Produced by David Widger
THE DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS M.A. F.R.S.
CLERK OF THE ACTS AND SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY
TRANSCRIBED FROM THE SHORTHAND MANUSCRIPT IN THE PEPYSIAN LIBRARY
MAGDALENE COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE BY THE REV. MYNORS BRIGHT M.A. LATE FELLOW
AND PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE
(Unabridged)
WITH LORD BRAYBROOKE'S NOTES
EDITED WITH ADDITIONS BY
HENRY B. WHEATLEY F.S.A.
DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS.
MARCH & APRIL
1659-60
March 1st. In the morning went to my Lord's lodgings, thinking to have
spoke with Mr. Sheply, having not been to visit him since my coming to
town. But he being not within I went up, and out of the box where my
Lord's pamphlets lay, I chose as many as I had a mind to have for my own
use and left the rest. Then to my office, where little to do, abut Mr.
Sheply comes to me, so at dinner time he and I went to Mr. Crew's, whither
Mr. Thomas was newly come to town, being sent with Sir H. Yelverton, a my
old school-fellow at Paul's School, to bring the thanks of the county to
General Monk for the return of the Parliament. But old Mr. Crew and my
Lord not coming home to dinner, we tarried late before we went to dinner,
it being the day that John, Mr. John Crew's coachman, was to be buried in
the afternoon, he being a day or two before killed with a blow of one of
his horses that struck his skull into his brain. From thence Mr. Sheply
and I went into London to Mr. Laxton's; my Lord's apothecary, and so by
water to Westminster, where at the Sun [tavern] he and I spent two or
three hours in a pint or two of wine, discoursing of matters in the
country, among other things telling me that my uncle did to him make a
very kind mention of me, and what he would do for me. Thence I went home,
and went to bed betimes. This day the Parliament did vote that they would
not sit longer than the 15th day of this month.
2d. This morning I went early to my Lord at Mr. Crew's, where I spoke to
him. Here were a great many come to see him, as Secretary Thurlow who is
now by this Parliament chosen again Secretary of State. There were also
General Monk's trumpeters to give my Lord a sound of their trumpets this
morning. Thence I went to my office, and wrote a letter to Mr. Downing
about the business of his house. Then going home, I met with Mr. Eglin,
Chetwind, and Thomas, who took me to the Leg [another tavern] in King's
street, where we had two brave dishes of meat, one of fish, a carp and
some other fishes, as well done as ever I ate any. After that to the Swan
tavern, where we drank a quart or two of wine, and so parted. So I to
Mrs. Jem and took Mr. Moore with me (who I met in the street), and there I
met W. Howe and Sheply. After that 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 have 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.--[Charles II., or
George Monk, or Richard Cromwell.]--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." From Westminster
Hall home. Spent the evening in my study, and so after some talk with my
wife, then to bed.
3d. 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. I met with Mr. Pierce the purser,
Lieut. Lambert, Mr. Creed, and Will. Howe, and went with them to the Swan
tavern. Up to my office, but did nothing. At noon home to dinner to a
sheep's head. My brother Tom came and dined with me, and told me that my
mother was not very well, and that my Aunt Fenner was very ill too. After
dinner I to Warwick House, in Holborn, to my Lord, where he dined with my
Lord of Manchester, Sir Dudley North, my Lord Fiennes, and my Lord Barkly.
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. Crew's, in our way
talking of publick things, and how I should look after getting of his
Commissioner's despatch. He told me he feared there was new design
hatching, as if Monk had a mind to get into the saddle. Here I left him,
and went by appointment to Hering, the merchant, but missed of my money,
at which I was much troubled, but could not help myself. Returning, met
Mr. Gifford, who took me and gave me half a pint of wine, and told me, as
I hear this day 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, who took me into a place in
Drury Lane, where we drank a great deal of strong water, more than ever I
did in my life at onetime before. 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. Hence home and wrote to my father
at Brampton by the post. So to bed. This day I was told that my Lord
General Fleetwood told my lord that he feared the King of Sweden is dead
of a fever at Gottenburg.
4th. Lord's day. Before I went to church I sang Orpheus' Hymn to my
viall. After that to Mr. Gunning's, an excellent sermon upon charity.
Then to my mother to dinner, where my wife and the maid were come. After
dinner we three to Mr. Messum's where we met Mons. L'Impertinent, who got
us a seat and told me a ridiculous story how that last week he had caused
a simple citizen to spend; L80 in entertainments of him and some friends
of his upon pretence of some service that he would do him in his suit
after a widow. Then to my mother again, and after supper she and I talked
very high about religion, I in defence of the religion I was born in.
Then home.
5th. Early in the morning Mr. Hill comes to string my theorbo,
[The theorbo was a bass lute. Having gut strings it was played with
the fingers. There is a humorous comparison of the long waists of
ladies, which came into fashion about 1621, with the theorbo, by
Bishop Corbet:
"She was barr'd up in whale-bones, that did leese
None of the whale's length, for they reached her knees;
Off with her head, and then she hath a middle
As her waste stands, just like the new found fiddle,
The favourite Theorbo, truth to tell ye,
Whose neck and throat are deeper than the belly."
Corbet, 'Iter Boreale'.]
which we were about till past ten o'clock, with a great deal of pleasure.
Then to Westminster, where I met with Mr. Sheply and Mr. Pinkney at
Will's, who took me by water to Billingsgate, at the Salutation Tavern,
whither by-and-by, Mr. Talbot and Adams came, and bring a great [deal of]
good meat, a ham of bacon, &c. Here we staid and drank till Mr. Adams
began to be overcome. Then we parted, and so to Westminster by water,
only seeing Mr. Pinkney at his own house, where he shewed me how he had
alway kept the Lion and Unicorn, 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. To bed.
6th. (Shrove Tuesday.) I called Mr. Sheply and we both went up to my
Lord's lodgings at Mr. Crew's, where he bade 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 and me about his going to sea, he called
me by myself to go along with him into the garden, where he asked me how
things were with me, and what he had endeavoured to do with my uncle to
get him to do something for me but he would say nothing too. He likewise
bade 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. After he was gone, I waiting upon him
through the garden till he came to the Hall, where I left him and went up
to my office, where Mr. Hawly brought one to me, a seaman, that had
promised Rio to him if he get him a purser's place, which I think to
endeavour to do. Here comes my uncle Tom, whom I took to Will's and drank
with, poor man, he comes to inquire about the knights of Windsor, of which
he desires to get to be one.
[The body of Poor Knights of Windsor was founded by Edward III. The
intention of the king with regard to the poor knights was to provide
relief and comfortable subsistence for such valiant soldiers as
happened in their old age to fall into poverty and decay. On
September 20th, 1659, a Report having been read respecting the Poor
Knights of Windsor, the House "ordered that it be referred to a
Committee, to look into the revenue for maintenance of the Poor
Knights of Windsor," &c. (See Tighe and Davis's "Annals of
Windsor.")]
While we were drinking, in comes Mr. Day, a carpenter in Westminster, to
tell me that it was Shrove Tuesday, and that I must go with him to their
yearly Club upon this day, which I confess I had quite forgot. So I went
to the Bell, where were Mr. Eglin, Veezy, Vincent a butcher, one more, and
Mr. Tanner, with whom I played upon a viall, and he a viallin, after
dinner, and were very merry, with a special good dinner, a leg of veal and
bacon, two capons and sausages and fritters, with abundance of wine. After
that I went home, where I found Kate Sterpin who hath not been here a
great while before. She gone I went to see Mrs. Jem, at whose chamber
door I found a couple of ladies, but she not being there, we hunted her
out, and found that she and another had hid themselves behind a door.
Well, they all went down into the dining-room, where it was full of tag,
rag, and bobtail, dancing, singing, and drinking, of which I was ashamed,
and after I had staid a dance or two I went away. Going home, called at
my Lord's for Mr. Sheply, but found him at the Lion with a pewterer, that
he had bought pewter to-day of. With them I drank, and so home and wrote
by the post, by my Lord's command, for J. Goods to come up presently. For
my Lord intends to go forthwith into the Swiftsure till the Nazeby be
ready. This day I hear that the Lords do intend to sit, and 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 drinks 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. My mind, I must needs remember, has been very much eased and joyed at
my Lord's great expressions of kindness this day, and in discourse
thereupon my wife and I lay awake an hour or two in our bed.
7th. (Ash Wednesday.) In the morning I went to my Lord at Mr. Crew's, in
my way Washington overtook me and told me upon my question whether he knew
of any place now void that I might have, by power over friends, that this
day Mr. G. Montagu was to be made 'Custos Rotulorum' for Westminster, and
that by friends I might get to be named by him Clerk of the Peace, with
which I was, as I am at all new things, very much joyed, so when I came to
Mr. Crew's, I spoke to my Lord about it, who told me he believed Mr.
Montagu had already promised it, and that it was given him only that he
might gratify one person with the place I look for. Here, among many that
were here, I met with Mr. Lynes, the surgeon, who promised me some seeds
of the sensitive plant.
[Evelyn, about the same date (August 9th, 1661), "tried several
experiments on the sensitive plant and humilis, which contracted
with the least touch of the sun through a burning glass, though it
rises and opens only when it shines on it"]
I spoke too with Mr. Pierce the surgeon, who gave me great encouragement
to go to sea with my Lord. Thence going homewards, my Lord overtook me in
his coach, and called me in, and so I went with him to St. James's, and G.
Montagu 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 that could
be. I left him at Whitehall, and myself went to Westminster to my office,
whither nothing to do, but I did discourse with Mr. Falconbridge about Le
Squire's place, and had his consent to get it if I could. I afterwards in
the Hall met with W. Simons, who put me in the best way how to get it
done. Thence by appointment to the Angel in King Street, where Chetwind,
Mr. Thomas and Doling were at oysters, and beginning Lent this day with a
fish dinner. After dinner Mr. Thomas and I by water to London, where I
went to Herring's and received the L50 of my Lord's upon Frank's bill from
Worcester. I gave in the bill and set my hand to his bill. Thence I went
to the Pope's Head Alley and called on Adam Chard, and bought a catcall
there, it cost me two groats. Thence went and gave him a cup of ale.
After that to the Sun behind the Exchange, where meeting my uncle Wight
by the way, took him with me thither, and after drinking a health or two
round at the Cock (Mr. Thomas being gone thither), we parted, he and I
homewards, parted at Fleet Street, where I found my father newly come home
from Brampton very well. He left my uncle with his leg very dangerous, and
do believe he cannot continue in that condition long. He tells me that my
uncle did acquaint him very largely what he did intend to do with his
estate, to make me his heir and give my brother Tom something, and that my
father and mother should have likewise something, to raise portions for
John and Pall. I pray God he may be as good as his word. Here I staid
and supped and so home, there being Joyce Norton there and Ch. Glascock.
Going home I called at Wotton's and took home a piece of cheese. At home
Mr. Sheply sat with me a little while, and so we all to bed. This news
and my Lord's great kindness makes me very cheerful within. I pray God
make me thankful. 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 has
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 Whitehall to bespeak some firing for my father at Short's, and
likewise to speak to Mr. Blackburne about Batters being gunner in the
"Wexford." Then 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 against 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 look for me to bring me to my
Lord at the lobby; whither sending a note to my Lord, he comes out to me
and gives me direction 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. Home
about two o'clock, and took my wife by land to Paternoster Row, to buy
some Paragon for a petticoat and so home again. In my way meeting Mr.
Moore, who went home with me while I ate a bit and so back to Whitehall
again, both of us. He waited at the Council for Mr. Crew. I to the
Admiralty, where I got the order for the money, and have taken care for
the getting of it assigned upon Mr. Hutchinson, Treasurer for the Navy,
against tomorrow. Hence going home I met with Mr. King that belonged to
the Treasurers at War and took him to Harper's, who told me that he and
the rest of his fellows are cast out of office by the new Treasurers. 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. This noon I met at the Dog tavern Captain Philip Holland,
with whom I advised how to make some advantage of my Lord's going to sea,
which he told me might be by having of five or six servants entered on
board, and I to give them what wages I pleased, and so their pay to be
mine; he was also very urgent to have me take the Secretary's place, that
my Lord did proffer me. At the same time 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 at Gottenburgh the 3rd of the last
month, and he told me what a great change he found when he came here, the
secluded members being restored. He also spoke very freely of Mr. Wades
profit, which he made while he was in Zeeland, how he did believe that he
cheated Mr. Powell, and that he made above L500 on the voyage, which Mr.
Wade did very angrily deny, though I believe he was guilty enough.
9th. To my Lord at his lodging, and came to Westminster with him in the
coach, with Mr. Dudley with him, and he in the Painted Chamber
[The Painted Chamber, or St. Edward's Chamber, in the old Palace at
Westminster. The first name was given to it from the curious
paintings on the walls, and the second from the tradition that
Edward the Confessor died in it.]
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, which I did at my office, that by my Lord's desire I
offered that my place might for a while be supplied by Mr. Moore, and that
I and my security should be bound by the same bond for him. I went and
dined at Mr. Crew's, where Mr. Hawly comes to me, and I told him the
business and shewed him the letter promising him L20 a year, which he
liked very well of. I did the same to Mr. Moore, which he also took for a
courtesy. In the afternoon by coach, taking Mr. Butler with me to the
Navy Office, about the L500 for my Lord, which I am promised to have
to-morrow morning. Then by coach back again, and at White Hall at the
Council Chamber spoke with my Lord and got him to sign the acquittance for
the L500, and he also told me that he had spoke to Mr. Blackburne to put
off Mr. Creed and that I should come to him for direction in the
employment. After this Mr. Butler and I to Harper's, where we sat and
drank for two hours till ten at night; the old woman she was drunk and
began to talk foolishly in commendation of her son James. Home and to
bed. All night troubled in my thoughts how to order my business upon this
great change with me that I could not sleep, and being overheated with
drink I made a promise the next morning to drink no strong drink this
week, for I find that it makes me sweat and puts me quite out of order.
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.
10th. In the morning went to my father's, whom I took in his cutting
house,--[His father was a tailor, and this was his cutting-out room.]--and
there I told him my resolution to go to sea with my Lord, and consulted
with him how to dispose of my wife, and we resolved of letting her be at
Mr. Bowyer's. Thence to the Treasurer of the Navy, where I received L500
for my Lord, and having left L200 of it with Mr. Rawlinson at his house
for Sheply, I went with the rest to the Sun tavern on Fish Street Hill,
where Mr. Hill, Stevens and Mr. Hater of the Navy Office had invited me,
where we had good discourse and a fine breakfast of Mr. Hater. Then by
coach home, where I took occasion to tell my wife of my going to sea, who
was much troubled at it, and was with some dispute at last willing to
continue at Mr. Bowyer's in my absence. After this to see Mrs. Jem and
paid her maid L7, and then to Mr. Blackburne, who told me what Mr. Creed
did say upon the news of my coming into his place, and that he did propose
to my Lord that there should be two Secretaries, which made me go to Sir
H. Wright's where my Lord dined and spoke with him about it, but he seemed
not to agree to the motion. Hither W. Howe comes to me and so to
Westminster. In the way he told me, what I was to provide and so forth
against my going. He went with me to my office, whither also Mr. Madge
comes half foxed and played the fool upon the violin that made me weary.
Then to Whitehall and so home and set many of my things in order against
my going. My wife was late making of caps for me, and the wench making an
end of a pair of stockings that she was knitting of. So to bed.
11th. (Sunday.) All the day busy without my band on, putting up my books
and things, in order to my going to sea. At night my wife and I went to
my father's to supper, where J. Norton and Chas. Glascocke supt with us,
and after supper home, where the wench had provided all things against
tomorrow to wash, and so to bed, where I much troubled with my cold and
coughing.
12th. This day the wench rose at two in the morning to wash, and my wife
and I lay talking a great while. I by reason of my cold could not tell
how to sleep. My wife and I to the Exchange, where we bought a great many
things, where I left her and went into London, and at Bedells the
bookseller's at the Temple gate I paid L12 10s. 6d. for Mr. Fuller by his
direction. So came back and at Wilkinson's found Mr. Sheply and some sea
people, as the cook of the Nazeby and others, at dinner. Then to the
White Horse in King Street, where I got Mr. Buddle's horse to ride to
Huntsmore to Mr. Bowyer's, where I found him and all well, and willing to
have my wife come and board with them while I was at sea, which was the
business I went about. Here I lay and took a thing for my cold, namely a
spoonful of honey and a nutmeg scraped into it, by Mr. Bowyer's direction,
and so took it into my mouth, which I found did do me much good.
13th. It rained hard and I got up early, and got to London by 8 o'clock
at my Lord's lodgings, who told me that I was to be secretary, and Creed
to be deputy treasurer to the Fleet, at which I was troubled, but I could
not help it. After that to my father's to look after things, and so at my
shoemaker's and others. At night to Whitehall, where I met with Simons
and Luellin at drink with them at Roberts at Whitehall. Then to the
Admiralty, where I talked with Mr. Creed till the Brothers, and they were
very seemingly willing and glad that I have the place since my Lord would
dispose of it otherwise than to them. Home and to bed. 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, 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 give him an account of them. Here I got half-a-piece of
a person of Mr. Wright's recommending to my Lord to be Preacher of the
Speaker frigate. I went hence to St. James's and Mr. Pierce the surgeon
with me, to speak 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. G. Montagu and my Lord
Mandeville chose there in spite of the Bernards. This done (where I saw
General Monk and methought he seemed a dull heavy man), he and I to
Whitehall, where with Luellin we dined at Marsh's. Coming home telling my
wife what we had to dinner, she had a mind to some cabbage, and I sent for
some and she had it. Went to the Admiralty, where a strange thing how I
am already courted by the people. This morning among others that came to
me I hired a boy of Jenkins of Westminster and Burr to be my clerk. This
night I went to Mr. Creed's chamber where he gave me the former book of
the proceedings in the fleet and the Seal. Then to Harper's where old
Beard was and I took him by coach to my Lord's, but he was not at home,
but afterwards I found him out at Sir H. Wright's. Thence by coach, it
raining hard, to Mrs. Jem, where I staid a while, and so home, and late in
the night put up my things in a sea-chest that Mr. Sheply lent me, and so
to bed.
15th. Early packing up my things to be sent by cart with the rest of my
Lord's. So to Will's, where I took leave of some of my friends. Here I
met Tom Alcock, one that went to school with me at Huntingdon, but I had
not seen him these sixteen years. So in the Hall paid and made even with
Mrs. Michell; afterwards met with old Beale, and at the Axe paid him this
quarter to Ladyday next. In the afternoon Dick Mathews comes to dine, and
I went and drank with him at Harper's. So into London by water, and in
Fish Street my wife and I bought a bit of salmon for 8d. and went to the
Sun Tavern and ate it, where I did promise to give her all that I have in
the world but my books, in case I should die at sea. From thence
homewards; in the way my wife bought linen for three smocks and other
things. I went to my Lord's and spoke with him. So home with Mrs. Jem by
coach and then home to my own house. From thence to the Fox in
King-street to supper on a brave turkey of Mr. Hawly's, with some friends
of his there, Will Bowyer, &c. 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. To the Fox again. Home with my wife, and to bed extraordinary
sleepy.
16th. No sooner out of bed but troubled with abundance of clients,
seamen. My landlord Vanly's man came to me by my direction yesterday, for
I was there at his house as I was going to London by water, and I paid him
rent for my house for this quarter ending at Lady day, and took an
acquittance that he wrote me from his master. Then to Mr. Sheply, to the
Rhenish Tavern House, where Mr. Pim, the tailor, was, and gave us a
morning draft and a neat's tongue. Home and with my wife to London, we
dined at my father's, where Joyce Norton and Mr. Armiger dined also. After
dinner my wife took leave of them in order to her going to-morrow to
Huntsmore. In my way home I went to the Chapel in Chancery Lane to
bespeak papers of all sorts and other things belonging to writing against
my voyage. So home, where I spent an hour or two about my business in my
study. Thence to the Admiralty, and staid a while, so home again, where
Will Bowyer came to tell us that he would bear my wife company in the
coach to-morrow. Then 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
joyful 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 upon King Charles, and that there was a
great bonfire made in the Exchange, and people called out "God bless.
King Charles the Second!"
["Then the writing in golden letters, that was engraven under the
statue of Charles I, in the Royal Exchange ('Exit tyrannus, Regum
ultimus, anno libertatis Angliae, anno Domini 1648, Januarie xxx.)
was washed out by a painter, who in the day time raised a ladder,
and with a pot and brush washed the writing quite out, threw down
his pot and brush and said it should never do him any more service,
in regard that it had the honour to put out rebels' hand-writing.
He then came down, took away his ladder, not a misword said to him,
and by whose order it was done was not then known. The merchants
were glad and joyful, many people were gathered together, and
against the Exchange made a bonfire. "Rugge's Diurnal." In the
Thomason Collection of Civil War Tracts at the British Museum is a
pamphlet which is dated in MS. March 21st, 1659-60, where this act
is said to be by order of Monk: "The Loyal Subjects Teares for the
Sufferings and Absence of their Sovereign Charles II., King of
England, Scotland, and Ireland; with an Observation upon the
expunging of 'Exit Tyrannus, Regum ultimus', by order of General
Monk, and some Advice to the Independents, Anabaptists, Phanatiques,
&c. London, 1660."]
From the Hall I went home to bed, very sad in mind to part with my wife,
but God's will be done.
17th. This morning bade adieu in bed to the company of my wife. We rose
and I gave my wife some money to serve her for a time, and what papers of
consequence I had. Then I left her to get her ready and went to my Lord's
with my boy Eliezer to my Lord's lodging at Mr. Crew's. Here I had much
business with my Lord, and papers, great store, given me by my Lord to
dispose of as of the rest. After that, with Mr. Moore home to my house
and took my wife by coach to the Chequer in Holborn, where, after we had
drank, &c., she took coach and so farewell. I staid behind with Tom
Alcock and Mr. Anderson, my old chamber fellow at Cambridge his brother,
and drank with them there, who were come to me thither about one that
would have a place at sea. Thence with Mr. Hawly to dinner at Mr. Crew's.
After dinner to my own house, where all things were put up into the
dining-room and locked up, and my wife took the keys along with her.
This day, in the presence of Mr. Moore (who made it) and Mr. Hawly, I did
before I went out with my wife, seal my will to her, whereby I did give
her all that I have in the world, but my books which I give to my brother
John, excepting only French books, which my wife is to have. In the
evening at the Admiralty, I met my Lord there and got a commission for
Williamson to be captain of the Harp frigate, and afterwards went by coach
taking Mr. Crips with me to my Lord and got him to sign it at table as he
was at supper. And so to Westminster back again with him with me, who had
a great desire to go to sea and my Lord told me that he would do him any
favour. So I went home with him to his mother's house by me in Axe Yard,
where I found Dr. Clodius's wife and sat there talking and hearing of old
Mrs. Crisp playing of her old lessons upon the harpsichon till it was time
to go to bed. After that to bed, and Laud, her son lay with me in the
best chamber in her house, which indeed was finely furnished.
18th. I rose early and went to the barber's (Jervas) in Palace Yard and I
was trimmed by him, and afterwards drank with him a cup or two of ale, and
did begin to hire his man to go with me to sea. Then to my Lord's lodging
where I found Captain Williamson and gave him his commission to be Captain
of the Harp, and he gave me a piece of gold and 20s. in silver. So to my
own house, where I staid a while and then to dinner with Mr. Shepley at my
Lord's lodgings. After that to Mr. Mossum's, where he made a very gallant
sermon upon "Pray for the life of the King and the King's son." (Ezra vi.
10.) From thence to Mr. Crew's, but my Lord not being within I did not
stay, but went away and met with Mr. Woodfine, who took me to an alehouse
in Drury Lane, and we sat and drank together, and ate toasted cakes which
were very good, and we had a great deal of mirth with the mistress of the
house about them. From thence homewards, and called at Mr. Blagrave's,
where I took up my note that he had of mine for 40s., which he two years
ago did give me as a pawn while he had my lute. So that all things are
even between him and I. So to Mrs. Crisp, where she and her daughter and
son and I sat talking till ten o'clock at night, I giving them the best
advice that I could concerning their son, how he should go to sea, and so
to bed.
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 and thoughts concerning them. 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. Sheply
and I dined; and while we were at dinner, my Lord Monk's lifeguard come by
with the Serjeant at Arms 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. Thence with some sea officers to the Swan,
where we drank wine till one comes to me to pay me some money from
Worcester, viz., L25. His name is Wilday. I sat in another room and took
my money and drank with him till the rest of my company were gone and so
we parted. Going home the water was high, and so I got Crockford to carry
me over it. So home, and left my money there. 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. My mind is still
much troubled for my poor wife, but I hope that this undertaking will be
worth my pains. To Whitehall and staid about business at the Admiralty
late, then to Tony Robins's, where Capt. Stokes, Mr. Luddington and others
were, and I did solicit the Captain for Laud Crisp, who gave me a promise
that he would entertain him. After that to Mrs. Crisp's where Dr. Clodius
and his wife were. He very merry with drink. We played at cards late and
so to bed. This day my Lord dined at my Lord Mayor's [Allen], and Jasper
was made drunk, which my Lord was very angry at.
20th. This morning I rose early and went to my house to put things in a
little order against my going, which I conceive will be to-morrow (the
weather still very rainy). After that to my Lord, where I found very
great deal of business, he giving me all letters and papers that come to
him about business, for me to give him account of when we come on
shipboard. Hence with Capt. Isham by coach to Whitehall to the Admiralty.
He and I and Chetwind, Doling and Luellin dined together at Marsh's at
Whitehall. So to the Bull Head whither W. Simons comes to us and I gave
them my foy
[Foy. A feast given by one who is about to leave a place. In Kent,
according to Grose, a treat to friends, either at going abroad or
coming home. See Diary, November 25th, 1661.]
against my going to sea; and so we took leave one of another, they
promising me to write to me to sea. Hither comes Pim's boy, by my
direction, with two monteeres--[Monteeres, montero (Spanish), a kind of
huntsman's cap.]--for me to take my choice of, and I chose the saddest
colour and left the other for Mr. Sheply. Hence by coach to London, and
took a short melancholy leave of my father and mother, without having them
to drink, or say anything of business one to another. And indeed I had a
fear upon me I should scarce ever see my mother again, she having a great
cold then upon her. Then to Westminster, where by reason of rain and an
easterly wind, the water was so high that there was boats rowed in King
Street and all our yard was drowned, that one could not go to my house, so
as no man has seen the like almost, most houses full of water.
["In this month the wind was very high, and caused great tides, so
that great hurt was done to the inhabitants of Westminster, King
Street being quite drowned. The Maidenhead boat was cast away, and
twelve persons with her. Also, about Dover the waters brake in upon
the mainland; and in Kent was very much damage done; so that report
said, there was L20,000 worth of harm done."--Rugge's Diurnal.--B.]
Then back by coach to my Lord's; where I met Mr. Sheply, who staid with me
waiting for my Lord's coming in till very late. Then he and I, and
William Howe went with our swords to bring my Lord home from Sir H.
Wright's. He resolved to go to-morrow if the wind ceased. Sheply and I
home by coach. I to Mrs. Crisp's, who had sat over a good supper long
looking for me. So we sat talking and laughing till it was very late, and
so Laud and I to bed.
21st. To my Lord's, but the wind very high against us, and the weather
bad we could not go to-day; 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. Thence I went to a
tavern over against Mr. Pierce's with judge Advocate Fowler and Mr. Burr,
and sat and drank with them two or three pints of wine. After that to Mr.
Crew's again and gave my Lord an account of what I had done, and so about
my business to take leave of my father and mother, which by a mistake I
have put down yesterday. Thence to Westminster to Crisp's, where we were
very merry; the old woman sent for a supper for me, and gave me a
handkercher with strawberry buttons on it, and so to bed.
22nd. Up very early and set things in order at my house, and so took
leave of Mrs. Crispe and her daughter (who was in bed) and of Mrs. Hunt.
Then to my Lord's lodging at the gate and did so there, where Mr. Hawly
came to me and I gave him the key of my house to keep, and he went with me
to Mr. Crew's, and there I took my last leave of him. But the weather
continuing very bad my Lord would not go to-day. My Lord spent this
morning private in sealing of his last will and testament with Mr. W.
Mountagu. After that I went forth about my own business to buy a pair of
riding grey serge stockings and sword and belt and hose, and after that
took Wotton and Brigden to the Pope's Head Tavern in Chancery Lane, where
Gilb. Holland and Shelston were, and we dined and drank a great deal of
wine, and they paid all. Strange how these people do now promise me
anything; one a rapier, the other a vessel of wine or a gun, and one
offered me his silver hatband to do him a courtesy. I pray God to keep me
from being proud or too much lifted up hereby. After that to Westminster,
and took leave of Kate Sterpin who was very sorry to part with me, and
after that of Mr. George Mountagu, and received my warrant of Mr.
Blackburne, to be Secretary to the two Generals of the Fleet. Then to take
my leave of the Clerks of the Council, and thence Doling and Luellin would
have me go with them to Mount's chamber, where we sat and talked and then
I went away. So to my Lord (in my way meeting Chetwind and Swan and bade
them farewell) where I lay all night with Mr. Andrews. This day Mr. Sheply
went away on board and I sent my boy with him. This day also Mrs. Jemimah
went to Marrowbone, so I could not see her. Mr. Moore being out of town
to-night I could not take leave of him nor speak to him about business
which troubled me much. I left my small case therefore with Mr. Andrews
for him.
23rd. Up early, carried my Lord's will in a black box to Mr. William
Montagu for him to keep for him. Then to the barber's and put on my
cravat there. So to my Lord again, who was almost ready to be gone and
had staid for me. Hither came Gilb. Holland, and brought me a stick
rapier and Shelston a sugar-loaf, and had brought his wife who he said was
a very pretty woman to the Ship tavern hard by for me to see but I could
not go. Young Reeve also brought me a little perspective glass which I
bought for my Lord, it cost me 8s. So after that my Lord in Sir H.
Wright's coach with Captain Isham, Mr. Thomas, John Crew, W. Howe, and I
in a Hackney 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 Reach,
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 L1000 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. I to the cabin allotted
for me, which was the best that any had that belonged to my Lord. I got
out some things out of my chest for writing and to work presently, Mr,
Burr and I both. I supped at the deck table with Mr. Sheply. We were
late writing of orders for the getting of ships ready, &c.; and also
making of others to all the seaports between Hastings and Yarmouth, to
stop all dangerous persons that are going or coming between Flanders and
there. After that to bed in my cabin, which was but short; however I made
shift with it and slept very well, and the weather being good I was not
sick at all yet, I know not what I shall be.
24th. At work hard all the day writing letters to the Council, &c. This
day Mr. Creed came on: board and dined very boldly with my Lord, but he
could not get a bed there. At night Capt. Isham who had been at
Gravesend all last night and to-day came and brought Mr. Lucy (one
acquainted with Mrs. Pierce, with whom I had been at her house), I drank
with him in the Captain's cabin, but my business could not stay with him.
I despatch many letters to-day abroad and it was late before we could get
to bed. Mr. Sheply and Howe supped with me in my cabin. The boy Eliezer
flung down a can of beer upon my papers which made me give him a box of
the ear, it having all spoiled my papers and cost me a great deal of work.
So to bed.
25th. (Lord's day). About two o'clock in the morning, letters came from
London by our coxon, so they waked me, but I would not rise but bid him
stay till morning, which he did, and then I rose and carried them in to 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.
After that I wrote a letter to the Clerk of Dover Castle, to come to my
Lord about issuing of those writs. About ten o'clock Mr. Ibbott, at the
end of the long table, begun to pray and preach and indeed made a very
good sermon, upon the duty of all Christians to be stedfast in faith.
After that Captain Cuttance and I had oysters, my Lord being in his cabin
not intending to stir out to-day. After that up into the great cabin
above to dinner with the Captain, where was Captain Isham and all the
officers of the ship. I took place of all but the Captains; after dinner
I wrote a great many letters to my friends at London. After that, sermon
again, at which I slept, God forgive me! After that, it being a fair day,
I walked with the Captain upon the deck talking. At night I supped with
him and after that had orders from my Lord about some business to be done
against to-morrow, which I sat up late and did and then to bed.
26th. This day it is two years since it pleased God that I was cut of the
stone at Mrs. Turner's in Salisbury Court. 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 pleases God that I
am where I am and so 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. After that to dinner, there
being very many commanders on board. All the afternoon very many orders
were made, till I was very weary. At night Mr. Sheply and W. Howe came
and brought some bottles of wine and some things to eat in my cabin, where
we were very merry, remembering the day of being cut for the stone.
Captain Cuttance came afterwards and sat drinking a bottle of wine till
eleven, a kindness he do not usually do the greatest officer in the ship.
After that to bed.
27th. Early in the morning at making a fair new establishment of the
Fleet to send to the Council. This morning, the wind came about, and we
fell into the Hope,--[A reach of the Thames near Tilbury.]--and in our
passing by the Vice-Admiral, he and the rest of the frigates, with him,
did give us abundance of guns and we them, so much that the report of them
broke all the windows in my cabin and broke off the iron bar that was upon
it to keep anybody from creeping in at the Scuttle.--["A small hole or
port cut either in the deck or side of a ship, generally for ventilation.
That in the deck is a small hatch-way."--Smyth's Sailor's
Word-Book.]--This noon 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 came onboard us, about his
business of being chosen Parliament-man. My Lord brought him to see my
cabin, when I was hard a-writing. At night supped with my Lord too, with
the Captain, and after that to work again till it be very late. So to
bed.
28th. This morning and the whole day busy, and that the more because Mr.
Burr was about his own business all the day at Gravesend. 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
all night taking his leave at Gravesend the night before, and so could not
remember what it was that he said; but in 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 commanded him to be used civilly, so he
was taken to the Master's Cabin and had supper there. In the meantime I
wrote a letter to the Council about him, and an order for the vessel to be
sent for back that he was taken out of. But a while after, he sent a
letter down to my Lord, which my Lord did like very well, and did advise
with me what was best to be done. So I put in something to my Lord and
then to the Captain that the gentleman was to be released and the letter
stopped, which was done. So I went up and sat and talked with him in
Latin and French, and drank a bottle or two with him; and about eleven at
night he took boat again, and so God bless him. Thence I to my cabin and
to bed. This day we had news of the election at Huntingdon for Bernard
and Pedly, at which my Lord was much troubled for his friends' missing of
it.
29th. We lie still a little below Gravesend. At night Mr. Sheply
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 of some of the
Vice-Admiral's captains that they 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. At night Mr. Sheply, W. Howe, and I supped in my cabin. So up
to the Master's cabin, where we sat talking, and then to bed.