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[Illustration: _THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM_
_From an old painting_]
THE DIARY OF JOHN EVELYN
Edited from the Original Mss. by
WILLIAM BRAY
Fellow of the Antiquarian Society
In Two Volumes
VOL. II
With a Biographical Introduction by the Editor
And a Special Introduction by Richard Garnett, Ll.D.
of the British Museum
M. Walter Dunne, Publisher
Washington & London
Copyright, 1901,
by
Walter Dunne,
Publisher
ILLUSTRATIONS
CHARLES I. IN PRISON _Frontispiece_
Photogravure after De La Roche.
LORD WILLIAM RUSSELL TAKING LEAVE OF HIS CHILDREN, 1683 180
Photogravure after a painting by Bridges.
OLIVER CROMWELL DICTATING TO JOHN MILTON 284
The letter to the Duke of Savoy to stop the persecution
of the Protestants of Piedmont, 1655.
Photogravure from an engraving by Sartain after Newenham.
VOLUME II.
THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM _Frontispiece_
From an old painting.
NELL GWYNNE 64
Photogravure after Sir Peter Lely.
VOLUME I.
1620-1664
VOLUME II.
1665-1706
THE DIARY OF JOHN EVELYN.
2d January, 1665.
This day was published by me that part of "The Mystery of Jesuitism"
translated and collected by me, though without my name, containing the
Imaginary Heresy, with four letters and other pieces.
4th January, 1665. I went in a coach, it being excessive sharp frost and
snow, toward Dover and other parts of Kent, to settle physicians,
chirurgeons, agents, marshals, and other officers in all the sea ports,
to take care of such as should be set on shore, wounded, sick, or
prisoners, in pursuance of our commission reaching from the North
Foreland, in Kent, to Portsmouth, in Hampshire. The rest of the ports in
England were allotted to the other Commissioners. That evening I came to
Rochester, where I delivered the Privy Council's letter to the Mayor to
receive orders from me.
5th January, 1665. I arrived at Canterbury, and went to the cathedral,
exceedingly well repaired since his Majesty's return.
6th January, 1665. To Dover, where Colonel Stroode, Lieutenant of the
Castle, having received the letter I brought him from the Duke of
Albemarle, made me lodge in it, and I was splendidly treated, assisting
me from place to place. Here I settled my first Deputy. The Mayor and
officers of the Customs were very civil to me.
9th January, 1665. To Deal.--10th. To Sandwich, a pretty town, about two
miles from the sea. The Mayor and officers of the Customs were very
diligent to serve me. I visited the forts in the way, and returned that
night to Canterbury.
11th January, 1665. To Rochester, when I took order to settle officers
at Chatham.
12th January, 1665. To Gravesend, and returned home. A cold, busy, but
not unpleasant journey.
[Sidenote: LONDON]
25th January, 1665. This night being at Whitehall, his Majesty came to
me standing in the withdrawing-room, and gave me thanks for publishing
"The Mysteries of Jesuitism," which he said he had carried two days in
his pocket, read it, and encouraged me; at which I did not a little
wonder: I suppose Sir Robert Murray had given it to him.
27th January, 1665. Dined at the Lord Chancellor's, who caused me after
dinner to sit two or three hours alone with him in his bedchamber.
2d February, 1665. I saw a Masque performed at Court, by six gentlemen
and six ladies, surprising his Majesty, it being Candlemas day.
8th February, Ash Wednesday, 1665. I visited our prisoners at Chelsea
College, and to examine how the marshal and sutlers behaved. These were
prisoners taken in the war; they only complained that their bread was
too fine. I dined at Sir Henry Herbert's, Master of the Revels.
9th February, 1665. Dined at my Lord Treasurer's, the Earl of
Southampton, in Bloomsbury, where he was building a noble square or
piazza,[1] a little town; his own house stands too low, some noble
rooms, a pretty cedar chapel, a naked garden to the north, but good air.
I had much discourse with his Lordship, whom I found to be a person of
extraordinary parts, but a _valetudinarian_.--I went to St. James's
Park, where I saw various animals, and examined the throat of the
_Onocrotylus_, or pelican, a fowl between a stork and a swan; a
melancholy water-fowl, brought from Astrakhan by the Russian Ambassador;
it was diverting to see how he would toss up and turn a flat fish,
plaice, or flounder, to get it right into his gullet at its lower beak,
which, being filmy, stretches to a prodigious wideness when it devours a
great fish. Here was also a small water-fowl, not bigger than a moorhen,
that went almost quite erect, like the penguin of America; it would eat
as much fish as its whole body weighed; I never saw so unsatiable a
devourer, yet the body did not appear to swell the bigger. The solan
geese here are also great devourers, and are said soon to exhaust all
the fish in a pond. Here was a curious sort of poultry not much
exceeding the size of a tame pigeon, with legs so short as their crops
seemed to touch the earth; a milk-white raven; a stork, which was a
rarity at this season, seeing he was loose, and could fly loftily; two
Balearian cranes, one of which having had one of his legs broken and cut
off above the knee, had a wooden or boxen leg and thigh, with a joint so
accurately made that the creature could walk and use it as well as if it
had been natural; it was made by a soldier. The park was at this time
stored with numerous flocks of several sorts of ordinary and
extraordinary wild fowl, breeding about the Decoy, which for being near
so great a city, and among such a concourse of soldiers and people, is a
singular and diverting thing. There were also deer of several countries,
white; spotted like leopards; antelopes, an elk, red deer, roebucks,
stags, Guinea goats, Arabian sheep, etc. There were withy-pots, or
nests, for the wild fowl to lay their eggs in, a little above the
surface of the water.
[Footnote 1: The Italians mean simply a square by their _piazzas_.]
23d February, 1665. I was invited to a great feast at Mr. Rich's (a
relation of my wife's, now reader at Lincoln's Inn); where was the Duke
of Monmouth, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishops of London and
Winchester, the Speaker of the House of Commons, divers of the Judges,
and several other great men.
24th February, 1665. Dr. Fell, Canon of Christ Church, preached before
the King, on 15 ch. Romans, v. 2, a very formal discourse, and in blank
verse, according to his manner; however, he is a good man.--Mr. Philips,
preceptor to my son, went to be with the Earl of Pembroke's son, my Lord
Herbert.
[Sidenote: LONDON]
2d March, 1665. I went with his Majesty into the lobby behind the House
of Lords, where I saw the King and the rest of the Lords robe
themselves, and got into the House of Lords in a corner near the
woolsack, on which the Lord Chancellor sits next below the throne: the
King sat in all the regalia, the crown-imperial on his head, the sceptre
and globe, etc. The Duke of Albemarle bore the sword, the Duke of
Ormond, the cap of dignity. The rest of the Lords robed in their
places:--a most splendid and august convention. Then came the Speaker
and the House of Commons, and at the bar made a speech, and afterward
presented several bills, a nod only passing them, the clerk saying, _Le
Roy le veult_, as to public bills, as to private, _Soit faite commeil
est desirè_. Then, his Majesty made a handsome but short speech,
commanding my Lord Privy Seal to prorogue the Parliament, which he did,
the Chancellor being ill and absent. I had not before seen this
ceremony.
9th March, 1665. I went to receive the poor creatures that were saved
out of the London frigate, blown up by accident, with above 200 men.
29th March, 1665. Went to Goring House, now Mr. Secretary Bennet's,
ill-built, but the place capable of being made a pretty villa. His
Majesty was now finishing the Decoy in the Park.
2d April, 1665. Took order about some prisoners sent from Captain
Allen's ship, taken in the Solomon, viz, the brave men who defended her
so gallantly.
5th April, 1665. Was a day of public humiliation and for success of this
terrible war, begun doubtless at secret instigation of the French to
weaken the States and Protestant interest. Prodigious preparations on
both sides.
6th April, 1665. In the afternoon, I saw acted "_Mustapha_," a tragedy
written by the Earl of Orrery.
11th April, 1665. To London, being now left the only Commissioner to
take all necessary orders how to exchange, remove, and keep prisoners,
dispose of hospitals, etc.; the rest of the Commissioners being gone to
their several districts, in expectation of a sudden engagement.
19th April, 1665. Invited to a great dinner at the Trinity House, where
I had business with the Commissioners of the Navy, and to receive the
second £5,000, impressed for the service of the sick and wounded
prisoners.
20th April, 1665. To Whitehall, to the King, who called me into his
bedchamber as he was dressing, to whom, I showed the letter written to
me from the Duke of York from the fleet, giving me notice of young
Evertzen, and some considerable commanders newly taken in fight with the
Dartmouth and Diamond frigates, whom he had sent me as prisoners at war;
I went to know of his Majesty how he would have me treat them, when he
commanded me to bring the young captain to him, and to take the word of
the Dutch Ambassador (who yet remained here) for the other, that he
should render himself to me whenever I called on him, and not stir
without leave. Upon which I desired more guards, the prison being
Chelsea House. I went also to Lord Arlington (the Secretary Bennet
lately made a Lord) about other business. Dined at my Lord Chancellor's;
none with him but Sir Sackville Crowe, formerly Ambassador at
Constantinople; we were very cheerful and merry.
24th April, 1665. I presented young Captain Evertzen (eldest son of
Cornelius, Vice-Admiral of Zealand and nephew of John, now Admiral, a
most valiant person) to his Majesty in his bed-chamber. The King gave
him his hand to kiss, and restored him his liberty; asked many questions
concerning the fight (it being the first blood drawn), his Majesty
remembering the many civilities he had formerly received from his
relations abroad, who had now so much interest in that considerable
Province. Then, I was commanded to go with him to the Holland
Ambassador, where he was to stay for his passport, and I was to give him
fifty pieces in broad gold. Next day I had the Ambassador's parole for
the other Captain, taken in Captain Allen's fight before Calais. I gave
the King an account of what I had done, and afterward asked the same
favor for another Captain, which his Majesty gave me.
28th April, 1665. I went to Tunbridge, to see a solemn exercise at the
free-school there.
Having taken orders with my marshal about my prisoners, and with the
doctor and chirurgeon to attend the wounded enemies, and of our own men,
I went to London again, and visited my charge, several with legs and
arms off; miserable objects, God knows.
16th May, 1665. To London, to consider of the poor orphans and widows
made by this bloody beginning, and whose husbands and relations perished
in the London frigate, of which there were fifty widows, and forty-five
of them with child.
26th May, 1665. To treat with the Holland Ambassador at Chelsea, for
release of divers prisoners of war in Holland on exchange here. After
dinner, being called into the Council-Chamber at Whitehall, I gave his
Majesty an account of what I had done, informing him of the vast charge
upon us, now amounting to no less than £1,000 weekly.
29th May, 1665. I went with my little boy to my district in Kent, to
make up accounts with my officers. Visited the Governor at Dover Castle,
where were some of my prisoners.
3d June, 1665. In my return went to Gravesend; the fleets being just now
engaged, gave special orders for my officers to be ready to receive the
wounded and prisoners.
[Sidenote: LONDON]
5th June, 1665. To London, to speak with his Majesty and the Duke of
Albemarle for horse and foot guards for the prisoners at war, committed
more particularly to my charge by a commission apart.
8th June, 1665. I went again to his Grace, thence to the Council, and
moved for another privy seal for £20,000, and that I might have the
disposal of the Savoy Hospital for the sick and wounded; all which was
granted. Hence to the Royal Society, to refresh among the philosophers.
Came news of his highness's victory, which indeed might have been a
complete one, and at once ended the war, had it been pursued, but the
cowardice of some, or treachery, or both, frustrated that. We had,
however, bonfires, bells, and rejoicing in the city. Next day, the 9th,
I had instant orders to repair to the Downs, so as I got to Rochester
this evening. Next day I lay at Deal, where I found all in readiness:
but, the fleet being hindered by contrary winds, I came away on the
12th, and went to Dover, and returned to Deal; and on the 13th, hearing
the fleet was at Solbay, I went homeward, and lay at Chatham, and on the
14th, I got home. On the 15th, came the eldest son of the present
Secretary of State to the French King, with much other company, to dine
with me. After dinner, I went with him to London, to speak to my Lord
General for more guards, and gave his Majesty an account of my journey
to the coasts under my inspection. I also waited on his Royal Highness,
now come triumphant from the fleet, gotten into repair. See the whole
history of this conflict in my "History of the Dutch War."
20th June, 1665. To London, and represented the state of the sick and
wounded to His Majesty in Council, for want of money, he ordered I
should apply to My Lord Treasurer and Chancellor of the Exchequer, upon
what funds to raise the money promised. We also presented to his Majesty
divers expedients for retrenchment of the charge.
This evening making my court to the Duke, I spake to Monsieur
Comminges, the French Ambassador, and his Highness granted me six
prisoners, Embdeners, who were desirous to go to the Barbadoes with a
merchant.
22d June, 1665. We waited on the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and got an
Order of Council for our money to be paid to the Treasurer of the Navy
for our Receivers.
23d June, 1665. I dined with Sir Robert Paston, since Earl of Yarmouth,
and saw the Duke of Verneuille, base brother to the Queen-Mother, a
handsome old man, a great hunter.
The Duke of York told us that, when we were in fight, his dog sought out
absolutely the very securest place in all the vessel.--In the afternoon,
I saw the pompous reception and audience of El Conde de Molino, the
Spanish Ambassador, in the Banqueting-house, both their Majesties
sitting together under the canopy of state.
30th June, 1665. To Chatham; and, 1st July, to the fleet with Lord
Sandwich, now Admiral, with whom I went in a pinnace to the Buoy of the
Nore, where the whole fleet rode at anchor; went on board the Prince, of
ninety brass ordnance, haply the best ship in the world, both for
building and sailing; she had 700 men. They made a great huzza, or
shout, at our approach, three times. Here we dined with many noblemen,
gentlemen, and volunteers, served in plate and excellent meat of all
sorts. After dinner, came his Majesty, the Duke, and Prince Rupert. Here
I saw the King knight Captain Custance for behaving so bravely in the
late fight. It was surprising to behold the good order, decency, and
plenty of all things in a vessel so full of men. The ship received a
hundred cannon shot in her body. Then I went on board the Charles, to
which after a gun was shot off, came all the flag officers to his
Majesty, who there held a General Council, which determined that his
Royal Highness should adventure himself no more this summer. I came away
late, having seen the most glorious fleet that ever spread sails. We
returned in his Majesty's yacht with my Lord Sandwich and Mr.
Vice-Chamberlain, landing at Chatham on Sunday morning.
5th July, 1665. I took order for 150 men, who had been recovered of
their wounds, to be carried on board the Clove Tree, Carolus Quintus,
and Zealand, ships that had been taken by us in the fight; and so
returned home.
7th July, 1665. To London, to Sir William Coventry; and so to Sion,
where his Majesty sat at Council during the contagion: when business was
over, I viewed that seat belonging to the Earl of Northumberland, built
out of an old nunnery, of stone, and fair enough, but more celebrated
for the garden than it deserves; yet there is excellent wall-fruit, and
a pretty fountain; nothing else extraordinary.
9th July, 1665. I went to Hampton-Court, where now the whole Court was,
to solicit for money; to carry intercepted letters; confer again with
Sir William Coventry, the Duke's secretary; and so home, having dined
with Mr. Secretary Morice.
16th July, 1665. There died of the plague in London this week 1,100; and
in the week following, above 2,000. Two houses were shut up in our
parish.
2d August, 1665. A solemn fast through England to deprecate God's
displeasure against the land by pestilence and war; our Doctor preaching
on 26 Levit. v. 41, 42, that the means to obtain remission of punishment
was not to repine at it; but humbly to submit to it.
3d August, 1665. Came his Grace the Duke of Albemarle, Lord General of
all his Majesty's forces, to visit me, and carried me to dine with him.
4th August, 1665. I went to Wotton with my Son and his tutor, Mr. Bohun,
Fellow of New College (recommended to me by Dr. Wilkins, and the
President of New College, Oxford), for fear of the pestilence, still
increasing in London and its environs. On my return, I called at
Durdans, where I found Dr. Wilkins, Sir William Petty, and Mr. Hooke,
contriving chariots, new rigging for ships, a wheel for one to run races
in, and other mechanical inventions; perhaps three such persons together
were not to be found elsewhere in Europe, for parts and ingenuity.
8th August, 1665. I waited on the Duke of Albemarle, who was resolved to
stay at the Cock-pit, in St. James's Park. Died this week in London,
4,000.
15th August, 1665. There perished this week 5,000.
28th August, 1665. The contagion still increasing, and growing now all
about us, I sent my wife and whole family (two or three necessary
servants excepted) to my brother's at Wotton, being resolved to stay at
my house myself, and to look after my charge, trusting in the providence
and goodness of God.
[Sidenote: CHATHAM]
5th September, 1665. To Chatham, to inspect my charge, with £900 in my
coach.
7th September, 1665. Came home, there perishing near 10,000 poor
creatures weekly; however, I went all along the city and suburbs from
Kent Street to St. James's, a dismal passage, and dangerous to see so
many coffins exposed in the streets, now thin of people; the shops shut
up, and all in mournful silence, not knowing whose turn might be next. I
went to the Duke of Albemarle for a pest-ship, to wait on our infected
men, who were not a few.
14th September, 1665. I went to Wotton; and on 16th September, to visit
old Secretary Nicholas, being now at his new purchase of West Horsley,
once mortgaged to me by Lord Viscount Montague: a pretty dry seat on the
Down. Returned to Wotton.
17th September, 1665. Receiving a letter from Lord Sandwich of a defeat
given to the Dutch, I was forced to travel all Sunday. I was exceedingly
perplexed to find that near 3,000 prisoners were sent to me to dispose
of, being more than I had places fit to receive and guard.
25th September, 1665. My Lord Admiral being come from the fleet to
Greenwich, I went thence with him to the Cock-pit, to consult with the
Duke of Albemarle. I was peremptory that, unless we had £10,000
immediately, the prisoners would starve, and it was proposed it should
be raised out of the East India prizes now taken by Lord Sandwich. They
being but two of the commission, and so not empowered to determine, sent
an express to his Majesty and Council, to know what they should do. In
the meantime, I had five vessels, with competent guards, to keep the
prisoners in for the present, to be placed as I should think best. After
dinner (which was at the General's) I went over to visit his Grace, the
Archbishop of Canterbury, at Lambeth.
28th September, 1665. To the General again, to acquaint him of the
deplorable state of our men for want of provisions; returned with
orders.
29th September, 1665. To Erith, to quicken the sale of the prizes lying
there, with order to the commissioner who lay on board till they should
be disposed of, £5,000 being proportioned for my quarter. Then I
delivered the Dutch Vice-Admiral, who was my prisoner, to Mr. Lo....
[2]of the Marshalsea, he giving me bond in £500 to produce him at my
call. I exceedingly pitied this brave unhappy person, who had lost with
these prizes £40,000 after twenty years' negotiation [trading] in the
East Indies. I dined in one of these vessels, of 1,200 tons, full of
riches.
[Footnote 2: Mr. Lowman.]
1st October, 1665. This afternoon, while at evening prayers, tidings
were brought me of the birth of a daughter at Wotton, after six sons, in
the same chamber I had first taken breath in, and at the first day of
that month, as I was on the last, forty-five years before.
4th October, 1665. The monthly fast.
[Sidenote: LONDON]
11th October, 1665. To London, and went through the whole city, having
occasion to alight out of the coach in several places about business of
money, when I was environed with multitudes of poor, pestiferous
creatures begging alms; the shops universally shut up, a dreadful
prospect! I dined with my Lord General; was to receive £10,000, and had
guards to convey both myself and it, and so returned home, through God's
infinite mercy.
17th October, 1665. I went to Gravesend; next day to Chatham; thence to
Maidstone, in order to the march of 500 prisoners to Leeds Castle, which
I had hired of Lord Culpeper. I was earnestly desired by the learned Sir
Roger Twisden, and Deputy-Lieutenants, to spare Maidstone from
quartering any of my sick flock. Here, Sir Edward Brett sent me some
horse to bring up the rear. This country, from Rochester to Maidstone
and the Downs, is very agreeable for the prospect.
21st October, 1665. I came from Gravesend, where Sir J. Griffith, the
Governor of the Fort, entertained me very handsomely.
31st October, 1665. I was this day forty-five years of age wonderfully
preserved; for which I blessed God for his infinite goodness toward me.
23d November, 1665. Went home, the contagion having now decreased
considerably.
27th November, 1665. The Duke of Albemarle was going to Oxford, where
both Court and Parliament had been most part of the summer. There was no
small suspicion of my Lord Sandwich having permitted divers commanders,
who were at the taking of the East India prizes, to break bulk, and to
take to themselves jewels, silks, etc.: though I believe some whom I
could name filled their pockets, my Lord Sandwich himself had the least
share. However, he underwent the blame, and it created him enemies, and
prepossessed the Lord General, for he spoke to me of it with much zeal
and concern, and I believe laid load enough on Lord Sandwich at Oxford.
8th December, 1665. To my Lord of Albemarle (now returned from Oxford),
who was declared General at Sea, to the no small mortification of that
excellent person, the Earl of Sandwich, whom the Duke of Albemarle not
only suspected faulty about the prizes, but less valiant; himself
imagining how easy a thing it were to confound the Hollanders, as well
now as heretofore he fought against them upon a more disloyal interest.
25th December, 1665. Kept Christmas with my hospitable brother, at
Wotton.
30th December, 1665. To Woodcot, where I supped at my Lady Mordaunt's at
Ashsted, where was a room hung with _pintado_, full of figures great and
small, prettily representing sundry trades and occupations of the
Indians, with their habits; here supped also Dr. Duke, a learned and
facetious gentleman.
31st December, 1665. Now blessed be God for his extraordinary mercies
and preservation of me this year, when thousands, and ten thousands,
perished, and were swept away on each side of me, there dying in our
parish this year 406 of the pestilence!
3d January, 1665-66. I supped in Nonesuch House,[3] whither the office
of the Exchequer was transferred during the plague, at my good friend
Mr. Packer's, and took an exact view of the plaster statues and
bass-relievos inserted between the timbers and puncheons of the outside
walls of the Court; which must needs have been the work of some
celebrated Italian. I much admired how they had lasted so well and
entire since the time of Henry VIII., exposed as they are to the air;
and pity it is they are not taken out and preserved in some dry place; a
gallery would become them. There are some mezzo-relievos as big as the
life; the story is of the Heathen Gods, emblems, compartments, etc. The
palace consists of two courts, of which the first is of stone, castle
like, by the Lord Lumleys (of whom it was purchased), the other of
timber, a Gothic fabric, but these walls incomparably beautiful. I
observed that the appearing timber-puncheons, entrelices, etc., were all
so covered with scales of slate, that it seemed carved in the wood and
painted, the slate fastened on the timber in pretty figures, that has,
like a coat of armor, preserved it from rotting. There stand in the
garden two handsome stone pyramids, and the avenue planted with rows of
fair elms, but the rest of these goodly trees, both of this and of
Worcester Park adjoining, were felled by those destructive and
avaricious rebels in the late war, which defaced one of the stateliest
seats his Majesty had.
[Footnote 3: Of this famous summer residence of Queen Elizabeth not
a vestige remains.]
12th January, 1666. After much, and indeed extraordinary mirth and
cheer, all my brothers, our wives, and children, being together, and
after much sorrow and trouble during this contagion, which separated our
families as well as others, I returned to my house, but my wife went
back to Wotton. I, not as yet willing to adventure her, the contagion,
though exceedingly abated, not as yet wholly extinguished among us.
29th January, 1666. I went to wait on his Majesty, now returned from
Oxford to Hampton-Court, where the Duke of Albemarle presented me to
him; he ran toward me, and in a most gracious manner gave me his hand to
kiss, with many thanks for my care and faithfulness in his service in a
time of such great danger, when everybody fled their employments; he
told me he was much obliged to me, and said he was several times
concerned for me, and the peril I underwent, and did receive my service
most acceptably (though in truth I did but do my duty, and O that I had
performed it as I ought!). After this, his Majesty was pleased to talk
with me alone, near an hour, of several particulars of my employment,
and ordered me to attend him again on the Thursday following at
Whitehall. Then the Duke came toward me, and embraced me with much
kindness, telling me if he had thought my danger would have been so
great, he would not have suffered his Majesty to employ me in that
station. Then came to salute me my Lord of St. Albans, Lord Arlington,
Sir William Coventry, and several great persons; after which, I got
home, not being very well in health.
The Court was now in deep mourning for the French Queen-Mother.
[Sidenote: LONDON]
2d February, 1666. To London; his Majesty now come to Whitehall, where I
heard and saw my Lord Mayor (and brethren) make his speech of welcome,
and the two Sheriffs were knighted.
6th February, 1666. My wife and family returned to me from the country,
where they had been since August, by reason of the contagion, now almost
universally ceasing. Blessed be God for his infinite mercy in preserving
us! I, having gone through so much danger, and lost so many of my poor
officers, escaping still myself that I might live to recount and magnify
his goodness to me.
8th February, 1666. I had another gracious reception by his Majesty, who
called me into his bed-chamber, to lay before and describe to him my
project of an Infirmary, which I read to him, who with great
approbation, recommended it to his Royal Highness.
20th February, 1666. To the Commissioners of the Navy who, having seen
the project of the Infirmary, encouraged the work, and were very earnest
it should be set about immediately; but I saw no money, though a very
moderate expense would have saved thousands to his Majesty, and been
much more commodious for the cure and quartering of our sick and
wounded, than the dispersing them into private houses, where many more
chirurgeons and attendants were necessary, and the people tempted to
debauchery.
21st February, 1666. Went to my Lord Treasurer for an assignment of
£40,000 upon the last two quarters for support of the next year's
charge. Next day, to Duke of Albemarle and Secretary of State, to desire
them to propose it to the Council.
1st March, 1666. To London, and presented his Majesty my book intitled,
"The Pernicious Consequences of the new Heresy of the Jesuits against
Kings and States."
7th March, 1666. Dr. Sancroft, since Archbishop of Canterbury, preached
before the King about the identity and immutability of God, on Psalm
cii. 27.
13th March, 1666. To Chatham, to view a place designed for an
Infirmary.
15th March, 1666. My charge now amounted to near £7,000 [weekly].
22d March, 1666. The Royal Society reassembled, after the dispersion
from the contagion.
24th March, 1666. Sent £2,000 to Chatham.
[Sidenote: LONDON]
1st April, 1666. To London, to consult about ordering the natural
rarities belonging to the repository of the Royal Society; referred to a
Committee.
10th April, 1666. Visited Sir William D'Oyly, surprised with a fit of
apoplexy, and in extreme danger.
11th April, 1666. Dr. Bathurst preached before the King, from "I say
unto you all, watch"--a seasonable and most excellent discourse. When
his Majesty came from chapel, he called to me in the lobby, and told me
he must now have me sworn for a Justice of Peace (having long since made
me of the Commission); which I declined as inconsistent with the other
service I was engaged in, and humbly desired to be excused. After
dinner, waiting on him, I gave him the first notice of the Spaniards
referring the umpirage of the peace between them and Portugal to the
French King, which came to me in a letter from France before the
Secretaries of State had any news of it. After this, his Majesty again
asked me if I had found out any able person about our parts that might
supply my place of Justice of Peace (the office in the world I had most
industriously avoided, in regard of the perpetual trouble thereof in
these numerous parishes); on which I nominated one, whom the King
commanded me to give immediate notice of to my Lord Chancellor, and I
should be excused; for which I rendered his Majesty many thanks. From
thence, I went to the Royal Society, where I was chosen by twenty-seven
voices to be one of their Council for the ensuing year; but, upon my
earnest suit in respect of my other affairs, I got to be excused--and so
home.
15th April, 1666. Our parish was now more infected with the plague than
ever, and so was all the country about, though almost quite ceased at
London.
24th April, 1666. To London about our Mint-Commission, and sat in the
inner Court of Wards.
8th May, 1666. To Queensborough, where finding the Richmond frigate, I
sailed to the buoy of the Nore to my Lord-General and Prince Rupert,
where was the Rendezvous of the most glorious fleet in the world, now
preparing to meet the Hollander. Went to visit my cousin, Hales, at a
sweetly-watered place at Chilston, near Bockton. The next morning, to
Leeds Castle, once a famous hold, now hired by me of my Lord Culpeper
for a prison. Here I flowed the dry moat, made a new drawbridge, brought
spring water into the court of the Castle to an old fountain, and took
order for the repairs.
22d May, 1666. Waited on my Lord Chancellor at his new palace; and Lord
Berkeley's built next to it.
24th May, 1666. Dined with Lord Cornbury, now made Lord Chamberlain to
the Queen; who kept a very honorable table.
1st June, 1666. Being in my garden at 6 o'clock in the evening, and
hearing the great guns go thick off, I took horse and rode that night to
Rochester; thence next day toward the Downs and seacoast, but meeting
the Lieutenant of the Hampshire frigate, who told me what passed, or
rather what had not passed, I returned to London, there being no noise,
or appearance at Deal, or on that coast of any engagement. Recounting
this to his Majesty, whom I found at St. James's Park, impatiently
expecting, and knowing that Prince Rupert was loose about three at St.
Helen's Point at N. of the Isle of Wight, it greatly rejoiced him; but
he was astonished when I assured him they heard nothing of the guns in
the Downs, nor did the Lieutenant who landed there by five that morning.
3d June, 1666. Whitsunday. After sermon came news that the Duke of
Albemarle was still in fight, and had been all Saturday, and that
Captain Harman's ship (the Henry) was like to be burnt. Then a letter
from Mr. Bertie that Prince Rupert was come up with his squadron
(according to my former advice of his being loose and in the way), and
put new courage into our fleet, now in a manner yielding ground; so that
now we were chasing the chasers; that the Duke of Albemarle was slightly
wounded, and the rest still in great danger. So, having been much
wearied with my journey, I slipped home, the guns still roaring very
fiercely.
[Sidenote: LONDON]
5th June, 1666. I went this morning to London, where came several
particulars of the fight.
6th June, 1666. Came Sir Daniel Harvey from the General and related the
dreadful encounter, on which his Majesty commanded me to dispatch an
extraordinary physician and more chirurgeons. It was on the solemn
Fast-day when the news came; his Majesty being in the chapel made a
sudden stop to hear the relation, which being with much advantage on our
side, his Majesty commanded that public thanks should immediately be
given as for a victory. The Dean of the chapel going down to give notice
of it to the other Dean officiating; and notice was likewise sent to St.
Paul's and Westminster Abbey. But this was no sooner over, than news
came that our loss was very great both in ships and men; that the Prince
frigate was burnt, and as noble a vessel of ninety brass guns lost; and
the taking of Sir George Ayscue, and exceeding shattering of both
fleets; so as both being obstinate, both parted rather for want of
ammunition and tackle than courage; our General retreating like a lion;
which exceedingly abated of our former joy. There were, however, orders
given for bonfires and bells; but, God knows, it was rather a
deliverance than a triumph. So much it pleased God to humble our late
overconfidence that nothing could withstand the Duke of Albemarle, who,
in good truth, made too forward a reckoning of his success now, because
he had once beaten the Dutch in another quarrel; and being ambitious to
outdo the Earl of Sandwich, whom he had prejudicated as deficient in
courage.
7th June, 1666. I sent more chirurgeons, linen, medicaments, etc., to
the several ports in my district.
8th June, 1666. Dined with me Sir Alexander Fraser, prime physician to
his Majesty; afterward, went on board his Majesty's pleasure-boat, when
I saw the London frigate launched, a most stately ship, built by the
City to supply that which was burnt by accident some time since; the
King, Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, being there with great banquet.
11th June, 1666. Trinity Monday, after a sermon, applied to the
remeeting of the Corporation of the Trinity-House, after the late raging
and wasting pestilence: I dined with them in their new room in Deptford,
the first time since it was rebuilt.
15th June, 1666. I went to Chatham.--16th. In the Jemmy yacht (an
incomparable sailer) to sea, arrived by noon at the fleet at the Buoy at
the Nore, dined with Prince Rupert and the General.
17th June, 1666. Came his Majesty, the Duke, and many Noblemen. After
Council, we went to prayers. My business being dispatched, I returned to
Chatham, having lain but one night in the Royal Charles; we had a
tempestuous sea. I went on shore at Sheerness, where they were building
an arsenal for the fleet, and designing a royal fort with a receptacle
for great ships to ride at anchor; but here I beheld the sad spectacle,
more than half that gallant bulwark of the kingdom miserably shattered,
hardly a vessel entire, but appearing rather so many wrecks and hulls,
so cruelly had the Dutch mangled us. The loss of the Prince, that
gallant vessel, had been a loss to be universally deplored, none knowing
for what reason we first engaged in this ungrateful war; we lost besides
nine or ten more, and near 600 men slain and 1,100 wounded, 2,000
prisoners; to balance which, perhaps we might destroy eighteen or twenty
of the enemy's ships, and 700 or 800 poor men.
18th June, 1666. Weary of this sad sight, I returned home.
2d July, 1666. Came Sir John Duncomb and Mr. Thomas Chicheley, both
Privy Councillors and Commissioners of His Majesty's Ordnance, to visit
me, and let me know that his Majesty had in Council, nominated me to be
one of the Commissioners for regulating the farming and making of
saltpetre through the whole kingdom, and that we were to sit in the
Tower the next day. When they were gone, came to see me Sir John Cotton,
heir to the famous antiquary, Sir Robert Cotton: a pretended great
Grecian, but had by no means the parts, or genius of his grandfather.
3d July, 1666. I went to sit with the Commissioners at the Tower, where
our commission being read, we made some progress in business, our
Secretary being Sir George Wharton, that famous mathematician who wrote
the yearly Almanac during his Majesty's troubles. Thence, to Painters'
Hall, to our other commission, and dined at my Lord Mayor's.
4th July, 1666. The solemn Fast-day. Dr. Meggot preached an excellent
discourse before the King on the terrors of God's judgments. After
sermon, I waited on my Lord Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of
Winchester, where the Dean of Westminster spoke to me about putting into
my hands the disposal of fifty pounds, which the charitable people of
Oxford had sent to be distributed among the sick and wounded seamen
since the battle. Hence, I went to the Lord Chancellor's to joy him of
his Royal Highness's second son, now born at St. James's; and to desire
the use of the Star-chamber for our Commissioners to meet in, Painters'
Hall not being so convenient.
12th July, 1666. We sat the first time in the Star-chamber. There was
now added to our commission Sir George Downing (one that had been a
great ... against his Majesty, but now insinuated into his favor; and,
from a pedagogue and fanatic preacher, not worth a groat, had become
excessively rich), to inspect the hospitals and treat about prisons.
14th July, 1666. Sat at the Tower with Sir J. Duncomb and Lord Berkeley,
to sign deputations for undertakers to furnish their proportions of
saltpetre.
[Sidenote: LONDON]
17th July, 1666. To London, to prepare for the next engagement of the
fleets, now gotten to sea again.
22d July, 1666. Our parish still infected with the contagion.
25th July, 1666. The fleets engaged. I dined at Lord Berkeley's, at St.
James's, where dined my Lady Harrietta Hyde, Lord Arlington, and Sir
John Duncomb.
29th July, 1666. The pestilence now fresh increasing in our parish, I
forbore going to church. In the afternoon came tidings of our victory
over the Dutch, sinking some, and driving others aground, and into their
ports.
1st August, 1666. I went to Dr. Keffler, who married the daughter of the
famous chemist, Drebbell,[4] inventor of the bodied scarlet. I went to
see his iron ovens, made portable (formerly) for the Prince of Orange's
army: supped at the Rhenish Wine-House with divers Scots gentlemen.
[Footnote 4: Cornelius Van Drebbell, born at Alkmaar, in Holland, in
1572; but in the reign of Charles I. settled in London, where he
died in 1634. He was famous for other discoveries in science besides
that mentioned by Evelyn--the most important of which was the
thermometer. He also made improvements in microscopes and
telescopes; and though, like many of his scientific contemporaries,
something of an empiric, possessed a considerable knowledge of
chemistry and of different branches of natural philosophy.]
6th August, 1666. Dined with Mr. Povey, and then went with him to see a
country house he had bought near Brentford; returning by Kensington;
which house stands to a very graceful avenue of trees, but it is an
ordinary building, especially one part.
8th August, 1666. Dined at Sir Stephen Fox's with several friends and,
on the 10th, with Mr. Odart, Secretary of the Latin tongue.
17th August, 1666. Dined with the Lord Chancellor, whom I entreated to
visit the Hospital of the Savoy, and reduce it (after the great abuse
that had been continued) to its original institution for the benefit of
the poor, which he promised to do.
25th August, 1666. Waited on Sir William D'Oyly, now recovered, as it
were, miraculously. In the afternoon, visited the Savoy Hospital, where
I stayed to see the miserably dismembered and wounded men dressed, and
gave some necessary orders. Then to my Lord Chancellor, who had, with
the Bishop of London and others in the commission, chosen me one of the
three surveyors of the repairs of Paul's, and to consider of a model for
the new building, or, if it might be, repairing of the steeple, which
was most decayed.
26th August, 1666. The contagion still continuing, we had the Church
service at home.
27th August, 1666. I went to St. Paul's church, where, with Dr. Wren,
Mr. Pratt, Mr. May, Mr. Thomas Chicheley, Mr. Slingsby, the Bishop of
London, the Dean of St. Paul's, and several expert workmen, we went
about to survey the general decays of that ancient and venerable church,
and to set down in writing the particulars of what was fit to be done,
with the charge thereof, giving our opinion from article to article.
Finding the main building to recede outward it was the opinion of
Chicheley and Mr. Pratt that it had been so built _ab origine_ for an
effect in perspective, in regard of the height; but I was, with Dr.
Wren, quite of another judgment, and so we entered it; we plumbed the
uprights in several places. When we came to the steeple, it was
deliberated whether it were not well enough to repair it only on its old
foundation, with reservation to the four pillars; this Mr. Chicheley and
Mr. Pratt were also for, but we totally rejected it, and persisted that
it required a new foundation, not only in regard of the necessity, but
for that the shape of what stood was very mean, and we had a mind to
build it with a noble cupola, a form of church-building not as yet known
in England, but of wonderful grace. For this purpose, we offered to
bring in a plan and estimate, which after much contest, was at last
assented to, and that we should nominate a committee of able workmen to
examine the present foundation. This concluded, we drew all up in
writing, and so went with my Lord Bishop to the Dean's.
28th August, 1666. Sat at the Star-chamber. Next day, to the Royal
Society, where one Mercator, an excellent mathematician, produced his
rare clock and new motion to perform the equations, and Mr. Rooke, his
new pendulum.
[Sidenote: LONDON]
2d September, 1666. This fatal night, about ten, began the deplorable
fire, near Fish street, in London.
3d September, 1666. I had public prayers at home. The fire continuing,
after dinner, I took coach with my wife and son, and went to the
Bankside in Southwark, where we beheld that dismal spectacle, the whole
city in dreadful flames near the waterside; all the houses from the
Bridge, all Thames street, and upward toward Cheapside, down to the
Three Cranes, were now consumed; and so returned, exceedingly astonished
what would become of the rest.
The fire having continued all this night (if I may call that night
which was light as day for ten miles round about, after a dreadful
manner), when conspiring with a fierce eastern wind in a very dry
season, I went on foot to the same place; and saw the whole south part
of the city burning from Cheapside to the Thames, and all along Cornhill
(for it likewise kindled back against the wind as well as forward),
Tower street, Fenchurch street, Gracious street, and so along to
Baynard's Castle, and was now taking hold of St. Paul's church, to which
the scaffolds contributed exceedingly. The conflagration was so
universal, and the people so astonished, that, from the beginning, I
know not by what despondency, or fate, they hardly stirred to quench it;
so that there was nothing heard, or seen, but crying out and
lamentation, running about like distracted creatures, without at all
attempting to save even their goods; such a strange consternation there
was upon them, so as it burned both in breadth and length, the churches,
public halls, Exchange, hospitals, monuments, and ornaments; leaping
after a prodigious manner, from house to house, and street to street, at
great distances one from the other. For the heat, with a long set of
fair and warm weather, had even ignited the air, and prepared the
materials to conceive the fire, which devoured, after an incredible
manner, houses, furniture, and every thing. Here, we saw the Thames
covered with goods floating, all the barges and boats laden with what
some had time and courage to save, as, on the other side, the carts,
etc., carrying out to the fields, which for many miles were strewn with
movables of all sorts, and tents erecting to shelter both people and
what goods they could get away. Oh, the miserable and calamitous
spectacle! such as haply the world had not seen since the foundation of
it, nor can be outdone till the universal conflagration thereof. All the
sky was of a fiery aspect, like the top of a burning oven, and the light
seen above forty miles round about for many nights. God grant mine eyes
may never behold the like, who now saw above 10,000 houses all in one
flame! The noise and cracking and thunder of the impetuous flames, the
shrieking of women and children, the hurry of people, the fall of
towers, houses, and churches, was like a hideous storm; and the air all
about so hot and inflamed, that at the last one was not able to approach
it, so that they were forced to stand still, and let the flames burn on,
which they did, for near two miles in length and one in breadth. The
clouds also of smoke were dismal, and reached, upon computation, near
fifty miles in length. Thus, I left it this afternoon burning, a
resemblance of Sodom, or the last day. It forcibly called to my mind
that passage--"_non enim hic habemus stabilem civitatem_"; the ruins
resembling the picture of Troy. London was, but is no more! Thus, I
returned.
4th September, 1666. The burning still rages, and it is now gotten as
far as the Inner Temple. All Fleet street, the Old Bailey, Ludgate hill,
Warwick lane, Newgate, Paul's chain, Watling street, now flaming, and
most of it reduced to ashes; the stones of Paul's flew like grenados,
the melting lead running down the streets in a stream, and the very
pavements glowing with fiery redness, so as no horse, nor man, was able
to tread on them, and the demolition had stopped all the passages, so
that no help could be applied. The eastern wind still more impetuously
driving the flames forward. Nothing but the Almighty power of God was
able to stop them; for vain was the help of man.