and made myself as fine as I could, and put on my velvet coat,
the first day that I put it on, though made half a year ago. And
being ready, Sir W. Batten, my Lady, and his two daughters and
his son and wife, and Sir W. Pen and his son and I, went to Mr.
Young's, the flag maker, in Corne-hill; and there we had a good
room to ourselves, with wine and good cake, and saw the show very
well. In which it is impossible to relate the glory of this day,
expressed in the clothes of them that rid, and their horses and
horse-clothes. Among others, my Lord Sandwich's embroidery and
diamonds were not ordinary among them. The Knights of the Bath
was a brave sight of itself; and their Esquires, among which Mr.
Armiger was an Esquire to one of the Knights. Remarquable were
the two men that represent the two Dukes of Normandy and
Aquitane. The Bishops come next after Barons, which is the
higher place; which makes me think that the next Parliament they
will be called to the House of Lords. My Lord Monk rode bare
after the King, and led in his hand a spare horse, as being
Master of the Horse. The King, in a most rich embroidered suit
and cloak, looked most noble. Wadlow the vintner, at the Devil,
in Fleet-street, did lead a fine company of soldiers, all young
comely men, in white doublets. There followed the Vice-
Chamberlain, Sir G. Carteret, a Company of men all like Turkes;
but I know not yet what they are for. The streets all gravelled,
and the houses hung with carpets before them, made brave show,
and the ladies out of the windows. So glorious was the show with
gold and silver, that we were not able to look at it, our eyes at
last being so much overcome. Both the King and the Duke of York
took notice of us, as they saw us at the window. In the evening,
by water to White Hall to my Lord's, and there I spoke with my
Lord, He talked with me about his suit, which was made in France,
and cost him 200l., and very rich it is with embroidery.
CORONACON DAY.
23rd. About four I rose and got to the Abbey, where I followed
Sir J. Denham, the Surveyor, with some company that he was
leading in. [Created at the Restoration K.B., and Surveyor-
General of all the King's buildings; better know as the author of
"Cooper's Hill." Ob. 1668.] And with much ado, by the favour of
Mr. Cooper, his man, did get up into a great scaffold across the
North end of the Abbey, where with a great deal of patience I sat
from past four till eleven before the King come in. And a great
pleasure it was to see the Abbey raised in the middle, all
covered with red, and a throne (that is a chaire) and foot-stoole
on the top of it; and all the officers of all kinds, so much as
the very fidlers, in red vests. At last comes in the Dean and
Prebends of Westminster, with the Bishops, (many of them in cloth
of gold copes,) and after them the Nobility, all in their
Parliament robes, which was a most magnificent sight. Then the
Duke and the King with a scepter (carried by my Lord Sandwich)
and sword and wand before him, and the crowne too. The King in
his robes, bare-headed, which was very fine. And after all had
placed themselves, there was a sermon and the service; and then
in the Quire at the high altar, the King passed through all the
ceremonies of the Coronation, which to my great grief I and most
in the Abbey could not see. The crowne being put upon his head,
a great shout begun, and he come forth to the throne, and there
passed through more ceremonies: as taking the oath, and having
things read to him by the Bishopp; and his lords (who put on
their caps as soon as the King put on his crowne) and bishops
come, and kneeled before him. But three times the King at Armes
went to the three open places on the scaffold, and proclaimed,
that if any one could show any reason why Charles Stewart should
not be King of England, that now he should come and speak. And a
Generall Pardon also was read by the Lord Chancellor, and
meddalls flung up and down by my Lord Cornwallis, [Sir Frederick
Cornwallis, Bart., had been created a Baron three days before the
Coronation. He was Treasurer of His Majesty's Household, and a
Privy Counsellor. Ob. Jan. 21, 1661-2.] of silver, but I could
not come by any. But so great a noise that I could make but
little of the musique; and indeed, it was lost to every body. I
went out a little while before the King had done all his
ceremonies, and went round the Abbey to Westminster Hall, all the
way within rayles, and 10,000 people with the ground covered with
blue cloth; and scaffolds all the way. Into the Hall I got,
where it was very fine with hangings and scaffolds one upon
another full of brave ladies; and my wife in one little one, on
the right hand. Here I staid walking up and down, and at last
upon one of the side stalls I stood and saw the King come in with
all the persons (but the soldiers) that were yesterday in the
cavalcade; and a most pleasant sight it was to see them in their
several robes. And the King come in with his crowne on, and his
sceptre in his hand, under a canopy borne up by six silver
staves, carried by Barons of the Cinque Ports, and little bells
at; every end. And after a long time, he got up to the farther
end, and all set themselves down at their several tables; and
that was also a brave sight: and the King's first course carried
up by the Knights of the Bath. And many fine ceremonies there
was of the Heralds leading up people before him, and bowing; and
my Lord of Albemarle's going to the kitchin and eating a bit of
the first dish that was to go to the King's table. But, above
all, was these three Lords, Northumberland, and Suffolke, [James
Howard, third Earl of Suffolk.] and the Duke of Ormond, coming
before the courses on horseback, and staying so all dinner-time,
and at last bringing up (Dymock) the King's Champion, all in
armour on horseback, with his speare and targett carried before
him. And a herald proclaims "That if any dare deny Charles
Stewart to be lawful King of England, here was a Champion that
would fight with him;" and with these words, the Champion flings
down his gauntlet, and all this he do three times in his going up
towards the King's table. To which when he is come, the King
drinks to him, and then sends him the cup which is of gold, and
he drinks it off, and then rides back again with the cup in his
hand. I went from table to table to see the Bishops and all
others at their dinner, and was infinitely pleased with it. And
at the Lords' table, I met with William Howe, and he spoke to my
Lord for me, and he did give him four rabbits and a pullet, and
so Mr. Creed and I got Mr. Minshell to give us some bread, and so
we at a stall eat it, as every body else did what they could get.
I took a great deal of pleasure to go up and down, and look upon
the ladies, and to hear the musique of all sorts, but above all,
the 24 violins. About six at night they had dined, and I went up
to my wife. And strange it is to think, that these two days have
held up fair till now that all is done, and the King gone out of
the Hall; and then it fell a-raining and thundering and
lightening as I have not seen it do for some years: which people
did take great notice of; God's blessing of the work of these two
days, which is a foolery to take too much notice of such things.
I observed little disorder in all this, only the King's footmen
had got hold of the canopy and would keep it from the Barons of
the Cinque Ports, which they endeavoured to force from them
again, but could not do it till my Lord Duke of Albemarle caused
it to be put into Sir R. Pye's hand till to-morrow to be decided.
[Sir Robert Pye, Bart., of Faringdon House, Berks; married Ann,
daughter of the celebrated John Hampden. They lived together 60
years, and died in 1701, within a few weeks of each other.] At
Mr. Bowyer's; a great deal of company, some I knew, others I did
not. Here we staid upon the leads and below till it was late,
expecting to see the fire-works, but they were not performed to-
night: only the City had a light like a glory round about it
with bonfires. At last I went to King-streete, and there sent
Crockford to my father's and my house, to tell them I could not
come home to-night, because of the dirt, and a coach could not be
had. And so I took my wife and Mrs. Frankleyn (who I profered
the civility of lying with my wife at Mrs. Hunt's to-night) to
Axe-yard, in which at the further end there were three great
bonfires, and a great many great gallants, men and women; and
they laid hold of us, and would have us drink the King's health
upon our knees, kneeling upon a faggot, which we all did, they
drinking to us one after another. Which we thought a strange
frolique; but these gallants continued there a great while, and I
wondered to see how the ladies did tipple. At last I sent my
wife and her bedfellow to bed, and Mr. Hunt and I went in with
Mr. Thornbury (who did give the company all their wine, he being
yeoman of the wine-cellar to the King); and there, with his wife
and two of his sisters, and some gallant sparks that were there,
we drank the King's health, and nothing else, till one of the
gentlemen fell down stark drunk, and there lay; and I went to my
Lord's pretty well. Thus did the day end with joy every where;
and blessed be God, I have not heard of any mischance to any body
through it all, but only to Serjt. Glynne, whose horse fell upon
him yesterday, and is like to kill him, which people do please
themselves to see how just God is to punish the rogue at such a
time as this: he being now one of the king's Serjeants, [He had
been Recorder of London; and during the Protectorate was made
Chief Justice of the Upper Bench: nevertheless he did Charles
II. great service, and was in consequence knighted and appointed
King's Serjeant, and his son created a Baronet. Ob. 1666.] and
rode in the cavalcade with Maynard, to whom people wish the same
fortune. [John Maynard, an eminent lawyer; made Serjeant to
Cromwell in 1653, and afterwards King's Serjeant by Charles II.,
who knighted him. In 1661 he was chosen Member for Berealston,
and sat in every Parliament till the Revolution. Ob. 1690, aged
88.] There was also this night in King-streete, a woman had her
eye put out by a boy's flinging a firebrand into the coach. Now,
after all this, I can say, that, besides the pleasure of the
sight of these glorious things, I may now shut my eyes against
any other objects, nor for the future trouble myself to see
things of state and showe, as being sure never to see the like
again in this world.
24th. At night, set myself to write down these three days'
diary, and while I am about it, I hear the noise of the chambers
[Chamber, a species of great gun.] and other things of the fire-
works, which are now playing upon the Thames before the King; and
I wish myself with them, being sorry not; to see them.
30th. This morning my wife and I and Mr. Creed, took coach, and
in Fish-street took up Mr. Hater and his wife, who through her
maske seemed at first to be an old woman, but afterwards I found
her to be a very pretty modest black woman. We got a small bait
at Leatherhead, and so to Godlyman, [Godalming.] where we lay
all night. I am sorry that I am not at London, to be at Hide-
parke to-morrow, among the great gallants and ladies, which will
be very fine.
MAY 1, 1661. Up early, and bated at Petersfield, in the room
which the King lay in lately at his being there. Here very
merry, and played with our wives at bowles. Then we set forth
again, and so to Portsmouth, seeming to me to be a very pleasant
and strong place; and we lay at the Red Lyon, where Haselrigge
and Scott and Walton did hold their councill, when they were
here, against Lambert and the Committee of Safety.
2nd. To see the room where the Duke of Buckingham was killed by
Felton.
6th. I hear to-night that the Duke of York's son is this day
dead, which I believe will please every body; and I hear that the
Duke and his Lady themselves are not much troubled at it.
12th. At the Savoy heard Dr. Fuller preach upon David's words,
"I will wait with patience all the days of my appointed time
until my change comes;" but methought it was a poor dry sermon.
and I am afraid my former high esteem of his preaching was more
out of opinion than judgment. Met with Mr. Creed, with whom I
went and walked in Grayes-Inn-walks, and from thence to
Islington, and there eate and drank at the house my father and we
were wont of old to go to; and after that walked homeward, and
parted in Smithfield: and so I home, much wondering to see how
things are altered with Mr. Creed, who, twelve months ago, might
have been got to hang himself almost as soon as go to a drinking-
house on a Sunday.
18th. I went to Westminster; where it was very pleasant to see
the Hall in the condition it is now, with the Judges on the
benches at the further end of it, which I had not seen all this
terme till now.
19th (Lord's day). I walked in the morning towards Westminster,
and, seeing many people at York House, I went down and found them
at masse, it being the Spanish Ambassador's; and so I got into
one of the gallerys, and there heard two masses done, I think,
not in so much state as I have seen them heretofore. After that
into the garden, and walked an hour or two, but found it not so
fine a place as I always took it for by the outside. Capt.
Ferrers and Mr. Howe and myself to Mr. Wilkinson's at the Crowne:
then to my Lord's, where we went and sat talking and laughing in
the drawing-room a great while. All our talk upon their going to
sea this voyage, which Capt. Ferrers is in some doubt whether he
shall do or no, but swears that he would go, if he were sure
never to come back again; and I, giving him some hopes, he grew
so mad with joy that he fell a-dancing and leaping like a madman.
Now it fell out that the balcone windows were open, and he went
to the rayle and made an offer to leap over, and asked what if he
should leap over there. I told him I would give him 40l. if he
did not go to sea. With that thought I shut the doors, and W.
Howe hindered him all we could; yet he opened them again, and,
with a vault, leaps down into the garden:--the greatest and most
desperate frolic that ever I saw in my life. I run to see what
was become of him, and we found him crawled upon his knees, but
could not rise; so we went down into the garden and dragged him
to a bench, where he looked like a dead man, but could not stir;
and, though he had broke nothing, yet his pain in his back was
such as he could not endure. With this, my Lord (who was in the
little new room) come to us in amaze, and bid us carry him up,
which, by our strength, we did, and so laid him in East's bed-
room, by the doore; where he lay in great pain. We sent for a
doctor and chyrurgeon, but none to be found, till by-and-by by
chance comes in Dr. Clerke, who is afraid of him. So we went for
a lodging for him. [He recovered.]
21st. Up early, and, with Sir R. Slingsby, (and Major Waters the
deafe gentleman, his friend for company's sake) to the
Victualling-office (the first time that I ever knew where it
was), and there staid while he read a commission for enquiry into
some of the King's lands and houses thereabouts, that are given
his brother. And then we took boat to Woolwich, where we staid
and gave order for the fitting out of some more ships presently.
And then to Deptford, where we did the same; and so took barge
again, and were overtaken by the King in his barge, he having
been down the river with his yacht this day for pleasure to try
it; and, as I hear, Commissioner Pett's do prove better than the
Dutch one, and that that his brother built. While we were upon
the water, one of the greatest showers of rain fell that ever I
saw. The Comptroller and I landed with our barge at the Temple,
and from thence I went to my father's, and there did give order
about some clothes to be made.
23rd. In my black silk suit (the first day I have put it on this
year) to my Lord Mayor's by coach, with a great deal of
honourable company, and great entertainment. At table I had very
good discourse with Mr. Ashmole, wherein he did assure me that
frogs and many insects do often fall from the sky, ready formed.
Dr. Bates's singularity in not rising up nor drinking the King's
nor other healths at the table was very much observed. From
thence we all took coach, and to our office, and there sat till
it was late; and so home and to bed by day-light. This day was
kept a holy-day through the towne; and it pleased me to see the
little boys walk up and down in procession with their broom-
staffs in their hands, as I had myself long ago done.
26th. Sir W. Batten told me how Mr. Prin (among the two or three
that did refuse to-day to receive the sacrament upon their knees)
was offered by a mistake the drinke afterwards, which he did
receive, being denied the drinke by Dr. Gunning, unless he would
take it on his knees; and after that by another the bread was
brought him, and he did take it sitting, which is thought very
preposterous.
28th. With Mr. Shepley to the Exchange about business, and
there, by Mr. Rawlinson's favour, got into a balcone over against
the Exchange; and there saw the hangman burn, by vote of
Parliament, two old acts, the one for constituting us a
Commonwealth, and the other I have forgot. [It was an Act for
subscribing the Engagement.]
29th (King's birth-day). Rose early, and put six spoons and a
porringer of silver in my pocket to give away to-day. Sir W. Pen
and I took coach, and (the weather and way being foule) went to
Walthamstow; and being come there heard Mr. Radcliffe, my former
school fellow at Paul's, (who is yet a merry boy,) preach upon
"Nay, let him take all, since my Lord the King is returned," &c.
He read all, and his sermon very simple. Back to dinner at Sir
William Batten's; and then, after a walk in the fine gardens, we
went to Mrs. Browne's, where Sir W. Pen and I were godfathers,
and Mrs. Jordan and Shipman godmothers to her boy. And there,
before and after the christening, we were with the woman above in
her chamber; but whether we carried ourselves well or ill, I know
not; but I was directed by young Mrs. Batten. One passage of a
lady that eats wafers with her dog did a little displease me. I
did give the midwife 10s. and the nurse 5s. and the maid of the
house 2s. But for as much I expected to give the name to the
childe, but did not, (it being called John,) I forbore then to
give my plate.
30th. This day, I hear, the Parliament have ordered a bill to be
brought in for restoring the Bishops to the House of Lords; which
they had not done so soon but to spite Mr. Prin, who is every day
so bitter against them in his discourse in the House.
31st. Great talk now how the Parliament intend to make a
collection of free gifts to the King through the Kingdom; but I
think it will not come to much.
JUNE 4, 1661. To my Lord Crewe's to dinner, and had very good
discourse about having of young noblemen and gentlemen to think
of going to sea, as being as honourable service as the land war.
And among other things he told us how, in Queen Elizabeth's time,
one young nobleman would wait with a trencher at the back of
another till he come to age himself. And witnessed in my young
Lord of Kent, that then was, who waited upon my Lord Bedford at
table, when a letter come to my Lord Bedford that the Earldome of
Kent was fallen to his servant the young Lord; and so he rose
from table, and made him sit down in his place, and took a lower
for himself, for so he was by place to sit.
9th. To White Hall, and there met with Dean Fuller, and walked a
great while with him; among other things discoursed of the
liberty the Bishop (by name he of Galloway) takes to admit into
orders any body that will; among others Roundtree, a simple
mechanique that was a person formerly of the fleet. He told me
he would complain of it.
10th. Early to my Lord's, who privately told me how the King had
made him Embassador in the bringing over the Queen. That he is
to go to Algier, &c., to settle the business, and to put the
fleet in order there; and so to come back to Lisbone with three
ships, and there to meet the fleet that is to follow him. He
sent for me, to tell me that he do intrust me with the seeing of
all things done in his absence as to this great preparation, as I
shall receive orders from my Lord Chancellor and Mr. Edward
Montagu. At all which my heart is above measure glad; for my
Lord's honour, and some profit to myself, I hope. By and by, out
with Mr. Shepley, Walden, [Lionel.] Parliament-man for
Huntingdon, Rolt, Mackworth, and Alderman Backwell, to a house
hard by, to drink Lambeth ale. So I back to the Wardrobe, and
there found my Lord going to Trinity House, this being the solemn
day of choosing Master, and my Lord is chosen.
11th. At the office this morning, Sir G. Carteret with us; and
we agreed upon a letter to the Duke of York, to tell him the sad
condition of this office for want of money; how men are not able
to serve us more without some money; and that now the credit of
the office is brought so low, that none will sell us any thing
without our personal security given for the same.
12th. Wednesday, a day kept between a fast and a feast, the
Bishops not being ready enough to keep the fast for foule weather
before fair weather come; and so they were forced to keep it
between both. Then to White Hall, where I met my Lord, who told
me he must have 300l. laid out in cloth, to give in Barbary, as
presents among the Turkes.
27th. This day Mr. Holden sent me a bever, which cost me 4l. 5s.
28th. Went to Moorefields, and there walked, and stood and saw
the wrestling, which I never saw so much of before, between the
north and west countrymen.
29th. Mr. Chetwind fell commending of "Hooker's Ecclesiastical
Polity," as the best book, and the only one that made him a
Christian, which puts me upon the buying of it, which I will do
shortly
30th (Lord's day). To church, where we observe the trade of
briefs is come now up to so constant a course every Sunday, that
we resolve to give no more to them. This day the Portuguese
Embassador come to White Hall to take leave of the King; he being
now going to end all with the Queen, and to send her over.
JULY 2, 1661. Went to Sir William Davenant's Opera; this being
the fourth day that it hath begun, and the first that I have seen
it. [Sir William Davenant, the celebrated dramatic writer, and
patentee of the Duke's Theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields. Ob.
1668, aged 64.] To-day was acted the second part of "The Siege
of Rhodes." [Of which Sir W. Davenant was the author.] We staid
a very great while for the King and Queen of Bohemia. And by the
breaking of a board over our heads, we had a great deal of dust
fell into the ladies' necks and the men's haire, which made good
sport. The King being come, the scene opened; which indeed is
very fine and magnificent, and well acted, all but the Eunuche,
who was so much out that he was hissed off the stage.
3rd. Dined with my Lady, who is in some [Probably meant for
handsome in the MS.] mourning for her brother Mr. Saml. Crewe,
who died yesterday of the spotted fever.
4th. I went to the theatre, and there I saw "Claracilla" [A
tragi-comedy by Thomas Killigrew.] (the first time I ever saw
it,) well acted. But strange to see this house, that used to be
so thronged, now empty since the Opera begun; and so will
continue for a while, I believe.
6th. Waked this morning with news, brought me by a messenger on
purpose, that my uncle Robert [Of Brampton, in Huntingdonshire.]
is dead; so I set out on horseback, and got well by nine o'clock
to Brampton, where I found my father well. My uncle's corps in a
coffin standing upon joynt-stooles in the chimney in the hall;
but it begun to smell, and so I caused it to be set forth in the
yard all night, and watched by my aunt.
7th (Lord's day). ln the morning my father and I read the will;
where, though he gives me nothing at present till my father's
death, or at least very little, yet I am glad to see that he hath
done so well for us all, and well to the rest of his kindred.
After that done, we went about getting things, as ribbands and
gloves, ready for the burial. Which in the afternoon was done;
where, it being Sunday, all people far and near come in; and in
the greatest disorder that ever I saw we made shift to serve them
with what we had of mine and other things; and then to carry him
to the church, where Mr. Taylor buried him, and Mr. Turner
preached a funerall sermon.
14th. To Hinchingbroke, which is now all in dirt, because of my
Lord's building, which will make it very magnificent. Back to
Brampton.
15th. Up by three o'clock this morning, and rode to Cambridge to
King's College chappel, where I found the scholars in their
surplices at the service with the organs, which is a strange
sight to what it used in my time to be here. I rode to
Impington, where I found my old uncle [Talbot Pepys.] sitting
all alone, like a man out of the world: he can hardly see; but
all things else he do pretty livelyly.
22nd. I come to Hatfield before twelve o'clock, and walked all
alone to the Vineyard, which is now a very beautiful place again;
and coming back I met with Mr. Looker, my Lord's gardener, (a
friend of Mr. Eglin's) who showed me the house, the chappel with
brave pictures, and, above all, the gardens, such as I never saw
in all my life; nor so good flowers, nor so great gooseburys, as
big as nutmegs. To horse again, and with much ado got to London.
26th. Mr. Hill of Cambridge tells me, that yesterday put a
change to the whole state of England as to the Church; for the
King now would be forced to favour Presbytery, or that the City
would leave him: but I heed not what he says, though upon
enquiry I do find that things in the Parliament are in a great
disorder.
27th. To Westminster Hall, where it was expected that the
Parliament was to have been adjourned for two or three months,
but something hinders it for a day or two. In the lobby I spoke
with Mr. George Montagu, and advised about a ship to carry my
Lord Hinchingbroke and the rest of the young gentlemen to France,
and they have resolved of going in a hired vessell from Rye, and
not in a man of war. He told me in discourse, that my Lord
Chancellor is much envied, and that many great men, such as the
Duke of Buckingham and my Lord of Bristoll, [George, second Earl
of Bristol.] do endeavour to undermine him, and that he believes
it will not be done; for that the King (though he loves him not
in the way of a companion, as he do these young gallants that can
answer him in his pleasures,) yet cannot be without him, for his
policy and service.
30th. After my singing-master had done with me this morning, I
went to White Hall and Westminster Hall, where I found the King
expected to come and adjourne the Parliament. I found the two
Houses at a great difference, about the Lords challenging their
privileges not to have their houses searched, which makes them
deny to pass the House of Commons' Bill for searching for
pamphlets and seditious books. Thence by water to the Wardrobe
(meeting the King upon the water going in his barge to adjourne
the House) where I dined with my Lady.
AUGUST 2, 1661. I made myself ready to get a-horseback for
Cambridge.
3rd. At Cambridge. Mr. Pechell, [John Pechell, made Master of
Magdalene College, Cambridge, 1679.] Sanchy, and others tell me
how high the old doctors are in the University over those they
found there, though a great deal better scholars than themselves;
for which I am very sorry, and, above all, Dr. Gunning. At night
I took horse, and rode with Roger Pepys and his two brothers to
Impington.
4th. To church, and had a good plain sermon. At our coming in
the country-people all rose with so much reverence; and when the
parson begins, he begins, "Right worshipfull and dearly beloved"
to us. To church again, and, after supper, to talk about
publique matters, wherein Roger Pepys told me how basely things
had been carried in Parliament by the young men, that did labour
to oppose all things that were moved by serious men. That they
are the most prophane swearing fellows that ever he heard in his
life, which makes him think that they will spoil all, and bring
things into a warr again if they can.
6th. Took horse for London, and with much ado, the ways being
very bad, got to Baldwick. [Baldock.] I find that both here,
and every where else that I come, the Quakers do still continue,
and rather grow than lessen.
9th. I to White Hall, where, after four o'clock, comes my Lord
Privy Seale, [William, first Viscount, and second Baron Say and
Sele, made Lord Privy Seal at the Restoration. Ob. April, 1662.]
and so we went up to his chamber over the gate at White Hall,
where he asked me what deputacon I had from my Lord, I told him
none; but that I am sworn my Lord's deputy by both of the
Secretarys, which did satisfye him. So he caused Mr. Moore to
read over all the bills, and all ended very well.
11th. To Grayes-lnn walks, and there staid a good while; where I
met with Ned Pickering, who told me what a great match of hunting
of a stagg the King had yesterday; and how the King tired all
their horses, and come home with not above two or three able to
keep pace with him.
14th. This morning Sir W. Batten, and Sir W. Penn and I, waited
upon the Duke of York in his chamber, to give him an account of
the condition of the Navy for lack of money, and how our own very
bills are offered upon the Exchange, to be sold at 20 in the 100
loss. He is much troubled at it, and will speak to the King and
Council of it this morning.
15th. To the Opera, which begins again to-day with "The Witts,"
[A Comedy by Sir W. Davenant.] never acted yet with scenes; and
the King and Duke and Duchesse were there (who dined to-day with
Sir H. Finch, reader at the Temple, in great state); and indeed
it is a most excellent play, and admirable scenes.
16th. At the office all the morning, though little to do;
because all our clerkes are gone to the buriall of Tom Whitten,
one of the Controller's clerkes, a very ingenious, and a likely
young man to live, as any in the Office. But it is such a sickly
time both in the City and country every where (of a sort of
fever), that never was heard of almost, unless it was in a
plague-time. Among others, the famous Tom Fuller is dead of it;
[D.D., Author of the "Worthies of England," Chaplain to the King,
and Prebendary of Salisbury.] and Dr. Nichols, Dean of Paul's;
[Matthew Nicholas, D.D., installed Dean of St. Paul's, July,
1660. Ob. August 14, 1661. He was brother to Sir Edward
Nicholas, Secretary of State.] and my Lord General Monk is very
dangerously ill.
17th. At the Privy Seale, where we had a seale this morning.
Then met with Ned Pickering, and walked with him into St. James's
Park (where I had not been a great while), and there found great
and very noble alterations. And, in our discourse, he was very
forward to complain and to speak loud of the lewdnesse and
beggary of the Court, which I am sorry to hear, and which I am
afraid will bring all to ruin again. I to the Opera, and saw
"The Witts" again, which I like exceedingly. The Queen of
Bohemia was here, brought by my Lord Craven. [William, First
Earl of Craven, a Privy Councillor, and Colonel of the Coldstream
Guards; supposed to be married to the Queen of Bohemia, Ob. 1697
aged 88.]
18th. To White Hall, and there hear that my Lord General Monk
continues very ill; and then to walk in St. James's Park, and saw
a great variety of fowle which I never saw before. At night fell
to read In "Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity," which Mr. Moore did
give me last Wednesday very handsomely bound; and which I shall
read with great pains and love for his sake.
19th. I am sent for to the Privy Seale, and there I found a
thing of my Lord Chancellor's to be sealed this afternoon, and so
I am forced to go to Worcester House, where severall Lords are
met in Council this afternoon. And while I am waiting there, in
comes the King in a plain common riding-suit and velvet cap, in
which he seemed a very ordinary man to one that had not known
him.
27th. My wife and I to the theatre, and there saw "The Joviall
Crew," [Or the "Merry Beggars," a Comedy, by Richard Brome.]
where the King, Duke and Duchesse, and Madame Palmer, were; and
my wife, to her great content, had a full sight of them all the
while.
31st. At Court things are in very ill condition, there being so
much emulacion, poverty, and the vices of drinking, swearing, and
loose amours, that I know not what will be the end of it, but
confusion. And the Clergy so high, that all people that I meet
with do protest against their practice. In short, I see no
content or satisfaction any where, in any one sort of people.
The Benevolence [A voluntary contribution made by the subjects to
their Sovereign.] proves so little and an occasion of so much
discontent every where, that it had better it had sever been set
up. I think to subscribe 20l. We are at our Office quiet, only
for lack of money all things go to rack. Our very bills offered
to be sold upon the Exchange at 10 per cent. loss. We are upon
getting Sir B. Ford's house added to our Office. But I see so
many difficulties will follow in pleasing of one another in the
dividing of it, and in becoming bound personally to pay the rent
of 200l. per annum, that I do believe it will yet scarce come to
pass. The season very sickly every where of strange and fatal
fevers.
SEPTEMBER 1, 1661. Captn. Holmes and I by coach to White Hall;
in our way, I found him by discourse, to be a great friend of my
Lord's, and he told me there was a many did seek to remove him;
but they were old seamen, such as Sir J. Minnes, [A Vice-Admiral,
and afterwards Comptroller of the Navy.] (but he would name no
more, though he do believe Sir W. Batten is one of them that do
envy him,) but he says he knows that the King do so love him, and
the Duke of York too, that there is no fear of him. He seems to
be very well acquainted with the King's mind, and with all the
several factions at Court, and spoke all with so much franknesse,
that I do take him to be my Lord's good friend, and one able to
do him great service, being a cunning fellow, and one (by his own
confession to me) that can put on two several faces, and look his
enemies in the face with as much love as his friends. But, good
God! what an age is this, and what a world is this! that a man
cannot live without playing the knave and dissimulation.
2nd. I find that there are endeavours to get my Lord out of play
at sea, which I believe Mr. Coventry and the Duke do think will
make them more absolute; but I hope, for all this, they will not
be able to do it.
3rd. Dined at home, and then with my wife to the Wardrobe, where
my Lady's child was christened, (my Lord Crewe and his Lady, and
my Lady Montagu, my Lord's mother-in-law, were the witnesses),
and named Katherine (the Queen elect's name); but to my and all
our trouble, the Parson of the parish christened her, and did not
sign the child with the sign of the cross. After that was done,
we had a very fine banquet.
7th. Having appointed the young ladies at the Wardrobe to go
with them to the play to-day, my wife and I took them to the
theatre, where we seated ourselves close by the King, and Duke of
York, and Madame Palmer, which was great content; and, indeed, I
can never enough admire her beauty. And here was "Bartholomew
Fayre," [A Comedy, by Ben Jonson; first acted in 1614.] with the
puppet-showe, acted to day, which had not been these forty years,
(it being so satyricall against puritanism, they durst not till
now, which is strange they should already dare to do it, and the
King do countenance it,) but I do never a whit like it the better
for the puppets, but rather the worse. Thence home with the
ladies, it being by reason of our staying a great while for the
King's coming, and the length of the play! near nine o'clock
before it was done.
11th. To Dr. Williams, who did carry me into his garden, where
he hath abundance of grapes: and he did show me how a dog that
he hath do kill all the cats that come thither to kill his
pigeons, and do afterwards bury them; and do it with so much care
that they shall be quite covered; that if the tip of the tail
hangs out he will take up the cat again, and dig the hole deeper.
Which is very strange; and he tells me, that he do believe that
he hath killed above 100 cats.
12th. To my Lady's to dinner at the Wardrobe; and in my way upon
the Thames, I saw the King's new pleasure-boat that is come now
for the King to take pleasure in above bridge; and also two
Gundaloes that are lately brought, which are very rich and fine.
[Gondolas. Davenant uses the expression, "Step into one of your
peascod boats, whose tilts are not so sumptuous as the roofs of
Gundaloes."]
24th. Letters from sea, that speak of my Lord's being well; and
his action, though not considerable of any side, at Argier.
25th. Sir W. Pen told me that I need not fear any reflection
upon my Lord for their ill successe at Argier, for more could not
be done. To my Lord Crewe's, and dined with him, where I was
used with all imaginable kindness both from him and her. And I
see that he is afraid my Lord's reputacon will a little suffer in
common talk by this late successe; but there is no help for it
now. The Queen of England (as she is now owned and called) I
hear doth keep open Court, and distinct at Lisbone.
27th. At noon, met my wife at the Wardrobe; and there dined
where we found Captn. Country, (my little Captain that I loved,
who carried me to the Sound,) with some grapes and millons from
my Lord at Lisbone. The first that ever I saw; but the grapes
are rare things. In the afternoon comes Mr. Edwd. Montagu (by
appointment this morning) to talk with my Lady and me about the
provisions fit to be bought, and sent to my Lord along with him.
And told us, that we need not trouble ourselves how to buy them,
for the King would pay for all, and that he would take care to
get them: which put my Lady and me into a great deal of ease of
mind. Here we staid and supped too, and, after my wife had put
up some of the grapes in a basket for to be sent to the King we
took coach and home, were we found a hampire of millons sent to
me also.
30th. This morning up by moone-shine, at 5 o'clock, to White
Hall, to meet Mr. Moore at the Privy Seale, and there I heard of
a fray between the two Embassadors of Spaine [The Baron de
Vatteville.] and France; [Godfrey, Count D'Estrades, Marshal of
France, and Viceroy of America. He proved himself upon many
occasions, an able diplomatist, and particularly at the
conferences of Nimeguen when acting as ambassador in 1673. Ob.
1686, aet. suae 79,--VIDE HIS LETTERS TO LOUIS XIV. IN THE
APPEND.] and that, this day, being the day of the entrance of an
Embassador from Sweden, they intended to fight for the
precedence. Our King, I heard, ordered that no Englishman should
meddle in the business, but let them do what they would. And to
that end all the soldiers in the town were in arms all the day
long, and some of the train-bands in the City; and a great bustle
through the City all the day. Then we took coach (which was the
business I come for) to Chelsey, to my Lord Privy Seale, and
there got him to seal the business. Here I saw by day-light two
very fine pictures in the gallery, that a little while ago I saw
by night; and did also go all over the house, and found it to be
the prettiest contrived house that I ever saw in my life. So
back again; and at White Hall light, and saw the soldiers and
people running up and down the streets. So I went to the
Spanish, Embassador's and the French, and there saw great
preparations on both sides; but the French made the most noise
and ranted most, but the other made no stir almost at all; so
that I was afraid the other would have too great a conquest over
them. Then to the Wardrobe, and dined there, and then abroad and
in Cheapside hear that the Spanish hath got the best of it, and
killed three of the French coach-horses and severall men, and is
gone through the City next to our King's coach; at which, it is
strange, to see how all the City did rejoice. And indeed we do
naturally all love the Spanish, and hate the French. But I, as I
am in all things curious, presently got to the water-side, and
there took oares to Westminster Palace, and run after them
through all the dirt and the streets full of people: till at
last, at the Mewes, I saw the Spanish coach go, with fifty drawn
swords at least to guard it, and our soldiers shouting for joy.
And so I followed the coach, and then met it at York House, where
the embassador lies; and there it went in with great state.
[York House belonged to the See of York till James 1st's time,
when Toby Matthews exchanged it with the Crown. Chancellors
Egerton and Bacon resided there, after which it was granted to
Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Subsequently to the Restoration
his son occupied the house some years, and disposing of the
premises, they were converted into the streets still bearing his
names, and the general appellation of York Buildings.] So then I
went to the French house, where I observe still, that there is no
men in the world of a more insolent spirit where they do well,
nor before they begin a matter, and more abject if they do
miscarry, than these people are; for they all look like dead men,
and not a word among them, but shake their heads. The truth is,
the Spaniards were not only observed to fight most desperately,
but also they did outwitt them; first in lining their own
harnesse with chains of iron that they could not be cut, then in
setting their coach in the most advantageous place, and to
appoint men to guard every one of their horses, and others for to
guard the coach, and others the coachmen. And above all in
setting upon the French horses and killing them, for by that
means the French were not able to stir. There were several men
slain of the French, and one or two of the Spaniards and one
Englishman, by a bullet. Which is very observable, the French
were at least four to one in number, and had near 100 case of
pistols among them, and the Spaniards had not one gun among them;
which is for their honour for ever, and the others' disgrace.
So, having been very much daubed with dirt, I got a coach, and
home; where I vexed my wife in telling of her this story, and
pleading for the Spaniards against the French. So ends this
month; myself and family in good condition of health, but my head
full of my Lord's and my own and the office business: where we
are now very busy about sending forces to Tangier, and the fleet
of my Lord of Sandwich, who is now at Lisbone to bring over the
Queene. The business of Argier hath of late troubled me, because
my Lord hath not done what he went for, though he did as much as
any man in the world could have done. The want of money puts all
things, and above all, the Navy, out of order; and yet I do not
see that the King takes care to bring in any money, but thinks of
new designs to lay out money.
OCTOBER 4, 1661. By coach to White Hall with Sir W. Pen. So to
Mr. Montagu, where his man, Mons. Eschar, makes a great complaint
against the English, that they did help the Spaniards against the
French the other day; and that their Embassador do demand justice
of our King, and that he do resolve to be gone for France the
next week; which I, and all that I met with, are glad of.
17th. Captn. Cock, a man of great observation and repute, did
tell me, that he was confident that the Parliament, when it comes
the next month to sit again, would bring trouble with it, and
enquire how the King had disposed of offices and money, before
they will raise more; which, I fear, will bring all things to
ruin again. Dined with Captain Lambert and his father-in-law,
and had much talk of Portugall; from whence he is lately come,
and he tells me it is a very poor dirty place; I mean the City
and Court of Lisbone; that the King is a very rude and simple
fellow; and, for reviling of somebody a little while ago, had
been killed, had he not told them that he was their king. That
there are no glass windows, nor will they have any; which makes
sport among our merchants there to talk of an English factor
that, being newly come thither, writ into England that glasse
would be a good commodity to send thither, &c. That the King has
his meat sent up by a dozen of lazy guards and in pipkins,
sometimes, to his own table; and sometimes nothing but fruits,
and, now-and-then, half a hen. And that now the Infanta is
become our Queen, she is come to have a whole hen or goose to her
table.
18th. To White Hall, to Mr. Montagu's, where I met with Mr.
Pierce the purser, to advise about the things to be sent to my
Lord for the Queene's provision; now there is all haste made, for
the fleete's going.
20th. To Sir W. Batten, who is to go to Portsmouth to-morrow to
wait upon the Duke of York, who goes to take possession and to
set in order the garrison there.
26th. This morning Sir J. Pen and I should have gone out of town
with my Lady Batten, to have met Sir William coming back from
Portsmouth, at Kingston, but could not, by reason that my Lord of
Peterborough (who is to go Governor of Tangier) come this
morning, [Henry, second Earl of Peterborough, a Privy Councillor,
and in 1685 made Groom of the Stole. He was also K.G., and died
1697.] with Sir G. Carteret, to advise with us about completing
of the affairs and preparacions for that place. [This place, so
often mentioned by Mr. Pepys, was first given up to the English
Fleet under Lord Sandwich, by the Portuguese, Jan. 30, 1662; and
Lord Peterborough left Governor, with a garrison. The greatest
pains were afterwards taken to preserve the fortress, and a fine
Mole was constructed, at a vast expense, to improve the harbour.
At length, after immense sums of money had been wasted there, the
House of Commons expressed a dislike to the management of the
garrison, (which they suspected to be a nursery for a Popish
army,) and seemed disinclined to maintain it any longer. The
King consequently, in 1683, sent Lord Dartmouth to bring home the
troops, and destroy the works; which he performed most
effectually, and Tangier fell into the hands of the Moors, its
importance having ceased with the demolition of the Mole.] News
was brought that Sir R. Slingsby, our Comptroller (who hath this
day been sick a week), is dead; which put me into so great a
trouble of mind, that all the night I could not sleep, he being a
man that loved me, and had many qualitys that made me to love him
above all the officers and commissioners in the Navy.
27th. (Lord's day.) At church in the morning; where in pew both
Sir Williams and I had much talk about the death of Sir Robert,
which troubles me much; and them in appearance, though I do not
believe it; because I know that he was a cheque to their
engrossing the whole trade of the Navy-office.
29th. This day I put on my half cloth black stockings and my new
coate of the fashion, which pleases me well, and with my beaver I
was (after office was done) ready to go to my Lord Mayor's feast,
as we are all invited; but the Sir Williams were both loth to go,
because of the crowd, and so none of us went. This Lord Mayor,
it seems, brings up again the custom of Lord Mayors going the day
of their instalment to Paul's, and walking round about the
Crosse, and offering something, at the altar.
30th. Sir Henry Vane, Lambert, and others, are lately sent
suddenly away from the Tower, prisoners to Scilly; but I do not
think there is any plot as is said, but only a pretence; as there
was once pretended often against the Cavaliers.
NOVEMBER 1, 1661. Sir Wm. sent for his son Mr. Wm. Pen lately
come from Oxford. [The celebrated Quaker, and founder of
Pennsylvania.]
2nd. At the office all the morning; where Sir John Minnes, our
new comptroller, was fetched by Sir Wm. Pen and myself from Sir
Wm. Batten's, and led to his place in the office. The first time
that he had come thither, and he seems in a good fair condition,
and one that I am glad hath the office.
4th. With my wife to the Opera, where we saw "The Bondman,"
which of old we both did so doate on, and do still; though to
both our thinking not so well acted here, (having too great
expectations) as formally at Salisbury-court. But for Beterton,
he is called by us both the best actor in the world. [Thomas
Betterton, the celebrated actor, born in 1635, was the son of an
under cook to Charles I., and first appeared on the stage at the
Cockpit in Drury Lane, in 1659. After the Restoration, two
distinct theatres were established by Royal Authority; one in
Drury Lane, called the King's Company, under a patent granted to
Killigrew: the other in Lincoln's Inn Fields, styled the Duke's
Troop, the patentee of which was Sir W. Davenant, who engaged Mr.
Betterton in 1662, Mr. B. died in 1710, and was buried in the
cloisters of Westminster Abbey.]
8th. This morning up early, and to my Lord Chancellor's with a
letter to him from my Lord, and did speak with him; and he did
ask me whether I was was son to Mr. Talbot Pepys or no, [Of
Impington, great uncle to our Author.] (with whom he was once
acquainted in the Court of Requests), and spoke to me with great
respect.
10th. At St. Gregory's, where I hear our Queene Katherine, the
first time by name publickly prayed for.
12th. This day Holmes come to town; and we do expect hourly to
hear what usage he hath from the Duke and the King about his late
business of letting the Swedish Embassador go by him without
striking his flag.
13th. By appointment, we all went this morning to wait upon the
Duke of York, which we did in his chamber, as he was dressing
himself in his riding suit to go this day by sea to the Downes.
He is in mourning for his wife's grandmother, which is thought a
great piece of fondness. After we had given him our letter
relating the bad condition of the Navy for want of money, he
referred it to his coming back and so parted. Thence on foot to
my Lord Crewe's; here I was well received by my Lord and Sir
Thomas; with whom I had great talk: and he tells me in good
earnest that he do believe the Parliament, (which comes to sit
again the next week,) will be troublesome to the Court and
Clergy, which God forbid! But they see things carried so by my
Lord Chancellor and some others, that get money themselves, that
they will not endure it.
17th. To church; and heard a simple fellow upon the praise of
Church musique, and exclaiming against men's wearing their hats
on in the church.
20th. To Westminster Hall by water in the morning, where I saw
the King going in his barge to the Parliament House; this being
the first day of their meeting again. And the Bishops, I hear,
do take their places is the Lords' House this day. I walked
longe in the Hall, but hear nothing of newes, but what Ned
Pickering tells me, which I am troubled at, that Sir J. Minnes
should send word to the King, that if he did not remove all my
Lord Sandwich's captains out of this fleet, he believed the King
would not be master of the fleet at its coming again: and so do
endeavour to bring disgrace upon my Lord. But I hope all that
will not do, for the King loves him.
21st. At the office all the afternoon; it being the first
afternoon that we have sat, which we are now to do always, so
long as the Parliament sits, who this day have voted the King
120,000l. to be raised to pay his debts. [According to the
Journals 1,200,000l.]
28th. Letters from my Lord Sandwich, from Tangier; where he
continues still, and hath done some execution upon the Turks, and
retaken an Englishman from them, one Mr. Parker, a merchant in
Marke-lane.
29th. I lay long in bed, till Sir Williams both sent me word
that we were to wait upon the Duke of York to-day; and that they
would have me to meet them at Westminster Hall, at noon: so I
rose and went thither; and there I understand that they are gone
to Mr. Coventry's lodgings, in the Old Palace Yard, to dinner
(the first time that I knew he had any); and there I met them,
and Sir G. Carteret, and had a very fine dinner, and good
welcome, and discourse: and so, by water, after dinner to White
Hall to the Duke, who met us in his closet; and there did
discourse upon the business of Holmes, and did desire of us to
know what hath been the common practice about making of forrayne
ships to strike sail to us, which they did all do as much as they
could; but I could say nothing to it, which I was sorry for.
After we were gone from the Duke, I told Mr. Coventry that I had
heard Mr. Selden often say, that he could prove that in Henry the
7th's time, he did give commission to his captains to make the
King of Denmark's ships to strike to him in the Baltique.
30th. This is the last day for the old State's coyne to pass in
common payments, but they say it is to pass in publique payments
to the King three months still.
DECEMBER 1, 1661. There hath lately been great clapping up of
some old statesmen, such as Ireton, Moyer, [Samuel Moyer, one of
the Council of State, 1653.] and others, and they say, upon a
great plot, but I believe no such thing; but it is but justice
that they should be served as they served the poor Cavaliers; and
I believe it will oftentimes be so as long as they live, whether
there be cause or no.
6th. To White Hall, where, at Sir G. Carteret's, Sir Williams
both and I dined very pleasantly; and after dinner, by
appointment, came the Governors of the East India Company, to
sign and seal the contract between us (in the King's name) and
them. And, that done, we all went to the King's closet, and
there spoke with the King and the Duke of York, who promise to be
very careful of the India trade to the utmost.
7th. To the Privy Seale, and sealed there; and, among other
things that passed, there was a patent for Roger Palmer (Madam
Palmer's husband [Ob. July, 1705.]) to be Earle of Castlemaine
and Baron of Limbricke in Ireland; but the honor is tied up to
the males got of the body of this wife, the Lady Barbary: the
reason whereof every body knows. That done, by water to the
office, where I found Sir W. Pen, and with him Captn. Holmes, who
had wrote his case, and gives me a copy, as he hath many among
his friends, and presented the same to the King and Council.
Which I have made use of in my attempt of writing something
concerning the business of striking sail, which I am now about.
But he do cry out against Sir John Minnes, as the veriest knave
and rogue and coward in the world.
9th. At noon to dinner at the Wardrobe; where my Lady Wright
was, who did talk much upon the worth and the desert of
gallantry; and that there was none fit to be courtiers, but such
as have been abroad and know fashions. [See note on Sir Harry
Wright, 27th March 1660.] Which I endeavoured to oppose; and was
troubled to hear her talk so, though she be a very wise and
discreet lady in other things.
15th. I am now full of study about writing something about our
making of strangers strike to us at sea; and so am altogether
reading Selden and Grotius, and such other authors to that
purpose.
18th. After dinner to the Opera, where there was a new play,
(Cutter of Coleman Street) made in the year 1658, with
reflections much upon the late times; and it being the first time
the pay was doubled, and so to save money, my wife and I went
into the gallery, and there sat and saw very well; and a very
good play it is. It seems of Cowly's making.
21st. To White Hall to the Privy Seale, as my Lord Privy Seale
did tell me he could seale no more this month, for he goes thirty
miles out of towne to keep his Christmas. At which I was glad,
but only afraid lest any thing of the King's should force as to
go after him to get a seale in the country. I spoke to Mr.
Falconberge to look whether he could out of Domesday Book, give
me any thing concerning the sea, and the dominion thereof; which
he says he will look after.
27th. In the morning to my Bookseller's to bespeak a Stephens'
Thesaurus, for which I offer 4l., to give to Paul's School, and
from thence to Paul's Church; and there I did hear Dr. Gunning
preach a good sermon upon the day, (being St. John's day,) and
did hear him tell a story, which he did persuade us to believe to
be true, that St. John and the Virgin Mary did appear to Gregory,
a Bishopp, at his prayer to be confirmed in the faith, which I
did wonder to hear from him.
28th. At home all the morning; and in the afternoon all of us at
the office, upon a letter from the Duke for the making up of a
speedy estimate of all the debts of the Navy, which is put into
good forwardness.
31st. To the office; and there late finishing our estimate of
the debts of the Navy to this day; and it come to near 374,000l.
I suppose myself to be worth about 500l. clear in the world, and
my goods of my house my owne, and what is coming to me from
Brampton, when my father dies, which God defer. But, by my
uncle's death, the whole care and trouble, and settling of all
lies upon me, which is very great, because of law-suits,
especially that with T. Frice, about the interest of 200l. I am
upon writing a little treatise to present to the Duke, about our
privilege in the seas, as to other nations striking their flags
to us.
JANUARY 2, 1661-62. I went forth, by appointment, to meet with
Mr. Grant, who promised to bring me acquainted with Cooper, the
great limner in little. [ Samuel Cooper, the celebrated
miniature painter, Ob. 1672.] Sir Richd. Fanshaw is come
suddenly from Portugal, and nobody knows what his business is
about.
To Faithorne's, [William Faithorne, the well known engraver Ob.
1691.] and there bought some pictures of him; and while I was
there, comes by the King's life-guard, he being gone to Lincoln's
Inne this afternoon to see the Revells there; there being,
according to an old custome, a prince and all his nobles, and
other matters of sport and charge.
11th. To the Exchange, and there all the news is of the French
and Dutch joyning against us; but I do not think it yet true. In
the afternoon, to Sir W. Batten's, where in discourse I heard the
custome of the election of the Duke of Genoa, who for two years
is every day attended in the greatest state, and four or five
hundred men always waiting upon him as a king; and when the two
years are out, and another is chose, a messenger is sent to him,
who stands at the bottom of the stairs, and he at, the top, and
says, "Va. Illustrissima Serenita sta finita, et puede andar en
casa."--"Your serenity is now ended; and now you may be going
home;" and so claps on his hat. And the old Duke (having by
custom sent his goods home before,) walks away, it may be but
with one man at his heels; and the new one brought immediately in
his room, in the greatest state in the world. Another account
was told us, how in the Dukedom of Ragusa, in the Adriatique, (a
State that is little, but more ancient, they say, than Venice,
and is called the mother of Venice, and the Turkes lie round
about it,) that they change all the officers of their guard, for
fear of conspiracy, every twenty-four hours, so that nobody knows
who shall be captain of the guard to-night; but two men come to a
man, and lay hold of him as a prisoner, and carry him to the
place; and there he hath the keys of the garrison given him, and
he presently issues his orders for that night's watch: and so
always from night to night. Sir Wm. Rider told the first of his
own knowledge; and both he and Sir W. Batten confirm the last.
13th. Before twelve o'clock comes, by appointment, Mr. Peter and
the Dean, [Michael Honywood, installed Dean of Lincoln, 1660, Ob.
1681, aged 85.] and Colonel Honiwood, brothers, to dine with me;
but so soon that I was troubled at it. Mr. Peter did show us the
experiment (which I had heard talke of) of the chymicall glasses,
which break all to dust by breaking off a little small end; which
is a great mystery to me.
15th. Mr. Berkenshaw [Mr. Pepys's music master.] asked me
whether we had not committed a fault in eating to-day; telling me
that it is a fast day ordered by the Parliament, to pray for more
seasonable weather; it having hitherto been summer weather, that
it is, both as to warmth and every other thing, just as if it
were the middle of May or June, which do threaten a plague (as
all men think) to follow, for so it was almost the last winter;
and the whole year after hath been a very sickly time to this
day.
16th. Towards Cheapside; and in Paul's Church-yard saw the
funeral of my Lord Cornwallis, late Steward of the King's House,
go by. Stoakes told us, that notwithstanding the country of
Gambo is so unhealthy, yet the people of the place live very
long, so as the present King there is 150 years old, which they
count by rains: because every year it rains continually four
months together. He also told us, that the Kings there have
above 100 wives a-piece.
18th. Comes Mr. Moore to give me an account how Mr. Montagu
[Edward Montagu.] was gone away of a sudden with the fleet, in
such haste that he hath left behind some servants, and many
things of consequence; and among others, my Lord's commission for
Embassador. Whereupon he and I took coach, and to Whitehall to
my Lord's lodgings, to have spoke with Mr. Ralph Montagu [Ralph,
eldest son of Edward, second Baron Montagu, of Boughton; created
Duke of Montagu, and died 1709. His sister Elizabeth had married
Sir D. Harvey, Knt., Ambassador to Constantinople.] his brother;
(and here we staid talking with Sarah and the old man,) but by
and by hearing that he was in Covent Garden, we went thither:
and at my Lady Harvy's, his sister, I spoke with him, and he
tells me that the Commission is not left behind.
22nd. After musique-practice, to White Hall, and thence to
Westminster, in my way calling at Mr. George Montagu's, to
condole on the loss of his son, who was a fine gentleman. after
this discourse he told me, among other news, the great jealousys
that are now in the Parliament House. The Lord Chancellor, it
seems, taking occasion from this late plot to raise fears in the
people, did project the raising of an army forthwith, besides the
constant militia, thinking to make the Duke of York General
thereof. But the House did, in very open termes, say, they were
grown too wise to be fooled again into another army; and said
they had found how that man that hath the command of an army is
not beholden to any body to make him King. There are factions
(private ones at Court) about Madam Palmer; but what it is about
I know not. But it is something about the King's favour to her
now that the Queene is coming. He told me, too, what sport the
King and Court do make at Mr. Edwd. Montagu's leaving his things
behind him. But the Chancellor (taking it a little more
seriously) did openly say to my Lord Chamberlaine, that had it
been such a gallant as my Lord Mandeville his son, [Lord
Mandeville was a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to Charles II. He
became Earl of Manchester on his father's death, and died at
Paris in 1682.] it might have been taken as a frolique: but for
him that would be thought a grave coxcombe, it was very strange.
Thence to the Hall, where I heard the House had ordered all the
King's murderers, that remain, to be executed, but Fleetwood
[Charles, son of Sir Wm. Fleetwood, Knt., General and Commander
in Chief to the Protector Richard, whose sister, Bridget, widow
of Ireton, he had married. After the King's return he lived in
contemptible obscurity, and died circa 1689.] and Downes.
25th. At home and the office all the morning. Walking in the
garden to give the gardener directions what to do this year (for
I intend to have the garden handsome), Sir W. Pen come to me, and
did break a business to me about removing his son from Oxford to
Cambridge to some private college. I proposed Magdalene, but
cannot name a tutor at present; but I shall think and write about
it. Thence with him to the Trinity-house to dinner; where Sir
Richd. Brown, one of the clerkes of the Council, and who is much
concerned against Sir N. Crisp's project of making a great sasse
["Sasse, a sluice, or lock, used in water-works."--BAILEY'S
DICTIONARY. This project is mentioned by Evelyn, and Lysons,
ENVIRONS, VOL. iv. p. 392.] in the King's lands about Deptford,
to be a wett-dock to hold 200 sail of ships. But the ground, it
seems, was long since given by the King to Sir Richard. After
the Trinity-house men had done their business, the master, Sir
Wm. Rider, come to bid us welcome; and so to dinner. Comes
Mr.Moore with letters from my Lord Sandwich, speaking of his
lying still at Tangier, looking for the fleet; which, we hope, is
now in a good way thither.
27th. This morning, both Sir Williams and I by barge to
Deptford-yard to give orders in business there; and called on
several ships, also to give orders. Going to take water upon
Tower-hill, we met with three sleddes standing there to carry my
Lord Monson [William, second son of Sir Thomas Monson, Bart.;
created by Charles I. Viscount Castlemaine of the kingdom of
Ireland; notwithstanding which, he was instrumental in his
Majesty's death: and in 1661, being degraded of his honours, was
sentenced, with Sir Henry Mildmay and Mr. Robert Wallop, to be
drawn on sledges, with ropes round their necks, to Tyburn, and
back to the Tower, there to remain prisoners for life. None of
their names were subscribed to the King's sentence.] and Sir H.
Mildmay [Sir H. Mildmay had enjoyed the confidence of Charles I.,
who made him Master of the Jewels; but he sat a few days as one
of the King's Judges. He died at Antwerp.] and another, to the
gallows and back again, with ropes about their necks; which is to
be repeated every year, this being the day of their sentencing
the King.
FEBRUARY 1, 1661-62 This morning with Commissioner Pett to the
office; and he staid there writing, while I and Sir W. Pen walked
in the garden talking about his business of putting his son to
Cambridge; and to that end I intend to write to-night to Dr.
Fairebrother, to give me an account of Mr. Burton [Hezekiah
Burton, S. T. B. 1661.] of Magdalene. Thence with Mr. Pett to
the Paynter's; and he likes our pictures very well, and so do I.
Thence he and I to the Countesse of Sandwich, to lead him to her
to kiss her hands: and dined with her, and told her the news
(which Sir W. Pen told me to do) that expresse is come from my
Lord with letters, that by a great storm and tempest the mole of
Argier is broken down, and many of their ships sunk into the
mole. So that God Almighty hath now ended that unlucky business
for us; which is very good news.
4th. To Westminster Hall, where it was full terme. Here all the
morning, and at noon to my Lord Crewe's, where one Mr. Templer
(an ingenious man and a person of honour he seems to be) dined;
and, discoursing of the nature of serpents, he told us some in
the waste places of Lancashire do grow to a great bigness, and do
feed upon larkes, which they take thus:--They observe when the
lark is soared to the highest, and do crawl till they come to be
just underneath them; and there they place themselves with their
mouth uppermost, and there, as is conceived, they do eject poyson
upon the bird; for the bird do suddenly come down again in its
course of a circle, and falls directly into the mouth of the
serpent; which is very strange. He is a great traveller; and,
speaking of the tarantula, he says that all the harvest long
(about which times they are most busy) there are fidlers go up
and down the fields every where, in expectation of being hired by
those that are stung. This afternoon, going into the office, one
met me and did serve a subpoena upon me for one Field, whom we
did commit to prison the other day for some ill words he did give
the office. The like he had for others, but we shall scoure him
for it.
5th. To the Playhouse, and there saw "Rule a wife and have a
Wife;" [A comedy by J. Fletcher.] very well done. And here also
I did look long upon my Lady Castlemaine, who, notwithstanding
her sickness, continues a great beauty.
7th. I hear the prisoners in the Tower that are to die are come
to the Parliament-house this morning. To the Wardrobe to dinner
with my Lady; where a civitt cat, parrot, apes, and many other
things, are come from my Lord by Captain Hill, who dined with my
Lady with us to-day. Thence to the Paynter's, and am well
pleased with our pictures.
10th. To Paul's Church-yard, and there I met with Dr. Fuller's
"England's Worthys," the first time that I ever saw it; and so I
sat down reading in it; being much troubled that (though he had
some discourse with me about my family and armes) he says nothing
at all, nor mentions us either in Cambridgeshire or Norfolke.
But I believe, indeed, our family were never considerable.
13th. Mr. Blackburne do tell me plain of the corruption of all
our Treasurer's officers, and that they hardly pay any money
under ten per cent.; and that the other day for a mere
assignation of 200l. to some counties, they took 15l. which is
very strange. Last night died the Queene of Bohemia.
15th. With the two Sir Williams to the Trinity-house; and there
in their society had the business debated of Sir Nicholas Crisp's
sasse at Deptford. After dinner I was sworn a Younger Brother;
Sir W. Rider being Deputy-Master for my Lord of Sandwich; and
after I was sworn, all the Elder Brothers shake me by the hand:
it is their custom, it seems. No news yet of our fleet gone to
Tangier, which we now begin to think long.
17th. This morning, both Sir Williams, myself, and Captn. Cock,
and Captn. Tinker of the Covertine, which we are going to look
upon, (being intended with these ships fitting for the East
Indys) down to Deptford; and thence, after being on ship-board,
to Woolwich, and there eat something. The Sir Williams being
unwilling to eat flesh, Captn. Cock and I had a breast of veale
roasted.
18th. Having agreed with Sir Wm. Pen to meet him at the Opera,
and finding by my walking in the streets, which were every where
full of brick-bates and tyles flung down by the extraordinary
winde the last night (such as hath not been in memory before,
unless at the death of the late Protector,) that it was dangerous
to go out of doors; and hearing how several persons had been
killed to-day by the fall of things in the streets, and that the
pageant in Fleet-streete is most of it blown down, and hath broke
down part of several houses, among others Dick Brigden's; and
that one Lady Sanderson, a person of quality in Covent-Garden,
was killed by the fall of the house, in her bed, last night; I
sent my boy to forbid him to go forth, But he bringing me word
that he is gone, I went thither and saw "The Law against Lovers,"
[A tragi-comedy by Sir William Davenant; taken from "Measure for
Measure," and "Much Ado about Nothing."] a good play and well
performed, especially the little girl's (whom I never saw act
before) dancing and singing; and were it not for her, the losse
of Roxalana would spoil the house.
20th. Letters from Tangier from my Lord, telling me how, upon a
Great defete given to the Portuguese there by the Moors, he had
put in 300 men into the towne, and so he is in possession, of
which we are very glad, because now the Spaniards' designs of
hindering our getting the place are frustrated. I went with the
letter inclosed to my Lord Chancellor to the House of Lords, and
did give it him in the House. Went by promise to Mr. Savill's,
and there sat the first time for my picture in little, which
pleaseth me well.
22nd. This evening I wrote letters to my father; among other
things acquainted him with the unhappy accident which hath
happened lately to my Lord of Dorset's two oldest sons, who, with
two Belasses and one Squire Wentworth, were lately apprehended
for killing and robbing of a tanner about Newington on Wednesday
last, and are all now in Newgate. I am much troubled for it, and
for the grief and disgrace it brings to their familys and
friends. [The following account of this transaction is abridged
from the MERCURIUS PUBLICUS of the day:--"Charles Lord
Brockhurst, Edward Sackville, Esq., his brother; Sir Henry
Belasyse, K.B., eldest son of Lord Belasyse; John Belasyse,
brother to Lord Faulconberg; and Thomas Wentworth, Esq., only son
of Sir G. Wentworth, whilst in pursuit of thieves near Waltham
Cross, mortally wounded an innocent tanner named Hoppy, whom they
had endeavoured to secure, suspecting him to have been one of the
robbers; and as they took away the money found on his person,
under the idea that it was stolen property they were soon after
apprehended on the charges of robbery and murder; but the Grand
Jury found a bill for manslaughter only." By a subsequent
allusion in the Diary to their trial, it seems probable that a
verdict of acquittal was pronounced.]
23rd. This day by God's mercy I am 29 years of age, and in very
good health, and like to live and get an estate; and if I have a
heart to be contented, I think I may reckon myself as happy a man
as any in the world, for which God be praised. So to prayers and
to bed.
25th. Great talk of the effects of this late great wind; and I
heard one say that he had five great trees standing together
blown down; and, beginning to lop them, one of them, as soon as
the lops were cut off, did, by the weight of the root, rise again
and fasten. We have letters from the forest of Deane, that above
1000 oakes and as many beeches are blown down in one walke there.
And letters from my father tell me of 20l. hurt done to us at
Brampton. This day in the news-booke I find that my Lord
Buckhurst [Charles Lord Buckhurst, eldest son of Richard, fifth
Earl of Dorset; created Earl of Middlesex soon after his uncle's
death, in 1675, and succeeded his father in 1677. Ob. 1705-6.]
and his fellows have printed their case as they did give it in
upon examination to a Justice of Peace, wherein they make
themselves a very good tale that they were in pursuit of thieves,
and that they took this man for one of them, and so killed him;
and that he himself confessed it was the first time of his
robbing; and that he did pay dearly for it, for he was a dead
man. But I doubt things will be proved otherwise than they say.
MARCH 1, 1661-62. To the Opera, and there saw "Romeo and
Juliet," the first time it was ever acted. I am resolved to go
no more to see the first time of acting, for they were all of
them out more or less.
3rd. I am told that this day the Parliament hath voted 2s. per
annum for every chimney in England, as a constant revenue for
ever to the Crowne.
7th. Early to White Hall to the chapel, where by Mr. Blagrave's
means I got into his pew, and heard Mr. Creeton, the great
Scotchman, and chaplain in ordinary to the King, preach before
the King, and Duke and Duchesse, upon the words of Micah:--"Roule
yourselves in dust." He made a most learned sermon upon the
words; but in his application, the most comical man that ever I
heard in my life. Just such a man as Hugh Peters; saying that it
had been better for the poor Cavalier never to have come with the
King into England again; for he that hath the impudence to deny
obedience to the lawful magistrate, and to swear to the oath of
allegiance, &c., was better treated now-a-days in Newgate, than a
poor Royalist that hath suffered all his life for the King, is at
White Hall among his friends.
8th. By coach with both Sir Williams to Westminster; this being
a great day there in the House to pass the business for chimney-
money, which was done. In the Hall I met with Surgeon Pierce:
and he told me how my Lady Monk hath disposed of all the places
which Mr. Edwd. Montagu hoped to have had as he was Master of the
Horse to the Queene; which I am afraid will undo him, because he
depended much upon the profit of what he should make by these
places. He told me, also, many more scurvy stories of him and
his brother Ralph, which troubles me to hear of persons of honour
as they are. Sir W. Pen and I to the office, whither afterward
come Sir G. Carteret; and we sent for Sir Thos. Allen, one of the
Aldermen of the City, [Probably Sheriff of London, 1654.] about
the business of one Colonel Appesly, whom we had taken
counterfeiting of bills with all our hands and the officers of
the yards, so well that I should never have mistrusted them. We
staid about this business at the office till ten at night, and at
last did send him with a constable to the Counter; and did give
warrants for the seizing of a complice of his, one Blenkinsopp.
12th. This morning we had news from Mr. Coventry, that Sir G.
Downing (like a perfidious rogue, though the action is good and
of service to the King, yet he cannot with a good conscience do
it) hath taken Okey, Corbet, and Barkestead at Delfe, in Holland,
and sent them home in the Blackmore. [According to Hume, Downing
had once been chaplain to Okey's regiment. John Okey, Miles
Corbet, and John Barkstead, three of the regicides; executed
April 19th following.] Sir W. Pen, talking to me this afternoon
of what a strange thing it is for Downing to do this, he told me
of a speech he made to the Lords States of Holland, telling them
to their faces that he observed that he was not received with the
respect and observance now that he was when he came from the
traitor and rebell Cromwell: by whom, I am sure, he hath got all
he hath in the world,--and they know it too.
14th. Home to dinner. In the afternoon come the German Dr.
Knuffler, to discourse with us about his engine to blow up ships.
We doubted not the matter of fact, it being tried in Cromwell's
time, but the safety of carrying them in ships; but he do tell
us, that when he comes to tell the King his secret, (for none but
the Kings, successively, and their heirs must know it,) it will
appear to be of no danger at all. We concluded nothing: but
shall discourse with the Duke of York to-morrow about it.
16th. Walked to White Hall; and an houre or two in the Parke,
which is now very pleasant. Here the King and Duke come to see
their fowle play. The Duke took very civil notice of me.
17th. Last night the Blackmore pinke brought the three prisoners
Barkestead, Okey, and Corbet, to the Tower, being taken at Delfe
in Holland; where, the Captain tells me, the Dutch were a good
while before they could be persuaded to let them go, they being
taken prisoners in their land. But Sir G. Downing would not be
answered so: though all the world takes notice of him for a most
ungrateful villaine for his pains.
21st. To Westminster Hall; and there walked up and down and
heard the great difference that hath been between my Lord
Chancellor and my Lord of Bristol, about a proviso that my Lord
Chancellor would have brought into the Bill for Conformity, that
it shall be in the power of the King, when he sees fit to
dispense with the Act of Conformity; and though it be carried in
the House of Lords, yet it is believed it will hardly pass in the
Commons.
23rd. To White Hall, and there met with Captn. Isham, this day
come from Lisbone, with letters from the Queene to the King and
he did give me letters which speak that our fleet is all at
Lisbone; and that the Queene do not intend to embarque sooner
than to-morrow come fortnight.
24th. By and by comes La Belle Pierce to see my wife, and to
bring her a pair of peruques of hair, as the fashion now is for
ladies to wear; which are pretty, and are of my wife's own hair,
or else I should not endure them.
APRIL 6, 1662. (Lord's day). By water to White Hall, to Sir G.
Carteret, to give him an account of the backwardnesse of the
ships we have hired to Portugall: at which he is much troubled.
Thence to the Chapel, and there, though crowded, heard a very
honest sermon before the King by a Canon of Christ Church, upon
these words, "Having a form of godlinesse, but denying," &c.
Among other things he did much insist upon the sin of adultery:
which methought might touch the King, and the more because he
forced it into his sermon, besides his text. So up and saw the
King at dinner; and thence with Sir G. Carteret to his lodgings
to dinner, with him and his lady. All their discount, which was
very much, was upon their sufferings and services for the King.
Yet not without some trouble, to see that some that had been much
bound to them, do now neglect them; and others again most civil
that have received least from them: and I do believe that he
hath been a, good servant to the King. Thence to the Parke,
where the King and Duke did walk.
7th. To the Lords' House, and stood within the House, while the
Bishops and Lords did stay till the Chancellor's coming and then
we were put out. I sent in a note to my Lord Privy Seale and he
come out to me; and I desired he would make another deputy for
me, because of my great business of the Navy this month; but he
told me he could not do it without the King's consent, which
vexed me. The great talk is, that the Spaniards and the
Hollanders do intend to set upon the Portugais by sea, at
Lisbone, as soon as our fleet is come away; and by that means our
fleet is not likely to come yet these two months or three; which
I hope is not true.
9th. Sir George [Carteret.] showed me an account in French of
the great famine, which is to the greatest extremity in some part
of France at this day; which is very strange.
10th. Yesterday come Col. Talbot with letters from Portugall,
that the Queene is resolved to embarque for England this week.
Thence to the office all the afternoon. My Lord Windsor come to
us to discourse of his affaire, and to take his leave of us; he
being to go Governor of Jamaica with this fleet that is now
going. [Thomas Baron Windsor, Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire;
advanced to the Earldom of Plymouth, 1682. Ob. 1687.]
11th. With Sir W. Pen by water to Deptford; and among the ships
now going to Portugall with men and horse, to see them
dispatched. So to Greenwich; and had a fine pleasant walk to
Woolwich, having in our company Captn. Minnes, whom I was much
pleased to hear talk. Among other things, he and the Captains
that were with us told me that negroes drowned looked white and
lose their blackness, which I never heard before. At Woolwich up
and down to do the same business; and so back to Greenwich by
water. Sir William and I walked into the Parke, where the King
hath planted trees and made steps in the hill up to the Castle,
which is very magnificent. So up and down the house, which is
now repayring in the Queens's lodgings.
13th. To Grayes Inn walkes; and there met Mr. Pickering. His
discourse most about the pride of the Duchesse of York; and how
all the ladies envy my Lady Castlemaine. He intends to go to
Portsmouth to meet the Queene this week; which is now the
discourse and expectation of the towne.
15th. With my wife, by coach, to the New Exchange, to buy her
some things; where we saw some new-fashion pettycoats of
sarcenett, with a black broad lace printed round the bottom and
before, very handsome, and my wife had a mind to one of them.
19th. This morning, before we sat, I went to Aldgate; and at the
corner shop, a draper's, I stood, and, did see Barkestead, Okey,
and Corbet, drawne towards the gallows at Tyburne; and there they
were hanged and quartered. They all looked very cheerful; but I
hear they all die defending what they did to the King to be just;
which is very strange.
20th. (Lord's-day). My intention being to go this morning to
White Hall to hear Louth, my Lord Chancellor's chaplain, the
famous preacher and oratour of Oxford, (who the last Lord's-day
did sink down in the pulpit before the King, and could not
proceed,) it did rain, and the wind against me, that I could by
no means get a boat or coach to carry me; and so I staid at
Paul's, where the Judges did all meet, and heard a sermon, it
being the first Sunday of the terme; but they had a very poor
sermon.
21st. At noon dined with my Lord Crewe; and after dinner went up
to Sir Thos. Crewe's chamber, who is still ill. He tells me how
my Lady Duchesse of Richmond [Mary, daughter to George Duke of
Buckingham wife of James, fourth Duke of Lennox and third Duke of
Richmond.] and Castlemaine had a falling out the other day; and
she calls the latter Jane Shore, and did hope to see her come to
the same end. Coming down again to my Lord, he told me that news
was come that the Queene is landed; at which I took leave, and by
coach hurried to White Hall, the bells ringing in several places;
but I found there no such matter, nor anything like it.
22nd. We come to Gilford.
23rd. Up early, and to Petersfield; and thence got a countryman
to guide us by Havant, to avoid going through the Forest; but he
carried us much out of the way. I lay at Wiard's, the
chyrurgeon's, in Portsmouth.
24th. All of us to the Pay-house; but the books not being ready,
we went to church to the lecture, where there was my Lord Ormond
and Manchester, and much London company, though not so much as I
expected. Here we had a very good sermon upon this text: "In
love serving one another;" which pleased me very well. No news
of the Queene at all. So to dinner; and then to the Pay all the
afternoon. Then W. Pen and I walked to the King's Yard.
26th. Sir George and I, and his clerk Mr. Stephens, and Mr. Holt
our guide, over to Gosport; and so rode to Southampton. In our
way, besides my Lord Southampton's parks and lands, which in one
viewe we could see 6000l. per annum, [Tichfield House, erected by
Sir Thomas Wriothesley, on the site of an Abbey of
Premonstratenses, granted to him with their estates, 29th Henry
VIII. Upon the death of his descendant, Thomas, Earl of
Southampton, and Lord Treasurer, without issue male, the house
and manor were allotted to his eldest daughter Elizabeth, wife of
Edmund, 1st Earl of Gainsborough; and their only son dying
S.P.M., the property devolved to his sister Elizabeth, married to
Henry, Duke of Portland whose grandson, the 3rd Duke, alienated
it to Mr. Delme.] we observed a little church-yard, where the
graves are accustomed to be all sowed with sage. At Southampton.
The towne is one most gallant street, and is walled round with
stone, &c., and Bevis's picture upon one of the gates; many old
walls of religious houses, and the keye, well worth seeing.
27th. I rode to church, and met my Lord Chamberlaine upon the
walls of the garrison, who owned and spoke to me. I followed him
in the crowde of gallants through the Queene's lodgings to
chapel; the rooms being all rarely furnished, and escaped hardly
being set on fire yesterday. At chapel we had a most excellent
and eloquent sermon. By coach to the Yard, and then on board the
Swallow in the dock, where our navy chaplain preached a sad
sermon, full of nonsense and false Latin; but prayed for the
Right Honourable the principall officers. Visited the Mayor, Mr.
Timbrell, our anchor-smith, who showed us the present they have
for the Queene; which is a salt-sellar of silver, the walls
christall, with four eagles and four greyhounds standing up at
the top to bear up a dish; which indeed is one of the neatest
pieces of plate that ever I saw, and the case is very pretty
also. [A salt-sellar answering this description is preserved at
the Tower.] This evening come a merchantman in the harbour,
which we hired at London to carry horses to Portugall; but Lord!
what running, here was to the seaside to hear what news, thinking
it had come from the Queene.
MAY 1, 1662. Sir G. Carteret, Sir W. Pen, and myself, with our
clerks, set out this morning from Portsmouth very early, and got
by noon to Petersfield; several officers of the Yard accompanying
us so far. At dinner comes my Lord Carlingford [Theobald second
Viscount Taafe, created Earl of Carlingford, co. Louth, 1661-2.]
from London, going to Portsmouth: tells us that the Duchesse of
York is brought to bed of a girle, at which I find nobody
pleased; and that Prince Rupert and the Duke of Buckingham are
sworne of the Privy Councell.
7th. Walked to Westminster; where I understand the news that Mr.
Montagu is last night come to the King with news, that he left
the Queene and fleete in the Bay of Biscay, coming this wayward;
and that he believes she is now at the Isle of Scilly. Thence to
Paul's Church Yard; where seeing my Ladys Sandwich and Carteret,
and my wife (who this day made a visit the first time to my Lady
Carteret) come by coach, and going to Hide Parke, I was resolved
to follow them; and so went to Mrs. Turner's: and thence at the
Theatre, where I saw the last act of the "Knight of the Burning
Pestle," [A Comedy by Beaumont and Fletcher.] (which pleased me
not at all), and so after the play done, she and The. Turner and
Mrs. Lucin and I, in her coach to the Parke; and there found them
out, and spoke to them; and observed many fine ladies, and staid
till all were gone almost.
8th. Sir G. Carteret told me, that the Queene and the fleet were
in Mount's Bay on Monday last; and that the Queene endures her
sickness pretty well. He also told me how Sir John Lawson hath
done some execution upon the Turkes in the Straight, of which I
was glad, and told the news the first on the Exchange, and was
much followed by merchants to tell it. Sir G. Carteret, among
other discourse, tells me that it is Mr. Coventry that is to come
to us as a Commissioner of the Navy; at which he is much vexed,
and cries out upon Sir W. Pen, and threatens him highly. And
looking upon his lodgings, which are now enlarging, he in a
passion cried, "Guarda mi spada; for, by God, I may chance to
keep him in Ireland, when he is there:" for Sir W. Pen is going
thither with my Lord Lieutenant. But it is my design to keep
much in with Sir George; and I think I have begun very well
towards it.
9th. The Duke of York went last night to Portsmouth; so that I
believe the Queene is near.
10th. At noon to the Wardrobe; there dined. My Lady told me how
my Lady Castlemaine do speak of going to lie at Hampton Court;
which she and all our ladies are much troubled at, because of the
King's being forced to show her countenance in the sight of the
Queene when she comes. In the evening Sir G. Carteret and I did
hire a ship for Tangier, and other things together; and I find
that he do single me out to join with me apart from the rest,
which I am much glad of.
11th. In the afternoon to White Hall; and there walked an houre
or two in the Parke, where I saw the King now out of mourning, in
a suit laced with gold and silver, which it is said was out of
fashion. Thence to the Wardrobe; and there consulted with the
ladies about going to Hampton Court to-morrow.
12th. Mr. Townsend called us up by four o'clock; and by five the
three ladies, my wife and I, and Mr. Townsend, his son and
daughter, were got to the barge and set out. We walked from
Mortlake to Richmond, and so to boat again. And from Teddington
to Hampton Court Mr. Townsend and I walked again. And then met
the ladies, and were showed the whole house by Mr. Marriott;
which is indeed nobly furnished, particularly the Queene's bed,
given her by the States of Holland; a looking-glasse sent by the
Queene-mother from France, hanging in the Queene's chamber, and
many brave pictures. And so to barge again; and got home about
eight at night very well.
14th. Dined at the Wardrobe; and after dinner, sat talking an
hour or two alone with my Lady. She is afraid that my Lady
Castlemaine will keep still with the King.
15th. To Westminster; and at the Privy Seale I saw Mr.
Coventry's seal for his being Commissioner with us. At night,
all the bells of the towne rung, and bonfires made for the joy of
the Queene's arrival, who landed at Portsmouth last night. But I
do not see much true joy, but only an indifferent one, in the
hearts of the people, who are much discontented at the pride and
luxury of the Court, and running in debt.
18th. (Whitsunday.) By water to White Hall, and there to chapel
in my pew belonging to me as Clerke of the Privy Seale; and there
I heard a most excellent sermon of Dr. Hacket, Bishop of
Lichfield and Coventry, [John Hacket, elected Bishop of that see
1661, Ob. 1670.] upon these words: "He that drinketh this water
shall never thirst." We had an excellent anthem, sung by Captn.
Cooke and another, and brave musique. And then the King come
down and offered, and took the sacrament upon his knees; a sight
very well worth seeing. After dinner to chapel again; and there
had another good anthem of Captn. Cooke's. Thence to the
Councell-chamber; where the King and Councell sat till almost
eleven o'clock at night, and I forced to walk up and down the
gallerys till that time of night. They were reading all the
bills over that are to pass to-morrow at the House, before the
King's going out of towne and proroguing the House. At last the
Councell risen, Sir G. Carteret told me what the Councell hath
ordered about the ships designed to carry horse from Ireland to
Portugall, which is now altered.
19th. I hear that the House of Commons do think much that they
should be forced to huddle over business this morning against
afternoon, for the King to pass their Acts, that he may go out of
towne. But he, I hear since, was forced to stay till almost nine
o'clock at night before he could have done, and then prorogued
them; and so to Gilford, and lay there.
20th. Sir W. Pen and I did a little business at the office, and
so home again. Then comes Dean Fuller; [Dean of St. Patrick's]
and I am most pleased with his company and goodness.
21st. My wife and I to my Lord's lodging; where she and I staid
walking in White Hall garden. And in the Privy-garden saw the
finest smocks and linnen petticoats of my Lady Castlemaine's,
laced with rich lace at the bottom, that ever I saw: and did me
good to look at them. Sarah told me how the King dined at my
Lady Castlemaine's, and supped, every day and night the last
week; and that the night that the bonfires were made for joy of
the Queene's arrivall, the King was there; but there was no fire
at her door, though at all the rest of the doors almost in the
street; which was much observed: and that the King and she did
send for a pair of scales and weighed one another; and she, being
with child, was said to be heaviest. But she is now a most
disconsolate creature, and comes not out of doors, since the
King's going.
22nd. This morning comes an order from the Secretary of State,
Nicholas, for me to let one Mr. Lee, a Councellor, view what
papers I have relating to passages of the late times, wherein Sir
H. Vane's hand is employed, in order to the drawing up his
charge; which I did.
23rd. To the Wardrobe, reading of the King's and Chancellor's
late speeches at the proroguing of the Houses of Parliament. And
while I was reading, news was brought me that my Lord Sandwich is
come and gone up to my Lady's chamber; which by and by he did,
and looks very well. He very merry, and hath left the King and
Queene at Portsmouth, and is come up to stay here till next
Wednesday, and then to meet the King and Queene at Hampton Court.
So to dinner; and my Lord mighty merry; among other things,
saying that the Queene is a very agreeable lady, and paints well.
After dinner I showed him my letter from Teddiman about the news
from Argier, which pleases him exceedingly; and he writ one to
the Duke of York about it, and sent it express.
24th. Abroad with Mr. Creed, of whom I informed myself of all I
had a mind to know. Among other things, the great difficulty my
Lord hath been in all this summer for lack of good and full
orders from the King: and I doubt our Lords of the Councell do
not mind things as the late powers did, but their pleasure or
profit more. That the Bull Feasts are a simple sport, yet the
greatest in Spaine. That the Queene hath given no rewards to any
of the captains or officers, but only to my Lord Sandwich; and
that was a bag of gold, which was no honorable present, of about;
1400l. sterling. How recluse the Queene hath ever been, and all
the voyage never come upon the deck, nor put her head out of her
cabin; but did love my Lord's musique, and would send for it down
to the state-room, and she sit in her cabin within hearing of it.
But my Lord was forced to have some clashing with the Council of
Portugall about payment of the portion, before he could get it;
which was, besides Tangier and free trade in the Indys, two
millions of crownes, half now, and the other half in twelve
months. But they have brought but little money; but the rest in
sugars and other commoditys, and bills of exchange. That the
King of Portugall is a very foole almost, and his mother do all,
and he is a very poor Prince.
25th. To church, and heard a good sermon of Mr. Woodcocke's at
our church: only in his latter prayer for a woman in childbed,
he prayed that; God would deliver her from the hereditary curse
of childe-bearing, which seemed a pretty strange expression. Out
with Captn. Ferrers to Charing Cross; and there at the Triumph
taverne he showed me some Portugall ladys, which are come to
towne before the Queene. They are not handsome, and their
farthingales a strange dress. Many ladies and persons of quality
come to see them. I find nothing in them that is pleasing; and I
see they have learnt to kiss and look freely up and down already,
and I do believe will soon forget the recluse practice of their
own country. They complain much for lack of good water to drink.
The King's guards and some City companies do walk up and downe
the towne these five or six days; which makes me think, and they
do say, there are some plots in laying.
26th. To the Trinity House; where the Brethren have been at
Deptford choosing a new Master; which is Sir J. Minnes,
notwithstanding Sir W. Batten did contend highly for it; at which
I am not a little pleased, because of his proud lady.
29th. This day, being the King's birth-day, was very solemnly
observed; and the more, for that the Queene this day comes to
Hampton Court. In the evening bonfires were made, but nothing to
the great number that was heretofore at the burning of the Rump.
31st. The Queene is brought a few days since to Hampton Court:
and all people say of her to be a very fine and handsome lady,
and very discreet; and that the King is pleased enough with her:
which, I fear, will put Madam Castlemaine's nose out of joynt.
The Court is wholly now at Hampton. A peace with Argier is
lately made; which is also good news. My Lord Sandwich is lately
come with the Queene from sea, very well and in good repute. The
Act for Uniformity is lately printed, which, it is thought, will
make mad work among the Presbyterian ministers. People of all
sides are very much discontented; some thinking themselves used,
contrary to promise, too hardly; and the other, that they are not
rewarded so much as they expected by the King.
JUNE 3, 1662. At the office, and Mr. Coventry brought his patent and
took his place with us this morning. To the Wardrobe, where I
found my lady come from Hampton Court, where the Queene hath used
her very civilly; and my lady tells me is a most pretty woman.
Yesterday (Sir R. Ford told me) the aldermen of the City did
attend her in their habits, and did present her with a gold cupp
and 1000l. in gold therein. But, he told me, that they are so
poor in their Chamber, that they were fain to call two or three
aldermen to raise fines to make up this sum.
4th. Povy [Thomas Povy, M.P. for Bosiney, 1658 and Treasurer for
Tangier. Evelyn mentions his house in Lincoln's Inn-fields; and
he appears, from an ancient plan of Whitehall Palace, to have had
apartments there.] and Sir W. Batten and I by water to Woolwich;
and there saw an experiment made of Sir R. Ford's Holland's
yarne, (about which we have lately had so much stir; and I have
much concerned myself for our rope-maker, Mr. Hughes, who
represented it so bad,) and we found it to be very bad, and broke
sooner than, upon a fair triall, five threads of that against
four of Riga yarne; and also that some of it had old stuffe that
had been tarred, covered over with new hempe, which is such a
cheat as hath not been heard of.
7th. To the office. I find Mr. Coventry is resolved to do much
good, and to enquire into all the miscarriages of the office. At
noon with him and Sir W. Batten to dinner at Trinity House;
where, among others, Sir J. Robinson, Lieutenant of the Tower,
was, who says that yesterday Sir H. Vane had a full hearing at
the King's Bench, and is found guilty; and that he did never hear
any man argue more simply than he in all his life, and so others
say. Sent for to Sir G. Carteret's. I perceive, as; he told me,
were it not that Mr. Coventry had already feathered his nest in
selling of places, he do like him very well, and hopes great good
from him. But he complains so of lack of money, that my heart is
very sad, under the apprehension of the fall of the office.
10th. All the morning much business; and great hopes of bringing
things, by Mr. Coventry's means, to a good condition in the
office.
12th. I tried on my riding cloth suit with close knees, the
first that ever I had; and I think they will be very convenient.
At the office all the morning. Among other businesses, I did get
a vote signed by all, concerning my issuing of warrants, which
they did not smell the use I intend to make of it; but it is to
plead for my clerks to have their right of giving out all the
warrants. A great difference happened between Sir G. Carteret
and Mr. Coventry, about passing the Victualler's account, and
whether Sir George is to pay the Victualler his money, or the
Exchequer; Sir George claiming it to be his place to save his
three-pences. It ended in anger, and I believe will come to be a
question before the King and Council.
13th. Up by 4 o'clock in the morning, and read Cicero's Second
Oration against Cataline, which pleased me exceedingly: and more
I discern therein than ever I thought was to be found in him; but
I perceive it was my ignorance, and that he is as good a writer
as ever I read in my life. By and by to Sir G. Carteret's, to
talk with him about yesterday's difference at the office; and
offered my service to look into my old books or papers that I
have, that may make for him. He was well pleased therewith, and
did much inveigh against Mr. Coventry; telling me how he had done
him service in the Parliament, when Prin had drawn up things
against him for taking of money for places; that he did at his
desire, and upon his letters, keep him off from doing it. And
many other things he told me, as how the King was beholden to
him, and in what a miserable condition his family would be, if he
should die before he hath cleared his accounts. Upon the whole,
I do find that he do much esteem of me, and is my friend.
14th. About 11 o'clock, having a room got ready for us, we all
went out to the Tower-hill; and there, over against the scaffold,
made on purpose this day, saw Sis Henry Vane brought. A very
great press of people. He made a long speech, many times
interrupted by the Sheriffe and others there; and they would have
taken his paper out of his hand, but he would not let it go. But
they caused all the books of those that writ after him to be
given the Sheriffe; and the trumpets were brought under the
scaffold that he might not be heard. Then he prayed, and so
fitted himself, and received the blow; but the scaffold was so
crowded that we could not see it done. But Boreman, who had been
upon the scaffold, told us, that first he began to speak of the
irregular proceeding against him; that he was, against Magna
Charta, denied to have his exceptions against the indictment
allowed; and that there he was stopped by the Sheriffe. Then he
drew out his paper of notes, and begun to tell them first his
life; that he was born a gentleman; he had been, till he was
seventeen years old, a good fellow, but then it pleased God to
lay a foundation of grace in his heart, by which he was
persuaded, against his worldly interest, to leave all preferment
and go abroad, where he might serve God with more freedom. Then
he was called home; and made a member of the Long Parliament;
where he never did, to this day, any thing against his
conscience, but all for the glory of God. Here he would have
given them an account of the proceedings of the Long Parliament,
but they so often interrupted him, that at last he was forced to
give over: and so fell into prayer for England in generall, then
for the churches in England, and then for the City of London:
and so fitted himself for the block, and received the blow. He
had a blister, or issue, upon his neck, which he desired them not
to hurt: he changed not his colour or speech to the last, but
died justifying himself and the cause he had stood for; and spoke
very confidently of his being presently at the right hand of
Christ; and in all things appeared the most resolved man that
ever died in that manner, and showed more of heate than
cowardize, but yet with all humility and gravity. One asked him
why he did not pray for the King. He answered, "You shall see I
can pray for the King: I pray God bless him!" The King had
given his body to his friends; and, therefore, he told them that
he hoped they would be civil to his body when dead; and desired
they would let him die like a gentleman and a Christian, and not
crowded and pressed as he was. So to the office a little, and to
the Trinity-house, and there all of us to dinner; and to the
office again all the afternoon till night. This day, I hear, my
Lord Peterborough is come unexpected from Tangier, to give the
King an account of the place, which, we fear, is in none of the
best condition. We had also certain news to-day that the
Spaniard is before Lisbone with thirteen sayle; six Dutch, and
the rest his own ships; which will, I fear, be ill for Portugall.
I writ a letter of all this day's proceedings to my Lord, at
Hinchingbroke.
18th. Up early; and after reading a little in Cicero, to my
office. To my Lord Crewe's and dined with him; where I hear the
courage of Sir H. Vane at his death is talked on every where as a
miracle. I walked to Lilly's, the painter's, [Peter Lely, the
celebrated painter, afterwards knighted. Ob. 1680.] where I saw
among other rare things, the Duchesse of York, her whole body,
sitting in state in a chair, in white sattin, and another of the
King's, that is not finished; most rare things. I did give the
fellow something that showed them us, and promised to come some
other time, and he would show me Lady Castlemaine's, which I
could not then see, it being locked up! Thence to Wright's, the
painter's: [Michael Wright, a native of Scotland, and portrait-
painter of some note, settled in London.] but, Lord! the
difference that is between their two works.
20th. Drew up the agreement between the King and Sir John Winter
[Secretary and Chancellor to the Queen Dowager.] about the
Forrest of Deane; and having done it, he come himself, (I did not
know him to be the Queene's Secretary before, but observed him to
be a man of fine parts); and we read it, and both liked it well,
That done, I turned to the Forrest of Deane, in Speede's Mapps,
and there he showed me how it lies; and the Sea-bayly, with the
great charge of carrying it to Lydny, and many other things worth
my knowing; and I do perceive that I am very short in my business
by not knowing many times the geographical part of my business.
I went to the Exchange, and I hear that the merchants have a
great fear of a breach with the Spaniard; for they think he will
not brook our having Tangier, Dunkirke, and Jamaica; and our
merchants begin to draw home their estates as fast as they can.
21st. At noon, Sir W. Pen and I to the Trinity House; where was
a feast made by the Wardens. Great good cheer, and much but
ordinary company. The Lieutenant of the Tower, upon my demanding
how Sir H. Vane died, told me that he died in a passion; but all
confess with so much courage as never man did.
22nd. This day I am told of a Portugall lady, at Hampton Court,
that hath dropped a child already since the Queene's coming, and
the King would not have them searched whose it is; and so it is
not commonly known yet. Coming home to-night, I met with Will.
Swan, who do talk as high for the Fanatiques as ever he did in
his life; and do pity my Lord Sandwich and me that we should be
given up to the wickedness of the world; and that a fall is
coming upon us all; for he finds that he and his company are the
true spirit of the nation, and the greater part of the nation
too, who will have liberty of conscience in spite of this "Act of
Uniformity," or they will die; and if they may not preach abroad,
they will preach in their own houses. He told me that certainly
Sir H. Vane must be gone to Heaven, for he died as much a martyr
and saint as ever man did; and that the King hath lost more by
that man's death, than he will get again a good while. At all
which I know not what to think; but, I confess, I do think that
the Bishops will never be able to carry it so high as they do.
Meeting with Frank Moore, my Lord Lambeth's man formerly, we, and
two or three friends of his did go to a taverne; but one of our
company, a talking fellow, did in discourse say much of this Act
against Seamen, for their being brought to account; and that it
was made on purpose for my Lord Sandwich, who was in debt
100,000l. and hath been forced to have pardon oftentimes from
Oliver for the same: at, which I was vexed.
24th. At night news is brought me that Field the rogue hath this
day cast me at Guildhall in 30l. for his imprisonment, to which I
signed his commitment with the rest of the officers; but they
having been parliament-men, he do begin the law with me; but
threatens more.
26th. Mr. Nicholson, [Thomas Nicholson, A.M., 1672.] my old
fellow-student at Magdalene, come, and we played three or four
things upon the violin and basse.
27th. To my Lord, who rose as soon as be heard I was there; and
in his night-gowne and shirt stood talking with me alone two
hours, I believe, concerning his greatest matters of state and
interest,--among other things, that his greatest design is,
first, to get clear of all debts to the King for the Embassy
money, and then a pardon. Then, to get his land settled; and
then to discourse and advise what is best for him, whether to
keep his sea employment longer or no. For he do discern that the
Duke would be willing to have him out, and that by Coventry's
means. And here he told me, how the terms at Argier were wholly
his; and that be did plainly tell Lawson and agree with him, that
he would have the honour of them, if they should ever be agreed
to; and that accordingly they did come over hither entitled,
"Articles concluded on by Sir J. Lawson, according to
instructions received from His Royal Highness James Duke of York,
&c. and from His Excellency the Earle of Sandwich." (Which
however was more than needed; but Lawson tells my Lord in his
letter, that it was not he, but the Council of Warr that would
have "His Royal Highness" put into the title, though he did not
contribute one word to it.) But the Duke of York did yesterday
propose them to the Council, to be printed with this title:
"Concluded on by Sir J. Lawson, Knt." and my Lord quite left out.
Here I find my Lord very politique; for he tells me, that he
discerns they design to set up Lawson as much, as they can: and
that he do counterplot them by setting him up higher still; by
which they will find themselves spoiled of their design, and at
last grow jealous of Lawson. This he told me with much pleasure;
and that several of the Duke's servants, by name my Lord
Barkeley, Mr. Talbot, and others, had complained to my Lord, of
Coventry, and would have him out. My Lord do acknowledge that
his greatest obstacle is Coventry. He did seem to hint such a
question as this: "Hitherto I have been supported by the King
and Chancellor against the Duke; but what if it should come
about, that it should be the Duke and Chancellor against the
King:" which, though he said it in several plain words, yet I
could not fully understand it; but may more hereafter. My Lord
did also tell me, that the Duke himself at Portsmouth did thank
my Lord for all his pains and care; and that he perceived it must
be the old Captains that must do the business; and that the new
ones would spoil all. And that my Lord did very discreetly tell
the Duke, (though quite against his judgement and inclination)
that, however, the King's new captaines ought to be borne with a
little and encouraged. By which he will oblige that party, and
prevent, as much as may be, their entry; but he says certainly
things will go to rack if ever the old captains should be wholly
out, and the new ones only command.
I met Sir W. Pen; he told me the day now was fixed for his going
into Ireland; and that whereas I had mentioned some service he
could do a friend of mine there, Saml. Pepys, [Mentioned
elsewhere as "My cousin in Ireland."] he told me he would most
readily do what I would command him.
28th. Great talk there is of a fear of a war with the Dutch; and
we have order to pitch upon twenty ships to be forthwith set out;
but I hope it is but; a scare-crow to the world, to let them see
that we can be ready for them; though, God knows! the King is
not able to set out five ships at this present without great
difficulty, we neither having money, credit, nor stores.
30th. Told my Lady (Carteret) how my Lady Fanshaw [Anne,
daughter of Sir John Harrison, wife of Sir Richard Fanshawe. She
wrote Memoirs of her life,--VIDE SEWARDS ANECDOTES.] is fallen
out with her only for speaking in behalf of the French, which my
Lady wonders at, they having been formerly like sisters. Thence
to my house, where I took great pride to lead her through the
Court by the hand, she being very fine, and her page carrying up
her train.