condition at present is this:--I have long been building, and my house to
my great content is now almost done. But yet not so but that I shall have
dirt, which troubles me too, for my wife has been in the country at
Brampton these two months, and is now come home a week or two before the
house is ready for her. My mind is somewhat troubled about my best
chamber, which I question whether I shall be able to keep or no. I am
also troubled for the journey which I must needs take suddenly to the
Court at Brampton, but most of all for that I am not provided to
understand my business, having not minded it a great while, and at the
best shall be able but to make a bad matter of it, but God, I hope, will
guide all to the best, and I am resolved to-morrow to fall hard to it. I
pray God help me therein, for my father and mother and all our well-doings
do depend upon my care therein. My Lord Sandwich has lately been in the
country, and very civil to my wife, and hath himself spent some pains in
drawing a plot of some alterations in our house there, which I shall
follow as I get money. As for the office, my late industry hath been
such, as I am become as high in reputation as any man there, and good hold
I have of Mr. Coventry and Sir G. Carteret, which I am resolved, and it is
necessary for me, to maintain by all fair means. Things are all quiett,
but the King poor, and no hopes almost of his being otherwise, by which
things will go to rack, especially in the Navy. The late outing of the
Presbyterian clergy by their not renouncing the Covenant as the Act of
Parliament commands, is the greatest piece of state now in discourse. But
for ought I see they are gone out very peaceably, and the people not so
much concerned therein as was expected. My brother Tom is gone out of town
this day, to make a second journey to his mistress at Banbury, of which I
have good expectations, and pray God to bless him therein. My mind, I
hope, is settled to follow my business again, for I find that two days'
neglect of business do give more discontent in mind than ten times the
pleasure thereof can repair again, be it what it will.
DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS.
OCTOBER
1662
October 1st. Up with my mind pretty well at rest about my accounts and
other business, and so to my house and there put my work to business, and
then down to Deptford to do the same there, and so back and with my
workmen all the afternoon, and my wife putting a chamber in order for us
to lie in. At night to look over some Brampton papers against the Court
which I expect every day to hear of, and that done home and with my wife
to bed, the first time I have lain there these two months and more, which
I am now glad to do again, and do so like the chamber as it is now ordered
that all my fear is my not keeping it. But I hope the best, for it would
vex me to the heart to lose it.
2nd. Up and to the office, where we sat till noon, and then to dinner,
and Mr. Moore came and dined with me, and after dinner to look over my
Brampton papers, which was a most necessary work, though it is not so much
to my content as I could wish. I fear that it must be as it can, and not
as I would. He being gone I to my workmen again, and at night by coach
towards Whitehall took up Mr. Moore and set him at my Lord's, and myself,
hearing that there was a play at the Cockpit (and my Lord Sandwich, who
came to town last night, at it), I do go thither, and by very great
fortune did follow four or five gentlemen who were carried to a little
private door in a wall, and so crept through a narrow place and come into
one of the boxes next the King's, but so as I could not see the King or
Queene, but many of the fine ladies, who yet are really not so handsome
generally as I used to take them to be, but that they are finely dressed.
Here we saw "The Cardinall," a tragedy I had never seen before, nor is
there any great matter in it. The company that came in with me into the
box, were all Frenchmen that could speak no English, but Lord! what sport
they made to ask a pretty lady that they got among them that understood
both French and English to make her tell them what the actors said.
Thence to my Lord's, and saw him, and staid with him half an hour in his
chamber talking about some of mine and his own business, and so up to bed
with Mr. Moore in the chamber over my Lord's.
3rd. Rose, and without taking leave or speaking to my Lord went out early
and walked home, calling at my brother's and Paul's Churchyard, but bought
nothing because of my oath, though I had a great mind to it. At my
office, and with my workmen till noon, and then dined with my wife upon
herrings, the first I have eat this year, and so to my workmen again. By
and by comes a gentleman to speak with my wife, and I found him to be a
gentleman that had used her very civilly in her coming up out of the
country, on which score I showed him great respect, and found him a very
ingenious gentleman, and sat and talked with him a great while. He gone,
to my workmen again, and in the evening comes Captain Ferrers, and sat and
talked a great while, and told me the story of his receiving his cut in
the hand by falling out with one of my Lord's footmen. He told me also of
the impertinence and mischief that Ned Pickering has made in the country
between my Lord and all his servants almost by his finding of faults,
which I am vexed to hear, it being a great disgrace to my Lord to have the
fellow seen to be so great still with him. He brought me a letter from my
father, that appoints the day for the Court at Brampton to be the 13th of
this month; but I perceive he has kept the letter in his pocket these
three days, so that if the day had been sooner, I might have been spilt.
So that it is a great folly to send letters of business by any friend that
require haste. He being gone I to my office all the evening, doing
business there till bedtime, it being now my manner since my wife is come
to spend too much of my daytime with her and the workmen and do my office
business at night, which must not be after the work of the house is done.
This night late I had notice that Dekins, the merchant, is dead this
afternoon suddenly, for grief that his daughter, my Morena, who has long
been ill, is given over by the Doctors. For both which I am very sorry.
So home and to bed.
4th. To my office all the morning, after I was up (my wife beginning to
make me lie long a mornings), where we sat till noon, and then dined at
home, and after a little with my workmen to my office till 9 at night,
among other things examining the particulars of the miscarriage of the
Satisfaction, sunk the other day on the Dutch coast through the negligence
of the pilott.
5th (Lord's day). Lay long in bed talking with my wife, and among other
things fell out about my maid Sarah, whom my wife would fain put away,
when I think her as good a servant as ever came into a house, but it seems
my wife would have one that would dress a head well, but we were friends
at last. I to church; and this day the parson has got one to read with a
surplice on. I suppose himself will take it up hereafter, for a cunning
fellow he is as any of his coat. Dined with my wife, and then to talk
again above, chiefly about her learning to dance against her going next
year into the country, which I am willing she shall do. Then to church to
a tedious sermon, and thence walked to Tom's to see how things are in his
absence in the country, and so home and in my wife's chamber till bedtime
talking, and then to my office to put things in order to wait on the Duke
to-morrow morning, and so home and to bed.
6th. Sir W. Pen and I early to St. James's by water, where Mr. Coventry,
finding the Duke in bed, and not very well, we did not stay to speak with
him, but to White Hall, and there took boat and down to Woolwich we went.
In our way Mr. Coventry telling us how of late upon enquiry into the
miscarriages of the Duke's family, Mr. Biggs, his steward, is found very
faulty, and is turned out of his employment. Then we fell to reading of a
book which I saw the other day at my Lord Sandwich's, intended for the
late King, finely bound up, a treatise concerning the benefit the
Hollanders make of our fishing, but whereas I expected great matters from
it, I find it a very impertinent [book], and though some things good, yet
so full of tautologies, that we were weary of it. At Woolwich we mustered
the yard, and then to the Hart to dinner, and then to the Rope-yard, where
I did vex Sir W. Pen I know to appear so well acquainted, I thought better
than he, in the business of hemp; thence to Deptford, and there looked
over several businesses, and wakened the officers there; so walked to
Redriffe, and thence, landing Sir W. Pen at the Tower, I to White Hall
with Mr. Coventry, and so to my Lord Sandwich's lodgings, but my Lord was
not within, being at a ball this night with the King at my Lady
Castlemaine's at next door. But here to my trouble I hear that Mr. Moore
is gone very sick to the Wardrobe this afternoon, which troubles me much
both for his own sake and for mine, because of my law business that he
does for me and also for my Lord's matters. So hence by water, late as it
was, to the Wardrobe, and there found him in a high fever, in bed, and
much cast down by his being ill. So thought it not convenient to stay,
but left him and walked home, and there weary went to supper, and then the
barber came to me, and after he had done, to my office to set down my
journall of this day, and so home and to bed.
7th. At the office all the morning, dined at home with my wife. After
dinner with her by coach to see Mr. Moore, who continues ill. I took his
books of accounts, and did discourse with him about my Lord's and my own
businesses, and there being Mr. Battersby by, did take notice of my having
paid him the L100 borrowed of him, which they both did confess and promise
to return me my bond. Thence by water with Will. Howe to Westminster,
and there staying a little while in the Hall (my wife's father and mother
being abroad, and so she returning presently) thence by coach to my
Lord's, and there I left money for Captain Ferrers to buy me two bands.
So towards the New Exchange, and there while my wife was buying things I
walked up and down with Dr. Williams, talking about my law businesses, and
thence took him to my brother's, and there gave him a glass of wine, and
so parted, and then by coach with my wife home, and Sir J. M. and Sir W.
B. being come from Chatham Pay I did go see them for complaisance, and so
home and to bed.
8th. Up and by water to my Lord Sandwich's, and was with him a good while
in his chamber, and among other things to my extraordinary joy, he did
tell me how much I was beholding to the Duke of York, who did yesterday of
his own accord tell him that he did thank him for one person brought into
the Navy, naming myself, and much more to my commendation, which is the
greatest comfort and encouragement that ever I had in my life, and do owe
it all to Mr. Coventry's goodness and ingenuity. I was glad above measure
of this. Thence to Mr. Moore, who, I hope, is better than he was, and so
home and dined at home, and all the afternoon busy at my office, and at
night by coach to my Lord's again, thinking to speak with him, but he is
at White Hall with the King, before whom the puppet plays I saw this
summer in Covent-garden are acted this night. Hither this night my
scallop,
[A lace band, the edges of which were indented with segments of
circles, so as to resemble a scallop shell. The word "scallop" was
used till recently for a part of a lady's dress embroidered and cut
to resemble a scallop shell.]
bought and got made by Captain Ferrers' lady, is sent, and I brought it
home, a very neat one. It cost me about L3, and L3 more I have given him
to buy me another. I do find myself much bound to go handsome, which I
shall do in linen, and so the other things may be all the plainer. Here I
staid playing some new tunes to parts with Wm. Howe, and, my Lord not
coming home, I came home late on foot, my boy carrying a link, and so eat
a bit and to bed, my head full of ordering of businesses against my
journey to-morrow, that there may be nothing done to my wrong in my
absence. This day Sir W. Pen did speak to me from Sir J. Minnes to desire
my best chamber of me, and my great joy is that I perceive he do not stand
upon his right, which I was much afraid of, and so I hope I shall do well
enough with him for it, for I will not part with it by fair means, though
I contrive to let him have another room for it.
9th. Up early about my business to get me ready for my journey. But
first to the office; where we sat all the morning till noon, and then
broke up; and I bid them adieu for a week, having the Duke's leave got me
by Mr. Coventry. To whom I did give thanks for my newes yesterday of the
Duke's words to my Lord Sandwich concerning me, which he took well; and do
tell me so freely his love and value of me, that my mind is now in as
great a state of quiett as to my interest in the office, as I could ever
wish to be. I should this day have dined at Sir W. Pen's at a venison
pasty with the rest of our fellows, but I could not get time, but sent for
a bit home, and so between one and two o'clock got on horseback at our
back gate, with my man Will with me, both well-mounted on two grey horses.
We rode and got to Ware before night; and so resolved to ride on to
Puckeridge, which we did, though the way was bad, and the evening dark
before we got thither, by help of company riding before us; and among
others, a gentleman that took up at the same inn, the Falcon, with me, his
name Mr. Brian, with whom I supped, and was very good company, and a
scholar. He tells me, that it is believed the Queen is with child, for
that the coaches are ordered to ride very easily through the streets.
After supper we paid the reckoning together, and so he to his chamber and
I to bed, very well, but my feet being much cramped by my new hard boots
that I bought the other day of Wotton were in much pain. Will lay in
another bed in the chamber with me.
10th. Up, and between eight and nine mounted again; but my feet so
swelled with yesterday's pain, that I could not get on my boots, which
vexed me to the blood, but was forced to pay 4s. for a pair of old shoes
of my landlord's, and so rid in shoes to Cambridge; but the way so good
that but for a little rain I had got very well thither, and set up at the
Beare: and there being spied in the street passing through the town my
cozen Angier came to me, and I must needs to his house, which I did; and
there found Dr. Fairbrother, with a good dinner, a barrel of good oysters,
a couple of lobsters, and wine. But, above all, telling me that this day
there is a Congregation for the choice of some officers in the University,
he after dinner gets me a gown, cap, and hood, and carries me to the
Schooles, where Mr. Pepper, my brother's tutor, and this day chosen
Proctor, did appoint a M.A. to lead me into the Regent House, where I sat
with them, and did [vote] by subscribing papers thus: "Ego Samuel Pepys
eligo Magistrum Bernardum Skelton, (and which was more strange, my old
schoolfellow and acquaintance, and who afterwards did take notice of me,
and we spoke together), alterum e taxatoribus hujus Academiae in annum
sequentem." The like I did for one Biggs, for the other Taxor, and for
other officers, as the Vice-Proctor (Mr. Covell), for Mr. Pepper, and
which was the gentleman that did carry me into the Regent House. This
being done, and the Congregation dissolved by the Vice-Chancellor, I did
with much content return to my Cozen Angier's, being much pleased of doing
this jobb of work, which I had long wished for and could never have had
such a time as now to do it with so much ease. Thence to Trinity Hall,
and there staid a good while with Dr. John Pepys, who tells me that [his]
brother Roger has gone out of town to keep a Court; and so I was forced to
go to Impington, to take such advice as my old uncle and his son Claxton
could give me. Which I did, and there supped and talked with them, but
not of my business till by and by after supper comes in, unlooked for, my
cozen Roger, with whom by and by I discoursed largely, and in short he
gives me good counsel, but tells me plainly that it is my best way to
study a composition with my uncle Thomas, for that law will not help us,
and that it is but a folly to flatter ourselves, with which, though much
to my trouble, yet I was well satisfied, because it told me what I am to
trust to, and so to bed.
11th. Up betimes, and after a little breakfast, and a very poor one, like
our supper, and such as I cannot feed on, because of my she-cozen
Claxton's gouty hands; and after Roger had carried me up and down his
house and orchards, to show me them, I mounted, and rode to Huntingdon,
and so to Brampton; where I found my father and two brothers, and Mr.
Cooke, my mother and sister. So we are now all together, God knows when
we shall be so again. I walked up and down the house and garden, and find
my father's alteracions very handsome. But not so but that there will be
cause enough of doing more if ever I should come to live there, but it is,
however, very well for a country being as any little thing in the country.
So to dinner, where there being nothing but a poor breast of mutton, and
that ill-dressed, I was much displeased, there being Mr. Cooke there, who
I invited to come over with my brother thither, and for whom I was
concerned to make much of. I told my father and mother of it, and so had
it very well mended for the time after, as long as I staid, though I am
very glad to see them live so frugally. But now to my business. I found
my uncle Thomas come into the country, and do give out great words, and
forwarns all our people of paying us rent, and gives out that he will
invalidate the Will, it being but conditional, we paying debts and
legacies, which we have not done, but I hope we shall yet go through well
enough. I settled to look over papers, and discourse of business against
the Court till the evening; and then rode to Hinchingbroke (Will with me),
and there to my Lady's chamber and saw her, but, it being night, and my
head full of business, staid not long, but drank a cup of ale below, and
so home again, and to supper, and to bed, being not quiet in mind till I
speak with Piggott, to see how his business goes, whose land lies
mortgaged to my late uncle, but never taken up by him, and so I fear the
heire at law will do it and that we cannot, but my design is to supplant
him by pretending bonds as well as a mortgage for the same money, and so
as executor have the benefit of the bonds.
12th (Lord's day). Made myself fine with Captain Ferrers's lace band,
being lothe to wear my own new scallop, it is so fine; and, after the
barber had done with us, to church, where I saw most of the gentry of the
parish; among others, Mrs. Hanbury, a proper lady, and Mr. Bernard and his
Lady, with her father, my late Lord St. John, who looks now like a very
plain grave man. Mr. Wells preached a pretty good sermon, and they say he
is pretty well in his witts again. So home to dinner, and so to walk in
the garden, and then to Church again, and so home, there coming several
people about business, and among others Mr. Piggott, who gives me good
assurance of his truth to me and our business, in which I am very much
pleased, and tells me what my uncle Thomas said to him and what he
designs, which (in fine) is to be admitted to the estate as well as we,
which I must endeavour to oppose as well as I can. So to supper, but my
mind is so full of our business that I am no company at all, and then
their drink do not please me, till I did send to Goody Stanks for some of
her's which is very small and fresh, with a little taste of wormewood,
which ever after did please me very well. So after supper to bed,
thinking of business, but every night getting my brother John to go up
with me for discourse sake, while I was making unready.
[That is, "undressing." So of the French lords leaping over the
walls in their shirts
"Alenc. How now, my lords! what all unready so?
Bast. Unready! ay, and glad we 'scaped so well."
Henry VI., act ii., sc. i.--M. B.]
13th. Up to Hinchingbroke, and there with Mr. Sheply did look all over
the house, and I do, I confess, like well of the alteracions, and do like
the staircase, but there being nothing to make the outside more regular
and modern, I am not satisfied with it, but do think it to be too much to
be laid out upon it. Thence with Sheply to Huntingdon to the Crown, and
there did sit and talk, and eat a breakfast of cold roast beef, and so he
to St. Ives Market, and I to Sir Robert Bernard's for council, having a
letter from my Lord Sandwich to that end. He do give it me with much
kindness in appearance, and upon my desire do promise to put off my
uncle's admittance, if he can fairly, and upon the whole do make my case
appear better to me than my cozen Roger did, but not so but that we are
liable to much trouble, and that it will be best to come to an agreement
if possible. With my mind here also pretty well to see things proceed so
well I returned to Brampton, and spent the morning in looking over papers
and getting my copies ready against to-morrow. So to dinner, and then to
walk with my father and other business, when by and by comes in my uncle
Thomas and his son Thomas to see us, and very calm they were and we to
them. And after a short How do you, and drinking a cup of beer, they went
away again, and so by and by my father and I to Mr. Phillips, and there
discoursed with him in order to to-morrow's business of the Court and
getting several papers ready, when presently comes in my uncle Thomas and
his son thither also, but finding us there I believe they were
disappointed and so went forth again, and went to the house that Prior has
lately bought of us (which was Barton's) and there did make entry and
forbade paying rent to us, as now I hear they have done everywhere else,
and that that was their intent in coming to see us this day. I perceive
most of the people that do deal with us begin to be afraid that their
title to what they buy will not be good. Which troubled me also I confess
a little, but I endeavoured to remove all as well as I could. Among other
things they make me afraid that Barton was never admitted to that that my
uncle bought of him, but I hope the contrary. Thence home, and with my
father took a melancholy walk to Portholme, seeing the country-maids
milking their cows there, they being there now at grass, and to see with
what mirth they come all home together in pomp with their milk, and
sometimes they have musique go before them. So back home again, and to
supper, and in comes Piggott with a counterfeit bond which by agreement
between us (though it be very just in itself) he has made, by which I
shall lay claim to the interest of the mortgage money, and so waiting with
much impatience and doubt the issue of to-morrow's Court, I to bed, but
hardly slept half an hour the whole night, my mind did so run with fears
of to-morrow.