the King is abused the best part of all his revenue.
We then talked of the Navy, and of Sir W. Pen's rise
to be a general. We told me he was always a
conceited man, and one that would put the best side
outward, but that it was his pretence of sanctity
that brought him into play. Lawson, and Portman, and
the fifth-monarchy men, among whom he was a great
brother, importuned that he might be general; and it
was pleasant to see how Blackburne himself did act
it, how when the Commissioners of the Admiralty
would enquire of the captains and admirals of such
and such men, how they would with a sigh and casting
up the eyes say, "such a man fears the Lord," or, "I
hope such a man hath the Spirit of God." But he
tells me that there was a cruel articling against
Pen after one fight, for cowardice, in putting
himself within a coyle of cables, of which he had
much ado to acquit himself: and by great friends did
it, not without remains of guilt, but that his
brethren had a mind to pass it by, and Sir H. Vane
did advise him to search his heart, and see whether
this fault or a greater sin was not the occasion of
this so great tryall. And he tells me, that what Pen
gives out about Cromwell's sending and entreating
him to go to Jamaica, is very false; he knows the
contrary; besides, the Protector never was a man
that needed to send for any man, specially such a
one as he, twice. He tells me that the business of
Jamaica did miscarry absolutely by his pride, and
that when he was in the Tower he would cry like a
child. And that just upon the turne, when Monk was
come from the North to the City, and did begin to
think of bringing in the King, Pen was then turned
Quaker. That Lawson was never counted any thing but
only a seaman, and a stout man, but a false man, and
that now he appears the greatest hypocrite in the
world. And Pen the same. He tells me that it is much
talked of, that the King intends to legitimate the
Duke of Monmouth; and that neither he, nor his
friends of his persuasion, have any hopes of getting
their consciences at Liberty but by God Almighty's
turning of the King's heart, which they expect, and
are resolved to live and die in quiet hopes of it;
but never to repine, or act any thing more than by
prayers towards it. And that not only himself but;
all of them have, and are willing at any time to
take the oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy. Mr.
Blackburne observed further to me, some certain
notice that he had of the present plot; so much
talked of; that he was told by Mr. Rushworth, [John
Rushworth, Clerk assistant to the House of Commons,
and author of the Historical Collections. Ob. 1690.]
how one Captain Oates, a great discoverer, did
employ several to bring and seduce others into a
plot, and that one of his agents met with one that
would not listen to him, nor conceal what he had
offered him, but so detected the trapan. He also did
much insist upon the cowardice and corruption of the
King's guards and militia.
11th. At noon
to the Coffee-house, were with Dr. Allen some good
discourse about physick and chymistry. And among
other things, I telling him what Dribble the German
Doctor do offer of an instrument to sink ships; he
tells me that which is more strange, that something
made of gold, which they call in chymistry AURUM
FULMINANS, a grain, I think he said, of it put into
a silver spoon and fired, will give a blow like a
musquett, and strike a hole through the silver spoon
downward, without the least force upward; and this
he can make a cheaper experiment of, he says, with
iron prepared.
15th. This day
being our Queene's birthday, the guns of the Tower
went all off; and in the evening the Lord Mayor sent
from church to church to order the constables to
cause bonfires to be made in every street, which
methinks is a poor thing to be forced to be
commanded.
19th. With Sir
G. Carteret to my Lord Treasurer, to discourse with
him about Mr. Gauden's having of money, and to offer
to him whether it would not be necessary, Mr.
Gauden's credit being so low as it is, to take
security of him if he demands any great sum, such as
20,000l. which now ought to be paid him upon his
next year's declaration. Which is a sad thing, that
being reduced to this by us, we should be the first
to doubt his credit; but so it is. However, it will
be managed with great tenderness to him. My Lord
Treasurer we found in his bed- chamber, being laid
up of the goute. I find him a very ready man, and
certainly a brave servant to the King: he spoke so
quick and sensible of the King's charge. Nothing
displeased me in him but his long nails, which he
lets grow upon a pretty thick white short hand, that
it troubled me to see them. In our way Sir G.
Carteret told me there is no such thing likely yet
as a Dutch war, neither they nor we being in
condition for it, though it will come certainly to
that in some time, our interests lying the same way,
that is to say, in trade. But not yet.
20th. A great
talk there is to-day of a crush between some of the
Fanatiques up in arms and the King's men in the
North; but whether true I know not yet.
22nd. At chapel
I had room in the Privy Seale pew with other
gentlemen, and there heard Dr. Killigrew preach.
[Henry, youngest son of Sir Robert Killigrew, D.D.,
Prebendary of Westminster, and Master of the Savoy,
and author of some plays and sermons. His daughter
Anne was the celebrated poetess.] The anthem was
good after sermon, being the fifty-first psalme,
made for five voices by one of Captn. Cooke's boys,
a pretty boy. And they say there are four or five of
them that can do as much. And here I first perceived
that the King is a little musicall, and kept good
time with his hand all along the anthem.
23rd. With
Alderman Backewell talking of the new money, which
he says will never be counterfeited, he believes;
but it is so deadly inconvenient for telling, it is
so thick, and the edges are made to turn up.
26th. The
plague, it seems, grows more and more at Amsterdam;
and we are going upon making of all ships coming
from thence and Hambrough, or any other infected
places, to perform their Quarantine (for thirty days
as Sir Rd. Browne expressed it in the order of the
Council, contrary to the import of the word, though
in the general acceptation it signifies now the
thing, not the time spent in doing it) in Holehaven,
a thing never done by us before.
28th. To Paul's
Church Yard, and there looked upon the second part
of Hudibras, which I buy not, but borrow to read, to
see if it be as good as the first, which the world
cried so mightily up, though it hath not a good
liking in me, though I had tried but twice or three
times reading to bring myself to think it witty.
To-day for certain I am told how in Holland
publickly they have pictured our King with reproach.
One way is with his pockets turned the wrong side
outward, hanging out empty; another with two
courtiers picking of his pockets; and a third,
leading of two ladies, while other abuse him; which
amounts to great contempt.
29th (Lord's
day). This morning I put on my best black cloth
suit, trimmed with scarlett ribbon, very neat, with
my cloak lined with velvett, and a new beaver, which
altogether is very noble, with my black silk knit
canons I bought a month ago.
30th. At White
Hall Sir W. Pen and I met the Duke in the matted
Gallery, and there he discoursed with us; and by and
by my Lord
Sandwich come and stood by, and talked; but it being
St.
Andrew's, and a collar-day, he went to the Chapel,
and we parted.
DECEMBER 1,
1663. After dinner I to Guild Hall to hear a trial
at King's Bench, before Lord Chief Justice Hide,
[Sir Robert Hyde. Ob. 1665.] about the insurance of
a ship; and it was pleasant to see what mad sort of
testimonys the seamen did give, and could not be got
to speak in order: and then their terms such as the
Judge could not understand; and to hear how sillily
the Counsel and Judge would speak as to the terms
necessary in the matter, would make one laugh: and
above all, a Frenchman that was forced to speak in
French, and took an English oath he did not;
understand, and had an interpreter sworn to tell us
what he said, which was the best testimony of all.
3rd. This day
Sir G. Carteret did tell us at the table, that the
Navy (excepting what is due to the Yards upon the
quarter now going on, and what few bills he hath not
heard of,) is quite out of debt; which is
extraordinary good news, and upon the 'Change to
hear how our credit goes as good as any merchant's
upon the 'Change is a joyfull thing to consider,
which God continue! I am sure the King will have the
benefit of it, as well as we some peace and creditt.
7th. I hear
there was the last night the greatest tide that ever
was remembered in England to have been in this
river: all White Hall having been drowned. At White
Hall; and anon the King and Duke and Duchesse come
to dinner in the vane-roome, where I never saw them
before; but it seems since the tables are done, he
dines there all-together. The Queene is pretty well,
and goes out of her chamber to her little chapel in
the house. The King of France, they say is hiring of
sixty sail of ships of the Dutch, but it is not said
for what design.
8th. To White
Hall, where a great while walked with my Lord
Teviott, whom I find a most carefull, thoughtfull,
and cunning man, as I also ever took him to be. He
is this day bringing in an account where he makes
the King debtor to him 10,000l. already on the
garrison of Tangier account; but yet demands not
ready money to pay it, but offers such ways of
paying it out of the sale of old decayed provisions
as will enrich him finely.
10th. To St.
Paul's Church Yard, to my bookseller's, and could
not tell whether to lay out my money for books of
pleasure, as plays, which my nature was most earnest
in; but at last, after seeing Chaucer, Dugdale's
History of Paul's, Stow's London, Gesner, History of
Trent, besides Shakespeare, Jonson, and Beaumont's
plays, I at last chose Dr. Fuller's Worthys, the
Cabbala or Collections of Letters of State, and a
little book, Delices de Hollande, with another
little book or two, all of good use or serious
pleasure; and Hudibras, both parts, the book now in
greatest fashion for drollery, though I cannot, I
confess, see enough where the wit lies. My mind
being thus settled, I went by link home, and so to
my office, and to read in Rushworth; and so home to
supper and to-bed. Calling at Wotton's, my
shoemaker's, to-day, he tells me that Sir H. Wright
is dying and that Harris is come to the Duke's house
again; and of a rare play to be acted this week of
Sir William Davenant's. The story of Henry the
Eighth with all his wives.
11th. At the
Coffee-house I went and sat by Mr. Harrington, and
some East country merchants, and talking of the
country above Quinsborough, [Perhaps Mr. Harrington
invented the name of this place, and the account of
the country.] and thereabouts, he told us himself
that for fish, none there the poorest body will buy
a dead fish, but must be alive, unless it be in the
winter; and then they told us the manner of putting
their nets into the water. Through holes made in the
thick ice, they will spread a net of half a mile
long; and he hath known a hundred and thirty and a
hundred and seventy barrels of fish taken at one
draught. And then the people come with sledges upon
the ice, with snow at the bottome, and lay the fish
in and cover them with snow, and so carry them to
market. And he hath seen when the said fish have
been frozen in the sledge, so as he hath taken a
fish and broke a-pieces, so hard it hath been; and
yet the same fishes taken out of the snow, and
brought into a hot room, still be alive and leap up
and down. Swallows are often brought up in their
nets out of the mudd from under water, hanging
together to some twigg or other, dead in ropes, and
brought to the fire will come to life. Fowl killed
in December (Alderman Barker said) he did buy, and
putting into the box under his sledge, did forget to
take them out to eate till Aprill next, and they
then were found there, and were through the frost as
sweet and fresh and eat as well as at first killed.
Young beares appear there; their flesh sold in
market as ordinarily as beef here, and is excellent
sweet meat. They tell us that beares there do never
hurt any body, but fly away from you, unless you
pursue and set upon them; but wolves do much
mischief. Mr. Harrington told us how they do to get
so much honey as they send abroad. They make hollow
a great fir-tree, leaving only a small slitt down
straight in one place, and this they close up again,
only leave a little hole, and there the bees go in
and fill the bodys of those trees as full of wax and
honey as they can hold; and the inhabitants at times
go and open the slit, and take what they please
without killing the bees, and so let them live there
still and make more. Fir trees are always planted
close together, because of keeping one another from
the violence of the windes, and when a fellit is
made, they leave here and there a grown tree to
preserve the young ones coming up. The great
entertainment and sport of the Duke of Corland, and
the princes thereabouts, is hunting; which is not
with dogs as we, but he appoints such a day, and
summonses all the country people as to a campagnia;
and by several companies gives every one their
circuit, and they agree upon a place where the toyle
is to be set; and so making fires every company as
they go, they drive all the wild beasts, whether
bears, wolves, foxes, swine, and stags, and roes,
into the toyle; and there the great men have their
stands in such and such places, and shoot at what
they have a mind to, and that is their hunting. They
are not very populous there, by reason that people
marry women seldom till they are towards or above
thirty; and men thirty or forty, or more oftentimes,
years old. Against a public hunting the Duke sends
that no wolves be killed by the people; and whatever
harm they do, the Duke makes it good to the person
that suffers it: as Mr. Harrington instanced in a
house were he lodged, where a wolfe broke into a
hog-stye, and bit three or four great pieces off of
the back of the hog, before the house could come to
help it; and the man of the house told him that
there were three or four wolves thereabouts that did
them great hurt; but it was no matter, for the Duke
was to make it good to him, otherwise he would kill
them.
12th. We had
this morning a great dispute between Mr. Gauden,
Victualler of the Navy, and Sir J. Lawson, and the
rest of the Commanders going against Argier, about
their fish and keeping of Lent; which Mr. Gauden so
much insists upon to have it observed, as being the
only thing that makes up the loss of his dear
bargain all the rest of the year. This day I heard
my Lord Barkeley tell Sir G. Carteret that he hath
letters from France that the King hath emduked
twelve Dukes, only to show his power, and to crush
his nobility, who he said he did see had heretofore
laboured to cross him. And this my Lord Barkeley did
mightily magnify, as a sign of a brave and vigorous
mind that what he saw fit to be done he dares do.
14th. To the
Duke, where I heard a large discourse between one
that goes over an agent from the King to Legorne and
thereabouts, to remove the inconveniences his ships
are put to by denial of pratique; which is a thing
that is now-a-days made use of only as a cheat, for
a man may buy a bill of health for a piece of eight,
and my enemy may agree with the Intendent of the
Sante for ten pieces of eight or so, that he shall
not give me a bill of health, and so spoil me in my
design, whatever it be. This the King will not
endure, and so resolves either to have it removed,
or to keep all ships from coming in, or going out
there, so long as his ships are stayed for want
hereof. But among other things, Lord! what an
account did Sir J. Minnes and Sir W. Batten make of
the pulling down and burning of the head of the
Charles, where Cromwell was placed with people under
his horse, and Peter, as the Duke called him, is
praying to him; and Sir J. Minnes would needs infer
the temper of the people from their joy at the doing
of this and their building a gibbet for the hanging
of his head up, when, God knows, it is even the
flinging away of 100l. out of the King's purse, to
the building of another, which it seems must be a
Neptune. To the King's Head ordinary, and there
dined among a company of fine gentlemen; some of
them discoursed of the King of France's greatness,
and how he is come to make the Princes of the Blood
to take place of all foreign Embassadors, which it
seems is granted by them of Venice and other States,
and expected from my Lord Hollis, [Denzil Hollis,
second son of John, first Earl of Clare, created in
1661 Baron Hollis of Ifield, afterwards
Plenipotentiary for the Treaty of Breda. Ob.
1679-80, aged 82.] our King's Embassador there; and
that either upon that score or something else he
hath not had his entry yet in Paris, but hath
received several affronts, and among others his
harnesse cut, and his gentlemen of his horse killed,
which will breed bad blood if true. They say also
that the King of France hath hired threescore ships
of Holland, and forty of the Swede, but nobody knows
what to do: but some great designs he hath on foot;
against the next year.
2lst. To Shoe
Lane to see a cocke-fighting at a new pit there, a
spot I was never at in my life: but Lord! to see the
strange variety of people, from Parliament-man (by
name Wildes, that was Deputy Governor of the Tower
when Robinson was Lord Mayor) to the poorest
'prentices, bakers, brewers, butchers, draymen, and
what not; and all these fellows one with, another
cursing and betting. I soon had enough of it. It is
strange to see how people of this poor rank, that
look as if they had not bread to put in their
mouths, shall bet three or four pounds at a time,
and lose it, and yet bet as much the next battle, so
that one of them will lose 10 or 20l. at a meeting.
Thence to my Lord Sandwich's, where I find him
within with Captain Cooke and his boys, Dr. Childe,
Mr. Madge, and Mallard, playing and singing over my
Lord's anthem which he hath made to sing in the
King's Chapel: my Lord took me into the withdrawing
room to hear it, and indeed it sounds very pretty,
and is a good thing, I believe to be made by him,
and they all commend it.
22nd. I hear
for certain that my Lady Castlemaine is turned
Papist, which the Queene for all do not much like,
thinking that she do it not for conscience sake.
["Le marriage du Chevalier de Grammont," (says the
Count d'Estrades in a letter written to his Royal
Master, Louis XIV. about this time.) "et la
conversion de Madame de Castlemaine se sont publiez
le meme jour: et le Roy d'Angleterre estant tant
prie par les parents de la Dame d'aporter quelque
obstacle a cette action, repondit galamment que pour
l'ame des Dames, il ne s'en meloit point."] I heard
to-day of a great fray lately between Sir H. Finch's
coachman, who struck with his whip a coachman of the
King's, to the loss of one of his eyes; at which the
people of the Exchange seeming to laugh and make
sport with some words of contempt to him, my Lord
Chamberlin did come from the King to shut up the
'Change, and by the help of a justice, did it; but
upon petition to the King it was opened again. At
noon I to Sir R. Ford's, where Sir Richard Browne
and I met upon the freight of a barge sent to France
to the Duchesse of Orleans; and here by discourse I
find they greatly cry out against the choice of Sir
John Cutler to be treasurer of Paul's, upon
condition that he gives 1500l. towards it; and it
seems he did give it upon condition that he might be
Treasurer for the work, which, they say will be
worth three times as much money: and talk as if his
being chosen to the office will make people backward
to give, but I think him as likely a man as either
of them, and better.
28th. Walking
through White Hall I heard the King was gone to play
at Tennis, so I down to the New Tennis Court, and
saw him and Sir Arthur Slingsby play against my Lord
of Suffolke and my Lord Chesterfield. The King beat
three, and lost two sets, they all, and he
particularly playing well, I thought. Thence went
and spoke with the Duke of Albemarle about his wound
at Newhall, but I find him a heavy dull man,
methinks, by his answers to me.
3lst. The
Queene after a long and sore sickness is become well
again; and the King minds his mistress a little too
much, if it pleased God! but I hope all things will
go well, and in the Navy particularly, wherein I
shall do my duty whatever comes of it. The great
talk is the design of the King of France, whether
against the Pope or King of Spain nobody knows; but
a great and a most promising Prince he is, and all
the Princes of Europe have their eye upon him. The
Turke very far entered into Germany, and all that
part of the world at a loss what to expect from his
proceedings. Myself, blessed be God! in a good way,
and design and resolution of sticking to my business
to get a little money with, doing the best service I
can to the King also; which God continue! So ends
the old year.
1663-4
JANUARY 1,
1663-4. At the Coffee-house, where much talking
about a very rich widow, young and handsome, of one
Sir Nicholas Gold's, a merchant, lately fallen, and
of great courtiers that; already look after her: her
husband not dead a week yet. She is reckoned worth
80,000l. Went to the Duke's house, the first play I
have been at these six months, according to my last
vowe, and here saw the so much cried-up play of
"Henry the Eighth;" which, though I went with
resolution to like it, is so simple a thing made up
of a great many patches, that, besides the shows and
processions in it, there is nothing in the world
good or well done.
4th. I to my
Lord Sandwich's lodgings, but he not being up, I to
the Duke's chamber, and there by and by to his
closet, where since his lady was ill, a little red
bed of velvet is brought for him to lie alone, which
is a very pretty one. After doing business here, I
to my Lord's again, and there spoke with him, and he
seems now almost friends again as he used to be.
Here meeting Mr. Pierce, the surgeon, he told me
among other Court news, how the Queene is very well
again; and that she speaks now very pretty English,
and makes her sense out now and then with pretty
phrazes: as among others this is mightily cried up;
that, meaning to say that she did not like such a
horse so well as the rest, he being too prancing and
full of tricks, she said he did make too much
vanity. To the Tennis Court, and there saw the King
play at Tennis and others: but to see how the King's
play was extolled without any cause at all, was a
loathsome sight, though sometimes, indeed, he did
play very well and deserved to be commended; but
such open flattery is beastly. Afterwards to St.
James's Park, seeing people play at Pell Mell; where
it pleased me mightily to hear a gallant, lately
come from France, swear at one of his companions for
suffering his man (a spruce blade) to be so saucy as
to strike a ball while his master was playing on the
Mall.
6th. This
morning I began a practice which I find by the ease
I do it with that I shall continue, it saving me
money and time; that is, to trimme myself with a
razer; which pleases me mightily.
8th. We had
great pleasure this afternoon; among other things,
to talk of our old passages together in Cromwell's
time; and how W. Symons did make me laugh and wonder
to-day when he told me how he had made shift to keep
in, in good esteem and employment, through eight
governments in one year, (the year 1659, which were
indeed, and he did name them all) and then failed
unhappy in the ninth, viz. that, of the King's
coming in. He made good to me the story which
Luellin did tell me the other day, of his wife upon
her death-bed; how she dreamt of her uncle Scobell,
and did foretell, from some discourse she had with
him, that she should die four days thence, and not
sooner, and did all along say so, and did so. Upon
the 'Change a great talk there was of one Mr. Tryan,
an old man, a merchant in Lyme-Streete, robbed lest
night, (his man and maid being gone out after he was
a-bed) and gagged and robbed of 1050l. in money and
about 4000l. in jewells, which he had in his house
as security for money. It is believed that his man
is guilty of confederacy, by their ready going to
his secret till in the desk, wherein the key of his
cash-chest lay.
9th. By
discourse with my wife thought upon inviting my Lord
Sandwich to a dinner shortly. It will cost me at
least ten or twelve pounds; but, however, some
arguments of prudence I have, which I shall think
again upon before I proceed to that expence.
10th. All our
discourse to-night was about Mr. Tryan's late being
robbed and that Colonel Turner, (a mad, swearing,
confident fellow, well known by all, and by me,) one
much indebted to this man for his very livelihood,
was the man that either did or plotted it; and, the
money and things are found in his hand, and he and
his wife now in Newgate for it: of which we are all
glad, so very a known rogue he was.
11th. By
invitation to St. James's; where, at Mr. Coventry's
chamber, I dined with my Lord Barkeley, Sir G.
Carteret, Sir Edward Turner, [Speaker of the House
of Commons, and afterwards Solicitor-general, and
Lord Chief Baron. Ob. 1675.] Sir Ellis Layton, [D.
C. L., brother to R. Leighton, Bishop of Dumblane,
and had been Secretary to the Duke of York.] and one
Mr. Seymour, a fine gentleman: where admirable good
discourse of all sorts, pleasant and serious. This
morning I stood by the King arguing with a pretty
Quaker woman, that delivered to him a desire of hers
in writing. The King showed her Sir J. Minnes, as a
man the fittest for her quaking religion; she
modestly saying nothing till he begun seriously to
discourse with her, arguing the truth of his spirit
against hers; she replying still with these words,
"O King!" and thou'd all along. The general talk of
the towne still is of Colonel Turner, about the
robbery; who it is thought, will be hanged. I heard
the Duke of York tell to-night, how letters are come
that fifteen are condemned for the late plot by the
Judges at York; and, among others, Captain Oates,
against whom it was proved that he drew his sword at
his going out, and flinging away the scabbard, said
that he would either return victor or be hanged.
18th. By coach
to the 'Change, after having been at the Coffee
house, where I hear Turner [Vide State Trials.] is
found guilty of felony and burglary: and strange
stories of his confidence at the barr, but yet great
indignation in his arguing. All desirous of his
being hanged.
20th. My Lord
Sandwich did seal a lease for the house he is now
taking in Lincoln's Inn Fields, which stands him in
250l. per annum rent. Sir Richard Ford told me that
Turner is to be hanged to-morrow, and with what
impudence he hath carried, out his trial; but that
last night, when he brought him news of his death,
he began to be sober and shed some tears, and he
hopes will die a penitent; he having already
confessed all the thing, but says it was partly done
for a joke, and partly to get an occasion of
obliging the old man by his care in getting him his
things again, he having some hopes of being the
better by him in his estate at his death. Mr. Pierce
tells me that, my Lady Castlemaine is not at all set
by by the King, but that he do doat upon Mrs.
Stewart only; and that to the leaving out all
business in the world, and to the open slighting of
the Queene: that he values not who sees him or
stands by him while he dailies with her openly; and
then privately in her chamber below, where the very
sentrys observe his going in and out; and that so
commonly, that the Duke or any of the nobles, when
they would ask where the King is, they will
ordinarily say, "Is the King above, or below?"
meaning with Mrs Stewart: that the King do not
openly disown my Lady Castlemaine but that she comes
to Court; but that my Lord FitzHarding and the
Hambletons, [Geoge Hamilton, and the Count Antoine
Hamilton, author of the Memoires de Grammont.] and
sometimes my Lord Sandwich, they say, intrigue with
her. But he says my Lord Sandwich will lead her from
her lodgings in the darkest and obscurest manner,
and leave her at the entrance into the Queene's
lodgings, that he might be the least observed: that
the Duke of Monmouth the King do still doat on
beyond measure, insomuch that the King only, the
Duke of York, and Prince Rupert, and the Duke of
Monmouth, do now wear deep mourning, that is, long
cloaks, for the Duchesse of Savoy: so that he mourns
as a Prince of the Blood, while the Duke of York do
no more, and all the nobles of the land not so much;
which gives great offence, and he sees the Duke of
York do consider. But that the Duke of York do give
himself up to business, and is like to prove a noble
prince; and so indeed I do from my heart think he
will. He says that it is believed, as well as hoped,
that care is taken to lay up a hidden treasure of
money by the King against a bad day. I pray God it
be so!
21st. Up, and
after sending my wife to my aunt Wright's to get a
place to see Turner hanged, I to the 'Change; and
seeing people flock in the City, I enquired, and
found that Turner was not yet hanged. And so I went
among them to Leadenhall Street, at the end of Lyme
Street, near where the robbery was done; and to St.
Mary Axe, where he lived. And there I got for a
shilling to stand upon the wheel of a cart, in great
pain, above an hour before the execution was done;
he delaying the time by long discourses and prayers
one after another, in hopes of a reprieve; but none
come, and at last was flung off the ladder in his
cloak. A comely-looked man he was, and kept his
countenance to the end: I was sorry to see him. It
was believed there were at least 12 or 14,000 people
in the street.
22nd. To
Deptford, and there viewed Sir W. Petty's vessel;
which hath an odd appearance, but not such as people
do make of it.
26th. Tom
Killigrew told us of a fire last night in my Lady
Castlemaine's lodging, where she bid 40l. for one to
adventure the fetching of a cabinet out, which at
last was got to be done; and the fire at last
quenched without doing much wrong.
27th. At the
Coffee-house, where I sat with Sir G. Ascue [A
distinguished naval officer before and after the
Restoration; but he never went to sea subsequently
to the action in 1666, when he was taken prisoner.]
and Sir William Petty, who in discourse is,
methinks, one of the most rational men that ever I
heard speak with a tongue, having all his notions
the most distinct and clear. To Covent Garden, to
buy a maske at the French House, Madam Charett's,
for my wife; in the way observing the street full of
coaches at the new play, at "The Indian Queene;"
["The Indian Queen," a tragedy in heroic verse, by
Sir Robert Howard and Mr Dryden.] which for show,
they say, exceeds Henry the Eighth. Called to see my
brother Tom, who was not at home, though they say he
is in a deep consumption, and will not live two
months.
30th. This
evening I tore some old papers; among others, a
romance which (under the title of "Love a Cheate") I
begun ten years ago at Cambridge: and reading it
over to-night, I liked it very well, and wondered a
little at myself at my vein at that time when I
wrote it, doubting that I cannot do so well now if I
would try.
FEBRUARY 1,
1663-64. I hear how two men last night, justling for
the wall about the new Exchange, did kill one
another, each thrusting the other through; one of
them of the King's Chapel, one Cave, and the other a
retayner of my Lord Generall Middleton's. Thence to
White Hall; where, in the Duke's chamber, the King
come and stayed an hour or two laughing at Sir W.
Petty, who was there about his boat; and at Gresham
College in general: at which poor Petty was, I
perceive, at some loss; but did argue discreetly,
and bear the unreasonable follies of the King's
objections and other bystanders with great
discretion; and offered to take oddes against the
King's best boates: but the King would not lay, but
cried him down with words only. Gresham College he
mightily laughed at, for spending time only in
weighing of ayre, and doing nothing else since they
sat. Mr. Pierce tells me how the King, coming the
other day to his Theatre to see "The Indian Queene,"
(which he commends for a very fine thing,) my Lady
Castlemaine was in the next box before he come; and
leaning over other ladies awhile to whisper with the
King, she rose out of the box and went into the
King's, and set herself on the King's right hand,
between the King and the Duke of York: which, he
swears, put the King himself, as well as every body
else, out of countenance; and believes that she did
it only to show the world that she is not out of
favour yet, as was believed. To the King's Theatre,
and there saw "The Indian Queen" acted; which indeed
is a most pleasant show, and beyond my expectation;
the play good, but spoiled with the ryme, which
breaks the sense. But above my expectation most, the
eldest Marshall [Anne Marshall, a celebrated
actress, and her youngest sister Becke, so
frequently mentioned in the Diary, were, I believe,
the daughters of a Presbyterian Minister; but very
little seems to be known about their history. One of
them is erroneously stated, in the notes to the
Memoires de Grammont, and Davies' Dramatic
Miscellanies, to have become Lord Oxford's mistress;
for Mr. Pepys uniformly calls the Marshalls by their
proper name, and only speaks of the other lady as
"the first or old Roxalana, who had quitted the
stage."—VIDE Feb. 18, 1661-2, and Dec. 27, in the
same year.] did do her part most excellently well as
I ever heard woman in my life; but her voice is not
so sweet as Ianthe's: [Malone says, in his HISTORY
OF THE ENGLISH STAGE, that Mrs. Mary Saunderson
performed Ianthe in Davenant's play of the Siege of
Rhodes, at the first opening of his theatre, April
1662. She married Betterton the following year, and
lived till 1712, having filled almost all the female
characters in Shakespeare with great success. It is
probable, therefore, that she was the person alluded
to here, and frequently mentioned afterwards,
without any more particular designation.] but,
however, we come home mightily contented. Here we
met Mr. Pickering; and he tells me that the business
runs high between the Chancellor and my Lord
Bristoll against the Parliament; and that my Lord
Lauderdale and Cooper open high against the
Chancellor; which I am sorry for.
3rd. In Covent
Garden to-night, going to fetch my wife, I stopped
at the great Coffee-house there, where I never was
before: where Dryden the poet (I knew at Cambridge),
and all the wits of the town, and Harris the player,
and Mr. Hoole of our College. And had I had time
then, or could at other times, it will be good
coming thither, for there, I perceive, is very witty
and pleasant discourse. But I could not tarry, and
as it was late, they were all ready to go away.
4th. To St.
Paul's School, and up to hear the upper form
examined; and there was kept by very many of the
Mercers, Clutterbucke, [Probably Alderman
Clutterbuck, one of the proposed Knights of the
Royal Oak for Middlesex. There was a Sir Thomas
Clutterbuck of London, CIRCITER 1670.] Barker,
Harrington, and others; and with great respect used
by them all, and had a noble dinner. Here they tell
me, that in Dr. Colett's [Dean of St. Paul's, and
founder of the School.] will he says that he would
have a Master found for the School that hath good
skill in Latin, and (if it could be) one that had
some knowledge of the Greeke; so little was Greeke
known here at that time. Dr. Wilkins [John Wilkins,
warden of Wadham College, and afterwards Dean of
Rippon, consecrated Bishop of Chester 1668; Ob.
1672. He was a learned theologian, and well versed
in Mathematics and Natural, Philosophy.] and one Mr.
Smallwood, Posers.
8th. Mr. Pierce
told me how the King still do doat upon his women,
even beyond all shame: and that the good Queene will
of herself stop before she goes sometimes into her
dressing-room, till she knows whether the King be
there, for fear he should be, as she hath sometimes
taken him, with Mrs. Stewart; and that some of the
best parts of the Queene's joynture are, contrary to
faith, and against the opinion of my Lord Treasurer
and his Council, bestowed or rented, I know not how,
to my Lord Fitzhardinge and Mrs. Stewart, and others
of that crew; that the King do doat infinitely upon
the Duke of Monmouth, apparently as one that he
intends to have succeed him. God knows what will be
the end of it!
9th. Great talk
of the Dutch proclaiming themselves in India, Lords
of the Southern Seas, and denying traffick to all
ships but their own, upon pain of confiscation:
which makes our merchants mad. Great doubt of two
ships of ours, the Greyhound and another, very rich,
coming from the Streights, for fear of the Turkes.
Matters are made up between the Pope and the King of
France; so that now all the doubt is, what the
French will do with their armies.
10th. I did
give my wife's brother 10s. and a coat that I had by
me, a close-bodied, light-coloured cloth coat, with
a gold edgeing in each seam, that was the lace of my
wife's best pettycoat that she had when I married
her. He is going into Holland to seek his fortune.
15th. To White
Hall, to the Duke: where he first put on a periwigg
to-day: but methought his hair cut short in order
thereto did look very prettily of itself, before he
put on his periwigg. Great news of the arrivall of
two rich ships, the Greyhound and another, which
they were mightily afraid of, and great insurance
given. This afternoon Sir Thomas Chamberlin [Son of
William Chamberlayne, an English Judge, and created
a Baronet 1642.] come to the office to me, and
showed me several letters from the East Indys,
showing the height that the Dutch are come to there,
showing scorn to all the English, even in our only
Factory there at Surat, beating several men, and
hanging the English standard St. George under the
Dutch flag in scorn: saying, that whatever their
masters do or say at home, they will do what they
list, and be masters of all the world there; and
have so proclaimed themselves Soveraine of all the
South Seas; which certainly our King cannot endure,
if the Parliament will give him money. But I doubt
and yet do hope they will not yet, till we are more
ready for it.
17th. Mr.
Pierce tells me of the King's giving of my Lord
FitzHarding two leases which belong indeed to the
Queene, worth 20,000l. to him; and how people do
talk of it.
19th. Mr.
Cutler come, and walked and talked with me a great
while; and then to the 'Change together; and it
being early, did tell me several excellent examples
of men raised upon the 'Change by their great
diligence and saving; as also his own fortune, and
how credit grew upon him; that when he was not
really worth 1,100l., he had credit for 100,000l.;
of Sir W. Rider how he rose; and others. By and by
joyned with us Sir John Bankes; [An opulent
merchant, residing in Lincoln's Inn Fields.] who
told us several passages of the East India Company;
and how in every case, when there was due to him and
Alderman Mico 64,000l. from the Dutch for injury
done to them in the East Indys, Oliver presently
after the peace, they delaying to pay them the
money, sent them word, that if they did not pay them
by such a day, he would grant letters of mark to
those merchants against them; by which they were so
fearful of him, they did presently pay the money
every farthing. Took my wife; and taking a coach,
went to visit; my Ladys Jemimah and Paulina Montagu,
and Mrs. Elizabeth Pickering, [Lord Sandwich's
niece.] whom we found at their father's new house in
Lincolne's Fields; but the house all in dirt. They
received us well enough; but I did not endeavour to
carry myself over familiarly with them: and so after
a little stay, there coming in presently after us my
Lady Aberguenny [Probably Mary, daughter of Thomas
Clifford, Esq., of Dunton Walet, Essex, wife to
George, ninth Lord Abergavenny.] and other ladies,
we back again by coach.
22nd. This
evening come Mr. Alsopp the King's brewer, with whom
I spent an hour talking and bewailing the posture of
things at present; the King led away by half-a-dozen
men, that none of his serious servants and friends
can come at him. These are Lauderdale, Buckingham,
Hamilton, FitzHarding, (to whom he hath, it seems,
given 12,000l. per annum in the best part of the
King's estate); and that the old Duke of Buckingham
could never get of the King. Projers is another,
[Edward Progers, Esq., the King's Valet-de-Chambre,
and the confidant of his amours. Ob. 1713, aged
ninety-six.] and Sir H. Bennett. He loves not the
Queene at all, but is rather sullen to her; and she,
by all reports, incapable of children. He is so fond
of the Duke of Monmouth, that every body admires it;
and he says that the Duke hath said, that he would
be the death of any man that says the King was not
married to his mother: though Alsopp says, it is
well known that she was a common strumpet before the
King was acquainted with her. But it seems, he says,
that the King is mighty kind to these his bastard
children; and at this day will go at midnight to my
Lady Castlemaine's nurses, and take the child and
dance it in his arms: that he is not likely to have
his tables up again in his house, for the crew that
are about him will not have him come to common view
again, but keep him obscurely among themselves. He
hath this night, it seems, ordered that the Hall
(which there is a ball to be in to-night before the
King) be guarded, as the Queene-Mother's is, by his
Horse Guards; whereas heretofore they were by the
Lord Chamberlain or Steward, and their people. But
it is feared they will reduce all to the soldiery,
and all other places be taken away; and what is
worst of all, will alter the present militia, and
bring all to a flying army. That my Lord Lauderdale,
being Middleton's enemy, [John Earl of Middleton,
General of the Forces in Scotland.] and one that
scorns the Chancellor even to open affronts before
the King, hath got the whole power of Scotland into
his hand; whereas the other day he was in a fair way
to have had his whole estate, and honour, and life,
voted away from him. That the King hath done himself
all imaginable wrong in the business of my Lord
Antrim, [Randall, second Earl, and first Marquis of
Antrim. Ob. 1673.] in Ireland; who, though he was
the head of rebels, yet he by his letter owns to
have acted by his father's and mother's and his
commissions: but it seems the truth is, he hath
obliged himself upon the clearing of his estate, to
settle it upon a daughter of the Queene-Mother's (by
my Lord Germin, [Earl of St. Albans.] I suppose,) in
marriage be it to whom the Queene pleases: which is
a sad story. It seems a daughter of the Duke of
Lenox's was, by force, going to be married the other
day at Somerset House, to Harry Germin; but she got
away and run to the King, and he says he will
protect her. She is, it seems, very near akin to the
King. Such mad doings there are every day among
them! There was a French book in verse, the other
day, translated and presented to the Duke of
Monmouth in such a high stile, that the Duke of
York, he tells me, was mightily offended at it. The
Duke of Monmouth's mother's brother hath a place at
Court; and being a Welchman, (I think he told me,)
will talk very broad of the King's being married to
his sister. The King did the other day, at the
Council, commit my Lord Digby's [George, Lord Digby,
2nd Earl of Bristol, who had been Secretary of State
in 1643; but by changing his religion while abroad,
at the instigation of Don John of Austria,
incapacitated himself from being restored to that
office; and in consequence of the disappointment,
which he imputed to the interference of the Lord
Chancellor, conspired and effected his ruin. He was
installed K.G. in 1661, and died 1676.] chaplin, and
steward, and another servant, who went upon the
process begun there against their lord, to swear
that they saw him at church, and receive the
Sacrament as a Protestant, (which, the Judges said,
was sufficient to prove him such in the eye of the
law); the King, I say, did commit them all to the
Gate-house, notwithstanding their pleading their
dependance upon him, and the faith they owed him as
their lord, whose bread they eat. And that the King
should say, that he would soon see whether he was
King, or Digby. That the Queene-mother had outrun
herself in her expences, and is now come to pay very
ill, or run in debt the money being spent that she
received for leases. He believes there is not any
money laid up in bank, as I told him some did hope;
but he says, from the best informers he can assure
me there is no such thing, nor any body that should
look after such a thing; and that there is not now
above 80,000l. of the Dunkirke money left in stock.
That Oliver the year when he spent 1,400,000l. in
the Navy did spend in the whole expence of the
kingdom 2,600,000l. That all the Court are mad for a
Dutch war; but both he and I did concur, that it was
a thing rather to be dreaded than hoped for; unless
by the French King's falling upon Flanders, they and
the Dutch should be divided. That our Embassador
had, it is true, an audience; but in the most
dishonourable way that could be; for the Princes of
the Blood (though invited by our Embassador, which
was the greatest absurdity that ever Embassador
committed these 400 years) were not there; and so
were not said to give place to our King's
Embassador. And that our King did openly say, the
other day in the Privy Chamber, that he would not be
hectored out of his right and pre-eminences by the
King of France, as great as he was. That the Pope is
glad to yield to a peace with the French (as the
news-book says,) upon the basest terms that ever
was. That the talk which these people about our
King, that I named before, have, is to tell him how
neither priviledge of Parliament nor City is any
thing; but that his will is all, and ought to be so:
and their discourse, it seems, when they are alone,
is so base and sordid, that it makes the eares of
the very gentlemen of the back stairs (I think he
called them) to tingle to hear it spoke in the
King's hearing; and that must be very bad indeed.
That my Lord Digby did send to Lisbon a couple of
priests, to search out what they could against the
Chancellor concerning the match, as to the point of
his knowing before-hand that the Queene was not
capable of bearing children; and that something was
given her to make her so. But as private as they
were, when they come thither they were clapped up
prisoners. That my Lord Digby endeavours what he can
to bring the business into the House of Commons,
hoping there to master the Chancellor, there being
many enemies of his there: but I hope the contrary.
That whereas the late King did mortgage Clarendon
[Clarendon Park near Salisbury.] to somebody for
20,000l., and this to have given it to the Duke of
Albemarle, and he sold it to my Lord Chancellor,
whose title of Earldome is fetched from thence; the
King hath this day sent his order to the Privy Seale
for the payment of this 20,000l. to my Lord
Chancellor, to clear the mortgage. Ireland in a very
distracted condition about the hard usage which the
Protestants meet with, and the too good which the
Catholiques. And from all together, God knows my
heart, I expect nothing but ruin can follow, unless
things are better ordered in a little time.
23rd. This day,
by the blessing of God, I have lived thirty-one
years in the world: and, by the grace of God, I find
myself not only in good health in every thing, and
particularly as to the stone, but only pain upon
taking cold, and also in a fair way of coming to a
better esteem and estate in the world, than ever I
expected. But I pray God give me a heart to fear a
fall, and to prepare for it.
24th (Ash
Wednesday). To the Queene's chapel, where I staid
and saw their masse, till a man come and bid me go
out or kneel down: so I did go out. And thence to
Somerset House; and there into the chapel, where
Monsieur d'Espagne [Probably author of a small
volume called "Shibboleth, ou, Reformation de
quelques Passages de la Bible, per Jean d'Espagne;
Ministre du St. Evangile," in the Pepysian
Collection, printed 1653, and dedicated to
Cromwell.] used to preach. But now it is made very
fine, and was ten times more crouded than the
Queene's chapel at St. James's: which I wonder at.
Thence down to the garden of Somerset House, and up
and down the new building, which in every respect
will be mighty magnificent and costly.
27th. Sir
Martin Noell told us the dispute between him, as
farmer of the Additional Duty, and the East India
Company, whether callico be linnen or no: which he
says it is, having been ever esteemed so: they say
it is made of cotton woole, and grows upon trees,
not like flax or hemp. But it was carried against
the Company, though they stand out against the
verdict.
28th (Lord's
day). Up and walked to Paul's; and by chance it was
an extraordinary day for the Readers of the Inns of
Court and all the Students to come to church, it
being an old ceremony not used these twenty-five
years, upon the first Sunday in Lent. Abundance
there was of Students, more than there was room to
seat but upon forms, and the Church mighty full. One
Hawkins preached, an Oxford man. A good sermon upon
these words: "But the wisdom from above is first
pure, then peaceable." Both before and after sermon
I was most impatiently troubled at the Quire, the
worst that; ever I heard. But what was
extraordinary, the Bishop of London, [Humphrey
Henchman translated from Salisbury, September 1663.
Ob. 1675.] who sat there in a pew, made a' purpose
for him by the pulpitt, do give the last blessing to
the congregation; which was, he being a comely old
man, a very decent thing, methought. The Lieutenant
of the Tower, Sir J. Robinson, would needs have me
by coach home with him, where the officers of his
regiment dined with him. After dinner to chapel in
the Tower with the Lieutenant, with the keyes
carried before us, and the Warders and
Gentleman-porter going before us. And I sat with the
Lieutenant in his pew, in great state. None, it
seems, of the prisoners in the Tower that are there
now, though they may, will come to prayers there.
29th. To Sir
Philip Warwick, who showed me many excellent
collections of the state of the Revenue in former
Kings' and the late times, and the present. He
showed me how the very assessments between 1643 and
1659, which were taxes, (besides Excise, Customes,
Sequestrations, Decimations, King and Queene's and
Church Lands, or any thing else but just the
Assessments,) come to above fifteen millions. He
showed me a discourse of his concerning the Revenues
of this and foreign States. How that of Spayne was
great but divided with his kingdoms, and so come to
little. How that of France did, and do much exceed
ours before for quantity; and that it is at the will
of the Prince to tax what he will upon his people;
which is not here. That the Hollanders have the best
manner of tax, which is only upon the expence of
provisions, by an excise; and do conclude that no
other tax is proper for England but a pound-rate, or
excise upon the expence of provisions. He showed me
every particular sort of payment away of money,
since the King's coming in, to this day; and told
me, from one to one, how little he hath received of
profit from most of them: and I believe him truly.
That the 1,200,000l. which the Parliament with so
much ado did first vote to give the King, and since
hath been re-examined by several committees of the
present Parliament, is yet above 300,000l. short of
making up really to the King the 1,200,000l. as by
particulars he showed me. And in my Lord Treasurer's
excellent letter to the King upon this subject, he
tells the King how it was the spending more than the
revenue that did give the first occasion of his
fathers ruine, and did since to the rebels; who, he
says, just like Henry the Eighth, had great and
sudden increase of wealth, but yet by overspending
both died poor: and further tells the King how much
of this 1,200,000l. depends upon the life of the
Prince, and so must be renewed by Parliament again
to his successor; which is seldom done without
parting with some of the prerogatives of the Crowne;
or if denied and he persists to take it of the
people, it gives occasion to a civill war, which did
in the late business of tonnage and poundage prove
fatal to the Crowne. He showed me how many ways the
Lord Treasurer did take before he moved the King to
farme the Customes in the manner he do, and the
reasons that moved him to do it. He showed me a very
excellent argument to prove, that our importing
lesse than we export, do not impoverish the kingdom,
according to the received opinion: which, though it
be a paradox, and that I do not remember the
argument, yet methought there was a great deal in
what he said. And upon the whole I find him a most
exact and methodicall man, and of great industry:
and very glad that he thought fit to show me all
this; though I cannot easily guess the reason why he
should do it to me, unless from the plainness that
he sees I use to him in telling him how much the
King may suffer for our want of understanding the
case of our Treasury.
MARCH 2,
1663-64. This morning Mr. Burgby, one of the writing
clerks belonging to the Council, a knowing man,
complains to me how most of the Lords of the Council
do look after themselves and their own ends, and
none the public, unless Sir Edward Nicholas. Sir G.
Carteret is diligent, but for all his own ends and
profit. My Lord Privy Seale, a destroyer of every
body's business, and do no good at all to the
public. The Archbishop of Canterbury [Gilbert
Sheldon.] speaks very little, nor do much, being now
come to the highest pitch that he can expect. He
tells me, that he believes that things will go very
high against the Chancellor by Digby, and that bad
things will be proved. Talks much of his neglecting
the King; and making the King to trot every day to
him, when he is well enough to go to visit his cosen
Chief- Justice Hide, but not to the Council or King.
He commends my Lord of Ormond mightily in Ireland;
but cries out cruelly of Sir G. Lane for his
corruption; and that he hath done my Lord great
dishonour by selling of places here, which are now
all taken away, and the poor wretches ready to
starve. But nobody almost understands or judges of
business better than the King, if he would not be
guilty of his father's fault to be doubtfull of
himself and easily be removed from his own opinion.
That my Lord Lauderdale is never from the King's
care nor council, and that he is a most cunning
fellow. Upon the whole, that he finds things go very
bad every where; and even in the Council nobody
minds the public.
4th. There were
several people trying a new-fashion gun brought my
Lord Peterborough this morning, to shoot off often,
one after another, without trouble or danger. At
Greenwich I observed the foundation laying of a very
great house for the King, which will cost a great
deal of money.
10th. At the
Privy Seale I enquired, and found the Bill come for
the Corporation of the Royall Fishery: whereof the
Duke of York is made present Governor, and severall
other very great persons, to the number of
thirty-two, made his assistants for their lives:
whereof, by my Lord Sandwich's favour, I am one: and
take it not only as a matter of honour, but that,
that may come to be of profit to me.
14th. To White
Hall; and in the Duke's chamber, while he was
dressing, two persons of quality that were there did
tell his Regal Highness how the other night, in
Holborne, about midnight, being at cards, a link-boy
come by and run into the house, and told the people
the house was a-falling. Upon this the whole family
was frighted, concluding that the boy had said that;
the house was a-fire: so they left their cards
above, and one would have got out of the balcony,
but it was not open; the other went up to fetch down
his children, that were in bed: so all got clear out
of the house. And no sooner so, but the house fell
down indeed, from top to bottom. It seems my Lord
Southampton's canaille did come too near their
foundation, and so weakened the house, and down it
come: which, in every respect, is a most
extraordinary passage. The business between my Lords
Chancellor and Bristoll, they say, is hushed up: and
the latter gone or going, by the King's licence, to
France.
15th. My poor
brother Tom died.
16th. To the
office, where we sat this afternoon, having changed
this day our sittings from morning to afternoon,
because of the Parliament which returned yesterday;
but was adjourned till Monday next, upon pretence
that many of the members were said to be upon the
road; and also the King had other affairs, and so
desired them to adjourn till then. But the truth is,
the King is offended at my Lord of Bristoll, as they
say, whom he hath found to have been all this while
(pretending a desire of leave to go into France, and
to have all the differences between him and the
Chancellor made up,) endeavouring to make: factions
in both Houses to the Chancellor. So the King did
this to keep the Houses from meeting; and in the
meanwhile sent a guard and a herald last night to
have taken him at Wimbleton, where he was in the
morning, but could not find him: at which the King
was and is still mightily concerned, and runs up and
down to and from the Chancellor's like a boy: and it
seems would make Digby's articles against the
Chancellor to be treasonable reflections against his
Majesty. So that the King is very high, as they say;
and God knows what will follow upon it!
18th. To
church, and with the grave-maker chose a place for
my brother to lie in, just under my mother's pew.
But to see how a man's tombes [QUERY Bones?] are at
the mercy of such a fellow, that for sixpence he
would, (as his own words were,) "I will justle them
together but I will make room for him;" speaking of
the fulness of the middle isle, where he was to lie.
I dressed myself, and so did my servant Besse; and
so to my brother's again: whither, though invited,
as the custom is, at one or two o'clock, they come
not till four or five. But at last one after another
they come, many more than I bid: and my reckoning
that I bid was one hundred and twenty; but I believe
there was nearer one hundred and fifty. Their
service was six biscuits a-piece, and what they
pleased of burnt claret. My cosen Joyce Norton kept
the wine and cakes above; and did give out to them
that served, who had white gloves given them. But
above all, I am beholden to Mrs. Holding, who was
most kind, and did take mighty pains not only in
getting the house and every thing else ready, but
this day in going up and down to see the house
filled and served, in order to mine and their great
content, I think; the men sitting by themselves in
some rooms, and the women by themselves in others,
very close, but yet room enough. Anon to church,
walking out into the street to the Conduit, and so
across the street; and had a very good company along
with the corps and being come to the grave as above,
Dr. Pierson, the minister of the parish, did read
the service for buriall: and so I saw my poor
brother laid into the grave.
21st. This day
the Houses of Parliament met; and the King met them,
with the Queene with him. And he made a speech to
them: among other things, discoursing largely of the
plots abroad against him and the peace of the
kingdom; and that the dissatisfied party had great
hopes upon the effect of the Act for a Triennial
Parliament granted by his father, which he desired
them to peruse, and, I think, repeal. So the Houses
did retire to their own House, and did order the Act
to be read to-morrow before them; and I suppose it
will be repealed, though I believe much against the
will of a good many that sit there.
23rd. To the
Trinity House, and there dined very well: and good
discourse among the old men. Among other things,
they observed, that there are but two seamen in the
Parliament, viz. Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen, and
not above twenty or thirty merchants; which is a
strange thing in an island.
25th. To White
Hall, and there to chapel; where it was most
infinite full to hear Dr. Critton. [Creighton.] The
Doctor preached upon the thirty-first of Jeremy, and
the twenty-first and twenty-second verses, about a
woman compassing a man; meaning the Virgin
conceiving and bearing our Saviour. It was the worst
sermon I ever heard him make, I must confess; and
yet it was good, and in two places very bitter,
advising the King to do as the Emperor Severus did,
to hang up a Presbyter John (a short coat and a long
gowne interchangeably) in all the Courts of England.
But the story of Severus was pretty, that he hanged
up forty senators before the Senate-house, and then
made a speech presently to the Senate in praise of
his own lenity; and then decreed that never any
senator after that time should suffer in the same
manner without consent of the Senate: which he
compared to the proceeding of the Long Parliament
against my Lord Strafford. He said the greatest part
of the lay magistrates in England were Puritans, and
would not do justice; and the Bishops' powers were
so taken away and lessened, that they could not
exercise the power they ought. He told the King and
the ladies, plainly speaking of death and of the
skulls and bones of dead men and women, how there is
no difference; that nobody could tell that of the
great Marius or Alexander from a pyoneer; nor, for
all the pains the ladies take with their faces, he
that should look in a charnel-house could not
distinguish which was Cleopatra's, or fair
Rosamond's, or Jane Shore's.
26th. Sir W.
Batten told me how Sir Richard Temple hath spoke
very discontentful words in the house about the
Triennial Bill; but it hath been read the second
time to-day, and committed; and, he believes, will
go on without more ado, though there are many in the
house are displeased at it, though they dare not say
much. But above all expectation, Mr. Prin is the man
against it, comparing it to the idoll whose head was
of gold, and his body and legs and feet of different
metal. So this Bill had several degrees of calling
of Parliaments, in case the King, and then the
Council, and then the Lord Chancellor, and then the
Sheriffes, should fail to do it. He tells me also,
how, upon occasion of some 'prentices being put in
the pillory to-day for beating of their masters or
such like thing, in Cheapside, a company of
'prentices come and rescued them, and pulled down
the pillory; and they being set up again, did the
like again.
28th. The great
matter to-day in the House hath been, that Mr.
Vaughan, [John Vaughan, afterwards knighted, and
made Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.] the great
speaker, is this day come to town, and hath declared
himself in a speech of an hour and a half with great
reason and eloquence, against the repealing of the
Bill for Triennial Parliaments, but with no
successe: but the House have carried it that there
shall be such Parliaments, but without any coercive
power upon the King, if he will bring this Act. But,
Lord! to see how the best things are not done
without some design; for I perceive all these
gentlemen that I was with to-day, are against it
(though there was reason enough on their side); yet
purely I could perceive, because it was the King's
mind to have it; and should he demand any thing
else, I believe they would give it him.
APRIL 1, 1664.
To White Hall; and in the Gallery met the Duke of
York; (I also saw the Queene going to the Park, and
her Maids of Honour: she herself looks ill, and
methinks Mrs. Stewart is grown fatter, and not so
fair as she was:) and he called me to him, and
discoursed a good while with me; and after he was
gone, twice or thrice staid and called me again to
him, the whole length of the house: and at last
talked of the Dutch; and I perceive do much wish
that the Parliament will find reason to fall out
with them.
3rd. Called up
by W. Joyce, [William Joyce had married Mr. Pepys'
first cousin, Kate Fenner.] he being summonsed to
the House of Lords to-morrow, for endeavouring to
arrest my Lady Peters for a debt. [Elizabeth,
daughter of John Earl Rivers, and first wife to
William fourth Lord Petre, who was, in 1678,
impeached by the Commons of High Treason, and died
under confinement in the Tower, January 5th, 1683,
S.P.]
4th. Up, and
walked to my Lord Sandwich's; and there spoke with
him about W. Joyce, who tells me he would do what
was fit; in so tender a point. I to the Lords' House
before they sat; and stood within it, while the Duke
of York come to me and spoke to me a good while
about the new ship at Woolwich. Afterwards I spoke
with my Lord Barkeley and my Lord Peterborough about
it. And so staid without a good while, and saw my
Lady Peters, an impudent jade, soliciting all the
Lords on her behalf. And at last W. Joyce was called
in; and by the consequences, and what my Lord
Peterborough told me, I find that he did speak all
he said to his disadvantage, and so was committed to
the Black Rod: which is very hard, he doing what he
did by the advice of my Lord Peter's own steward.
But the Serjeant of the Black Rod did direct one of
his messengers to take him in custody, and peaceably
conducted him to the Swan with two Necks, in
Tuttle-street, to a handsome dining-room; and there
was most civilly used. It was a sad sight,
methought, to-day to see my Lord Peters coming out
of the House, fall out with his lady (from whom he
is parted) about this business, saying that she
disgraced him. But she hath been a handsome woman,
and is, it seems, not only a lewd woman, but very
high-spirited.
5th. Lord
Peterborough presented a petition to the House from
W. Joyce: and a great dispute, we hear, there was in
the House for and against it. At last it was carried
that he should be bayled till the House meets again
after Easter, he giving bond for his appearance.
Anon comes the King and passed the Bill for
repealing the Triennial Act, and another about Writs
of Errour. I crowded in and heard the King's Speech
to them; but he speaks the worst that ever I heard
man in my life: worse than if he read it all, and he
had it in writing in his hand. I went to W. Joyce,
where I found the order come, and bayle (his father
and brother) given; and he paying his fees, which
come to above 12l., besides 5l. he is to give one
man, and his charges of eating and drinking here,
and 10s. a-day as many days as he stands under
bayle: which, I hope, will teach him hereafter to
hold his tongue better than he used to do.
8th. Home to
the only Lenten supper I have had of wiggs [Buns,
still called wiggs in the West of England.] and ale.
15th. To the
Duke's house, and there saw "The German Princesse"
acted, by the woman herself; but never was any thing
so well done in earnest, worse performed in jest
upon the stage. [Mary Moders, alias Stedman, alias
Carleton, a celebrated impostor, who had induced the
son of a London citizen to marry her under the
pretence that she was a German Princess. She next
became an actress, after having been tried for
bigamy and acquitted. The rest of her life was one
continued course of robbery and fraud; and in 1678
she suffered at Tyburn, for stealing a piece of
plate from a tavern in Chancery-lane.]
18th. Up and by
coach to Westminster, and there solicited W. Joyce's
business again; and did speak to the Duke of York
about it, who did understand it very well. I
afterwards did without the House fall in company
with my Lady Peters, and endeavoured to mollify her:
but she told me she would not, to redeem her from
hell, do any thing to release him; but would be
revenged while she lived, if she lived the age of
Methusalem. I made many friends, and so did others.
At last it was ordered by the Lords that it should
be referred to the Committee of Priviledges to
consider. So I away by coach to the 'Change; and
there do hear that a Jew hath put in a policy of
four per cent. to any man, to insure him against a
Dutch warr for four months: I could find in my heart
to take him at this offer. To Hide Park, where I
have not been since last year: where I saw the King
with his periwigg, but not altered at all; and my
Lady Castlemaine in a coach by herself, in yellow
satin and a pinner on; and many brave persons. And
myself being in a hackney and full of people, was
ashamed to be seen by the world, many of them
knowing me.
19th. To the
Physique Garden in St, James's Parke; where I first
saw orange-trees, and other fine trees.
20th. Mr.
Coventry told me how the Committee for Trade have
received now all the complaints of the merchants
against the Dutch, and were resolved to report very
highly the wrongs they have done us, (when God
knows! it is only our own negligence and laziness
that hath done us the wrong): and this to be made to
the House to-morrow.
21st. At the
Lords' House heard that it is ordered, that, upon
submission upon the knee both to the House and my
Lady Peters, W. Joyce shall be released. I forthwith
made him submit, and ask pardon upon his knees;
which he did before several Lords. But my Lady would
not hear it; but swore she would post the Lords,
that the world might know what pitifull Lords the
King hath: and that revenge was sweeter to her than
milk; and that she would never be satisfied unless
he stood in a pillory, and demand pardon there. But
I perceive the Lords are ashamed of her. I find that
the House this day have voted that the King be
desired to demand right for the wrong done us by the
Dutch, and that they will stand by him with their
lives and fortunes: which is a very high vote, and
more than I expected. What the issue will be, God
knows!
23rd. I met
with Mr. Coventry, who himself is now full of talk
of a Dutch war: for it seems the Lords have
concurred in the Commons' vote about it; and so the
next week it will be presented to the King.
26th. Saw W.
Joyce: and the late business hath cost the poor man
above 40l., besides, he is likely to lose his debt.
Lady Peters, Creed says, is a drunken jade, he
himself having seen her drunk in the lobby of their
House. My wife gone this afternoon to the buriall of
my she-cosen Scott, a good woman: and it is a sad
consideration how the Pepys's decay, and nobody
almost that I know in a present way of encreasing
them.
27th. This day
the Houses attended the King, and delivered their
votes to him upon the business of the Dutch; and he
thanks them, and promises an answer in writing.
MAY 3, 1664. To
Westminster Hall; and there, in the Lords' house,
did in a great crowd, from ten o'clock till almost
three, hear the cause of Mr. Roberts, [VIDE "Lords'
Journals of the day."] my Lord Privy Seale's son,
against Win, who by false ways did get the father of
Mr. Roberts's wife (Mr. Bodvill) to give him the
estate and disinherit, his daughter. The cause was
managed for my Lord Privy Seale by Finch the
solicitor; but I do really think that he is a man of
as great eloquence as ever I heard, or ever hope to
hear in all my life. Mr. Cutler told me how for
certain Lawson hath proclaimed war again with
Argier, though they had at his first coming given
back the ships which they had taken, and all their
men; though they refused afterwards to make him
restitution for the goods which they had taken.
5th. My eyes
beginning every day to grow less and less able to
bear with long reading or writing, though it be by
daylight; which I never observed till now.
13th. In the
Painted Chamber I heard a fine conference between
some of the two Houses upon the Bill for
Conventicles. The Lords would be freed from having
their houses searched by any but the Lord Lieutenant
of the County: and upon being found guilty, to be
tried only by their peers; and thirdly, would have
it added, that whereas the Bill says, "That that,
among other things, shall be a conventicle wherein
any such meeting is found doing any thing contrary
to the Liturgy of the Church of England," they would
have it added, "or practice." The Commons to the
Lords said, that they knew not what might hereafter
be found out which might he called the practice of
the Church of England: for there are many things may
be said to be the practice of the Church, which were
never established by any law either common, statute,
or canon; as singing of psalms, binding up; prayers
at the end of the Bible, and praying extempore
before and after sermon: and though these are things
indifferent, yet things for aught they at present
know may be started, which may be said to be the
practice of the Church which would not be fit to
allow. For the Lords' priviledges, Mr. Waller told
them how tender their predecessors had been of the
priviledges of the Lords; but, however, where the
peace of the kingdom stands in competition with
them, they apprehend those priviledges must give
place. He told them that he thought, if they should
own all to be the priviledges of the Lords which
might be demanded, they should be led like the man
(who granted leave to his neighbour to pull off his
horse's tail, meaning that he could not do it at
once,) that hair by hair had his horse's tail pulled
off indeed: so the Commons, by granting one thing
after another, might be served by the Lords. Mr.
Vaughan, whom I could not to my grief perfectly
hear, did say, if that they should be obliged in
this manner to exempt the Lords from every thing, it
would in time come to pass that whatever (be it ever
so great) should be voted by the Commons as a thing
penall for a commoner, the contrary should be
thought a priviledge to the Lords: that also in this
business, the work of a conventicle being but the
work of an hour, the cause of a search would be over
before a Lord Lieutenant, who may be many miles off,
can be sent for; and that all this dispute is but
about 100l.: for it is said in the Act, that it
shall be banishment or payment of 100l. I thereupon
heard the Duke of Lennox say, that there might be
Lords who could not always be ready to lose 100l.,
or some such thing. They broke up without coming to
any end in it. There was also in the Commons' House
a great quarrel about Mr. Prin, and it was believed
that he should have been sent to the Tower, for
adding something to a Bill (after it was ordered to
be engrossed) of his own head—a Bill for measures
for wine and other things of that sort, and a Bill
of his own bringing in; but it appeared he could not
mean any hurt in it. But, however, the King was fain
to write in his behalf and all was passed over. But
it is worth my remembrance, that I saw old Ryly the
Herald, and his son; and spoke to his son, who told
me in very bad words concerning Mr. Prin, that the
King had given him an office of keeping the Records;
but that he never comes thither, nor had been there
these six months: so that I perceive they expect to
get his employment from him.
19th, To a
Committee of Tangier; where God forgive how our
Report of my Lord Peterborough's accounts was read
over and agreed to by the Lords, without one of them
understanding it! And had it been what it would, it
had gone: and, besides, not one thing touching the
King's profit in it minded or hit upon.
20th. Mr.
Edward Montagu is turned out of the Court, not to
return again. His fault, I perceive, was his pride,
and most of all his affecting to be great with the
Queene: and it seems indeed he had more of her eare
than every body else, and would be with her talking
alone two or three hours together; insomuch that the
Lords about the King, when he would be jesting with
them about their wives, would tell the King that he
must have a care of his wife too, for she hath now
the gallant: and they say the King himself did once
ask Montagu how his mistress (meaning the Queene)
did. He grew so proud and despised every body,
besides suffering nobody he or she to get or do any
thing about the Queene, that they all laboured to do
him a good turn. They all say that he did give some
affront to the Duke of Monmouth, which the King
himself did speak to him of. So he is gone,nobody
pitying, but laughing at him: and he pretends only
that he is gone to his father that is sick in the
country.
23rd. The King
is gone down with the Duke and a great crew this
morning by break of day to Chatham.
29th. Mr.
Coventry and I did a long discourse together of the
business of the office, and the war with the Dutch;
and he seemed to argue mightily with the little
reason that there is for all this. For first, as to
the wrong we pretend they have done us; that of the
East Indys, for their not delivering of Poleron, it
is not yet known whether they have failed or no;
that of their hindering the Leopard cannot amount to
above 3000l. if true; that of the Guinny Company,
all they had done us did not amount to above 2 or
300l. he told me truly; and that now, from what
Holmes, without any commission, hath done in taking
an island and two forts, hath set us much in debt to
them; and he believes that Holmes will have been so
puffed up with this, that he by this time hath been
enforced with more strength than he had then, hath,
I say, done a great deal more wrong to them. He do,
as to the effect of the war, tell me clearly that it
is not any skill of the Dutch that can hinder our
trade if we will, we having so many advantages over
them, of winds, good ports, and men; but it is our
pride, and the laziness of the merchant. The main
thing he desired to speak with me about was, to
understand my Lord Sandwich's intentions as to going
to sea with this fleet; saying, that the Duke, if he
desires it, is most willing to do it; but thinking
that twelve ships is not a fleet fit for my Lord to
be troubled to go out with, he is not willing to
offer it to him till he hath some intimations of his
mind to go, or not. To the King's closet; whither by
and by the King come, my Lord Sandwich carrying the
sword. A Bishop preached, but he speaking too low
for me to hear. By and by my Lord Sandwich come
forth, and called me to him: and we fell into
discourse a great while about his business, wherein
he seems to be very open with me, and to receive my
opinion as he used to do: and I hope I shall become
necessary to him again. He desired me to think of
the fitness, or not, for him to offer himself to go
to sea; and to give him my thoughts in a day or two.
Thence after sermon among the ladies in the Queene's
side; where I saw Mrs. Stewart, very fine and
pretty, but far beneath my Lady Castlemaine. Thence
with Mr. Povy home to dinner; where extraordinary
cheer. [Evelyn mentions Mr. Povy's house in
Lincoln's Inn.] And after dinner up and down to see
his house, and in a word, methinks, for his
perspective in the little closet; his room floored
above with woods of several colours, like but above
the best cabinet-work I ever saw; his grotto and
vault, with his bottles of wine, and a well therein
to keep them cool; his furniture of all sorts; his
bath at the top of the house, good pictures, and his
manner of eating and drinking; do surpass all that
ever I did see of one man in all my life.
31st. I was
told to-day, that upon Sunday night last, being the
King's birth-day, the King was at my Lady
Castlemaine's lodgings over the hither-gate at
Lambert's lodgings, dancing with fiddlers all night
almost; and all the world coming by taking notice of
it.
JUNE 1, 1664.
Southwell (Sir W. Pen's friend) tells me the very
sad newes of my Lord Teviott's and nineteen more
commission officers being killed at Tangier by the
Moores, by an ambush of the enemy upon them, while
they were surveying their lines: which is very sad
and he says, afflicts the King much. To the Kings
house and saw "The Silent Woman;" but methought not
so well done or so good a play as I formerly thought
it to be. Before the play was done, it fell such a
storm of hayle, that we in the middle of the pit
were fain to rise; and all the house in a disorder.
2nd. It seems
my Lord Teviott's design was to go a mile and half
out of the town to cut down a wood in which the
enemy did use to lie in ambush. He had sent several
spyes: but all brought word that the way was clear,
and so might be for any body's discovery of an enemy
before you are upon them. There they were all snapt,
he and all his officers, and about two hundred men,
as they say; there being left now in the garrison
but four captains. This happened the 3rd of May
last, being not before that day twelvemonth of his
entering into his government there: but at his going
out in the morning he said to some of his officers,
"Gentlemen let us look to ourselves, for it was this
day three years that so many brave Englishmen were
knocked on the head by the Moores, when Fines made
his sally out."
4th. Mr.
Coventry discoursing this noon about Sir W. Batten,
(what a sad fellow he is!) told me how the King told
him the other day how Sir W. Batten, being in the
ship with him and Prince Rupert when they expected
to fight with Warwicke, did walk up and down
sweating with a napkin under his throat to dry up
his sweat: and that Prince Rupert being a most
jealous man, and particularly of Batten, do walk up
and down swearing bloodily to the King, that Batten
had a mind to betray them to-day, and that the
napkin was a signal; "but, by God," says he, "if
things go ill, the first thing I will do is to shoot
him." He discoursed largely and bravely to me
concerning the different sorts of valours, the
active and passive valour. For the latter, he
brought as an instance General Blake, who, in the
defending of Taunton and Lime for the Parliament,
did through his sober sort of valour defend it the
most opiniastrement that ever any man did any thing;
and yet never was the man that ever made an attaque
by land or sea, but rather avoyded it on all, even
fair occasions. On the other side, Prince Rupert,
the boldest attaquer in the world for personal
courage; and yet in the defending of Bristol no man
did any thing worse, he wanting the patience and
seasoned head to consult and advise for defence, and
to bear with the evils of a siege. The like he says
of my Lord Teviott, who was the boldest adventurer
of his person in the world, and from a mean man in
few years was come to this greatness of command and
repute only by the death of all his officers, he
many times having the luck of being the only
survivor of them all, by venturing upon services for
the King of France that nobody else would; and yet
no man upon a defence, he being all fury and no
judgment in a fight. He tells me above all of the
Duke of York, that he is more himself and more of
judgment is at hand in him in the middle of a
desperate service, than at other times, as appeared
in the business of Dunkirke, wherein no man ever did
braver things, or was in hotter service in the close
of that day, being surrounded with enemies; and
then, contrary to the advice of all about him, his
counsel carried himself and the rest through them
safe, by advising that he might make his passage
with but a dozen with him; "For," says he, "the
enemy cannot move after me so fast with a great
body, and with a small one we shall be enough to
deal with them:" and though he is a man naturally
martiall to the hottest degree, yet a man that never
in his life talks one word of himself or service of
his own, but only that he saw such or such a thing,
and lays it down for a maxime that a Hector can have
no courage. He told me also, as a great instance of
some men, that the Prince of Conde's excellence is,
that there not being a more furious man in the
world, danger in fight never disturbs him more than
just to make him civill, and to command in words of
great obligation to his officers and men; but
without any the least disturbance in his judgment or
spirit.
6th. By barge
with Sir W. Batten to Trinity House. Here were my
Lord Sandwich, Mr. Coventry, my Lord Craven, and
others. A great dinner, and good company. Mr. Prin
also, who would not drink any health, no, not the
King's, but sat down with his hat on all the while;
but nobody took notice of it to him at all.
11th. With my
wife only to take the ayre, it being very warm and
pleasant, to Bowe and Old Ford: and thence to
Hackney. There light, and played at shuffle-board,
eat cream and good cherries: and so with good
refreshment home.
13th. Spent the
whole morning reading of some old Navy books;
wherein the order that was observed in the Navy
then, above what it is now, is very observable.
15th. At home,
to look after things for dinner. And anon at noon
comes Mr. Creed by chance, and by and by the three
young ladies: [Lord Sandwich's daughters.] and very
merry we were with our pasty, very well baked; and a
good dish of roasted chickens; pease, lobsters,
strawberries. But after dinner to cards: and about
five o'clock, by water down to Greenwich; and up to
the top of the hill, and there played upon the
ground at cards. And so to the Cherry Garden, and
then by water singing finely to the Bridge, and
there landed; and so took boat again, and to
Somerset House. And by this time, the tide being
against us, it was past ten of the clock; and such a
troublesome passage, in regard of my Lady Paulina's
fearfullness, that in all my life I never did see
any poor wretch in that, condition. Being come
hither, there waited for them their coach; but it
being so late, I doubted what to do how to get them
home. After half an hour's stay in the street, I
sent my wife home by coach with Mr. Creed's boy; and
myself and Creed in the coach home with them. But,
Lord! the fear that my Lady Paulina was in every
step of the way: and indeed at this time of the
night it was no safe thing to go that road; so that
I was even afraid myself, though I appeared
otherwise. We come safe, however, to their house;
where we knocked them up, my Lady and all the family
being in bed. So put them into doors and leaving
them with the maids, bade them good night.
16th. The talk
upon the 'Change is, that De Ruyter is dead, with
fifty men of his own ship, of the plague, at Cales:
that the Holland Embassador here do endeavour to
sweeten us with fair words; and things like to be
peaceable.
20th. I to the
Duke, where we did our usual business. And among
other discourse of the Dutch, he was merrily saying
how they print that Prince Rupert, Duke of
Albemarle, and my Lord Sandwich, are to be
Generalls; and soon after is to follow them "Vieux
Pen:" and so the Duke called him in mirth Old Pen.
They have, it seems, lately wrote to the King, to
assure him that their setting-out ships was only to
defend their fishing-trade, and to stay near home,
not to annoy the King's subjects; and to desire that
he would do the like with his ships: which the King
laughs at, but yet is troubled they should think him
such a child, to suffer them to bring home their
fish and East India Company's ships, and then they
will not care for us. To my Lord's lodgings; and
were merry with the young ladies, who made a great
story of their appearing before their mother the
morning after we carried them, the last week, home
so late; and that their mother took it very well, at
least without any anger. Here I heard how the rich
widow, my Lady Gold, is married to one Neale, after
he had received a box on the eare by her brother
(who was there a sentinel, in behalf of some
courtier,) at the door; but made him draw, and
wounded him. She called Neale up to her, and sent
for a priest, married presently, and went to bed.
The brother sent to the Court, and had a serjeant
sent for Neale; but Neale sent for him up to be seen
in bed, and she owned him for her husband: and so
all is past.
23rd. W. How
was with me this afternoon, to desire some things to
be got ready for my Lord against his going down to
his ship, which will be soon; for it seems the King
and both the Queenes intend to visit him. The Lord
knows how my Lord will get out of this charge; for
Mr. Moore tells me to-day that he is 10,000l. in
debt: and this will, with many other things that
daily will grow upon him, (while he minds his
pleasure as he do,) set him further backward.
24th. To White
Hall; and Mr. Pierce showed me the Queene's bed.
chamber, and her closet, where she had nothing but
some pretty pious pictures, and books of devotion;
and her holy water at her head as she sleeps, with a
clock by her bed-side, wherein a lamp burns that
tells her the time of the night at any time. Thence
with him to the Park, and there met the Queene
coming from Chapell, with her Maids of Honour, all
in silver-lace gowns again; which is new to me, and
that which I did not think would have been brought
up again. Thence he carried me to the King's closet:
where such variety of pictures, and other things of
value and rarity, that I was properly confounded and
enjoyed no pleasure in the sight of them; which is
the only time in my life that ever I was so at a
loss for pleasure, in the greatest plenty of objects
to give it me.
26th. At my
Lord Sandwich's; where his little daughter, my Lady
Catharine was brought, who is lately come from my
father's at Brampton, to have her cheeke looked
after, which is and hath long been sore. But my Lord
will rather have it be as it is, with a scarr in her
face, than endanger it being worse with tampering.
[She married, first, Nicholas, son and heir of Sir
N. Bacon, K.B.; and secondly the Rev. Mr. Gardeman;
and lived to be 96, dying 1757.]
JULY 4, 1664.
This day the King and the Queenes went to visit my
Lord Sandwich and the fleet, going forth in the
Hope.
7th. The King
is pretty well to-day, though let blood the night
before yesterday.
10th. My Lady
Sandwich showed us my Lady Castlemaine's picture,
finely done: given my Lord; and a most beautiful
picture it is. [There is a beautiful portrait of
Lady Castlemaine in the dining- room at
Hinchingbroke.]
14th. To my
Lord's. He did begin with a most solemn profession
of the same confidence in and love for me that he
ever had, and then told me what a misfortune was
fallen upon me and him: in me, by a displeasure
which my Lord Chancellor did show to him last night
against me, in the highest and most passionate
manner that ever any man did speak, even to the not
hearing of anything to be said to him: but he told
me, that he did say all that could be said for a man
as to my faithfullnesse and duty to his Lordship,
and did me the greatest right imaginable. And what
should the business be, but that I should be forward
to have the trees in Clarendon Park marked and cut
down, [Near Salisbury, granted by Edward VI. to Sir
W. Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, for two lives, which
term ended in 1601, when it reverted to the Crown,
and was conferred on the Duke of Albemarle, whose
family, as I imagine, got back the estate after Lord
Clarendon's fall; for, according to Britton,
Clarendon Park was alienated by Christopher, second
Duke of Albemarle, to the Earl of Bath, from whom it
passed, by purchase, to Mr. Bathurst, the ancestor
of the present possessor.] which he, it seems, hath
bought of my Lord Albemarle; when, God knows! I am
the most innocent man in the world in it, and did
nothing of myself, nor knew of his concernment
therein, but barely obeyed my Lord Treasurer's
warrant for the doing thereof. And said that I did
most ungentlemanly-like with him, and had justified
the rogues in cutting down a tree of his; and that I
had sent the veriest Fanatique that is in England to
mark them, on purpose to nose him. All which, I did
assure my Lord, was most properly false, and nothing
like it true; and told my Lord the whole passage. My
Lord do seem most nearly affected with him; partly,
I believe, for me, and partly for himself. So he
advised me to wait presently upon my Lord, and clear
myself in the most perfect manner I could, with all
submission and assurance that I am his creature both
in this and all other things: and that I do own that
all I have, is derived through my Lord Sandwich from
his Lordship. So, full of horror I went, and found
him busy in trials of law in his great room; and it
being Sitting-day, durst not stay, but went to my
Lord and told him so: whereupon he directed me to
take him after dinner: and so away I home, leaving
my Lord mightily concerned for me. So I to my Lord
Chancellor's; and there coming out after dinner I
accosted him, telling him that I was the unhappy
Pepys that had fallen into his high displeasure, and
come to desire him to give me leave to make myself
better understood to his Lordship, assuring him of
my duty and service. He answered me very pleasingly,
that he was confident upon the score of my Lord
Sandwich's character of me, but that he had reason
to think what he did, and desired me to call upon
him some evening: I named to-night, and he accepted
of it. To my Lord Chancellor's, and there heard
several trials, wherein I perceive my Lord is a most
able and ready man. After all done, he himself
called, "Come, Mr. Pepys, you and I will take a turn
in the garden." So he was led down stairs, having
the goute, and there walked with me, I think, above
an hour, talking most friendly, yet cunningly. I
told him clearly how things were; how ignorant I was
of his Lordship's concernment in it; how I did not
do nor say one word singly, but what was done was
the act of the whole Board. He told me by name that
he was more angry with Sir G. Carteret than with me,
and also with the whole body of the Board. But
thinking who it was of the Board that did know him
least, he did place his fear upon me: but he finds
that he is indebted to none of his friends there. I
think I did thoroughly appease him, till he thanked
me for my desire and pains to satisfy him; and upon
my desiring to be directed who I should of his
servants advise with about this business, he told me
nobody, but would be glad to hear from me himself.
He told me he would not direct me in anything, that
it might not be said that the Lord Chancellor did
labour to abuse the King; or (as I offered) direct
the suspending the Report of the Purveyors: but I
see what he means, and will make it my work to do
him service in it. But, Lord! to see how he is
incensed against poor Deane, as a fanatick rogue,
and I know not what: and what he did was done in
spite to his Lordship, among an his friends and
tenants, He did plainly say that he would not direct
me in any thing, for he would not put himself into
the power of any man to say that he did so and so;
but plainly told me as if he would be glad I did
something. Lord! to see how we poor wretches dare
not do the King good service for fear of the
greatness of these men. He named Sir G. Carteret,
and Sir J. Minnes, and the rest; and that he was as
angry with them all as me. But it was pleasant to
think that, while he was talking to me, comes into
the garden Sir G. Carteret; and my Lord avoided
speaking with him, and made him and many others stay
expecting him; while I walked up and down above an
hour, I think and would have me walk with my hat on.
And yet, after all, there has been so little ground
for his jealousy of me, that I am sometimes afraid
that he do this only in policy to bring me to his
side by scaring me; or else, which is worse, to try
how faithfull I would be to the King; but I rather
think the former of the two. I parted with great
assurance how I acknowledged all I had to come from
his Lordship; which he did not seem to refuse, but
with great kindness and respect parted.
15th. Up, and
to my Lord Sandwich's; where he sent for me up, and
I did give my Lord an account of what had passed
with my Lord Chancellor yesterday; with which he was
pleased, and advised me by all means to study in the
best manner I could to serve him in this business.
After this discourse ended, he began to tell me that
he had now pitched upon his day of going to sea upon
Monday next, and that he would now give me an
account how matters are with him. He told me that
his work now in the world is only to keep up his
interest at Court, having little hopes to get more
considerably, he saying that he hath now about
8000l. per annum. It is true, be says, he oweth
about 10,000l.; but he hath been at great charges in
getting things to this pass in his estate; besides
his building and good goods that he hath bought. He
says that he hath now evened his reckonings at the
Wardrobe till Michaelmas last, and hopes to finish
it to Lady-day before he goes. He says now there is
due, too, 7000l. to him there, if he knew how to get
it paid, besides 2000l. that Mr. Montagu do owe him.
As to his interest, he says that he hath had all the
injury done him that ever man could have by another
bosom friend that knows all his secrets, by Mr.
Montagu: but he says that the worst of it all is
past, and he gone out and hated, his very person by
the King, and he believes the more upon the score of
his carriage to him; nay, that the Duke of York did
say a little while since in his closet, that he did
hate him because of his ungrateful carriage to my
Lord of Sandwich. He says that he is as great with
the Chancellor, or greater, than ever in his life.
That with the King he is the like; and told me an
instance, that whereas he formerly was of the
private council to the King before he was last sick,
and that by the sickness an interruption was made in
his attendance upon him; the King did not constantly
call him as he used to do to his private council,
only in businesses of the sea and the like; but of
late the King did send a message to him by Sir Harry
Bennet, to excuse the King to my Lord that he had
not of late sent for him as he used to do to his
private council, for it was not out of any distaste,
but to avoid giving offence to some others whom he
did not name; but my Lord supposes it might be
Prince Rupert, or it may be only that the King would
rather pass it by an excuse, than be thought unkind;
but that now he did desire him to attend him
constantly, which of late he hath done, and the King
never more kind to him in his life than now. The
Duke of York, as much as is possible; and in the
business of late, when I was to speak to my Lord
about his going to sea, he says that he finds the
Duke did it with the greatest ingenuity and love in
the world: "and whereas," says my Lord, "here is a
wise man hard by that thinks himself so, and it may
be is in a degree so, (naming by and by my Lord
Crewe,) would have had me condition with him that
neither Prince Rupert nor any body should come over
his head, and I know not what." The Duke himself
hath caused in his commission, that he be made
Admirall of this and what other ships or fleets
shall hereafter be put out after these; which is
very noble. He tells me in these cases, and that of
Mr. Montagu's, and all others, he finds that bearing
of them patiently is the best way, without noise or
trouble, and things wear out of themselves and come
fair again. But says he takes it from me, never to
trust too much to any man in the world, for you put
yourself into his power; and the best seeming friend
and real friend as to the present may have or take
occasion to fall out with you, and then out comes
all. Then he told me of Sir Harry Bennet, though
they were always kind, yet now it is become to an
acquaintance and familiarity above ordinary, that
for these months he hath done no business but with
my Lord's advice in his chamber, and promises all
faithfull love to him and service upon all
occasions. My Lord says, that he hath the advantage
of being able by his experience to help out and
advise him; and he believes that that chiefly do
invite Sir Harry to this manner of treating him.
"Now," says my Lord, "the only and the greatest
embarras that I have in the world is, how to behave
myself to Sir H. Bennet and my Lord Chancellor, in
case that there do lie any thing under the embers
about my Lord Bristoll, which nobody can tell; for
then," says he, "I must appear for one or other, and
I will lose all I have in the world rather than
desert my Lord Chancellor: so that," says he, "I
know not for my life what to do in that case." For
Sir H. Bennet's love is come to the height, and his
confidence, that he hath given my lord a character,
[A cypher.] and will oblige my Lord to correspond
with him. "This," says he, "is the whole condition
of my estate and interest; which I tell you, because
I know not whether I shall see you again or no."
Then as to the voyage, he thinks it will be of
charge to him, and no profit; but that he must not
now look after nor think to encrease, but study to
make good what he hath, that what is due to him from
the Wardrobe or elsewhere may be paid, which
otherwise would fail, and all a man hath be but
small content to him. So we seemed to take leave one
of another; my Lord of me, desiring me that I would
write to him and give him information upon all
occasions in matters that concern him; which, put
together with what he preambled with yesterday,
makes me think that my Lord do truly esteem me
still, and desires to preserve my service to him;
which I do bless God for. In the middle of our
discourse my Lady Crewe come in to bring my Lord
word that he hath another son, my Lady being brought
to bed just now, for which God be praised! and send
my Lord to study the laying up of something the
more! Thence with Creed to St. James's, and missing
Mr. Coventry, to White Hall; where, staying for him
in one of the galleries, there comes out of the
chayre-roome Mrs. Stewart in a most lovely form,
with her hair all about her eares, having her
picture taken there. There was the King and twenty
more I think, standing by all the while, and a
lovely creature she in the dress seemed to be.
18th. Sir G.
Cateret and I did talk together in the Parke about
my Lord Chancellor's business of the timber; he
telling me freely that my Lord Chancellor was never
so angry with him in all his life, as he was for
this business, and in a great passion; and that when
he saw me there, he knew what it was about. And
plots now with me how we may serve my Lord, which I
am mightily glad of; and I hope together we may do
it. Thence I to my Lord Chancellor, and discoursed
his business with him. I perceive, and he says
plainly,that he will not have any man to have it in
his power to say that my Lord Chancellor did
contrive the wronging the King of his timber; but
yet I perceive, he would be glad to have service
done him therein; and told me Sir G. Carteret hath
told him that he and I would look after his business
to see it done in the best manner for him.
20th. With Mr.
Deane, discoursing upon the business of my Lord
Chancellor's timber, in Clarendon Park, and how to
make a report therein without offending him; which
at last I drew up, and hope it will please him. But
I would to God neither I nor he ever had any thing
to have done with it! To White Hall, to the
Committee for Fishing; but nothing done, it being a
great day to-day there upon drawing at the Lottery
of Sir Arthur Slingsby. [Evelyn says this Lottery
was a shameful imposition.] I got in and stood by
the two Queenes and the Duchesse of York, and just
behind my Lady Castlemaine, whom I do heartily
admire; and good sport to see how most that did give
their ten pounds did go away with a pair of globes
only for their lot, and one gentlewoman, one Mrs.
Fish, with the only blanke. And one I staid to see
draw a suit of hangings valued at 430l. and they say
are well worth the money, or near it. One other suit
there is better than that; but very many lots of
three and four-score pounds. I observed the King and
Queene did get but as poor lots as any else. But the
wisest man I met with was Mr. Cholmley, who insured
as many as would, from drawing of the one blank for
12d.; in which case there was the whole number of
persons to one, which I think was three or four
hundred. And so he insured about 200 for 200
shillings, so that he could not have lost if one of
them had drawn it for there was enough to pay the
10l. but it happened another drew it, and so he got
all the money he took.
25th. Met with
a printed copy of the King's commission for the
repairs of Paul's, which is very large, and large
power for collecting money, and recovering of all
people that had bought or sold formerly any thing
belonging to the Church. No news, only the plague is
very hot still, and encreases among the Dutch.
26th. Great
discourse of the fray yesterday in Moorefields, how
the butchers at first did beat the weavers, (between
whom there hath been ever an old competition for
mastery,) but at last the weavers rallied and beat
them. At first the butchers knocked down all for
weavers that had green or blue aprons, till they
were fain to pull them off and put them in their
breeches. At last the butchers were fain to pull off
their sleeves, that they might not be known, and
were roundly beaten out of the field, and some
deeply wounded and bruised; till at last the weavers
went out tryumphing, calling 100l. for a butcher.
28th. I am
overjoyed in hopes that upon this month's account I
shall find myself worth 1000l. besides the rich
present of two silver and gilt flaggons, which Mr.
Gauden did give me the other day. My Lord Sandwich
newly gone to sea, and he did before his going, and
by his letter since, show me all manner of respect
and confidence.
30th. To the
'Change, where great talk of a rich present brought
by an East India ship from some of the Princes of
India, worth to the King 70,000l. in two precious
stones.
AUGUST 1, 1664.
To the Coffee-house, and there all the house full of
the victory Generall Soushe (who is a Frenchman, a
soldier of fortune, commanding part of the German
army) hath had against the Turke; killing 4000 men,
and taking most extraordinary spoil.
2nd. To the
King's play-house, and there saw "Bartholomew
Fayre;" which do still please me; and is, as it is
acted, the best comedy in the world, I believe. I
chanced to sit by Tom Killigrew, who tells me that
he is setting up a nursery; that is, is going to
build a house in Moorefields, wherein he will have
common plays acted. But four operas it shall have in
the year, to act six weeks at a time: where we shall
have the best scenes and machines, the best musique,
and everything as magnificent as is in Christendome;
and to that end hath sent for voices and painters
and other persons from Italy. Thence homeward called
upon my Lord Marlborough.
4th. To a play
at the King's house, "The Rivall Ladys," [A Tragedy
by Dryden.] a very innocent and meet pretty witty
play. I was much pleased with it, and it being given
me, [His companion paid for him.] I look upon it as
no breach of my oath. Here we hear that Clun, one of
their best actors, was, the last night, going out of
towne (after he had acted the Alchymist, wherein was
one of his best parts that he acts) to his
country-house, set upon and murdered; one of the
rogues taken, an Irish fellow. It seems most cruelly
butchered and bound. The house will have a great
miss of him. Thence visited my Lady Sandwich, who
tells me my Lord FitzHarding is to be made a
Marquis.
5th. About ten
o'clock I dressed myself, and so mounted upon a very
pretty mare, sent me by Sir W. Warren, according to
his promise yesterday. And so through the City, not
a little proud, God knows, to be seen upon so pretty
a beast, and to my cosen W. Joyce's, who presently
mounted too, and he and I out of towne toward
Highgate; in the way, at Kentish-towne, he showing
me the place and manner of Clun's being killed and
laid in a ditch, and yet was not killed by any
wounds, having only one in his arm, but bled to
death through his struggling. He told me, also, the
manner of it, of his going home so late drinking
with his mistress, and manner of having it found
out.
7th. I saw
several poor creatures carried by, by constables,
for being at a conventicle. They go like lambs,
without any resistance. I would to God they would
either conform, or be more wise, and not be
catched,'
9th. This day
come the news that the Emperour hath beat, the
Turke: killed the Grand Vizier and several great
Bassas, with an army of 80,000 men killed and
routed; with some considerable loss of his own side,
having lost three generals, and the French forces
all cut off almost. Which is thought as good a
service to the Emperour as beating the Turke almost.
10th. Abroad to
find out one to engrave my tables upon my new
sliding rule with silver plates, it being so small
that Browne that made it cannot get one to do it. So
I got Cocker, [Edward Cocker, the well known
writing-master and arithmetician. Ob. circ. 1679.]
the famous writing-master, to do it, and I set an
hour by him to see him design it all: and strange it
is to see him with his natural eyes to cut so small
at his first designing it, and read it all over,
without any missing, when for my life I could not,
with my best skill, read one word, or letter of it;
but it is use. He says that the best light for his
life to do a very small thing by, (contrary to
Chaucer's words to the Sun, "that he should lend his
light to them that small seals grave,") it should be
by an artificial light of a candle, set to
advantage, as he could do it. I find the fellow, by
his discourse, very ingenious: and among other
things, a great admirer and well read in the English
poets, and undertakes to judge of them all, and that
not impertinently.
11th. Comes
Cocker with my rule, which he hath engraved to
admiration, for goodness and smallness of work: it
cost me 14s. the doing. This day, for a wager before
the King, my Lords of Castlehaven and Arran, (a son
of my Lord of Ormond's) they two alone did run down
and kill a stoute bucke in St. James's parke.
13th. To the
new play, at the Duke's house, of "Henry the Fifth;"
a most noble play, writ by my Lord Orrery; wherein
Betterton, Harris, and Ianthe's parts most
incomparably wrote and done, and the whole play the
most full of height and raptures of wit and sense,
that ever I heard; having but one incongruity, that
King Harry promises to plead for Tudor to their
mistress, Princesse Katherine of France, more than
when it comes to it he seems to do; and Tudor
refused by her with some kind of indignity, not with
a difficulty and honour that it ought to have been
done in to him.
15th. With Sir
J. Minnes, he talking of his cures abroad, while he
was with the King as a doctor. And among others, Sir
J. Benham he told me he had cured to a miracle. At
Charing Cross, and there saw the great Dutchman that
is come over, under whose arm I went with my hat on,
and could not reach higher than his eyebrowes with,
the tip of my fingers. He is a comely and well- made
man, and his wife a very little but pretty comely
Dutch woman.
16th. Wakened
about two o'clock this morning with a noise of
thunder, which lasted for an hour, with such
continued lightnings, not flashes, but flames, that
all the sky and ayre was light; and that for a great
while, not a minute's space between new flames all
the time: such a thing as I never did see, nor could
have believed had even been in nature. And being put
into a great sweat with it, could not sleep till all
was over. And that accompanied with such a storm of
rain as I never heard in my life. I expected to find
my house in the morning overflowed; but I find not
one drop of rain in my house, nor any news of hurt
done. Mr. Pierce tells me the King do still sup
every night with my Lady Castlemaine.
19th. The news
of the Emperour's victory over the Turkes is by some
doubted, but by most confessed to be very small
(though great,) of what was talked, which was 80,000
men to be killed and taken of the Turke's side.
20th. I walked
to Cheapside to see the effect of a fire there this
morning, since four o'clock: which I find in the
house of Mr. Bois, that married Doctor Fuller's
niece, who are both out of town, leaving only a maid
and man in town. It begun in their house, and hath
burned much and many houses backward, though none
forward; and that in the great uniform pile of
buildings in the middle of Cheapside. I am very
sorry for them, for the Doctor's sake. Thence to the
'Change, and so home to dinner. And thence to Sir W.
Batten's, whither Sir Richard Ford come, the
Sheriffe, who hath been at this fire all the while;
and he tells me, upon my question, that he and the
Mayor [Sir John Robinson.] were there, as it is
their dutys to be, not only to keep the peace, but
they have power of commanding the pulling down of
any house or houses, to defend the City. By and by
comes in the Common Cryer of the City to speak with
him; and when he was gone, says he, "You may see by
this man the constitution of the Magistracy of this
City; that this fellow's place, I dare give him (if
he will be true to me,) 1000l. for his profits every
year, and expect to get 500l. more to myself
thereby. When," says he, "I in myself am forced to
spend many times as much."
26th. To see
some pictures at one Hiseman's, [Huysman.] a
picture-drawer, a Dutchman, which is said to exceed
Lilly, and indeed there is both of the Queenes and
Maids or honour (particularly Mrs. Stewart's in a
buff doublet like a soldier) [Still to be seen at
Kensington Palace.] as good pictures I think as ever
I saw. The Queene is drawn in one like a
shepherdess, in the other like St. Katharin, most
like and most admirably. I was mightily pleased with
this sight indeed. Mr. Pen, Sir William's son, is
come back from France, and come to visit my wife. A
most modish person grown, she says a fine gentleman.
27th. All the
news this day is, that the Dutch are, with twenty-
two sail of ships of warr, crewsing up and down
about Ostend: at which we are alarmed. My Lord
Sandwich is come back into the Downes with only
eight sail, which is or may be a prey to the Dutch,
if they knew our weakness and inability to set out
any more speedily.
31st. Prince
Rupert I hear this day is to go to command this
fleet going to Guinny against the Dutch. I doubt few
will be pleased with his going, being accounted an
unhappy man.
SEPTEMBER 5,
1664. With the Duke; where all our discourse of war
in the highest measure. Prince Rupert was with us;
who is fitting himself to go to sea in the
Heneretta. And afterwards I met him and Mr. Gray,
and says he, "I can answer but for one ship, and in
that I will do my part; for it is not in that as in
the army, where a man can command every thing."
6th. This day
Mr. Coventry did tell us how the Duke did receive
the Dutch Embassador the other day: by telling him
that, whereas they think us in jest, he believes
that the Prince (Rupert) which goes in this fleet to
Guinny will soon tell them that we are in earnest,
and that he himself will do the like here, in the
head of the fleet here at home; and that he did not
doubt to live to see the Dutch as fearfull of
provoking the English, under the government of a
King, as he remembers there to have been under that
of a Coquin.
11th. With Mr.
Blagrave walking in the Abbey, he telling me the
whole government and discipline of White Hall
Chapel, and the caution now used against admitting
any debauched persons.
12th. Up, and
to my cosen Anthony Joyce's, and there took leave of
my aunt James, and both cosens, their wives, who are
this day going down to my father's by coach. I did
give my aunt 20s., to carry as a token to my mother,
and 10s. to Poll. [His sister Paulina.] With the
Duke; and saw him with great pleasure play with his
little girle, like an ordinary private father of a
child.
19th. Dr.
Pierce tells me (when I was wondering that Fraizer
should order things with the Prince in that
confident manner,) that Fraizer is so great with my
Lady Castlemaine, and Stewart, and all the ladies at
Court, in helping to slip their calfes when there is
occasion, and with the great men in curing of them,
that he can do what he please with the King in spite
of any man, and upon the same score with the Prince;
they all having more or less occasion to make use of
him.
22nd. Home
to-bed; having got a strange cold in my head, by
flinging off my hat at dinner, and sitting with the
wind in my neck. [In Lord Clarendon's Essay on the
decay of respect paid to Age, he says, that in his
younger days he never kept his hat on before those
older than himself, except at dinner.]
23rd. We were
told to-day of a Dutch ship of 3 or 400 tons, where
all the men were dead of the plague, and the ship
cast ashore at Gottenburgh.
29th. Fresh
newes come of our beating the Dutch at Guinny quite
out of all their castles almost, which will make
them quite mad here at home sure. and Sir G.
Carteret did tell me, that the King do joy mightily
at it; but asked him laughing, "But," says he, "how
shall I do to answer this to the Embassador when he
comes?" Nay they say that we have beat them out of
the New Netherlands too; so that we have been doing
them mischief for a great while in several parts of
the world, without publick knowledge or reason.
Their fleete for Guinny is now, they say, ready, and
abroad, and will be going this week.
OCTOBER 1,
1664. We go now on with vigour in preparing against
the Dutch; who, they say, will now fall upon us
without doubt upon this high news come of our
beating them so wholly in Guinny.
2nd. After
church I walked to my Lady Sandwich's, through my
Lord Southampton's new buildings in the fields
behind Gray's Inn, and, indeed, they are a very
great and a noble work.
3rd. With Sir
J. Minnes, by coach, to St. James's; and there all
the news now of very hot preparations for the Dutch:
and being with the Duke, he told us he was resolved
to take a tripp himself, and that Sir W. Pen should
go in the same ship with him. Which honour, God
forgive me! I could grudge him, for his knavery and
dissimulation, though I do not envy much the having
the same place myself. Talk also of great haste in
the getting out another fleet, and building some
ships; and now it is likely we have put one
another's dalliance past a retreate.
4th. After
dinner to a play, to see "The Generall;" which is so
dull and so ill-acted, that I think it is the worst
I ever saw or heard in all my days. I happened to
sit near to Sir Charles Sedley: who I find a very
witty man, and he did at every line take notice of
the dullness of the poet and badness of the action,
that most pertinently; which I was mightily taken
with.
5th. To the
Musique-meeting at the Post-office, where I was once
before. And thither anon come all the Gresham
College, and a great deal of noble company: and the
new instrument was brought called the Arched Viall,
where being tuned with lute-strings, and played on
with kees like an organ, a piece of parchment is
always kept moving; and the strings, which by the
kees are pressed down upon it, are grated in
imitation of a bow, by the parchment; and so it is
intended to resemble several vyalls played on with
one bow, but so basely and so harshly, that it will
never do. But after three hours' stay it could not
be fixed in tune: and so they were fain to go to
some other musique of instruments. This morning, by
three o'clock, the Prince [Rupert.] and King, and
Duke with him, went down the River, and the Prince
under sail the next tide after, and so is gone from
the Hope. God give him better success than he used
to have!
10th. This day,
by the blessing of God, my wife and I have been
married nine years: but my head being full of
business, I did not think of it to keep it in any
extraordinary manner. But bless God for our long
lives and loves and health together, which the same
God long continue, I wish, from my very heart!
11th. Luellin
tells me what an obscene loose play this "Parson's
Wedding" [A comedy, by Thomas Killigrew.] is, that
is acted by nothing but women at the King's house.
My wife tells me the sad news of my Lady
Castlemaine's being now become so decayed, that one
would not know her; at least far from a beauty,
which I am sorry for. This day with great joy
Captain Titus told us the particulars of the
French's expedition against Gigery upon the Barbary
Coast, in the Straights, with 6000 chosen men. They
have taken the Fort of Gigery, wherein were five men
and three guns, which makes the whole story of the
King of France's policy and power to be laughed at.
12th. For news,
all say De Ruyter is gone to Guinny before us. Sir
J. Lawson is come to Portsmouth; and our fleet is
hastening all speed: I mean this new fleet. Prince
Rupert with his is got into the Downes.
13th. In my way
to Brampton in this day's journey I met with Mr.
White, Cromwell's chaplin that was, and had a great
deal of discourse with him. Among others, he tells
me that Richard is, and hath long been, in France,
and is now going into Italy. He owns publickly that
he do correspond, and return him all his money. That
Richard hath been in some straits in the beginning;
but relieved by his friends. That he goes by another
name, but do not disguise himself, nor deny himself
to any man that challenges him. He tells me, for
certain, that offers had been made to the old man,
of marriage between the King and his daughter, to
have obliged him, but he would not. He thinks (with
me) that it never was in his power to bring in the
King with the consent of any of his officers about
him; and that he scorned to bring him in as Monk
did, to secure himself and deliver every body else.
When I told him of what; I found writ in a French
book of one Monsieur Sorbiere, [Samuel Sorbiere,
who, after studying divinity and medicine at Paris,
travelled in different parts of Europe, and
published his Voyage into England, described by
Voltaire as a dull, scurrilous satyr upon a nation
of which the author knew nothing.] that gives an
account of his observations here in England; among
other things he says, that it is reported that
Cromwell did, in his life-time, transpose many of
the bodies of the Kings of England from one grave to
another, and that by that means it is not known
certainly whether the head that is now set up upon a
post be that of Cromwell, or of one of the Kings;
Mr. White tells me that be believes he never had so
poor a low thought in him to trouble himself about
it. He says the hand of God is much to be seen; that
all his children are in good condition enough as to
estate, and that their relations that betrayed their
family are all now either hanged or very miserable.
15th. My father
and I up and walked alone to Hinchingbroke; and
among the late chargeable works that my Lord hath
done there, we saw his water-works, which are very
fine; and so is the house all over, but I am sorry
to think of the money at this time spent therein.
16th (Lord's
day). It raining, we set out betimes, and about nine
o'clock got to Hatfield in church-time; and I light
and saw my simple Lord Salsbury sit there in the
gallery.
18th. At
Somerset-House I saw the Queene's new rooms, which
are most stately and nobly furnished; and there I
saw her and the Duke of York and Duchesse. The Duke
espied me, and come to me, and talked with me a very
great while.
24th. Into the
galleries at White Hall to talk with my Lord
Sandwich; among other things, about the Prince's
writing up to tell us of the danger he and his fleet
lie in at Portsmouth, of receiving affronts from the
Dutch; which, my Lord said, he would never have
done, had he lain there with one ship alone: nor is
there any great reason for it, because of the sands.
However, the fleet will be ordered to go and lay
themselves up at the Cowes. Much beneath the
prowesse of the Prince, I think, and the honour of
the nation, at the first to be found to secure
themselves. My Lord is well pleased to think, that,
if the Duke and the Prince go, all the blame of any
miscarriage will not light on him: and that if any
thing goes well, he hopes he shall have the share of
the glory, for the Prince is by no means well
esteemed of by any body. This day the great O'Neale
died; I believe, to the content of all the
Protestant pretenders in Ireland.
26th. At
Woolwich; I there up to the King and Duke. Here I
staid above with them while the ship was launched,
which was done with great success, and the King did
very much like the ship, saying, she had the best
bow that ever he saw. But Lord! the sorry talk and
discourse among the great courtiers round about him,
without any reverence in the world, but with so much
disorder. By and by the Queene comes and her Maids
of Honour; one whereof, Mrs. Boynton, [Daughter of
Matthew, second son to Sir Matthew Boynton, Bart.,
of Barnston, Yorkshire. She became the first wife of
Richard Talbot, afterwards Duke of Tyrconnel.] and
the Duchesse of Buckingham had been very sick coming
by water in the barge, (the water being very rough);
but what silly sport they made with them in very
common terms, methought, was very poor, and below
what people think these great people say and do. The
launching being done, the King and company went down
to take barge; and I sent for Mr. Pett, [He had
built the ship.] and put the flaggon into the Duke's
hand, and he, in the presence of the King, did give
it Mr. Pett, taking it upon his knee. The City did
last night very freely lend the King 100,000l.
without any security but the King's word, which was
very noble.
29th. All the
talk is that De Ruyter is come over-land home with
six or eight of his captaines to command here at
home, and their ships kept abroad in the Straights:
which sounds as if they had a mind to do something
with us.
31st. This day
I hear young Mr. Stanly, a brave young gentleman,
that went out with young Jermin, with Prince Rupert,
is already dead of the small-pox, at Portsmouth. All
preparations against the Dutch; and the Duke of York
fitting himself with all speed to go to the fleet
which is hastening for him; being now resolved to go
in the Charles.
NOVEMBER 5,
1664. To the Duke's house to see "Macbeth," a pretty
good play, but admirably acted. Thence home; the
coach being forced to go round by London Wall home,
because of the bonfires; the day being mightily
observed in the City.
8th. At noon, I
and Sir J. Minnes and Lord Barkeley (who with Sir J.
Duncum, [M.P. for Bury St. Edmunds.] and Mr.
Chichly, are made Masters of the Ordnance), to the
office of the Ordnance, to discourse about wadding
for guns. Thence to dinner, all of us to the
Lieutenant's of the Tower; where a good dinner, but
disturbed in the middle of it by the King's coming
into the Tower: and so we broke up, and to him, and
went up and down the store-houses and magazines;
which are, with the addition of the new great
storehouse, a noble sight.
9th. To White
Hall, and there the King being in his Cabinet
Council (I desiring to speak with Sir G. Carteret,)
I was called in, and demanded by the King himself
many questions, to which I did give him full
answers. There were at this Council my Lord
Chancellor, Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord
Treasurer, the two Secretarys, and Sir G. Carteret.
Not a little contented at this chance of being made
known to these persons, and called often by my name
by the King. The Duke of York is this day gone away
to Portsmouth.
11th. A
gentleman told us he saw the other day, (and did
bring the draught of it to Sir Francis Prigeon,) a
monster born of an hostler's wife at Salsbury, two
women children perfectly made, joyned at the lower
part of their bellies, and every part perfect as two
bodies, and only one payre of legs coming forth on
one side from the middle where they were joined. It
was alive 24 hours, and cried and did as all
hopefull children do; but, being showed too much to
people, was killed. To the Council at White Hall,
where a great many lords: Annesly in the chair. But,
Lord! to see what work they will make us, and what
trouble we shall have to inform men in a business
they are to begin to know, when the greatest of our
hurry is, is a thing to be lamented; and I fear the
consequence will be bad to us. Put on my new shaggy
purple gown with gold buttons and loop lace.
14th. Up, and
with Sir W. Batten to White Hall, to the Lords of
the Admiralty, and there did our business betimes.
Thence to Sir Philip Warwick about Navy business:
and my Lord Ashly; and afterwards to my Lord
Chancellor, who is very well pleased with me, and my
carrying of his business. And so to the 'Change,
where mighty busy; and so home to dinner, where Mr.
Creed and Moore: and after dinner I to my Lord
Treasurer's, to Sir Philip Warwick there, and then
to White Hall, to the Duke of Albemarle, about
Tangier; and then homeward to the Coffee-house to
hear news. And it seems the Dutch, as I afterwards
found by Mr. Coventry's letters, have stopped a ship
of masts of Sir W. Warren's, coming for us in a
Swede's ship, which they will not release upon Sir
G. Downing's claiming her: which appears as the
first act of hostility; and is looked upon as so by
Mr. Coventry. The Elias, coming from New England
(Captain Hill, commander,) is sunk; only the captain
and a few men saved. She foundered in the sea.
21st. This day
for certain news is come that Teddiman hath brought
in eighteen or twenty Dutchmen, merchants, their
Bourdeaux fleet and two men of warr to Portsmouth.
And I had letters this afternoon, that three are
brought into the Downes and Dover: so that the warr
is begun: God give a good end to it!
22nd. To my
Lord Treasurer's; where with Sir Philip Warwick,
studying all we could to make the last year swell as
high as we could. And it is much to see how he do
study for the King, to do it to get all the money
from the Parliament he can: and I shall be
serviceable to him therein, to help him to heads
upon which to enlarge the report of the expence. He
did observe to me how obedient this Parliament was
for a while, and the last Session how they began to
differ, and to carp at the King's officers; and what
they will do now, he says, is to make agreement for
the money, for there is no guess to be made of it.
He told me he was prepared to convince the
Parliament that the Subsidys are a most ridiculous
tax (the four last not rising to 40,000l.) and
unequall. He talks of a tax of assessment of
70,000l. for five years; the people to be secured
that it shall continue no longer than there is
really a warr; and the charges thereof to be paid.
He told me, that one year of the late Dutch war,
cost 1,623,000l. Thence to my Lord Chancellor's and
there staid long with Sir W. Batten, and Sir J.
Minnes, to speak with my lord about our Prize Office
business; but, being sick and full of visitants, we
could not speak with him, and so away home. Where
Sir Richard Ford did meet us with letters from
Holland this day, that it is likely the Dutch fleet
will not come out this year; they have not victuals
to keep them out, and it is likely they will be
frozen before they can get back. Captain Cocke is
made Steward for sick and wounded seamen.
23rd. Sir G.
Carteret was here this afternoon; and strange to see
how we plot to make the charge of this war to appear
greater than it is, because of getting money.
25th. At my
office all the morning, to prepare an account of the
charge we have been put to extraordinary by the
Dutch already; and I have brought it to appear
852,700l.: but God knows this is only a scare to the
Parliament, to make them give the more money. Thence
to the Parliament House, and there did give it to
Sir Philip Warwick; the House being hot upon giving
the King a supply of money. Mr. Jenings tells me the
mean manner that Sir Samuel Morland lives near him,
in a house he hath bought and laid out money upon,
in all to the value of 1200l.; but is believed to be
a beggar. At Sir W. Batten's I hear that the House
have given the King 2,500,000l. to be paid for this
war, only for the Navy, in three years' time: which
is a joyful thing to all the King's party I see, but
was much opposed by Mr. Vaughan and others, that it
should be so much.
28th. Certain
news of our peace made by Captain Allen with Argier;
and that the Dutch have sent part of their fleet
round by Scotland; and resolve to pay off the rest
half-pay, promising the rest in the spring, hereby
keeping their men. But how true this, I know not.
DECEMBER 3,
1664. The Duke of York is expected to-night with
great joy from Portsmouth, after his having been
abroad at sea, three or four days with the fleet;
and the Dutch are all drawn into their harbours. But
it seems like a victory: and a matter of some
reputation to us it is, and blemish to them; but in
no degree like what it is esteemed at, the weather
requiring them to do so.
5th. Up, and to
White Hall with Sir J. Minnes; and there, among an
infinite crowd of great persons, did kiss the Duke's
hand; but had no time to discourse.
6th. To the Old
Exchange, and there hear that the Dutch are fitting
their ships out again, which puts us to new
discourse, and to alter our thoughts of the Dutch,
as to their want of courage or force.
15th. It seems,
of all mankind there is no man so led by another as
the Duke is by Lord Muskerry [Eldest son of the Earl
of Cloncarty. He had served with distinction in
Flanders, as colonel of an infantry regiment, and
was killed on board the Duke of York's ship, in the
sea fight, 1665.] and this FitzHarding. Insomuch, as
when, the King would have him to be Privy-Purse, the
Duke wept, and said, "But, Sir, I must have your
promise, if you will have my dear Charles from me,
that if ever you have an occasion for an army again,
I may have him with me; believing him to be the best
commander of an army in the world." But Mr. Cholmly
thinks, as all other men I meet with do, that he is
a very ordinary fellow. It is strange how the Duke
also do love naturally, and affect the Irish above
the English. He, of the company he carried with him
to sea, took above two thirds Irish and French. He
tells me the King do hate my Lord Chancellor; and
that they, that is the King and Lord FitzHarding, do
laugh at him for a dull fellow; and in all this
business of the Dutch war do nothing by his advice,
hardly consulting him. Only he is a good minister in
other respects, and the King cannot be without him;
but, above all, being the Duke's father-in-law, he
is kept in; otherwise FitzHarding were able to fling
down two of him. This, all the wise and grave lords
see, and cannot help it; but yield to it. But he
bemoans what the end of it may be, the King being
ruled by these men, as he hath been all along since
his coming to the rasing all the strong-holds in
Scotland, and giving liberty to the Irish in
Ireland, whom Cromwell had settled all in one
corner; who are now able, and it is feared every day
a massacre beginning among them.
17th. Mighty
talk there is of this Comet that is seen a'nights;
and the King and Queene did sit up last night to see
it, and did, it seems. And to-night I thought to
have done so too; but it is cloudy, and so no stars
appear. But I will endeavour it. Mr. Gray did tell
me to-night, for certain, that the Dutch, as high as
they seem, do begin to buckle; and that one man in
this kingdom did tell the King that he is offered
40,000l. to make a peace, and others have been
offered money also. It seems the taking of their
Bourdeaux fleet thus, arose from a printed Gazette
of the Dutch's boasting of fighting, and having
beaten the English: in confidence whereof, (it
coming to Bourdeaux,) all the fleet comes out, and
so falls into our hands.
19th. With Sir
J. Minnes to White Hall, and there we waited on the
Duke. And among other things Mr. Coventry took
occasion to vindicate himself before the Duke and
us, being ill there, about the choosing of Taylor
for Harwich. [Silas Taylor, Storekeeper at Harwich.]
Upon which the Duke did clear him, and did tell us
that he did expect, that, after he had named a man,
none of us shall then oppose or find fault with the
man; but if we had any thing to say, we ought to say
it before he had chose him. Sir G. Carteret thought
himself concerned, and endeavoured to clear himself:
and by and by Sir W. Batten did speak, knowing
himself guilty, and did confess, that being pressed
by the Council he did say what he did, that he was
accounted a fanatique; but did not know that at that
time he had been appointed by his Royal Highness. To
which the Duke: that it was impossible but he must
know that he had appointed him; and so it did appear
that the Duke did mean all this while Sir W. Batten.
21st. My Lord
Sandwich this day writes me word that he hath seen
(at Portsmouth) the Comet, and says it is the most
extraordinary thing he ever saw.
22nd. Met with
a copy of verses, mightily commended by some
gentlemen there, of my Lord Mordaunt's, [Vide Note,
Nov. 26, 1666.] in excuse of his going to sea this
late expedition, with the Duke of York. But Lord!
they are sorry things; only a Lord made them. Thence
to the 'Change; and there, among the merchants, I
hear fully the news of our being beaten to dirt at
Guinny, by De Ruyter with his fleet. The
particulars, as much as by Sir G. Carteret
afterwards I heard, I have said in a letter to my
Lord Sandwich this day at Portsmouth; it being meet
wholly to the utter ruine of our Royall Company, and
reproach and shame to the whole nation, as well as
justification to them in their doing wrong to no man
as to his private property, only taking whatever is
found to belong to the Company, and nothing else. To
Redriffe; and just in time within two minutes, and
saw the new vessel of Sir William Petty's launched,
the King and Duke being there. It swims and looks
finely, and I believe will do well.
24th. At noon
to the 'Change, to the Coffee-house; and there heard
Sir Richard Ford tell the whole story of our defeat
at Guinny. Wherein our men are guilty of the most
horrid cowardice and perfidiousness, as he says and
tells it, that ever Englishmen were. Captain
Reynolds, that was the only commander of any of the
King's ships there, was shot at by De Ruyter, with a
bloody flag flying. He, instead of opposing (which,
indeed, had been to no purpose, but only to maintain
honour) did poorly go on board himself, to ask what
De Ruyter would have; and so yield to whatever
Ruyter would desire. The King and Duke are highly
vexed at it, it seems, and the business deserves it.
I saw the Comet, which is now, whether worn away or
no I know not, but appears not with a tail, but only
is larger and duller than any other star, and is
come to rise betimes, and to make a great arch, and
is gone quite to a new place in the heavens than it
was before: but I hope in a clearer night something
more will be seen.
28th. To Sir W.
Pen's to his Lady, [Margaret, daughter of John
Jasper, a merchant at Rotterdam.] who is a
well-looked, fat, short, old Dutch woman; but one
that hath been heretofore pretty handsome, and is I
believe very discreet, and hath more wit than her
husband.
31st. Public
matters are all in a hurry about a Dutch warr. Our
preparations great; our provocations against them
great; and after all our presumption, we are now
afraid as much of them, as we lately contemned them.
Every thing else in the State quiet, blessed be God!
My Lord Sandwich at sea with the fleet at
Portsmouth; sending some about to cruise for taking
of ships, which we have done to a great number. This
Christmas I judged it fit to look over all my papers
and books; and to tear all that I found either
boyish or not to be worth keeping, or fit to be
seen, if it should please God to take me away
suddenly among others, I found these two or three
notes, which I thought fit to keep.
AGE OF MY
GRANDFATHER'S CHILDREN
Thomas, 1595.
Mary, March 16, 1597.
Edith, October 11, 1599.
John, (my Father,) January 14, 1601.
My father and mother marryed at Newington, in Surry,
Oct, 15,
1626
THEYR
CHILDREN'S AGES.
Mary, July 24, 1627. mort.
[The word "mort" must have been in some instances
added long
after the entry was first made.]
Paulina, Sept. 18, 1628. mort.
Esther, March 27, 1630. mort.
John, January 16, 1631. mort.
Samuel, Feb. 23, 1632.
[To this name is affixed the following note:—Went to
reside in
Magd. Coll. Camb, and did put on my gown first,
March 5 1650-1.]
Thomas, June 18, 1634. mort.
Sarah, August 25, 1635. mort.
Jacob, May 1, 1637. mort.
Robert, Nov. 18, 1638. mort.
Paulina, Oct. 18, 1640.
John, Nov. 26, 1641. mort.
December 31, 1664.
CHARMES.
FOR STENCHING
OF BLOOD.
Sanguis mane in
te,
Sicut Christus fuit in se;
Sanguis mane in tua vena
Sicut Christus in sua poena;
Sanguis mane fixus,
Sicut Christus quando fuit crucifixus,
2. A THORNE.
Jesus, that was
of a Virgin born,
Was pricked both with nail and thorn;
It neither wealed nor belled, rankled nor boned
In the name of Jesus no more shall this.
Or, thus:—
Christ was of a
Virgin born;
And he was pricked with a thorn;
And it did neither bell, nor swell,
And I trust in Jesus this never will.
3. A CRAMP.
Cramp be thou
faintless,
As our Lady was sinless,
When she bare Jesus.
4. A BURNING.
There came
three Angells out of the East;
The one brought fire, the other brought frost—
Out fire; in frost.
In the name of the Father and Son, and Holy Ghost.
AMEN.
1664-65
1664-5.
(JANUARY 2.) To my Lord Brouncker's, by appointment,
in the Piazza, in Covent-Garden; where I occasioned
much mirth with a ballet [The Earl of Dorset's song,
"To all ye ladies now at land," &c.] I brought with
me, made from the seamen at sea to their ladies in
town; saying Sir W. Pen, Sir G. Ascue, and Sir J.
Lawson made them. Here a most noble French dinner
and banquet. The street full of footballs, it being
a great frost.
4th. To my Lord
of Oxford's, but his Lordship was in bed at past ten
o'clock: and, Lord help us! so rude a dirty family I
never saw in my life.
9th. I saw the
Royal Society bring their new book, wherein is nobly
writ their charter and laws, and comes to be signed
by the Duke as a Fellow; and all the Fellows' hands
are to be entered there, and lie as a monument; and
the King hath put his with the word Founder. Holmes
was this day sent to the Tower, but I perceive it is
made matter of jest only; but if the Dutch should be
our masters, it may come to be of earnest to him, to
be given over to them for a sacrifice, as Sir W.
Rawly was. To a Tangier committee, where I was
accosted and most highly complimented by my Lord
Bellasses, our new governor, beyond my expectation;
and I may make good use of it. Our patent is
renewed, and he and my Lord Barkeley, and Sir Thomas
Ingram [Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and a
Privy Counsellor. Ob. 1671.] put in as
commissioners.
11th. This
evening, by a letter from Plymouth, I hear that two
of our ships, the Leopard and another, in the
Straights, are lost by running aground; and that
three more had like to have been so, but got off,
whereof Captain Allen one: and that a Dutch fleet
are gone thither; and if they should meet with our
lame ships, God knows what would become of them.
This I reckon most sad news; God make us sensible of
it!
12th. Spoke
with a Frenchman who was taken, but released, by a
Dutch man-of-war of thirty-six guns, (with seven
more of the King's or greater ships), off the North
Foreland, by Margett. Which is a strange attempt,
that they should come to our teeth; but the wind
being easterly, the wind that should bring our force
from Portsmouth, will carry them away home.
13th.
Yesterday's news confirmed, though a little
different; but a couple of ships in the Straights we
have lost, and the Dutch have been in Margret Road.
[QUERY Margate.]
14th. To the
King's house, there to see Vulpone, [A Comedy by Ben
Jonson.] a most excellent play: the best I think I
ever saw, and well acted.
15th. With Sir
W. Pen in his coach to my Lord Chancellor's, where
by and by Mr. Coventry, Sir W. Pen, Sir J. Lawson,
Sir G. Ascue, and myself were called in to the King,
there being several of the Privy Council, and my
Lord Chancellor lying at length upon a couch (of the
goute I suppose); and there Sir W. Pen spoke pretty
well to dissuade the King from letting the Turkey
ships go out: saying (in short) the King having
resolved to have 130 ships out by the spring, he
must have above 20 of them merchantmen. Towards
which, he in the whole River could find but 12 or
14, and of them the five ships taken up by these
merchants were a part, and so could not be spared.
That we should need 30,000 sailors to man these 130
ships, and of them in service we have not above
16,000: so that we shall need 14,000 more. That
these ships will with their convoys carry about 2000
men, and those the best men that could be got; it
being the men used to the Southward that are the
best men of warr, though those bred in the North
among the colliers are good for labour. That it will
not be safe for the merchants, nor honourable for
the King, to expose these rich ships with his convoy
of six ships to go, it not being enough to secure
them against the Dutch, who, without doubt, will
have a great fleet in the Straights. This, Sir
J.Lawson enlarged upon. Sir G. Ascue chiefly spoke
that the warr and trade could not be supported
together. Mr. Coventry showed how the medium of the
men the King hath one year with another employed in
his Navy since his coming, hath not been above 3000
men, or at most 4000 men; and now having occasion of
30,000, the remaining 26,000 must be found out of
the trade of the nation. He showed how the cloaths,
sending by these merchants to Turkey, are already
bought and paid for to the workmen, and are as many
as they would send these twelve months or more; so
the poor do not suffer by their not going, but only
the merchant, upon whose hands they lie dead; and so
the inconvenience is the less. And yet for them he
propounded, either the King should, if his Treasurer
would suffer it, buy them, and showed the loss would
not be so great to him: or, dispense with the Act of
Navigation, and let them be carried out by
strangers; and ending that he doubted not but when
the merchants saw there was no remedy, they would
and could find ways of sending them abroad to their
profit. All ended with a conviction (unless future
discourse with the merchants should alter it,) that
it was not fit for them to go out, though the ships
be loaded. So we withdrew, and the merchants were
called in. Staying without, my Lord FitzHarding come
thither, and fell to discourse of Prince Rupert's
disease, [Morbus, scil, Gallicus.] telling the
horrible degree of its breaking out on his head. He
observed also from the Prince, that courage is not
what men take it to be, a contempt of death; for,
says he, how chagrined the Prince was the other day
when he thought he should die.
16th. To a
Tangier committee, where my Lord Ashly, I observe,
is a most clear man in matters of accounts, and most
ingeniously did discourse and explain all matters.
19th, This day
was buried; (but I could not be there) my cosen
Percivall Angler: and yesterday I received the news
that Dr. Tom Pepys is dead, at Impington.
21st. Mr. Povy
carried me to Somerset House, and there showed me
the Queene-Mother's chamber and closet, most
beautiful places for furniture and pictures; and so
down the great stone stairs to the garden, and tried
the brave echo upon the stairs; which continues a
voice so long as the singing three notes, concords,
one after another, they all three shall sound in
consort together a good while most pleasantly.
23rd. Up, and
with Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen to White Hall; but
there finding the Duke gone to his lodgings in St,
James's for alltogether, his Duchesse being ready to
lie in, we to him, and there did our usual business.
and here I met the great news confirmed by the
Duke's own relation, by a letter from Captain Allen.
First, of our own loss of two ships, the Phoenix and
Nonsuch, in the Bay of Gibraltar: then of his and
his seven ships with him, in the Bay of Cales, or
thereabouts, fighting with the 34 Dutch Smyrna
fleet; sinking the King Salamon, a ship worth a
150,000l. or more, some say 200,000l. and another;
and taking of three merchant-ships. Two of our ships
were disabled, by the Dutch unfortunately falling
against their will against them; the Advice, Captain
W. Poole, and Antelope, Captain Clerke. The Dutch
men of war did little service. Captain Allen, before
he would fire one gun, come within pistol-shot of
the enemy. The Spaniards, at Cales, did stand
laughing at the Dutch, to see them run away and flee
to the shore, 34 or thereabouts, against eight
Englishmen at most. I do purpose to get the whole
relation, if I live, of Captain Allen himself. In
our loss of the two ships in the Bay of Gibraltar,
the world do comment upon the misfortune of Captain
Moone of the Nonsuch, (who did lose, in the same
manner, the Satisfaction,) as a person that hath
ill-luck attending him; without-considering that the
whole fleet was ashore. Captain Allen led the way,
and himself writes that all the masters of the
fleet, old and young, were mistaken, and did carry
their ships aground. But I think I heard the Duke
say that Moone, being put into Oxford, had in this
conflict regained his credit, by sinking one and
taking another. Captain Seale of the Milford hath
done his part very well, in boarding the King
Salamon, which held out half an hour after she was
boarded; and his men kept her an hour after they did
master her, and then she sunk, and drowned about 17
of her men.
24th. The Dutch
have, by consent of all the Provinces, voted no
trade to be suffered for eighteen months, but that
they apply themselves wholly to the war. [This
statement of a total prohibition of all trade, and
for so long a period as eighteen months, by a
government so essentially commercial as that of the
United Provinces seems extraordinary. The fact, as I
am informed, was, that when in the beginning of the
year 1665 the States General saw that the war with
England was become inevitable, they took several
vigorous measures, and determined to equip a
formidable fleet, and with a view to obtain a
sufficient number of men to man it, prohibited all
navigation, especially in the great and small
fisheries as they were then called, and in the Whale
fishery. This measure appears to have resembled the
embargoes so commonly resorted to in this country on
similar occasions, rather than a total prohibition
of trade.]
27th. Mr.
Slingsby, a very ingenious person about the Mint,
tells me that the money passing up and down in
business is 700,000l. He also made me fully
understand that the old law of prohibiting bullion
to be exported, is, and ever was a folly and an
injury, rather than good.
FEBRUARY 3,
1664-65. To visit my Lady Sandwich, and she
discoursed largely to me her opinion of a match, if
it could be thought fit by my Lord, for my Lady
Jemimah, with Sir G. Carteret's eldest son; but I
doubt he hath yet no settled estate in land. But I
will inform myself, and give her my opinion. Then
Mrs. Pickering (after private discourse ended, we
going into the other room) did, at my Lady's
command, tell me the manner of a masquerade before
the King and the Court the other day. Where six
women (my Lady Castlermaine and Duchesse of Monmouth
being two of them,) and six men, (the Duke of
Monmouth and Lord Avon and Monsieur Blanfort, [Lewis
Duras, Marquis de Blanquefort, naturalized 17th
Charles II., and created Baron Duras 1672 and K.G.
by James II., whom he had attended in the sea-fight
1665, as Captain of the guard.] being three of them)
in vizards, but most rich and antique dresses, did
dance admirably and most gloriously. God give us
cause to continue the mirth!
4th. I to the
Sun behind the 'Change, to dinner to my Lord
Belasses, He told us a very handsome passage of the
King's sending him his message about holding out the
town of Newarke, of which he was then governor for
the King. This message he sent in a slugg-bullet,
being writ in cipher, and wrapped up in lead and
sealed. So the messenger come to my Lord and told
him he had a message from the King, but it was yet
in his belly; so they did give him some physick, and
out it come. This was a month before the King's
flying to the Scots; and therein he told him that at
such a day, the 3rd or 6th of May, he should hear of
his being come to the Scots, being assured by the
King of France that in coming to them he should be
used with all the liberty, honour, and safety, that
could be desired. And at the just day he did come to
the Scots. He told us another odd passage: how the
King having newly put out Prince Rupert of his
generalship, upon some miscarriage at Bristol, and
Sir Richard Willis of his governorship of Newarke,
at the entreaty of the gentry of the County, and put
in my Lord Bellasses; the great officers of the
King's army mutinyed, and come in that manner with
swords drawn, into the market-place of the town
where the King was; which the King hearing says, "I
must horse." And there himself personally, when
everybody expected they should have been opposed,
the King come, and cried to the head of the
mutineers, which was Prince Rupert, "Nephew I
command you to be gone." So the Prince, in all his
fury and discontent, withdrew, and his company
scattered.
6th. One of the
coldest days, all say, they ever felt in England.
9th. Sir
William Petty tells me that Mr. Barlow [Mr. Pepys'
predecessor as Clerk of the acts, to whom he paid
part of the salary.] is dead; for which, God knows
my heart, I could be as sorry as is possible for one
to be for a stranger, by whose death he gets 100l.
per annum.
12th. To Church
to St. Lawrence to hear Dr. Wilkins, the great
scholar, for curiosity, I having never heard him:
but was not satisfied with him at all.
15th. At noon,
with Creed to the Trinity-house, where a very good
dinner among the old jokers, and an extraordinary
discourse of the manner of the loss of the Royall
Oake coming home from Bantam, upon the rocks of
Scilly. Thence with Creed to Gresham College, where
I had been by Mr. Povy the last week proposed to be
admitted a member; and was this day admitted, by
signing a book and being taken by the hand by the
President, my Lord Brouncker, and some words of
admittance said to me. But it is a most acceptable
thing to hear their discourse, and see their
experiments; which were this day on fire, and how it
goes out in a place where the ayre is not free, and
sooner out where the ayre is exhausted, which they
showed by an engine on purpose. After this being
done, they to the Crown Tavern, behind the 'Change,
and there my Lord and most of the company to a club
supper; Sir P. Neale, [Sir Paul Neile, of White
Waltham, Berks, eldest son to Neile, Archbishop of
York.] Sir R. Murrey, [One of the Founders of the
Royal Society, made a Privy Counsellor for Scotland
after the Restoration.] Dr. Clerke, Dr. Whistler,
[Daniel Whistler, Fellow of Merton College, took the
degree of M.D. at Leyden, 1645; and after practising
in London, went as Physician to the Embassy, with
Bulstrode Whitlock, into Sweden. On his return he
became Fellow, and at length President, of the
College of Physicians. Ob. 1684.] Dr. Goddard,
[Jonathan Goddard, M.D., F.R.S. He had been
Physician to Cromwell.] and others, of the most
eminent worth. Above all, Mr. Boyle was at the
meeting, and above him Mr. Hooke, who is the most,
and promises the least, of any man in the world that
ever I saw. Here excellent discourse till ten at
night, and then home.
17th. Povy
tells me how my Lord Barkeley will say openly, that
he hath fought more set fields than any man in
England hath done.
18th. At noon,
to the Royall Oak taverne in Lombard Street; where
Sir William Petty and the owners of the
double-bottomed boat (the Experiment) did entertain
my Lord Brouncker, Sir A. Murrey, myself, and
others, with marrow bones, and a chine of beef of
the victuals they have made for this ship; and
excellent company and good discourse: but, above
all, I do value Sir William Petty. Thence home; and
took my Lord Sandwich's draught of the harbour of
Portsmouth down to Ratcliffe, to one Burston, to
make a plate for the King, and another for the Duke,
and another for himself; which will be very neat.
20th. Rode into
the beginning of my Lord Chancellor's new house,
near St. James's; which common people have already
called Dunkirke-house, from their opinion of having
a good bribe for the selling of that towne. And very
noble I believe it will be. Near that is my Lord
Barkeley beginning another one side, and Sir J.
Denham on the other.
21st. My Lady
Sandwich tells me how my Lord Castlemaine is coming
over from France, and is believed will soon be made
friends with his Lady again. What mad freaks the
Mayds of Honour at Court have: that Mrs. Jenings,
one of the Dutchesse's maids, the other day dressed
herself like an orange wench, and went up and down
and cried oranges; till falling down, or by some
accident her fine shoes were discerned, and she put
to a great deal of shame; that such as these tricks
being ordinary, and worse among them, thereby few
will venture upon them for wives: my Lady
Castlemaine will in merriment say, that her daughter
(not above a year old or two) will be the first mayd
in the Court that will be married. [Frances,
daughter of Richard Jennings, Esq., of Sandridge,
near St. Alban's, and eldest sister of Sarah,
Duchess of Marlborough, married 1st, George
Hamilton, afterwards knighted, and in the French
service; and 2ndly, Richard Talbot, Created Duke of
Tyrconnel. She died in Ireland, 1730. The anecdote
here related will be found in the "Memoires de
Grammont."] This day my Lord Sandwich writ me word
from the Downes, that he is like to be in town this
week.
22nd. At noon
to the 'Change, busy; where great talk of a Dutch
ship in the North put on shore, and taken by a troop
of horse.
25th. At noon
to the 'Change; where just before I come, the Swede
that had told the King and the Duke so boldly a
great lie of the Dutch flinging our men back to back
into the sea at Guinny, so particularly, and
readily, and confidently, was whipt; round the
'Change: he confessing it a lie, and that he did it
in hopes to get something.
27th. We to a
Committee of the Council to discourse concerning
pressing of men; but Lord! how they meet; never sit
down: one comes, now another goes, then comes
another; one complaining that nothing is done,
another swearing that he hath been there these two
hours and nobody come. At last my Lord Annesly
[Created Earl of Anglesea.] says, "I think we must
be forced to get the King to come to every
committee; for I do not see that we do any thing at
any time but when he is here." And I believe he said
the truth: and very constant he is on council-days;
which his predecessors, it seems, very rarely were.
To Sir Philip Warwick's; and there he did contract
with me a kind of friendship and freedom of
communication, wherein he assures me to make me
understand the whole business of the Treasurer of
the Navy, that I shall know as well as Sir G.
Carteret what money he hath; and will needs have me
come to him sometimes, or he meet me, to discourse
of things tending to the serving the King: and I am
mighty proud and happy in becoming so known to such
a man. And I hope shall pursue it.
MARCH 1,
1664-65. To Gresham College, where Mr. Hooke read a
second very curious lecture about the late Comet;
among other things proving very probably that this
is the very same Comet that appeared before in the
year 1618, and that in such a time probably it will
appear again, which is a very new opinion; but all
will be in print. Then to the meeting, where Sir G.
Carteret's two sons, his own, and Sir N. Slaning,
[Sir Nicholas Slaning K.B., married a daughter of
Sir George Carteret.] were admitted of the society:
and this day I did pay my admission money, 40s. to
the society.
4th. William
Howe come to see me, being come up with my Lord from
sea: he is grown a discreet, but very conceited
fellow. He tells me how little respectfully Sir W.
Pen did carry it to my Lord on board the Duke's ship
at sea; and that Captain Minnes, a favourite of
Prince Rupert's, do show my Lord little respect; but
that every body else esteems my Lord as they ought.
This day was proclaimed at the 'Change the war with
Holland.
5th. To my Lord
Sandwich's and dined with my Lord; it being the
first time he hath dined at home since his coming
from sea: and a pretty odd demand it was of my Lord
to my Lady before me: "How do you, sweetheart? How
have you done all this week?" himself taking notice
of it to me, that he had hardly seen her the week
before. At dinner he did use me with the greatest
solemnity in the world, in carving for me, and
nobody else, and calling often to my Lady to cut for
me; and all the respect possible.
6th. With Sir
J. Minnes to St. James's, and there did our business
with the Duke. Great preparations for his speedy
return to sea. I saw him try on his buff coat and
hat-piece covered with black velvet. It troubles me
more to think of his venture, than of any thing else
in the whole warr.
8th. This
morning is brought me to the office the sad news of
The London, in which Sir J. Lawson's men were all
bringing her from Chatham to the Hope, and thence he
was to go to sea in her; but a little on this side
the buoy of the Nower, she suddenly blew up. About
21 men and a woman that were in the round-house and
coach saved; the rest, being about 300, drowned: the
ship breaking all in pieces, with 80 pieces of brass
ordnance. She lies sunk, with her round-house above
water. Sir J. Lawson hath a great loss in this of so
many good chosen men, and many relations among them.
I went to the 'Change, where the news taken very
much to heart.
10th. At noon
to the 'Change, where very hot, people's proposal of
the City giving the King another ship for The
London, that is lately blown up. It would be very
handsome, and if well managed, might be done; but I
fear if it be put into ill hands, or that the
courtiers do solicit it, it will never be done.
13th. This day
my wife begun to wear light-coloured locks, quite
white almost, which, though it makes her look very
pretty, yet not being natural, vexes me, that I will
not have her wear them. This day I saw my Lord
Castlemaine at St. James's, lately come from France.
17th. The Duke
did give us some commands, and so broke up, not
taking leave of him. But the best piece of newes is,
that instead of a great many troublesome Lords, the
whole business is to be left, with the Duke of
Albemarle to act as Admirall in his stead; which is
a thing that do cheer my heart. For the other would
have vexed us with attendance, and never done the
business.
19th. Mr. Povy
and I in his coach to Hyde Parke, being the first
day of the tour there. Where many brave ladies;
among others, Castlemaine lay impudently upon her
back in her coach asleep, with her mouth open. There
was also my Lady Kerneguy, [Daughter of William Duke
of Hamilton, wife of Lord Carnegy, who became Earl
of Southesk on his father's death. She is frequently
mentioned in the "Memoires de Grammont."] once my
Lady Anne Hambleton.
20th. Creed and
I had Mr. Povy's coach sent for us, and we to his
house; where we did some business in order to the
work of this day. Povy and I to my Lord Sandwich,
who tells me that the Duke is not only a friend to
the business, but to me, in terms of the greatest
love and respect. The Duke did direct Secretary
Bennet to declare his mind to the Tangier committee,
that he approves of me for treasurer; and with a
character of me to be a man whose industry and
discretion he would trust soon as any man's in
England: and did, the like to my Lord Sandwich. So
to White Hall to the Committee of Tangier where
there were present, my Lord of Albemarle, my Lord
Peterborough, Sandwich, Barkeley, FitzHarding,
Secretary Bennet, Sir Thomas Ingram, Sir John
Lawson, Povy and I. Where, after other business,
Povy did declare his business very handsomely; that
he was sorry he had been so unhappy in his accounts,
as not to give their Lordships the satisfaction he
intended, and that he was sure his accounts were
right, and continues to submit them to examination,
and is ready to lay down in ready money the fault of
his account; and that for the future, that the work
might be better done and with more quiet to him, he
desired, by approbation of the Duke, he might resign
his place to Mr. Pepys. Whereupon, Secretary Bennet
did deliver the Duke's command, which was received
with great content and allowance beyond expectation;
the Secretary repeating also the Duke's character of
me. And I could discern my Lord FitzHarding was well
pleased with me, and signified full satisfaction,
and whispered something seriously of me to the
Secretary. And there I received their constitution
under all their hands presently; so that I am
already confirmed their treasurer, and put into a
condition of striking of tallys; and all without;
one harsh word of dislike, but quite the contrary;
which is a good fortune beyond all imagination.
22nd. Sir
William Petty did tell me that in good earnest he
hath in his will left some parts of his estate to
him that could invent such and such things. As among
others, that could discover truly the way of milk
coming into the breasts of a woman; and he that
could invent proper characters to express to another
the mixture of relishes and tastes. And says, that
to him that invents gold, he gives nothing for the
philosopher's stone; for (says he) they that find
out that, will be able to pay themselves. But, says
he, by this means it is better than to go to a
lecture; for here my executors, that must part with
this, will be sure to be well convinced of the
invention before they do part with their money. I
saw the Duke, kissed his hand, and had his most kind
expressions of his value and opinion of me, which
comforted me above all things in the world the like
from Mr. Coventry most heartily and affectionately.
Saw, among other fine ladies, Mrs. Middleton, [Jane,
daughter to Sir Robert Needham, frequently mentioned
in the "Memoires de Grammont." Her portrait is at
Windsor Castle amongst the beauties of Charles II.'s
court.] a very great beauty; and I saw Waller
[Edmund Waller.] the poet, whom I never saw before.
23rd. To my
Lord Sandwich, who follows the Duke this day by
water down to the Hope, where the Prince lies. He
received me, busy as he was, with mighty kindness
and joy at my promotions; telling me most largely
how the Duke hath expressed on all occasions his
good opinion of my service and love for me. I paid
my thanks and acknowledgement to him; and so back
home, where at the office all the morning.
27th. Up
betimes to Mr. Povy's, and there did sign and seal
my agreement with him about my place of being
treasurer for Tangier. Thence to the Duke of
Albemarle, the first time that we officers of the
Navy have waited upon him since the Duke of York's
going, who hath deputed him to be Admiral in his
absence. And I find him a quiet heavy man, that will
help business when he can, and hinder nothing. I did
afterwards alone give him thanks for his favour to
me about my Tangier business, which he received
kindly, and did speak much of his esteem of me.
Thence, and did the same to Sir H. Bennet, who did
the like to me very fully.
APRIL 1, 1665.
With Sir G. Carteret, Sir W. Batten, and Sir J.
Minnes to my Lord Treasurer, and there did lay open
the expence for the six months past, and an estimate
of the seven months to come, to November next: the
first arising to above 500,000l., and the latter
will, as we judge, come to above 1,000,000l. But to
see how my Lord Treasurer did bless himself, crying
he would do no more than he could, nor give more
money than he had, if the occasion and expence were
never so great, which is but a bad story.
3rd. To a play
at the Duke's, of my Lord Orrery's, called
"Mustapha," [There was another tragedy of this name,
by Fulk, Lord Brook.] which being not good, made
Beterton's part and Ianthe's but ordinary too. All
the pleasure of the play was, the King and my Lady
Castlemaine were there; and pretty witty Nell, [Nel
Gwynne.] at the King's house, and the younger
Marshall sat next us; which pleased me mightily.
6th. Great talk
of a new Comet; and it is certain do appear as
bright as the late one at the best; but I have not
seen it myself.
7th. Sir Philip
Warwick did show me nakedly the King's condition for
money for the Navy; and he do assure me, unless the
King can get some noblemen or rich money-gentlemen
to lend him money, or to get the City to do it, it
is impossible to find money: we having already, as
he says, spent one year's share of the three- years
tax, which comes to 2,500,000l.
10th. My Lord
Brouncker took me and Sir Thomas Harvy in his coach
to the Park, which is very troublesome with the
dust; and ne'er a great beauty there to day but Mrs.
Middleton.
12th. Sir G.
Carteret, my Lord Brouncker, Sir Thomas Harvy, and
myself, down to my Lord Treasurer's chamber to him
and the Chancellor, and the Duke of Albemarle; and
there I did give them a large account of the charge
of the Navy, and want of money. But strange to see
how they hold up their hands, crying, " What shall
we do?" says my Lord Treasurer, "Why what means all
this, Mr. Pepys? This is true, you say; but what
would you have me to do. I have given all I can for
my life? Why will not people lend their money? Why
will they not trust the King as well as Oliver? Why
do our prizes come to nothing, that yielded so much
heretofore?" And this was all we could get, and went
away without other answer.
16th, Captain
Taylor can, as he says, show the very originall
Charter to Worcester, of King Edgar's, wherein he
stiles himself, Rex Marium Britanniae, &c.; which is
the great text that Mr. Selden and others do quote,
but imperfectly and upon trust. But he hath the very
originall, which he says he will show me.
17th. To the
Duke of Albemarle's, where he showed me Mr.
Coventry's letters, how three Dutch privateers are
taken, in one whereof Everson's son is captaine. But
they have killed poor Captaine Golding in The
Diamond. Two of them, one of 32 and the other of 20
odd guns, did stand stoutly up against her, which
hath 46, and the Yarmouth that hath 52 guns, and as
many more men as they. So that they did more than we
could expect, not yielding till many of their men
were killed. And Everson, when he was brought before
the Duke of York, and was observed to be shot
through the hat, answered, that he wished it had
gone through his head, rather than been taken. One
thing more is written; that two of our ships the
other day appearing upon the coast of Holland, they
presently fired their beacons round the country to
give them notice. And news is brought the King, that
the Dutch Smyrna fleet is seen upon the back of
Scotland; and thereupon the King hath wrote to the
Duke, that he do appoint a fleet to go to the
Northward to try to meet them coming home round:
which God send! Thence to White Hall; where the King
seeing me, did come to me, and calling me by name,
did discourse with me about the ships in the River:
and this is the first time that ever I knew the King
did know me personally; so that hereafter I must not
go thither, but with expectation to be questioned,
and to be ready to give good answers.
19th. Up by
five o'clock, and by water to White Hall; and there
took coach, and with Mr. Moore to Chelsy; where,
after all my fears what doubts and difficulties my
Lord Privy Seale [John Lord Roberts.] would make at
my Tangier Privy Seale, he did pass it at first
reading, without my speaking with him. And then
called me in, and was very civil to me. I passed my
time in contemplating (before I was called in) the
picture of my Lord's son's lady, a most beautiful
woman, and most like to Mrs. Butler. Thence very
much joyed to London back again, and found out Mr.
Povy; told him this; and then went and left my Privy
Seale at my Lord Treasurer's; and so to the 'Change,
and thence to Trinity- house; where a great dinner
of Captain Crisp, who is made an Elder Brother. And
so, being very pleasant at dinner, away home, Creed
with me; and there met Povy; and we to Gresham
College.
20th. This
night I am told the first play is played in White
Hall noon-hall, which is now turned to a house of
playing.
23rd. To White
Hall chapel, and heard the famous young
Stillingfleete, [Edward Stillingfleet, a most
learned Divine, consecrated Bishop of Worcester,
1689, Ob. 1699.] whom I knew at Cambridge, and he is
now newly admitted one of the King's chaplains. And
was presented, they say, to my Lord Treasurer for
St. Andrew's Holborn, where he is now minister, with
these words: that they (the Bishops of Canterbury,
London, and another) believed he is the ablest young
man to preach the Gospel of any since the Apostles.
He did make a most plain, honest, good, grave
sermon, in the most unconcerned and easy yet
substantial manner, that ever I heard in my life,
upon the words of Samuel to the people, "Fear the
Lord in truth with all your heart, and remember the
great things that he hath done for you." It being
proper to this day, the day of the King's
Coronation. Thence to the Cocke-pitt, and there
walked an hour with my Lord Duke of Albemarle alone
in his garden, where he expressed in great words his
opinion of me; that I was the right hand of the Navy
here, nobody but I taking any care of any thing
therein; so that he should not know what could be
done without me. At which I was (from him) not a
little proud.
28th. Down the
River to visit the victualling-ships, where I find
all out of order. And come home to dinner, and then
to write a letter to the; Duke of Albemarle about
them, and carried it myself to the Council-chamber;
and when they rose, my Lord Chancellor passing by
stroked me on the head, and told me that the Board
had read my letter, and taken order for the
punishing of the watermen for not appearing on board
the ships. And so did the King afterwards, who do
now know me so well, that he never sees me but he
speaks to me about our Navy business.
30th. Thus I
end this month in great content as to my estate and
gettings: in much trouble as to the pains I have
taken, and the rubs I expect to meet with, about the
business of Tangier. The fleet, with about 106 ships
upon the coast of Holland, in sight of the Dutch,
within the Texel. Great fears of the sicknesse here
in the City, it being said that two or three houses
are already shut up. God preserve us all!
MAY 1, 1665. I
met my Lord Brouncker, Sir Robert Murrey, Dean
Wilkins, and Mr. Hooke, going by coach to Colonel
Blunt's to dinner. [Wricklesmarsh, in the parish of
Charlton, which belonged, in 1617, to Edward Blount,
Esq., whose family alienated it towards the end of
the seventeenth century. The old mansion was pulled
down by Sir Gregory Page, Bart., who erected a
magnificent stone structure on the site; which,
devolving to his great nephew, Sir Gregory Page
Turner, shared the same fate as the former house,
having been sold in lots in 1784.] So they stopped
and took me with them. Landed at the Tower-wharf,
and thence by water to Greenwich; and there coaches
met us; and to his house, a very stately sight for
situation and brave plantations; and among others, a
vine-yard, the first that ever I did see. No
extraordinary dinner, nor any other entertainment
good; but afterwards to the tryal of some
experiments about making of coaches easy. And
several we tried; but one did prove mighty easy,
(not here for me to describe, but the whole body of
the coach lies upon one long spring,) and we all,
one after another, rid in it; and it is very fine
and likely to take. Thence to Deptford, and in to
Mr. Evelyn's, which is a most beautiful place;
[Says-Court, the well-known residence of John
Evelyn, Esq.] but it being dark and late, I staid
not; but Dean Wilkins and Mr. Hooke and I, walked to
Redriffe; and noble discourse all day long did
please me.
3rd. My Lord
Chief-Justice Hide did die suddenly this week, a day
or two ago, of an apoplexy.
5th. After
dinner, to Mr. Evelyn's; he being abroad, we walked
in his garden, and a lovely noble ground he hath
indeed. And among other rarities, a hive of bees, so
as being hived in glass, you may see the bees making
their honey and combs mighty pleasantly.
10th. To the
Cocke-pitt, where the Duke did give Sir W. Batten
and me an account of the late taking of eight ships,
and of his intent to come back to the Gunfleete with
the fleet presently; which creates us much work and
haste therein, against the fleet comes. And thence
to the Guard in Southwarke, there to get some
soldiers, by the Duke's order, to go keep pressmen
on board our ships.
14th. To
church, it being Whit-sunday; my wife very fine in a
new yellow bird's-eye hood, as the fashion is now. I
took a coach, and to Wemstead, the house where Sir
H. Mildmay died, and now Sir Robert Brookes lives,
having bought it of the Duke of York, it being
forfeited to him. [Sir Robert Brookes, Lord of the
Manor of Wanstead, from 1662 to 1687. M.P. for
Aldborough in Suffolk. He afterwards retired to
France, and died there in bad circumstances. From a
letter among the PEPYS MSS., Sir Robert Brookes
appears to have been drowned in the river at Lyons.]
A fine seat, but an old-fashioned house; and being
not full of people looks flatly.
17th. The
Duchesse of York went down yesterday to meet the
Duke.
18th. To the
Duke of Albemarle, where we did examine Nixon and
Stanesby, about their late running from two
Dutchmen; for which they were committed to a vessel
to carry them to the fleet to be tried. A most fowle
unhandsome thing as ever was heard, for plain
cowardice on Nixon's part.
23rd. Late
comes Sir Arthur Ingram [Sir Arthur Ingram, Knight,
of Knottingley, Surveyor of the Customs at Hull.] to
my office, to tell me, that, by letters from
Amsterdam of the 18th of this month, the Dutch
fleet, being about 100 men-of-war, besides fire-
ships, &c., did set out upon the 13th and 14th inst.
Being divided into seven squadrons, viz.—1. General
Opdam. 2. Cottenar of Rotterdam. [Died of his wounds
after the sea-fight in 1665.] 3. Trump. 4. Schram,
of Horne. 5. Stillingworth, of Freezland. 6.
Everson. 7. One other, not named, of Zealand.
27th. To the
Coffee-house, where all the news is of the Dutch be
gone out, and of the plague growing upon us in this
town; and of remedies against it: some saying one
thing, and some another.
26th. In the
evening by water to the Duke of Albemarle, whom I
found mightily off the hooks, that the ships are not
gone out of the River; which vexed me to see.
28th. I hear
that Nixon is condemned to be shot to death, for his
cowardice, by a Council of War. To my Lady
Sandwich's, where, to my shame, I had not been a
great while. Here, upon my telling her a story of my
Lord Rochester's [John second Earl of Rochester,
celebrated for his wit and profligacy. Ob. 1680.]
running away on Friday night last with Mrs. Mallett,
[Elizabeth, daughter of John Mallett, Esq., of
Enmere, co. Somerset; married soon afterwards to the
Earl of Rochester.] the great beauty and fortune of
the North, who had supped at White Hall with Mrs.
Stewart, and was going home to her lodgings with her
grand- father, my Lord Haly, [Sir Francis Hawley of
Buckland House, co. Somerset, created a Baronet
1662, in 1646 an Irish Peer; by the title of Baron
Hawley of Donamore; in 1671 he was chosen M.P. for
St. Michael's, and in 1673 became a Gentleman of the
Bed-chamber to the Duke of York. Ob. 1684, aged 76.]
by coach: and was at Charing Cross seized on by both
horse and foot-men, and forcibly taken from him, and
put into a coach with six horses, and two women
provided to receive her, and carried away. Upon
immediate pursuit, my Lord of Rochester (for whom
the King had spoke to the lady often, but with no
success,) was taken at Uxbridge: but the lady is not
yet heard of, and the King mighty angry, and the
Lord sent to the Tower. Hereupon my Lady did confess
to me, as a great secret, her being concerned in
this story. For if this match breaks between my Lord
Rochester and her, then, by the consent of all her
friends, my Lord Hinchingbroke stands fair, and is
invited for her. She is worth, and will be at her
mother's death, (who keeps but a little from her,)
2500l. per annum. Pray God give a good success to
it! But my poor Lady who is afraid of the sickness,
and resolved to be gone into the country, is forced
to stay in town a day or two, or three about it, to
see the event of it. Thence to see my Lady Pen,
where my wife and I were shown a fine rarity: of
fishes kept in a glass of water, that will live so
for ever; and finely marked they are, being foreign.
29th. We have
every where taken some prizes. Our merchants had
good luck to come home safe; Colliers from the
North, and some Streights men, just now. And our
Hambrough ships, of whom we were so much afraid, are
safe in Hambrough. Our fleete resolve to sail out
again from Harwich in a day or two.
31st. To the
'Change, where great the noise and trouble of having
our Hambrough ships lost; and that very much placed
upon Mr. Coventry's forgetting to give notice to
them of the going away of our fleet from the coast
of Holland. But all without reason, for he did; but
the merchants not being ready, staid longer than the
time ordered for the convoy to stay, which was ten
days.
June 1, 1665.
After dinner I put on new camelott suit; the best
that ever I wore in my life, the suit costing me
above 24l. In this I went with Creed to Goldsmiths'
Hall, to the burial of Sir Thomas Viner; [Sheriff of
London 1648, Lord Mayor 1654.] which Hall, and
Haberdashers' also, was so full of people, that we
were fain for ease and coolness to go forth to Pater
Noster Row, to choose silk to make me a plain
ordinary suit. That done, we walked to Corne hill,
and there at Mr. Cade's stood in the balcon and saw
all the funeral, which was with the blue-coat boys
and old men, all the Aldermen, and Lord Mayor, &c.
and the number of the company very great: the
greatest I ever did see for a taverne.
3rd. All this
day by all people upon the River, and almost every
where else hereabout were heard the guns, our two
fleets for certain being engaged; which was
confirmed by letters from Harwich, but nothing
particular: and all our hearts full of concernment
for the Duke, and I particularly for my Lord
Sandwich and Mr. Coventry after his Royall Highness.
6th. To my Lady
Sandwich's; who, poor lady, expects every hour to
hear of my Lord; but in the best temper, neither
confident nor troubled with fear, that I ever did
see in my life. She tells me my Lord Rochester is
now declaredly out of hopes of Mrs. Mallett, and now
she in to receive notice in a day or two how the
King stands inclined to the giving leave for my Lord
Hinchingbroke to look after her, and that being
done, to bring it to an end shortly.
7th. The
hottest day that ever I felt in my life, This day,
much against my will, I did in Drury Lane see two or
three houses marked with a red cross upon the doors,
and "Lord have mercy upon us," writ there; which was
a sad sight to me, being the first of the kind that
to my remembrance I ever saw.
8th. I to my
Lord Treasurer's by appointment of Sir Thomas
Ingram's, to meet the Goldsmiths; where I met with
the great news at last newly come, brought by Bab.
May [Baptist May, keeper of the Privy Purse to
Charles II.; there is an original portrait of him by
Lely, at Audley End.] from the Duke of York, that we
have totally routed the Dutch; that the Duke
himself, the Prince, my Lord Sandwich, and Mr.
Coventry are all well: which did put me into such
joy, that I forgot almost all other thoughts. With
great Joy to the Cocke-pitt: where the Duke of
Albemarle, like a man out of himself, with content
new-told me all: and by and by comes a letter from
Mr. Coventry's own hand to him, which he never
opened, (which was a strange thing,) but did give it
me to open and read, and consider what was fit for
our office to do in it, and leave the letter with
Sir W. Clerke; which upon such a time and occasion
was a strange piece of indifference, hardly
possible. I copied out the letter, and did also take
minutes out of Sir W. Clerke's other letters; and
the sum of the news is:-
Victory over
the Dutch, June 3, 1665.
This day they
engaged: the Dutch neglecting greatly the
opportunity of the wind they had of us; by which
they lost the benefit of their fire-ships. The Earl
of Falmouth, Muskerry, and Mr. Richard Boyle [Second
son to the Earl of Burlington.] killed on board the
Duke's ship, the Royall Charles, with one shot:
their blood and brains flying in the Duke's face;
and the head of Mr. Boyle striking down the Duke, as
some say. Earle of Marlborough, Portland,
Rear-Admirall Sansum (to Prince Rupert) killed, and
Capt. Kerby and Ableson. Sir John Lawson wounded on
the knee: hath had some bones taken out, and is
likely to be well again. Upon receiving the hurt, he
sent to the Duke for another to command the Royal
Oake. The Duke sent Jordan out of the St. George,
who did brave things in her. Capt. Jer. Smith of the
Mary was second to the Duke, and stepped between him
and Captain Seaton of the Urania, (76 guns and 400
men) who had sworn to board the Duke; killed him 200
men, and took the ship; himself losing 99 men, and
never an officer saved but himself and lieutenant.
His master indeed is saved, with his leg cut off.
Admirall Opdam blown up, Trump killed, and said by
Holmes; all the rest of their admiralls, as they
say, but Everson, (whom they dare not trust for his
affection to the Prince of Orange,) are killed; we
having taken and sunk, as is believed, about 24 of
their best ships; killed and taken near 8 or 10,000
men, and lost, we think, not above 700. A greater
victory never known in the world. They are all fled,
some 43 got into the Texell, and others elsewhere,
and we in pursuit of the rest.
9th. To White
Hall, and in my way met with Mr. Moore, who eases me
in one point wherein I was troubled; which was, that
I heard of nothing said or done by my Lord Sandwich:
but he tells me that Mr. Cowling, my Lord
Chamberlain's secretary, did hear the King say that
my Lord Sandwich bad done nobly and worthily. The
King, it seems, is much troubled at the fall of my
Lord Falmouth; but I do not meet with any man else
that so much as wishes him alive again, the world
conceiving him a man of too much pleasure to do the
King any good, or offer any good office to him. But
I hear of all hands he is confessed to have been a
man of great honour, that did show it in this his
going with the Duke, the most that ever any man did.
10th. In the
evening home to supper; and there, to my great
trouble, hear that the plague is come into the City
(though it hath these three or four weeks since its
beginning been wholly out of the City); but where
should it begin but in my good friend and
neighbour's, Dr. Burnett; [He was a physician.] in
Fanchurch Street: which in both points troubles me
mightily.
11th. I saw
poor Dr. Burnett's door shut; but he hath, I hear,
gained great good-will among his neighbours; for he
discovered it himself first, and caused himself to
be shut up of his own accord: which was very
handsome.
13th. At noon
with Sir G. Carteret to my Lord Mayor's to dinner,
where much company in a little room. His name, Sir
John Lawrence. There were at table three Sir Richard
Brownes, viz.: he of the Councill, a clerk, and the
Alderman, and his son; and there was a little
grandson also Richard, who will hereafter be Sir
Richard Browne. My Lord Mayor very respectfull to
me.
14th. I met
with Mr. Cowling; who observed to me how he finds
every body silent in the praise of my Lord Sandwich,
to set up the Duke and the Prince; but that the Duke
did both to the King and my Lord Chancellor write
abundantly of my Lord's courage and service and I
this day met with a letter of Captain Ferrers,
wherein he tells how my Lord was with his ship in
all the heat of the day, and did most worthily. To
Westminster; and there saw my Lord Marlborough
brought to be buried, several Lords of the Council
carrying him, and, with the herald in some state.
This day the News-book (upon Mr. Moore's showing
L'Estrange Captain Ferrers letter) did do my Lord
Sandwich great right as to the late victory. The
Duke of York not yet come to town. The town grows
very sickly, and people to be afraid of it; there
dying this last week of the plague 112, from 43 the
week before, whereof but one in Fanchurch-streete,
and one in Broad-streete, by the Treasurer's office.
16th. After
dinner, and doing some business at the office, I to
White Hall, where the Court is full of the Duke and
his courtiers returned from sea. All fat and lusty,
and ruddy by being in the sun. I kissed his hands,
and we waited all the afternoon. By and by saw Mr.
Coventry, which rejoiced my very heart. Anon he and
I, from all the rest of the company, walked into the
Matted Gallery; where after many expressions of
love, we fell to talk of business. Among other
things, how my Lord Sandwich, both in his councils
and personal service, hath done most honourably and
serviceably. Sir J. Lawson is come to Greenwich; but
his wound in his knee yet very bad. Jonas Poole, in
the Vantguard, did basely, so as to be, or will be,
turned out of his ship. Captain Holmes expecting
upon Sansum's death to be made Rear-admirall to the
Prince, (but Harman is put in) hath delivered up to
the Duke his commission, which the Duke took and
tore. He it seems, had bid the Prince, who first
told him of Holmes's intention, that he should
dissuade him from it; for that he was resolved to
take it if he offered it. Yet Holmes would do it,
like a rash, proud coxcombe. But he is rich, and
hath, it seems, sought an occasion of leaving the
service. Several of our Captains have done ill. The
great ships are the ships do the business, they
quite, deadening the enemy. They run away upon sight
of the Prince. It is strange to see how people do
already slight Sir William Barkeley, [Killed in the
sea-fight the following year. Vide June 16, 1666.]
my Lord FitzHarding's brother, who, three months
since, was the delight of the Court. Captain Smith
of the Mary the Duke talks mightily of; and some
great thing will be done for him. Strange to hear
how the Dutch do relate, as the Duke says, that they
are the conquerors; and bonfires are made in
Dunkirke in their behalf; though a clearer victory
can never be expected. Mr. Coventry thinks they
cannot have lost less than 6000 men, and we not dead
above 200, and wounded about 400; in all about 600.
Captain Grove, the Duke told us this day, hath done
the basest thing at Lowestoffe, in hearing of the
guns, and could not (as others) be got out, but
staid there; for which he will be tried; and is
reckoned a prating coxcombe, and of no courage.
17th. It struck
me very deep this afternoon going with a hackney
coach from Lord Treasurer's down Holborne, the
coachman I found to drive easily and easily, at last
stood still, and come down hardly able to stand, and
told me that he was suddenly struck very sick, and
almost blind, he could not see; so I light and went
into another coach, with a sad heart for the poor
man and for myself also, lest he should have been
struck with the plague. Sir John Lawson, I hear, is
worse than yesterday: the King went to see him
to-day most, kindly. It seems his wound is not very
bad; but he hath a fever, a thrush and a hick-up,
all three together, which are, it seems, very bad
symptoms.
20th.
Thankes-giving-day for victory over the Dutch. To
the Dolphin Taverne, where all we officers of the
Navy met with the Commissioners of the Ordnance by
agreement, and dined: where good musique at my
direction. Our club come to 34s. a man, nine of us.
By water to Fox-hall, and there walked an hour
alone, observing the several humours of the citizens
that were there this holy-day, pulling off cherries,
and God knows what. This day I informed myself that
there died four of five at Westminster of the
plague, in several houses upon Sunday last, in
Bell-Alley, over against the Palace-gate: yet people
do think that the number will be fewer in the town
than it was the last week. The Dutch are come out
again with 20 sail under Banker; supposed gone to
the Northward to meet their East India fleet.
21st. I find
our tallys will not be money in less than sixteen
months, which is a sad thing for the King to pay all
that interest for every penny he spends; and, which
is strange, the goldsmiths with whom I spoke, do
declare that they will not be moved to part with
money upon the increase of their consideration of
ten per cent, which they have. I find all the town
almost going out of town, the coaches and waggons
being all full of people going into the country.
23rd. To a
Committee for Tangier, where unknown to me comes my
Lord of Sandwich, who, it seems, come to town last
night. After the Committee was up, my Lord Sandwich
did take me aside in the robe-chamber, telling me
how much the Duke and Mr. Coventry did, both in the
fleet and here, make of him, and that in some
opposition to the Prince; and as a more private
message, he told me that he hath been with them both
when they have made sport of the Prince and laughed
at him: yet that all the discourse of the town, and
the printed relation, should not give him one word
of honour my Lord thinks very strange; he assuring
me, that though by accident the Prince was in the
van in the beginning of the fight for the first
pass, yet all the rest of the day my Lord was in the
van, and continued so. That notwithstanding all this
noise of the Prince, he had hardly a shot in his
side or a man killed, whereas he above 30 in her
hull, and not one mast whole nor yard: but the most
battered ship of the fleet, and lost most men,
saving Captain Smith of the Mary. That the most the
Duke did was almost out of gun-shot: but that,
indeed, the Duke did come up to my Lord's rescue
after he had a great while fought with four of them.
How poorly Sir John Lawson performed,
notwithstanding all that was said of him; and how
his ship turned out of the way while Sir J. Lawson
himself was upon the deck, to the endangering of the
whole fleet. From that discourse my Lord did begin
to tell me how much he was concerned to dispose of
his children, and would have my advice and help; and
propounded to match my Lady Jemimah to Sir G.
Carteret's eldest son, [Philip Carteret, afterwards
knighted. He perished on board Lord Sandwich's flag
ship at the battle of Solebay.] which I approved of,
and did undertake the speaking with him about it as
from myself, which my Lord liked. Home by
hackney-coach, which is become a very dangerous
passage now-a-days, the sickness encreasing
mightily.
24th. To Dr.
Clerke's, and there I in the best manner I could,
broke my errand about a match between Sir G.
Carteret's eldest son and my Lord Sandwich's eldest
daughter, which he (as I knew he would) took with
great content: and he did undertake to find out Sir
George this morning, and put the business in
execution, So I to White Hall, where I with Creed
and Povy attended my Lord Treasurer, and did prevail
with him to let us have an assignment for 15 or
20,000l. which, I hope, will do our business for
Tangier. To Sir G. Carteret, and in the best manner
I could, moved the business: he received it with
great respect and content, and thanks to me, and
promised that he would do what he possibly could for
his son, to render him fit for my Lord's daughter,
and showed great kindness to me, and sense of my
kindness to him herein. Sir William Pen told me this
day that Mr. Coventry is to be sworn a Privy
Counsellor, at which my soul is glad.
25th. To White
Hall, where, after I again visited G. Carteret, and
received his (and now his Lady's) full content in my
proposal, my Lord Sandwich did direct me to return
to Sir G. Carteret, and give him thanks for his kind
acceptation of this offer, and that he would the
next day be willing to enter discourse with him
shout the business. My Lord, I perceive, intends to
give 5000l. with her, and expects about 8001. per
annum joynture. To Greenwich by water, thinking to
have visited Sir J. Lawson, where, when I come, I
find that he died this morning; and indeed the
nation hath a great loss. Mr. Coventry, among other
talk, entered about the great question now in the
House about the Duke's going to sea again; about
which the whole House is divided. The plague
encreases mightily, I this day seeing a house, at a
bitt-maker's over against St. Clement's Church, in
the open street shut up; which is a sad sight.
28th. I did
take my leave of Sir William Coventry, who it seems
was knighted, and sworn a Privy-Counsellor two days
since; who with his old kindness treated me, and I
believe I shall ever find a noble friend. In my way
to Westminster Hall, I observed several plague
houses in King's street and the Palace.
29th. To White
Hall, where the Court full of waggons and people
ready to go out of town. This end of the town every
day grows very bad of the plague. The Mortality Bill
is come to 267: which is about ninety more than the
last: and of these but four in the City, which is a
great blessing to us. Took leave again of Mr.
Coventry; though I hope the Duke is not gone to
stay, and so do others too. Home; calling at
Somerset House, where all were packing up too: the
Queene Mother setting out for France this day to
drink Bourbon waters this year, she being in a
consumption; and intends not to come till winter
come twelve- months.
30th. Thus this
book of two years ends. Myself and family in good
health, consisting of myself and wife, Mercer, her
woman, Mary, Alice, and Susan our maids, and Tom my
boy. In a sickly time of the plague growing on.
Having upon my hands the troublesome care of the
Treasury of Tangier, with great sums drawn upon me,
and nothing to pay them with: also the
