13th. My Lord Brouncker, Sir J. Minnes, and I took boat, and in

my Lord's coach to Sir W. Hickes's, [Sir William Hickes, created

a baronet 1619. Ob. 1680, aged 84. His country-seat was called

Ruckholts, or Rookwood, at Layton, in Essex, where he entertained

King Charles II. after hunting.] whither by and by my Lady

Batten and Sir William comes. It is a good seat, with a fair

grove of trees by it, and the remains of a good garden; but so

let to run to ruine, both house and every thing in and about it,

so ill furnished and miserably looked after, I never did see in

all my life. Not so much as a latch to his dining-room door;

which saved him nothing, for the wind blowing into the room for

want thereof, flung down a great bow pott, that stood upon the

side-table, and that fell upon some Venice glasses, and did him a

crown's worth of hurt. He did give us the meanest dinner, (of

beef shoulder and umbles of venison which he takes away from the

keeper of the Forest, [Of which he was Ranger.] and a few

pigeons, and all in the meanest manner,) that ever I did see, to

the basest degree. I was only pleased at a very fine picture of

the Queene-Mother, when she was young, by Vandike; a very good

picture, and a lovely face.

14th. To the Duke of Albemarle, where I find a letter of the

12th. from Solebay, from my Lord Sandwich, of the fleet's meeting

with about eighteen more of the Dutch fleet, and his taking of

most of them; and the messenger says, they had taken three after

the letter was wrote and sealed; which being twenty-one, and the

fourteen took the other day, is forty-five sail; some of which

are good, and others rich ships. And having taken a copy of my

Lord's letter, I away toward the 'Change, the plague being all

thereabouts. Here my news was highly welcome, and I did wonder

to see the 'Change so full, I believe 200 people; but not a man

or merchant of any fashion, but plain men all. And Lord! to see

how I did endeavour all I could to talk with as few as I could,

there being now no observation of shutting up of houses infected,

that to be sure we do converse and meet with people that have the

plague upon them. I spent some thoughts upon the occurrences of

this day, giving matter for as much content on one hand and

melancholy on another, as any day in all my life. For the first;

the finding of my money and plate, and all safe at London, and

speeding in my business of money this day. The hearing of this

good news to such excess, after so great a despair of my Lord's

doing any thing this year; adding to that, the decrease of 500

and more, which is the first decrease we have yet had in the

sickness since it begun: and great hopes that the next week it

will be greater. Then, on the other side, my finding that though

the Bill in general is abated, yet the City within the walls is

encreased, and likely to continue so, and is close to our house

there. My meeting dead corpses of the plague, carried to be

buried close to me at noon-day through the City in Fanchurch-

street. To see a person sick of the sores, carried close by me

by Gracechurch in a hackney-coach. My finding the Angel tavern,

at the lower end of Tower-bill, shut up, and more than that, the

alehouse at the Tower-stairs, and more than that, that the person

was then dying of the plague when I was last there, a little

while ago, at night. To hear that poor Payne, my waiter, had

buried a child, and is dying himself. To hear that a labourer I

sent but the other day to Dagenhams, to know how they did there,

is dead of the plague; and that one of my own watermen, that

carried me daily, fell sick as soon as he had landed me on Friday

morning last, when I had been all night upon the water, (and I

believe he did get his infection that day at Brainford) and is

now dead of the plague. To hear that Captain Lambert and Cuttle

are killed in the taking these ships; and that Mr. Sidney

Montague is sick of a desperate fever at my Lady Carteret's, at

Scott's-hall. To hear that Mr. Lewes hath another daughter sick.

And, lastly, that both my servants, W. Hewer, and Tom Edwards,

have lost their fathers, both in St. Sepulchre's parish of the

plague this week, do put me into great apprehension of

melancholy, and with good reason.

17th. To Gravesend in the Bezan Yacht, and there come to anchor

for all night.

18th. By break of day we come to within sight of the fleet,

which was a very fine thing to behold, being above 100 ships,

great and small; with the flag ships of each squadron,

distinguished by their several flags on their main, fore, or

mizen masts. Among others, the Soveraigne, Charles, and Prince;

in the last of which my Lord Sandwich was. And so we come on

board, and we and my Lord Sandwich newly up in his night-gown

very well. He received us kindly; telling us the state of the

fleet, lacking provisions, having no beer at all, nor have had

most of them these three weeks or month, and but few days' dry

provisions. and indeed he tells us that he believes no fleet was

ever set to sea in so ill condition of provision, as this was

when it went out last. He did inform us in the business of

Bergen, so as to let us see how the judgment of the world is not

to be depended on in things they know not; it being a place just

wide enough, and not so much hardly, for ships to go through to

it, the yard-armes sticking in the very rocks. He do not, upon

his best enquiry, find reason to except against any part of the

management of the business by Teddiman; he having staid treating

no longer than during the night, whiles he was fitting himself to

fight, bringing his ship a-breast, and not a quarter of an hour

longer, (as it is said); nor could more ships have been brought

to play, as is thought. Nor could men be landed, there being

10,000 men effectively always in armes of the Danes; nor, says

he, could we expect more from the Dane than he did, it being

impossible to set fire on the ships but it must burn the towne.

But that wherein the Dane did amisse, is that he did assist them,

the Dutch, all the time, while he was treating with us, when he

should have been newtrall to us both. But, however, he did

demand but the treaty of us; which is, that we should not come

with more than five ships. A flag of truce is said, and

confessed by my Lord, that he believes it was hung out; but while

they did hang it out, they did shoot at us; so that it was not

seen, or perhaps they would not cease upon sight of it, while

they continued actually in action against us. But the main thing

my Lord wonders at, and condemns the Dane for, is, that the

blockhead, who is so much in debt to the Hollander, having now a

treasure more by much than all his Crowne was worth, and that

which would for ever have beggared the Hollander, should not take

this time to break with the Hollander, and thereby pay his debt

which must have been forgiven him, and have got the greatest

treasure into his hands that ever was together in the world. By

and by my Lord took me aside to discourse of his private matters,

who was very free with me touching the ill condition of the fleet

that it hath been in, and the good fortune that he hath had, and

nothing else that these prizes are to be imputed to. He also

talked with me about Mr. Coventry's dealing with him in sending

Sir W. Pen away before him, which was not fair nor kind; but that

he hath mastered and cajoled Sir W. Pen, that he hath been able

to do nothing in the fleet, but been obedient to him; but withal

tells me he is a man that is but of very mean parts, and a fellow

not to be lived with, so false and base he is; which I know well

enough to be true, and did, as I had formerly done, give my Lord

my knowledge of him. By and by was called a Council of Warr on

board, when comes Sir W. Pen there, and Sir Christopher Mings,

[The son of a shoemaker, bred to the sea service, and rose to the

rank of an Admiral. He was killed in the naval action with the

Dutch, June 1666.] Sir Edward Spragg, Sir Jos. Jordan,

[Distinguished himself as an admiral in the battle of Soleby, and

on other Occasions.] Sir Thomas Teddiman, and Sir Roger

Cuttance. So to our Yacht again, having seen many of my friends

there, and continued till we come into Chatham river.

20th. To Lambeth. But, Lord! what a sad time it is to see no

boats upon the River; and grass grows all up and down White Hall

court, and nobody but poor wretches in the streets! and, which

is worst of all, the Duke showed us the number of the plague this

week, brought in the last night from the Lord Mayor; that it is

encreased about 600 more than the last, which is quite contrary

to our hopes and expectations, from the coldness of the late

season. For the whole general number is 8297, and of them the

plague 7165; which is more in the whole by above 50, than the

biggest Bill yet: which is very grievous to us all.

21st. To Nonsuch, to the Exchequer, by appointment and walked up

and down the house and park; and a fine place it hath heretofore

been, and a fine prospect about the house. A great; walk of an

elme and a walnutt set one after another in order. And all the

house on the outside filled with figures of stories, and good

painting of Rubens' or Holben's doing. And one great thing is,

that most of the house is covered, I mean the post, and quarters

in the walls, with lead, and gilded. I walked also into the

ruined garden.

22nd. At Blackwell. Here is observable what Johnson tells us,

that in digging the late Docke, they did 12 feet under ground

find perfect trees over-covered with earth. Nut trees, with the

branches and the very nuts upon them; some of whose nuts he

showed us. Their shells black with age, and their kernell, upon

opening, decayed, but their shell perfectly hard as ever. And a

yew tree, (upon which the very ivy was taken up whole about it,)

which upon cutting; with an addes we found to be rather harder

than the living tree usually is. Among other discourse

concerning long life, Sir J. Minnes saying that his great-grand-

father was alive in Edward the Vth.'s time; my Lord Sandwich did

tell us how few there have been of his family since King Harry

the VIIIth. that is to say, the then Chiefe Justice, [Sir

Edward Montagu, ob. 1556.] and his son and the Lord Montagu, who

was father [I think this should be brother, as Edward first Lord

Montagu and Sir Sidney Montagu were both sons of the second Sir

Edward Montagu.] to Sir Sidney, [Master of the Requests to

Charles 1st.] who was his father. And yet, what is more

wonderfull, he did assure us from the mouth of my Lord Montagu

himself, that in King James's time, (when he had a mind to get

the King to cut off the entayle of some land which was given in

Harry the VIIIth.'s time to the family, with the remainder in the

Crowne;) he did answer the King in showing how unlikely it was

that ever it could revert to the Crown, but that it would be a

present convenience to him; and did show that at that time there

were 4000 persons derived from the very body of the Chiefe

Justice. It seems the number of daughters in the family had been

very great, and they too had most of them many children, and

grandchildren, and great-grand-children. This he tells as a most

known and certain truth.

25th. Found ourselves come to the fleet, and so aboard the

Prince, and there, after a good while in discourse, we did agree

a bargain of 5000l. for my Lord Sandwich for silk, cinnamon,

nutmegs, and indigo. And I was near signing to an undertaking

for the payment of the whole sum: but I did by chance escape it,

having since, upon second thoughts, great cause to be glad of it,

reflecting upon the craft and not good condition, it may be of,

Captain Cocke.

27th. To Captain Cocke's, and (he not yet come from town) to Mr.

Evelyn, where much company; and thence in his coach with him to

the Duke of Albemarle by Lambeth, who was in a mighty pleasant

humour; and tells us that the Dutch do stay abroad, and our fleet

must go out again, or be ready to do so. Here we got several

things ordered as we desired for the relief of the prisoners, and

sick and wounded men. Here I saw this week's Bill of Mortality,

wherein, blessed be God! there is above 1800 decrease, being the

first considerable decrease we have had. Most excellent

discourse with Mr. Evelyn touching all manner of learning;

wherein I find him a very fine gentleman, and particularly of

paynting, in which he tells me the beautifull Mrs. Middleton is

rare, and his own wife do brave things.

29th. Sir Martin Noell [He had been a Farmer of the Excise and

Customs before the Restoration. The messenger described in

Hudibras, Part III. Canto II. 1407, as disturbing the Cabal with

the account of the mobs burning Rumps, is said to have keen

intended for Sir Martin Noell.] is this day dead of the plague

in London.

October 1, 1665. Embarked on board the Bezan, and come to the

fleet about two of the clock. My Lord received us mighty kindly,

and did discourse to us of the Dutch fleet being abroad, eighty-

five of them still.

2nd. Having sailed all night, (and I do wonder how they in the

dark could find the way) we got by morning to Gillingham, and

thence all walked to Chatham; and there with Commissioner Pett

viewed the Yard; and among other things, a team of four horses

come close by us, he being with me, drawing a piece of timber

that I am confident one man could easily have carried upon his

back, I made the horses be taken away, and a man or two to take

the timber away with their hands.

3rd. Sir W. Batten is gone this day to meet to adjourne the

Parliament to Oxford. This night I hear that of our two watermen

that used to carry our letters, and were well on Saturday last,

one is dead, and the other dying sick of the plague; the plague,

though decreasing elsewhere, yet being greater about the Tower

and thereabouts.

4th. This night comes Sir George Smith to see me at the office,

and tells me how the plague is decreased this week 740, for which

God be praised! but that it encreases at our end of the town

still.

5th. Read a book of Mr. Evelyn's translating and sending me as a

present, about directions for gathering a Library; but the book

is above my reach, but his epistle to my Lord Chancellor is a

very fine piece. Then to Mr. Evelyn's to discourse of our

confounded business of prisoners, and sick and wounded seamen,

wherein he and we are so much put out of order. And here he

showed me his gardens, which are for variety of evergreens, and

hedge of holly, the finest things I ever saw in my life. Thence

in his coach to Greenwich, and there to my office, all the way

having fine discourse of trees and the nature of vegetables.

7th. Did business, though not much, at the office; because of

the horrible crowd and lamentable moan of the poor seamen that

lie starving in the streets for lack of money. Which do trouble

and perplex me to the heart; and more at noon when we were to go

through them, for then above a whole hundred of them followed us;

some cursing, some swearing, and some praying to us. At night

come two waggons from Rochester with more goods from Captain

Cocke; and in housing them come two of the Custom-house, and did

seize them: but I showed them my TRANSIRE. However, after some

angry words, we locked them up, and sealed up the key, and did

give it to the constable to keep till Monday, and so parted.

But, Lord! to think how the poor constable come to me in the

dark going home; "Sir," says he, "I have the key, and if you

would have me do any service for you, send for me betimes to-

morrow morning, and I will do what you would have me." Whether

the fellow do this out of kindness or knavery, I cannot tell; but

it is pretty to observe. Talking with him in the high way, come

close by the bearers with a dead corpse of the plague; but, Lord!

to see what custom is, that I am come almost to think nothing of

it.

8th. To the office, where ended my business with the Captains;

and I think of twenty-two ships we shall make shift to get out

seven. (God help us! men being sick, or provisions lacking.)

9th. Called upon by Sir John Shaw to whom I did give a civil

answer about our prize goods, that all his dues as one of the

Farmers of the Customes are paid, and showed him our TRANSIRE,

with which he was satisfied, and parted.

11th, We met Mr. Seamour, one of the Commissioners for Prizes,

and a Parliament-man, and he was mighty high, and had now seized

our goods on their behalf; and he mighty imperiously would have

all forfeited. But I could not but think it odd that a

Parliament-man, in a serious discourse before such persons as we

and my Lord Brouncker, and Sir John Minnes, should quote

Hudibras, as being the book I doubt he hath read most.

12th. Good news this week that there are about 600 less dead of

the plague than the last.

13th. Sir Jer. Smith; [A distinguished Naval Officer, made a

Commissioner of the Navy, vice Sir W. Pen, 1669.] to see me in

his way to Court, and a good man he is, and one that I must keep

fair with.

14th. My heart and head to-night is full of the Victualling

business, being overjoyed and proud at my success in my proposal

about it, it being read before the King, Duke, and the Caball

with complete applause and satisfaction. This Sir G. Carteret

and Sir W. Coventry both writ me. My own proper accounts are in

great disorder, having been neglected about a month. This, and

the fear of the sickness, and providing for my family, do fill my

head very full, besides the infinite business of the office, and

nobody here to look after it but myself.

15th. The Parliament, it seems, have voted the King 1,250,000l.

at 50,000l. per month, tax for the war; and voted to assist the

King against the Dutch, and all that shall adhere to them; and

thanks to be given him for his care of the Duke of York, which

last is a very popular vote on the Duke's behalf. The taxes of

the last assessment, which should have been in good part

gathered, are not yet laid, and that even in part of the City of

London; and the Chimny-money comes almost to nothing, nor any

thing else looked after.

16th. I walked to the Tower; but, Lord! how empty the streets

are and melancholy, so many poor sick people in the streets full

of sores; and so many sad stories overheard as I walk, every body

talking of this dead, and that man sick, and so many in this

place, and so many in that. And they tell me that, in

Westminster, there is never a physician and but one apothecary

left, all being dead; but that there are great hopes of a great

decrease this week: God send it! At the Tower found my Lord

Duke and Duchesse at dinner; so I sat down. And much good cheer,

the Lieutenant and his lady, and several officers with the Duke.

But, Lord! to hear the silly talk was there, would make one mad;

the Duke having none almost but fools about him. I have received

letters from my Lord Sandwich today, speaking very high about the

prize goods, that he would have us to fear nobody, but be very

confident in what we have done, and not to confess any fault or

doubt of what he hath done; for the King hath allowed it, and do

now confirm it, and send orders, as he says, for nothing to be

disturbed that his Lordshipp hath ordered therein as to the

division of the goods to the fleet which do comfort us. Much

talk there is of the Chancellor's speech and the King's at the

Parliament's meeting, which are very well liked; and that we

shall certainly, by their speeches, fall out with France at this

time, together with the Dutch, which will find us work.

26th. Sir Christopher Mings and I together by water to the

Tower; and I find him a very witty well-spoken fellow, and mighty

free to tell his parentage, being a shoemaker's son. I to the

'Change, where I hear how the French have taken two and sunk one

of our merchant-men in the Straights, and carried the ships to

Toulon: so that there is no expectation but we must fall out

with them. The 'Change pretty full, and the town begins to be

lively again, though the streets very empty, and most shops shut.

27th. The Duke of Albemarle proposed to me from Mr. Coventry,

that I should be Surveyor-Generall of the Victualling business,

which I accepted. But, indeed, the terms in which Mr. Coventry

proposes it for me are the most obliging that ever I could expect

from any man, and more; he saying that I am the fittest man in

England, and that he is sure, if I will undertake, I will perform

it: and that it will be also a very desirable thing that I might

have this encouragement, my encouragement in the Navy alone being

in no wise proportionable to my pains or deserts. This, added to

the letter I had three days since from Mr. Southerne, [Secretary

to Sir W. Coventry.] signifying that the Duke of York had in his

master's absence opened my letters, and commanded him to tell me

that he did approve of my being the Surveyor-General, do make me

joyful beyond myself that I cannot express it, to see that as I

do take pains, so God blesses me, and hath sent me masters that

do observe that I take pains.

28th. The Parliament hath given the Duke of York 120,000l., to

be paid him after 1,250,000l. is gathered upon the tax which they

have now given the King. He tells me that the Dutch have lately

launched sixteen new ships; all which is great news. The King

and Court, they say, have now finally resolved to spend nothing

upon clothes, but what is of the growth of England; which, if

observed, will be very pleasing to the people, and very good for

them.

29th. In the street did overtake and almost run upon two women

crying and carrying a man's coffin between them. I suppose the

husband, of one of them, which, methinks, is a sad thing.

31st. Meeting yesterday the Searchers with their rods in their

hands coming from Captain Cocke's house, I did overhear them say

that his Black did not die of the plague. About nine at night I

come home, and anon comes Mrs. Coleman [Probably the person

mentioned in the following extract from MALONE'S ACCOUNT OF THE

ENGLISH STAGE. "In 1659 or 60, in imitation of foreign theatres,

women were first introduced on the scene. In 1656, indeed, Mrs.

Coleman, wife to Mr. Edward Coleman, represented Ianthe in the

first part of the Siege of Rhodes: but the little she had to say

was spoken in recitative."] and her husband, and she sung very

finely, though her voice is decayed as to strength but mighty

sweet though soft, and a pleasant jolly woman, and in mighty good

humour. She sung part of the Opera, though she would not own she

did get any of it without book in order to the stage. Thus we

end the month. The whole number of deaths being 1388, and of

them of the plague, 1031. Want of money in the Navy puts every

thing out of order. Men grow mutinous; and nobody here to mind

the business of the Navy but myself. I in great hopes of my

place of Surveyor-General of the Victualling, which will bring me

300l. per annum.

November 1, 1665. My Lord Brouncker with us to Mrs. William's

lodgings, and Sir W. Batten, Sir Edmund Pooly, [M.P. for Bury St.

Edmunds, and in the list of proposed Knights of the Royal Oak for

Suffolk.] and others; and there, it being my Lord's birth-day,

had every one a green riband tied in our hats very foolishly; and

methinks mighty disgracefully for my Lord to have his folly so

open to all the world with this woman.

5th. By water to Deptford, and there made a visit to Mr. Evelyn,

who, among other things, showed me most excellent painting in

little; in distemper, Indian incke, water colours: graveing;

and, above all, the whole secret of mezzo-tinto, and the manner

of it, which is very pretty, and good things done with it. He

read to me very much also of his discourse, he hath been many

years and now is about, about Gardenage; which will be a most

noble and pleasant piece. He read me part of a play or two of

his making, very good, but not as he conceits them, I think, to

be. He showed me his Hortus Hyemalis; leaves laid up in a book

of several plants kept dry, which preserve colour, however, and

look very finely, better than an herball. In fine, a most

excellent person he is, and must be allowed a little for a little

conceitedness; but he may well be so, being a man so much above

others. He read me, though with too much gusto, some little

poems of his own that were not transcendant, yet one or two very

pretty epigrams; among others, of a lady looking in at a grate,

and being pecked at by an eagle that was there.

6th. Sir G. Carteret and I did walk an hour in the garden before

the house, talking of my Lord Sandwich's business; what enemies

he hath, and how they have endeavoured to bespatter him: and

particularly about his leaving of 30 ships of the enemy, when Pen

would have gone, and my Lord called him back again: which is

most false. However, he says, it was purposed by some hot-heads

in the House of Commons, at the same time when they voted a

present to the Duke of York, to have voted 10,000l. to the

Prince, and half-a-crowne to my Lord of Sandwich; but nothing

come of it. But, for all this, the King is most firme to my

Lord, and so is my Lord Chancellor, and my Lord Arlington. The

Prince, in appearance, kind; the Duke of York silent, says no

hurt; but admits others to say it in his hearing. Sir W. Pen,

the falsest rascal that ever was in the world; and that this

afternoon the Duke of Albemarle did tell him that Pen was a very

cowardly rogue, and one that hath brought all these rogueish

fanatick Captains into the fleet, and swears he should never go

out with the fleet again. That Sir W. Coventry is most kind to

Pen still; and says nothing not do any thing openly to the

prejudice of my Lord. He agrees with me, that it is impossible

for the King to set out a fleet again the next year; and that he

fears all will come to ruine, there being no money in prospect

but these prizes, which will bring, it may be 20,000l., but that

will signify nothing in the world for it.

9th. The Bill of Mortality, to all our griefs, is encreased 399

this week, and the encrease generally through the whole City and

suburbs, which makes us all sad.

14th. Captain Cocke and I in his coach through Kent-streete, (a

sad place through the plague, people sitting sick and with

plaisters about them in the street begging.)

15th. The plague, blessed be God! is decreased 400; making the

whole this week but 1300 and odd: for which the Lord be praised!

16th. To Eriffe; where after making a little visit to Madam

Williams, she did give me information of W. How's having bought

eight bags of precious stones taken from about the Dutch Vice-

admirall's neck, of which there were eight dyamonds which cost

him 4000l. sterling, in India, and hoped to have made 12,000l.

here for them. And that this is told by one that sold him one of

the bags, which hath nothing but rubys in it, which he had for

35s.; and that it will be proved he hath made 125l., of one stone

that he bought. This she desired, and I resolved I would give my

Lord Sandwich notice of. So I on board my Lord Brouncker; and

there he and Sir Edmund Pooly carried me down into the hold of

the India shipp, and there did show me the greatest wealth lie in

confusion that a man can see in the world. Pepper scattered

through every chink, you trod upon it; and in cloves and nutmegs,

I walked above the knees: whole rooms full. And silk in bales,

and boxes of copper-plate, one of which I saw opened. Having

seen this, which was as noble a sight as ever I saw in my life, I

away on board the other ship in despair to get the pleasure-boat

of the gentlemen there to carry me to the fleet. They were Mr.

Ashburnham [John Ashburnham, a Groom of the Bedchamber to

Charles I. whom he attended during the whole of the Rebellion,

and afterwards filled the same post under Charles II. He was in

1661 M.P, for Sussex; and ob. 1671.] and Colonell Wyndham; but

pleading the King's business, they did presently agree I should

have it. So I presently on board, and got under sail, and had a

good bedd by the shift, of Wyndham's; and so sailed all night,

and got down to Quinbrough water, where all the great ships are

now come, and there on board my Lord, and was soon received with

great content. And after some little discourse, he and I on

board Sir W. Pen; and there held a council of Warr about many

wants of the fleet; and so followed my Lord Sandwich, who was

gone a little before me on board the Royall James. And there

spent an hour, my Lord playing upon the gittarr, which he now

commends above all musique in the world. As an infinite secret,

my Lord tells me, the factions are high between the King and the

Duke, and all the Court are in an uproar with their loose amours;

the Duke of York being in love desperately with Mrs. Stewart.

Nay, that the Duchesse herself is fallen in love with her new

Master of the Horse, one Harry Sidney, [Younger son of Robert

Earl of Leicester, created Earl of Romney, 1694. He was Lord

Lieutenant of Ireland, Master of the Ordnance, and Warden of the

Cinque Ports in the reign of King William. Ob. 1704, unmarried.]

and another, Harry Savill. [Henry Saville, some time one of the

Grooms of the Bedchamber to the Duke of York.] So that God knows

what will be the end of it. And that the Duke is not so

obsequious as he need to be, but very high of late; and would be

glad to be in the head of an army as Generall; and that it is

said that he do propose to go and command under the King of

Spayne, in Flanders. That his amours to Mrs. Stewart are told

the King. So that all is like to be nought among them.

22nd. I was very glad to hear that the plague is come very low;

that is, the whole under 1000, and the plague 800 and odd: and

great hopes of a further decrease, because of this day's being a

very exceeding hard frost, and continues freezing. This day the

first of the Oxford Gazettes come out, which is very pretty, full

of news, and no folly in it. Wrote by Williamson. It pleased me

to have it demonstrated, that a purser without professed cheating

is a professed loser, twice as much as he gets.

23rd. Captn. Cuttance tells me how W. How is laid by the heels,

and confined to the Royall Katharin, and his things all seized.

24th. To the 'Change, where very busy with several people, and

mightily glad to see the 'Change so full, and hopes of another

abatement still the next week. Visited Mr. Evelyn, where most

excellent discourse with him; among other things he showed me a

lieger of a Treasurer of the Navy, his great grandfather, just

100 years old; which I seemed mighty fond of, and he did present

me with it, which I take as a great rarity; and he hopes to find

me more, older than it. He also showed us several letters of the

old Lord of Leicester's [There are some letters and papers

answering to this description in the Pepysian Library, and

amongst them an account of the Coroner's Inquest held upon the

Countess of Leicester at Cumnor.] in Queen Elizabeth's time,

under the very hand-writing of Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Mary,

Queen of Scotts; and others, very venerable names. But, Lord!

how poorly, methinks, they wrote in those days, and in what plain

uncut paper.

27th. With Sir G. Carteret, who tells me that my Lord hath

received still worse and worse usage from some base people about

the Court. But the King is very kind, and the Duke do not appear

the contrary; and my Lord Chancellor swore to him "by -- I will

not forsake my Lord of Sandwich." I into London, it being dark

night, by a hackny coach; the first I have durst to go in many a

day, and with great pain now for fear. But it being unsafe to go

by water in the dark and frosty cold, and unable being weary with

my morning walk to go on foot, this was my only way. Few people

yet in the streets, nor shops open, here and there twenty in a

place almost; though not above five or six o'clock at night.

30th. Great joy we have this week in the weekly Bill, it being

come to 544 in all, and but 333 of the plague so that we are

encouraged to get to London soon as we can. And my father writes

as great news of joy to them, that he saw York's waggon go again

this week to London, and full of passengers; and tells me that my

aunt Bell hath been dead of the plague these seven weeks.

December 3, 1665. To Captn. Cocke's, and there dined with him,

and Colonell Wyndham, a worthy gentleman, whose wife was nurse to

the present King, and one that while she lived governed him and

every thing else, as Cocke says, as a minister of state; the old

King putting mighty weight and trust upon her. They talked much

of matters of State and persons, and particularly how my Lord

Barkeley hath all along been a fortunate, though a passionate and

but weak man as to policy; but as a kinsman brought in and

promoted by my Lord of St. Alban's, and one that is the greatest

vapourer in the world, this Colonell Wyndham says; and to whom

only, with Jacke Ashburne [This should be Ashburnham.] and

Colonel Legg, [William Legge, Groom of the Bedchamber to Charles

I., and father to the first Lord Dartmouth. He was M.P. for

Southampton. Ob, 1672.] the King's removal to the Isle of Wight

from Hampton Court was communicated; and (though betrayed by

their knavery, or at best by their ignorance, insomuch that they

have all solemnly charged one another with their failures

therein, and have been at daggers-drawing publickly about it.)

yet now none greater friends in the world.

4th. Upon the 'Change to-day Colvill tells me, from Oxford, that

the King in person hath justified my Lord Sandwich to the highest

degree; and is right in his favour to the uttermost.

6th. Up betimes, it being fast-day; and by water to the Duke of

Albemarle, who come to town from Oxford last night. He is mighty

brisk, and very kind to me, and asks my advice principally in

every thing. He surprises me with the news that my Lord Sandwich

goes Embassador to Spayne speedily; though I know not whence this

arises, yet I am heartily glad of it. The King hath done my Lord

Sandwich all the right imaginable, by showing him his countenance

before all the world on every occasion, to remove thoughts of

discontent; and he is to go Embassador, and the Duke of York is

made generall of all forces by land and sea and the Duke of

Albemarle, lieutenant-generall.

8th. To White Hall, where we found Sir G. Carteret with the

Duke, and also Sir G. Downing, whom I had not seen in many years

before. He greeted me very kindly, and I him; though methinks I

am touched that it should be said that he was my master

heretofore, as doubtless he will.

9th. My Lord Brouncker and I dined with the Duke of Albemarle.

At table the Duchesse, a very ill-looked woman, complaining of

her Lord's going to sea the next year, said these cursed words:

"If my Lord had been a coward he had gone to sea no more: it may

be then he might have been excused, and made an embassador,"

(meaning my Lord Sandwich). This made me mad, and I believed she

perceived my countenance change, and blushed herself very much.

I was in hopes others had not minded it, but my Lord Brouncker,

after we were come away, took notice of the words to me; with

displeasure.

11th. That I may remember it the more particularly, I thought

fit to insert this memorandum of Temple's discourse this night

with me, which I took in writing from his mouth. Before the Harp

and Crosse money was cried down, he and his fellow goldsmiths did

make some particular trials what proportion that money bore to

the old King's money, and they found that generally it come to,

one with another, about 25l. in every 100l. Of this money there

was upon the calling of it in, 650,000l. at least brought into

the Tower; and from thence he computes that the whole money of

England must be full 16,250,000l. But for all this believes that

there is about 30,000,000l.; he supposing that about the King's

coming in (when he begun to observe the quantity of the new

money) people begun to be fearful of this money's being cried

down, and so picked it out and set it a-going as fast as they

could, to be rid of it; and he thinks 30,000,000l. the rather,

because if there were but 16,250,000l. the King having

2,000,000l. every year, would have the whole money of the kingdom

in his hands in eight years. He tells me about 350,000l.

sterling was coined out of the French money, the proceeds of

Dunkirke; so that, with what was coined of the Cross money, there

is new coined about 1,000,000l. besides the gold, which is

guessed at 500,000l. He tells me, that, though the King did

deposit the French money in pawn all the while for the 350,000l.

he was forced to borrow thereupon till the tools could be made

for the new Minting in the present form. Yet the interest he

paid for that time come to 35,000l. Viner having to his

knowledge 10,000l. for the use of 100,000l. of it.

13th. Away to the 'Change, and there hear the ill news, to my

great and all our great trouble, that the plague is encreased

again this week, notwithstanding there hath been a long day or

two great frosts; but we hope it is only the effects of the late

close warm weather, and if the frost continue the next week, may

fall again; but the towne do thicken so much with people, that it

is much if the plague do not grow again upon us.

15th. Met with Sir James Bunch; [Probably James Bunce, an

Alderman of London, 1660.] "This is the time for you," says he,

"that; were for Oliver heretofore; you are full of employment,

and we poor Cavaliers sit still and can get nothing;" which was a

pretty reproach I thought, but answered nothing to it, for fear

of making it worse.

22nd. I to my Lord Brouncker's, and there spent the evening by

my desire in seeing his Lordship open to pieces and make up again

his watch, thereby being taught what I never knew before; and it

is a thing very well worth my having seen, and am mightily

pleased and satisfied with it.

25th (Christmas day). To church in the morning, and there saw a

wedding in the church, which I have not seen many a day; and the

young people so merry one with another, and strange to see what

delight we married people have to see these poor fools decoyed

into our condition, every man and woman gazing and smiling at

them.

26th. Saw some fine writing work and flourishing of Mr. Hore,

with one that I knew long ago, an acquaintance of Mr. Tomson's,

at Westminster, that is this man's clerk. It is the story of the

several Archbishops of Canterbury, engrossed in vellum, to hang

up in Canterbury Cathedrall in tables, in lieu of the old ones,

which are almost worn out.

30th. All the afternoon to my accounts; and there find myself,

to my great joy, a great deal worth above 4000l. for which the

Lord be praised! and is principally occasioned by my getting

500l. of Cocke, for my profit in his bargains of prize goods, and

from Mr. Gauden's making me a present of 500l. more, when I paid

him 800l. for Tangier.

31st. Thus ends this year, to my great joy, in this manner. I

have raised my estate from 1300l. in this year to 4400l. I have

got myself greater interest I think by my diligence, and my

imployments encreased by that of Treasurer for Tangier, and

Surveyor of the Victualls. It is true we have gone through great

melancholy because of the great plague, and I put to great

charges by it, by keeping my family long at Woolwich, and myself

and another part of my family, my clerks, at my charge at

Greenwich, and a maid at London; but I hope the King will give us

some satisfaction for that. But now the plague is abated almost

to nothing, and I intending to get to London as fast as I can.

The Dutch war goes on very ill, by reason of lack of money;

having none to hope for, all being put into disorder by a new Act

that is made as an experiment to bring credit to the Exchequer,

for goods and money to be advanced upon the credit of that Act.

The great evil of this year, and the only one indeed, is the fall

of my Lord of Sandwich, whose mistake about the prizes hath

undone him, I believe, as to interest at Court; though sent (for

a little palliating it) Embassador into Spayne, which he is now

fitting himself for. But the Duke of Albemarle goes with the

Prince to sea this next year, and my Lord is very meanly spoken

of; and, indeed, his miscarriage about the prize goods is not to

be excused, to suffer a company of rogues to go away with ten

times as much as himself, and the blame of all to be deservedly

laid upon him. My whole family hath been well all the while, and

all my friends I know of, saving my aunt Bell, who is dead, and

some children of my cosen Sarah's, of the plague. But many of

such as I know very well, dead; yet, to our great joy, the town

fills apace, and shops begin to be open again. Pray God continue

the plague's decrease! for that keeps the Court away from the

place of business, and so all goes to rack as to publick matters,

they at this distance not thinking of it.

1665-6. JANUARY 3. I to the Duke of Albemarle and back again:

and at the Duke's with great joy I received the good news of the

decrease of the plague this week to 70, and but 253 in all; which

is the least Bill hath been known these twenty years in the City.

Through the want of people in London, is it that must make it so

low below the ordinary number for Bills.

5th. I with my Lord Brouncker and Mrs. Williams by coach with

four horses to London, to my Lord's house in Covent-Garden. But,

Lord! what staring to see a nobleman's coach come to town. And

porters every where bow to us; and such begging of beggars! And

delightful it is to see the town full of people again; and shops

begin to open, though in many places seven or eight together, and

more, all shut; but yet the town is full, compared with what it

used to be. I mean the City end: for Covent-Garden and

Westminster are yet very empty of people, no Court nor gentry

being there. Reading a discourse about the River of Thames, the

reason of its being choked up in several places with shelfes:

which is plain is by the encroachments made upon the River, and

running out of causeways into the River at every wood-wharfe;

which was not heretofore when Westminster Hall and White Hall

were built, and Redriffe Church, which now are sometimes

overflown with water.

7th. The town talks of my Lord Craven being to come into Sir G.

Carteret's place; but sure it cannot be true. But I do fear

those two families, his and my Lord Sandwich's, are quite broken.

And I must now stand upon my own legs.

9th. Pierce tells me how great a difference hath been between

the Duke and Duchesse, he suspecting her to be naught with Mr.

Sidney. But some way or other the matter is made up; but he was

banished the Court, and the Duke for many days did not speak to

the Duchesse at all. He tells me that my Lord Sandwich is lost

there at Court, though the King is particularly his friend. But

people do speak every where slightly of him; which is a sad story

to me, but I hope it may be better again. And that Sir G.

Carteret is neglected, and hath great enemies at work against

him. That matters must needs go bad, while all the town, and

every boy in the street, openly cries, "The King cannot go away

till my Lady Castlemaine be ready to come along with him;" she

being lately put to bed. But that he visits her and Mrs. Stewart

every morning before he eats his breakfast.

10th. The plague is encreased this week from seventy to eighty-

nine. We have also great fear of our Hambrough fleet, of their

meeting with the Dutch; as also have certain news, that by storms

Sir Jer. Smith's fleet is scattered, and three of them come

without masts back to Plymouth.

13th. Home with his Lordship to Mrs. Williams's, in Covent-

Garden, to dinner, (the first time I ever was there,) and there

met Captain Cocke; and pretty merry, though not perfectly so,

because of the fear that; there is of a great encrease again of

the plague this week. And again my Lord Brouncker do tell us,

that he hath it from Sir John Baber, [Physician in Ordinary to

the King.] who is related to my Lord Craven, that my Lord Craven

do look after Sir G. Carteret's place, and do reckon himself sure

of it.

16th. Mightily troubled at the news of the plague's being

encreased, and was much the saddest news that the plague hath

brought me from the beginning of it; because of the lateness of

the year, and the fear, we may with reason have, of its

continuing with us the next summer. The total being now 375, and

the plague 158.

17th. I rode to Dagenhams in the dark. It was my Lord Crewe's

desire that I should come, and chiefly to discourse with me of my

Lord Sandwich's matters; and therein to persuade, what I had done

already, that my Lord should sue out a pardon for his business of

the prizes, as also for Bergen, and all he hath done this year

past, before he begins his Embassy to Spain. For it is to be

feared that the Parliament will fly out against him and

particular men, the next Session. He is glad also that my Lord

is clear of his sea-imployment, though sorry as I am, only in the

manner of its bringing about.

18th. My wife and I anon and Mercer, by coach, to Pierce; where

mighty merry, and sing and dance with great pleasure; and I

danced, who never did in company in my life.

19th. It is a remarkable thing how infinitely naked all that end

of the town, Covent-Garden, is at this day of people; while the

City is almost as full again of people as ever it was.

22nd. At noon my Lord Brouncker did come, but left the keys of

the chests we should open, at Sir G. Carteret's lodgings, of my

Lord Sandwich's, wherein How's supposed jewells are; so we could

not, according to my Lord Arlington's order, see them to-day; but

we parted, resolving to meet here at night: my Lord Brouncker

being going with Dr. Wilkins, Mr. Hooke, [Dr. Robert Hooke,

before mentioned, Professor of Geometry at Gresham College, and

Curator of the Experiments to the Royal Society, of which he was

one of the earliest and most distinguished members. Ob. 1678.]

and others, to Colonel Blunt's, to consider again of the business

of chariots, and to try their new invention. Which I saw here my

Lord Brouncker ride in; where the coachman sits astride upon a

pole over the horse, but do not touch the horse, which is a

pretty odde thing; but it seems it is most easy for the horse,

and, as they say, for the man also. The first meeting of Gresham

College, since the plague. Dr. Goddard did fill us with talk, in

defence of his and his fellow physicians going out of town in the

plague-time; saying that their particular patients were most gone

out of town, and they left at liberty; and a great deal more, &c.

But what, among other fine discourse pleased me most, was Sir G.

Ent [Sir George Ent, F.R.S., President of the College of

Physicians.] about Respiration; that it is not to this day

known, or concluded on among physicians, nor to be done either,

how the action is managed by nature, or for what use it is.

23rd. Good news beyond all expectation of the decrease of the

plague, being now but 79, and the whole but 272. So home with

comfort to bed. A most furious storme all night and morning.

24th. My Lord and I, the weather being a little fairer, by water

to Deptford to Sir G. Carteret's house, where W. How met us, and

there we opened the chests, and saw the poor sorry rubys which

have caused all this ado to the undoing of W. How; though I am

not much sorry for it, because of his pride and ill nature.

About 200 of these very small stones, and a cod of muske (which

it is strange I was not able to smell) is all we could find; so

locked them up again, and my Lord and I, the wind being again

very furious, so as we durst not go by water, walked to London

quite round the bridge, no boat being able to stirre; and, Lord!

what a dirty walk we had, and so strong the wind, that in the

fields we many times could not carry our bodies against it, but

were driven backwards. We went through Horslydowne, where I

never was since a boy, that I went to enquire after my father,

whom we did give over for lost coming from Holland. It was

dangerous to walk the streets, the bricks and tiles falling from

the houses that the whole streets were covered with them; and

whole chimneys, nay, whole houses in two or three places, blowed

down. But, above all, the pales of London-bridge on both sides

were blown away, so that we were fain to stoop very low for fear

of blowing off of the bridge. We could see no boats in the

Thames afloat, but what were broke loose, and carried through the

bridge, it being ebbing water. And the greatest sight of all

was, among other parcels of ships driven here and there in

clusters together, one was quite overset and lay with her masts

all along in the water, and keel above water.

25th. It is now certain that the King of France hath publickly

declared war against us, and God knows how little fit we are for

it.

28th. Took coach, and to Hampton Court, where we find the King,

and Duke, and Lords, all in council; so we walked up and down:

there being none of the ladies come, and so much the more

business I hope will be done. The Council being up, out comes

the King, and I kissed his hand, and he grasped me very kindly by

the hand. The Duke also, I kissed his, and he mighty kind, and

Sir W. Coventry. I found my Lord Sandwich there, poor man! I

see with it melancholy face, and suffers his beard to grow on his

upper lip more than usual. I took him a little aside to know

when I should wait on him, and where: he told me, and that it

would be best to meet at his lodgings, without being seen to walk

together. Which I liked very well; and, Lord! to see in what

difficulty I stand, that I dare not walk with Sir W. Coventry,

for fear my Lord or Sir G. Carteret should see me: nor with

either of them, for fear Sir W. Coventry should. I went down

into one of the Courts, and there met the King and Duke; and the

Duke called me to him, And the King come to me of himself, and

told me, "Mr. Pepys," says he, "I do give you thanks for your

good service all this year, and I assure you I am very sensible

of it."

29th. Mr. Evelyn and I into my Lord Brouncker's coach, and rode

together with excellent discourse till we come to Clapham.

Talking of the vanity and vices of the Court, which makes it a

most contemptible thing; and indeed in all his discourse I find

him a most worthy person. Particularly he entertained me with

discourse of an Infirmary, which he hath projected for the sick

and wounded seamen against the next year; which I mightily

approve of; and will endeavour to promote it, being a worthy

thing, and of use, and will save money.

30th. This is the first time I have been in the church [Probably

St. Olave's, Hart Street.] since I left London for the plague,

and it frighted me indeed to go through the church more than I

thought it could have done, to see so many graves lie so high

upon the churchyards where people have been buried of the plague.

I was much troubled at it, and do not think to go through it

again a good while.

31st. I find many about the City that live near the churchyards

solicitous to have the churchyards covered with lime, and I think

it is needfull, and ours I hope will be done. To my Lord

Chancellor's new house which he is building, only to view it,

hearing so much from Mr. Evelyn of it; and, indeed, it is the

finest pile I ever did see in my life, and will be a glorious

house. To White Hall, and to my great joy people begin to bustle

up and down there, the King holding his resolution to be in town

to-morrow, and hath good encouragement, blessed be God! to do

so, the plague being decreased this week to 36, and the total to

227.

FEBRUARY 2, 1665-6. My Lord Sandwich is come to town with the

King and Duke.

4th. (Lord's day;) and my wife and I the first time together at

church since the plague, and now only because of Mr. Mills his

coming home to preach his first sermon; expecting a great excuse

for his leaving the parish before any body went, and now staying

till all are come home; but he made but a very poor and short

excuse, and a bad sermon. It was a frost, and had snowed last

night, which covered the graves in the churchyard, so as I was

the less afraid for going through.

8th. Lord Brouncker with the King and Duke upon the water to-

day, to see Greenwich house, and the yacht Castle is building of.

9th. Thence to Westminster, to the Exchequer, about my Tangier

business, and so to Westminster Hall, where the first day of the

Terme and the hall very full of people, and much more than was

expected, considering the plague that hath been.

11th (Lord's day). Up; and put on a new black cloth suit to an

old coat that I make to be in mourning at Court, where they are

all, for the King of Spain. I to the Park, and walked two or

three times of the Pell Mell with the company about the King and

Duke: the Duke speaking to me a good deal. There met Lord

Brouncker and Mr. Coventry, and discoursed about the Navy

business; and all of us much at a loss that we yet can hear

nothing of Sir Jeremy Smith's fleet, that went away to the

Straights the middle of December, through all the storms that we

have had since that have driven back three or four of them with

their masts by the board. Yesterday come out the King's

Declaration of War against the French, but with such mild

invitations of both them and the Dutch to come over here with

promise of their protection, that every body wonders at it.

12th. Comes Mr. Caesar, my boy's lute-master, whom I have not

seen since the plague before, but he hath been in Westminster

Hall all this while very well; and tells me in the height of it,

how bold people there were, to go in sport to one another's

burials: and in spite too, ill people would breathe in the faces

(out of their windows) of well people going by.

13th. Ill news this night that the plague is encreased this

week, and in many places else about the town, and at Chatham and

elsewhere.

14th. I took Mr. Hill to my Lord Chancellor's new house that is

building, and went with trouble up to the top of it, and there is

the noblest prospect that ever I saw in my life, Greenwich being

nothing to it; and in everything is a beautiful house, and most,

strongly built in every respect; and as if, as it hath, it had

the Chancellor for its master. I staid a meeting of the Duke of

York's, and the officers of the Navy and Ordnance. My Lord

Treasurer lying in bed of the gowte.

15th. Mr. Hales [John Hayls, or Hales, a portrait-painter

remarkable for copying Vandyke well, and being a rival of Lely.]

began my wife's portrait in the posture we saw one of my Lady

Peters, like a St. Katharine. While he painted, Knipp, [Of Mrs.

Knipp's history, nothing seems known; except that she was a

married actress belonging to the King's house, and as late as

1677, her name occurs among the performers in the "Wily False

One."] and Mercer, and I, sang. We hear this night of Sir

Jeremy Smith, that he and his fleet have been seen at Malaga;

which is good news.

16th. To the Coffee-House, the first time I have been there,

where very full, and company it seems hath been there all the

plague time. The Queene comes to Hampton Court to-night.

18th. It being a brave day, I walked to White Hall, where the

Queene and ladies are all come: I saw some few of them, but not

the Queene, nor any of the great beauties.

19th. I am told for certain, what I have heard once or twice

already, of a Jew in town, that in the name of the rest do offer

to give any man 10l. to be paid 100l., if a certain person now at

Smyrna be within these two years owned by all the Princes of the

East, and particularly the grand Segnor as the King of the world,

in the same manner we do the King of England here, and, that this

man is the true Messiah. One named a friend of his that had

received ten pieces in gold upon this score, and says that the

Jew hath disposed of 1100l. in this manner, which is very

strange; and certainly this year of 1666 will be a year of great

action; but what the consequences of it will be, God knows! To

White Hall, and there saw the Queene at cards with many ladies,

but none of our beauties were there. But glad I was to see the

Queene so well, who looks prettily; and methinks hath more life

than before, since it is confessed of all that she miscarried

lately; Dr. Clerke telling me yesterday of it at White Hall.

[The details in the original leave no doubt of the fact,--and

exculpate the Chancellor from the charge of having selected the

Queen as incapable of bearing children.]

20th. Up, and to the office; where, among other businesses, Mr.

Evelyn's proposition about publick Infirmarys was read and agreed

on, he being there: and at noon I took him home to dinner, being

desirous of keeping my acquaintance with him; and a most

excellent humoured man I still find him, and mighty knowing.

21st. The Duke did bring out a book of great antiquity of some

of the customs of the Navy, about 100 years since, which he did

lend us to read and deliver him back again. To Trinity-house,

being invited to an Elder Brother's feast; and there met and sat

by Mr. Prin, and had good discourse about the privileges of

Parliament, which, he says, are few to the Commons' House, and

those not examinable by them, but only by the House of Lords.

Thence with my Lord Brouncker to Gresham College, the first time

after the sickness that I was there, and the second time any met.

And here a good lecture of Mr. Hooke's about the trade of felt-

making, very pretty. And anon alone with me about the art of

drawing pictures by Prince Rupert's rule and machine, and another

of Dr. Wren's; [Sir Christopher Wren.] but he says nothing do

like squares, or, which is the best in the world, like a darke

roome.

22nd. We are much troubled that the sickness in general (the

town being so full of people) should be but three, and yet of the

particular disease of the plague there should be ten encrease.

23rd. To my Lord Sandwich's, who did lie the last night at his

house in Lincoln's Inne Fields. It being fine walking in the

morning, and the streets full of people again. There I staid,

and the house full of people come to take leave of my Lord, who

this day goes out of towne upon his embassy towards Spayne. And

I was glad to find Sir W. Coventry to come, though I know it is

only a piece of courtshipp. Comes Mrs. Knipp to see my wife, and

I spent all the night talking with this baggage, and teaching her

my song of "Beauty retire," which she sings and makes go most

rarely, and a very fine song it seems to be. She also

entertained me with repeating many of her own and others' parts

of the play-house, which she do most excellently; and tells me

the whole practices of the play-house and players, and is in

every respect most excellent company.

25th. With our coach of four horses to Windsor, and so to

Cranborne, about eleven o'clock, and found my Lord [Sandwich.]

and the ladies at a sermon in the house; which being ended we to

them, and all the company glad to see us, and mighty merry to

dinner. Here was my Lord, and Lord Hinchingbroke, and Mr.

Sidney, [Sidney Montagu, Lord Sandwich's second son.] Sir

Charles Herbert, and Mr. Carteret, my Lady Carteret, my Lady

Jemimah, and Lady Slaning. [Sir G. Carteret's daughter

Caroline.] After dinner to walk in the Park, my Lord and I

alone; and he tells me my Lord of Suffolk, Lord Arlington,

Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Treasurer, Mr. Atturny Montagu,

Sir Thomas Clifford in the House of Commons, Sir G. Carteret, and

some others I cannot presently remember, are friends that I may

rely on for him. He dreads the issue of this year, and fears

there will be some very great revolutions before his coming back

again. He doubts it is needful for him to have a pardon for his

last year's actions, all which he did without commission, and at

most but the King's private single single word for that of

Bergen; but he dares not ask it at this time, lest it should make

them think that there is something more in it than yet they know;

and if it should be denied, it would be of very ill consequence.

He says also, if it should in Parliament be enquired into the

selling of Dunkirke, (though the Chancellor was the man that

would have sold it to France, saying the King of Spain had no

money to give for it;) yet he will be found to have been the

greatest adviser of it; which he is a little apprehensive may be

called upon by this Parliament. Then I with the young ladies and

gentlemen, who played on the guittar, and mighty merry, and anon

to supper; and then my Lord going away to write, the young

gentlemen to flinging of cushions, and other mad sports till

towards twelve at night, and then being sleepy, I and my wife in

a passage-room to bed, and slept not very well because of noise.

26th. Called up about five in the morning, and my Lord up, and

took leave, a little after six, very kindly of me and the whole

company. So took coach and to Windsor, to the Garter, and

thither sent for Dr. Childe: [William Child, Doctor of Music,

Organist of St. George's Chapel, at Windsor. Ob. 1696, aged 91.]

who come to us, and carried us to St. George's Chapel, and there

placed us among the Knights' stalls; (and pretty the

observation, that no man, but a woman may sit in a Knight's

place, where any brass-plates are set,) and hither come!

cushions to us, and a young singing-boy to bring us a copy of the

anthem to be sung. And here, for our sakes, had this anthem and

the great service sung extraordinary, only to entertain us. It

is a noble place indeed, and a good Quire of voices. Great

bowing by all the people, the poor Knights in particularly, to

the Alter. After prayers, we to see the plate of the chapel, and

the robes of Knights, and a man to show us the banners of the

several Knights in being, which hang up over the stalls. And so

to other discourse very pretty, about the Order. Was shown where

the late King is buried, and King Henry the Eighth, and my Lady

Seymour. This being done, to the King's house, and to observe

the neatness and contrivance of the house and gates: it is the

most romantique castle that is in the world. But, Lord! the

prospect that is in the balcone in the Queene's lodgings, and the

terrace and walk, are strange things to consider, being the best

in the world, sure; and so giving a great deal of money to this

and that man and woman, we to our tavern, and there dined, the

Doctor with us; and so took coach and away to Eton, the Doctor

with me. At Eton I left my wife in the coach, and he and I to

the College, and there find all mighty fine. The school good,

and the custom pretty of boys cutting their names in the shuts of

the windows when they go to Cambridge, by which many a one hath

lived to see himself a Provost and Fellow, that hath his name in

the window standing. To the Hall, and there find the boys'

verses, "De Peste;" it being their custom to make verses at

Shrove-tide. I read several, and very good they were; better, I

think, than ever I made when I was a boy, and in rolls as long

and longer than the whole Hall, by much. Here is a picture of

Venice hung up, and a monument made of Sir H. Wotton's giving it

to the College. Thence to the porter's, in the absence of the

butler, and did drink of the College beer, which is very good;

and went into the back fields to see the scholars play. And so

to the chapel, and there saw, among other things, Sir H. Wotton's

stone with this Epitaph:

Hic jacet primus hujus sententiae Author:--

Disputandi pruritus fit ecclesiae scabies.

But unfortunately the word "Author" was wrong writ, and now so

basely altered that it disgraces the stone.

MARCH 1, 1665-6. Blessed be God! a good Bill this week we have;

being but 257 in all, and 42 of the plague, and of them but six

in the City: though my Lord Brouncker says, that these six are

most of them in new parishes where they were not the last week

3rd. To Hales's, and there saw my wife sit; and I do like her

picture mightily, and very like it will be, and a brave piece of

work. But he do complain that her nose hath cost him as much

work as another's face, and he hath done it finely indeed.

5th. News for certain of the King of Denmark's declaring for the

Dutch, and resolution to assist them. I find my Lord Brouncker

and Mrs. Williams, and they would of their own accord, though I

had never obliged them (nor my wife neither) with one visit for

many of theirs, go see my house and my wife; which I showed them,

and made them welcome with wine and China oranges (now a great

rarity since the war, none to be had.) My house happened to be

mighty clean, and did me great honour, and they mightily pleased

with it.

7th. Up betimes, and to St. James's, thinking Mr. Coventry had

lain there; but he do not, but at White Hall; so thither I went

to him. We walked an hour in the Matted Gallery: he of himself

begun to discourse of the unhappy differences between him and my

Lord of Sandwich, and from the beginning to the end did run

through all passages wherein my Lord hath, at any time gathered

any dissatisfaction, and cleared himself to me most honourably;

and in truth, I do believe he do as he says. I did afterwards

purge myself of all partiality in the business of Sir G.

Carteret, (whose story Sir W. Coventry did also run over,) that I

do mind the King's interest, notwithstanding my relation to him;

all which he declares he firmly believes, and assures me he hath

the same kindness and opinion of me as ever. And when I said I

was jealous of myself, that having now come to such an income as

I am, by his favour, I should not be found to do as much service

as might deserve it; he did assure me, he thinks it not too much

for me, but thinks I deserve it as much as any man in England.

All this discourse did cheer my heart, and sets me right again,

after a good deal of melancholy, out of fears of his

disinclination to me, upon the difference with my Lord Sandwich

and Sir G. Carteret; but I am satisfied thoroughly, and so went

away quite another man, and by the grace of God will never lose

it again by my folly in not visiting and writing to him, as I

used heretofore to do. The King and Duke are to go to-morrow to

Audly End, in order to the seeing and buying of it of my Lord

Suffolke.

9th. Made a visit to the Duke of Albemarle, and to my great joy

find him the same man to me that heretofore, which I was in great

doubt of, through my negligence in not visiting of him a great

while; and having now set all to rights there, I shall never

suffer matters to run so far backwards again as I have done of

late, with reference to my neglecting him and Sir W. Coventry.

The truth is, I do indulge myself a little the more in pleasure,

knowing that this is the proper age of my life to do it; and out

of my observation that most men that do thrive in the world, do

forget to take pleasure during the time that they are getting

their estate, but reserve that till they have got one, and then

it is too late for them to enjoy it.

12th. My Uncle Talbot Pepys died the last week. All the news

now is, that Sir Jeremy Smith is at Cales [Cadiz.] with his

fleet; and Mings in the Elve. The King is come this noon to town

from Audly End, with the Duke of York and a fine train of

gentlemen.

13th. The plague encreased this week 29 from 28, though the

total fallen from 238 to 207.

14th. With my Lord Brouncker towards London, and in our way

called in Covent Garden, and took in Sir John (formerly Dr.)

Baber; who hath this humour that he will not enter into discourse

while any stranger is in company, till he be told who he is that

seems a stranger to him. This he did declare openly to me, and

asked my Lord who I was. Thence to Guildhall, (in our way taking

in Dr. Wilkins,) and there my Lord and I had full and large

discourse with Sir Thomas Player, [One of the City Members in the

Oxford and Westminster Parliaments. See more of him in the

Notes, by Scott, to Absalom and Achitophel; in which poem he is

introduced under the designation of "railing Rabsheka."] the

Chamberlain of the City (a man I have much heard of) about the

credit of our tallies, which are lodged there for security to

such as should lend money thereon to the use of the Navy. I had

great satisfaction therein: and the truth is, I find all our

matters of credit to be in an ill condition. To walk all alone

in the fields behind Grayes Inne, making an end of reading over

my dear "Faber fortunae," of my Lord Bacon's.

15th. To Hales, where I met my wife and people; and do find the

picture, above all things, a most pretty picture, and mighty like

my wife; and I asked him his price: he says 14l. and the truth

is, I think he do deserve it.

17th. To Hales's, and paid him 14l. for the picture, and 1l. 5s.

for the frame. This day I began to sit, and he will make me, I

think, a very fine picture. He promises it shall be as good as

my wife's, and I sit to have it full of shadows, and do almost

break my neck looking over my shoulder to make the posture for

him to work by. Home, having a great cold: so to bed, drinking

butter-ale.

19th. After dinner we walked to the King's play-house, all in

dirt, they being altering of the stage to make it wider. But God

knows when they will begin to act again; but my business here was

to see the inside of the stage and all the tiring-rooms and

machines: and, indeed, it was a sight worthy seeing. But to see

their clothes, and the various sorts, and what a mixture of

things there was; here a wooden-leg, there a ruff, here a hobby-

horse, there a crown, would make a man split himself with

laughing; and particularly Lacy's [John Lacy, the celebrated

comedian, author of four plays. Ob. 1681.] wardrobe, and

Shotrell's. [Robert and William Shotterel both belonged to the

King's company at the opening of their new Theatre in 1663. One

of them had been Quarter-master to the troop of horse in which

Hart was serving as Lieutenant under Charles the First's

standard. He is called by Downs a good actor, but nothing

further is recorded of his merits or career. NOTE TO CIBBER'S

APOLOGY.] But then again, to think now fine they show on the

stage by candle-light, and how poor things they are to look at

too near hand, is not pleasant at all. The machines are fine,

and the paintings very pretty. With Sir W. Warren, talking of

many things belonging to us particularly, and I hope to get

something considerably by him before the year be over. He gives

me good advice of circumspection in my place, which I am now in

great mind to improve; for I think our office stands on very

ticklish terms, the Parliament likely to sit shortly and likely

to be asked more money, and we able to give a very bad account of

the expence of what we have done with what they did give before.

Besides, the turning out the prize officers may be an example for

the King's giving us up to Parliament's pleasure as easily, for

we deserve it as much. Besides, Sir G. Carteret did tell me to-

night how my Lord Brouncker, whose good-will I could have

depended as much on as any, did himself to him take notice of the

many places I have; and though I was a painful man, yet the Navy

was enough for any man to go through with in his own single place

there, which much troubles me, and shall yet provoke me to more

and more care and diligence than ever.

21st. Sir Robert Long [Sir Robert Long, Secretary to Charles II.

during his exile, and subsequently made Auditor of the Exchequer,

and a privy Counsellor, and created a Baronet 1662, Ob.

unmarried, 1673.] told us of the plenty of partridges in France,

where he says the King of France and his company killed with

their guns, in the plain de Versailles, 300 and odd partridges at

one bout. With Sir W. Warren, who tells me that at the Committee

of the Lords for the prizes to-day, there passed very high words

between my Lord Ashly and Sir W. Coventry, about our business of

the prize ships. And that my Lord Ashly did snuff and talk as

high to him, as he used to do to any ordinary man. And that Sir

W. Coventry did take it very quietly, but yet for all did speak

his mind soberly and with reason, and went away, saying that he

had done his duty therein.

24th. After the Committee up. I had occasion to follow the Duke

into his lodgings, into a chamber where the Duchesse was sitting

to have her picture drawn by Lilly, who was then at work. But I

was well pleased to see that there was nothing near so much

resemblance of her face in his work, which is now the second, if

not the third time, as there was of my wife's at the very first

time. Nor do I think at last it can be like, the lines not being

in proportion to those of her face.

28th. My Lord Brouncker and I to the Tower, to see the famous

engraver, to get him to grave a seal for the office. And did see

some of the finest pieces of work in embossed work, that ever I

did see in my life, for fineness and smallness of the images

thereon.

28th. To the Cockpitt, and dined with a great deal of company at

the Duke of Albemarle's, and a bad and dirty, nasty dinner. This

night, I am told, the Queene of Portugall, the mother to our

Queene, is lately dead, and news brought of it hither this day.

30th. I out to Lombard-streete, and there received 2200l. and

brought it home; and, contrary to expectation, received 35l. for

the use of 2000l. of it for a quarter of a year, where it hath

produced me this profit, and hath been a convenience to me as to

care and security at my house, and demandable at two days'

warning, as this hath been. To Hales's, and there sat till

almost quite dark upon working my gowne, which I hired to be

drawn in; an Indian gowne.

April 1, 1666. To Charing Cross, to wait on Sir Philip Howard;

whom I found in bed: and he do receive me very civilly. My

request was about suffering my wife's brother to go to sea, and

to save his pay in the Duke's guards; which after a little

difficulty he did with great respect agree to. I find him a very

fine-spoken gentleman, and one of great parts, and very

courteous. Meeting Dr. Allen, [Probably Thomas Allen, M.D. of

Caius College, Cambridge, and Member of the College of

Physicians. Ob. 1685.] the physician, he and I and another

walked in the Park, a most pleasant warm day and to the Queene's

chapel; where I do not so dislike the musick. Here I saw on a

post an invitation to all good Catholics to pray for the soul of

such a one departed this life. The Queene, I hear, do not yet

hear of the death of her mother, she being in a course of

physick, that they dare not tell it her. Up and down my Lord St.

Albans his new building and market-house, looking to and again

into every place building. I this afternoon made a visit to my

Lady Carteret, whom I understood newly come to towne; and she

took it mighty kindly, but I see her face and heart are dejected

from the condition her husband's matters stand in. But I hope

they will do all well enough. And I do comfort her as much as I

can, for she is a noble lady.

5th. The plague is, to our great grief, encreased nine this

week, though decreased a few in the total. And this encrease

runs through many parishes, which makes us much fear the next

year.

6th. Met by agreement with Sir Stephen Fox and Mr. Ashburnham,

and discoursed the business of our Excise tallies; the former

being Treasurer of the guards, and the other Cofferer of the

King's household. This day great news of the Swedes declaring

for us against the Dutch, and so far as that I believe it.

8th. To the Duke of York, where we all met to hear the debate

between Sir Thomas Allen and Mr. Wayth; the former complaining of

the latter's ill usage of him at the late pay of his ship. But a

very sorry poor occasion he had for it. The Duke did determine

it with great judgement, chiding both, but encouraging Wayth to

continue to be a check to all captains in any thing to the King's

right. And, indeed, I never did see the Duke do any thing more

in order, nor with more judgement than he did pass the verdict in

this business, The Court full this morning of the news of Tom

Cheffins' death, the King's closet-keeper. [Sir E. Walker,

Garter King at Arms, in 1644 gave a grant of arms GRATIS, to

Thomas Chiffinch, Esq., one of the Pages of His Majesty's

Bedchamber, Keeper of his private Closet, and Comptroller of the

Excise. His brother William appears to have succeeded to the two

first-named appointments, and became a great favourite with the

King, whom he survived. There is a portrait of William Chiffinch

at Gorhamburg.] He was well last night as ever, playing at

tables in the house, and not very ill this morning at six

o'clock, yet dead before seven: they think, of an imposthume in

his breast. But it looks fearfully among people now-a-days, the

plague, as we hear encreasing every where again. To the Chapel,

but could not get in to hear well. But I had the pleasure once

in my life to see an Archbishop (this was of York) [Richard

Sterne, Bishop of Carlisle, elected Archbishop of York, 1664.

Ob. 1683.] in a pulpit. Then at a loss how to get home to

dinner, having promised to carry Mrs. Hunt thither. At last got

my Lord Hinchingbroke's coach, he staying at Court; and so took

her up in Axe-yard, and home and dined. And good discourse of

the old matters of the Protector and his family, she having a

relation to them. The Protector lives in France: spends about

500l. per annum.

9th. By coach to Mrs. Pierce's, and with her and Knipp and Mrs.

Pierce's boy and girl abroad, thinking to have been merry at

Chelsey; but being come almost to the house by coach near the

waterside, a house alone, I think the Swan, a gentleman walking

by called to us to tell us that the house was shut up of the

sickness. So we with great affright turned back, being holden to

the gentleman: and went away (I for my part in great disorder)

for Kensington.

11th. To Hales's, where there was nothing to be done more to my

picture, [This potrait is now in the possession of Samuel Pepys

Cockerel, Esq.] but the musique, which now pleases me mightily,

it being painted true. To Gresham College, where a great deal of

do and formality in choosing of the Council and Officers. I had

three votes to be of the Council, who am but a stranger, nor

expected any.

15th. Walked into the Park to the Queen's chapel, and there

heard a good deal of their mass, and some of their musique, which

is not so contemptible, I think, as our people would make it, it

pleasing me very well; and, indeed, better than the anthem I

heard afterwards at White Hall, at my coming back. I staid till

the King went down to receive the Sacrament, and stood in his

closet with a great many others, and there saw him receive it,

which I did never see the manner of before. Thence walked to Mr.

Pierce's, and there dined: very good company and good discourse,

they being able to tell me all the businesses of the Court: the

amours and the mad doings that are there: how for certain Mrs.

Stewart is become the King's mistress; and that the King hath

many bastard children that are known and owned, besides the Duke

of Monmouth.

18th. To Mr. Lilly's, the painter's; and there saw the heads,

some finished, and all begun, of the flaggmen in the late great

fight with the Duke of York against the Dutch. The Duke of York

hath them done to hang in his chamber, and very finely they are

done indeed. Here are the Prince's, Sir G. Askue's, Sir Thomas

Teddiman's, Sir Christopher Mings, Sir Joseph Jordan, Sir William

Berkeley, Sir Thomas Allen, and Captain Harman's, [Afterwards Sir

John Harman.] as also the Duke of Albemarle's; and will be my

Lord Sandwich's, Sir W. Pen's, and Sir Jeremy Smith's. I was

very well satisfied with this sight, and other good pictures

hanging in the house.

21st. I down to walk in the garden at White Hall, it being a

mighty hot and pleasant day; and there was the King, who, among

others, talked to us a little; and among other pretty things, he

swore merrily that he believed the ketch that Sir W. Batten

bought the last year at Colchester, was of his own getting, it

was so thick to its length. Another pleasant thing he said of

Christopher Pett, commanding him that he will not alter his

moulds of ships upon any man's advice; "as," says he,

"Commissioner Taylor I fear do of his New London, that he makes

it differ, in hopes of mending the Old London, built by him."

"For," says he, "he finds that God hath put him into the right,

and so will keep in it while he is in." "And," says the King, "I

am sure it must be God put him in, for no art of his own ever

could have done it;" for it seems he cannot give a good account

of what he do as an artist. Thence with my Lord Brouncker in his

coach to Hide Parke, the first time I have been there this year.

There the King was; but I was sorry to see my Lady Castlemaine,

for the mourning forceing all the ladies to go in black, with

their hair plain and without spots. I find her to be a much more

ordinary woman than ever I durst have thought she was; and,

indeed, is not so pretty as Mrs. Stewart.

22nd. To the Cockpitt, and there took my leave of the Duke of

Albemarle, who is going to-morrow to sea. He seems mightily

pleased with me, which I am glad of; but I do find infinitely my

concernment in being careful to appear to the King and Duke to

continue my care of his business, and to be found diligent as I

used to be.

23rd. To White Hall, where I had the opportunity to take leave

of the Prince, and again of the Duke of Albemarle; and saw them

kiss the King's hands and the Duke's; and much content indeed,

there seems to be in all people at their going to sea, and they

promise themselves much good from them. This morning the House

of Parliament do meet, only to adjourne again till winter. The

plague, I hear, encreases in the town much, and exceedingly in

the country every where. Bonfires in the street, for being

St.George's day, and the King's Coronation, and the day of the

Prince and Duke's going to sea.

25th. I to the office, where Mr. Prin come to meet about the

Chest-business; and till company come, did discourse with me a

good while in the garden about the laws of England, telling me

the main faults in them; and among others, their obscurity

through multitude of long statutes, which he is about to abstract

out of all of a sort; and as he lives, and Parliaments come, get

them put into laws, and the other statutes repealed, and then it

will be a short work to know the law. Having supped upon the

leads, to bed. The plague, blessed be God! is decreased sixteen

this week.

29th. To Mr. Evelyn's, where I walked in his garden till he come

from Church, with great pleasure reading Ridly's discourse, all

my way going and coming, upon the Civill and Ecclesiastical Law.

He being come home, he and I walked together in the garden with

mighty pleasure, he being a very ingenious man; and the more I

know him the more I love him.

30th. I after dinner to even all my accounts of this month; and

bless God, I find myself, notwithstanding great expences of late;

viz. 80l. now to pay for a necklace; near 40l. for a set of

chairs and couch; near 40l. for my three pictures: yet I do

gather, and am worth 5200l. My wife comes home by and by, and

hath pitched upon a necklace with three rows, which is a very

good one, and 80l. is the price. So ends this month with great

layings-out. Good health and gettings, and advanced well in the

whole of my estate, for which God make me thankful!

May 1, 1666. At noon, my cosen Thomas Pepys did come to me, to

consult about the business of his being a Justice of the Peace,

which he is much against; and among other reasons, tells me, as a

confidant, that he is not free to exercise punishment according

to the Act against Quakers and other people, for religion. Nor

do he understand Latin, and so is not capable of the place as

formerly, now all warrants do run in Latin. Nor he in Kent,

though he be of Deptford parish, his house standing in Surry.

However, I did bring him to incline towards it, if he be pressed

to take it. I do think it may be some repute to me to have my

kinsman in Commission there, specially, if he behave himself to

content in the country.

12th. Met Sir G. Downing on White Hall bridge, and there walked

half an hour, talking of the success of the late new Act; and

indeed it is very much, that that hath stood really in the room

of 800,000l. [There appears to be some error in these figures.]

now since Christmas, being itself but 1,250,000l. And so I do

really take it to be a very considerable thing done by him; for

the beginning, end, and every part of it, is to be imputed to

him. The fleet is not yet gone from the Nore. The plague

encreases in many places, and is 53 this week with us.

13th. Into St. Margett's [St. Margaret's.] Church, where I

heard a young man play the fool upon the doctrine of Purgatory.

16th. I to my Lord Crowe's, who is very lately come to town, and

he talked for half an hour of the business of the warr, wherein

he is very doubtful, from our want of money, that we shall fail.

And I do concur with him therein. After some little discourse of

ordinary matters, I away to Sir Philip Warwick's again, and he

was come in, and gone out to my Lord Treasurer's; whither I

followed him, and there my business was, to be told that my Lord

Treasurer hath got 10,000l. for us in the Navy, to answer our

great necessities, which I did thank him for; but the sum is not

considerable. The five brothers Houblons came, and Mr. Hill, to

my house; and a very good supper we had, and good discourse with

great pleasure. My new plate sets off my cupboard very nobly.

Here they were till about eleven at night: and a fine sight it

is to see these five brothers thus loving one to another, and all

industrious merchants.

[Two of these brothers, Sir James and Sir John Houblon, Knts. and

Aldermen, rose to great wealth; the former represented the City

of London, and the latter became Lord Mayor in 1695. The

following epitaph, in memory of their father, who was interred in

the church of St. Mary Woolnoth, is here inserted, as having been

written by Mr. Pepys:-

Jacobus Houblon

Londin. Petri filius,

Ob fidem Flandria exulantis:

Ex C. Nepotibus habuit LXX superstites:

Filios V. videns mercatores florentissimos;

Ipse Londinensis Bursae Pater.

Plissime obiit Nonagenarius,

A.D. MDCLXXXII.]

19th. Mr. Deane and I did discourse about his ship Rupert, built

by him there, which succeeds so well as he hath got great honour

by it, and I some by recommending him; the King, Duke, and every

body, saying it is the best ship that was ever built. And then

he fell to explain to me his manner of casting the draught of

water which a ship will draw beforehand: which is a secret the

King and all admire in him; and he is the first that hath come to

any certainty beforehand of foretelling the draught of water of a

ship before she be launched

20th. I discoursed awhile with Mr. Yeabsly, whom I met and took

up in my coach with me, and who hath this day presented my Lord

Ashly with 100l. to bespeak his friendship to him in his accounts

now before us; and my Lord hath received, and so I believe is as

bad, as to bribes, as what the world says of him.

21st. I away in some haste to my Lord Ashly, where it is

stupendous to see how favourably, and yet closely, my Lord Ashly

carries himself to Mr. Yeabsly, in his business, so as I think we

shall do his business for him in very good manner. But it is a

most extraordinary thing to observe, and that which I would not

but have had the observation of for a great deal of money.

23rd. Towards White Hall, calling in my way on my Lord Bellasses,

[John Lord Bellassis, second son of Thomas Viscount Falconberg,

an officer of distinction on the King's side, during the Civil

War. He was afterwards Governor of Tangier, and Captain of the

Band of Gentlemen Pensioners. Being a Catholic, the Test Act

deprived him of all his appointments in 1672; but James II, in

1684, made him first Commissioner of the Treasury. Ob, 1689.]

where I come to his bedside, and he did give me a full and long

account of his matters, how he kept them at Tangier. Declares

himself fully satisfied with my care: seems cunningly to argue

for encreasing the number of men there. Told me the whole story

of his gains by the Turky prizes, which he owns he hath got about

5000l. by. Promised me the same profits Povy was to have had;

and in fine, I find him a pretty subtle man; and so I left him.

Staid at Sir G. Carteret's chamber till the Council rose, and

then he and I, by agreement this morning, went forth in his coach

by Tiburne, to the park; discoursing of the state of the Navy as

to money, and the state of the Kingdom too, how ill able to raise

more: and of our office, as to the condition of the officers; he

giving me caution as to myself, that there are those that are my

enemies as well as his, and by name my Lord Brouncker who hath

said some odd speeches against me. So that he advises me to

stand on my guard; which I shall do, and unless my too-much

addiction to pleasure undo me, will be acute enough for any of

them.

25th. A gentleman arrived here this day, Mr. Brown of St.

Maloes, among other things tells me the meaning of the setting

out of dogs every night out of the town walls, which are said to

secure the city: but it is not so, but only to secure the

anchors, cables, and ships that lie dry, which might otherwise in

the night be liable to be robbed. And these dogs are set out

every night, and called together in, every morning by a man with

a horne, and they go in very orderly.

29th. Home this evening, but with great trouble in the streets

by bonfires, it being the King's birth-day and day of

Restoration; but Lord! to see the difference how many there were

on the other side, and so few ours, the City side of the Temple,

would make one wonder the difference between the temper of one

sort of people and the other: and the difference among all

between what they do now, and what it was the night when Monk

came into the City. Such a night as that I never think to see

again, nor think it can be.

30th. I find the Duke gone out with the King to-day on hunting.

31st. A public Fast-day appointed to pray for the good success

of the fleet. But it is a pretty thing to consider how little a

matter they make of this keeping of a Fast, that it was not so

much as declared time enough to be read in the churches, the last

Sunday; but ordered by proclamation since: I suppose upon some

sudden news of the Dutch being come out. As to public business;

by late tidings of the French fleet being come to Rochell, (how

true, though, I know not) our fleet is divided; Prince Rupert

being gone with about thirty ships to the Westward as is

conceived to meet the French, to hinder their coming to join with

the Dutch. My Lord Duke of Albemarle lies in the Downes with the

rest, and intends presently to sail to the Gunfleete.

June 2, 1666. Up, and to the office, where certain news is

brought us of a letter come to the King this morning from the

Duke of Albemarle, dated yesterday at eleven o'clock, as they

were sailing to the Gunfleete, that they were in sight of the

Dutch fleet, and were fitting themselves to fight them; so that

they are ere this certainly engaged: besides, several do averr

they heard the guns yesterday in the afternoon. This put us at

the Board into a tosse. Presently come orders for our sending

away to the fleet a recruite of 200 soldiers. So I rose from the

table, and to the Victualling-office, and thence upon the River

among several vessels, to consider of the sending them away; and

lastly, down to Greenwich, and there appointed two yachts to be

ready for them; and did order the soldiers to march to

Blackewall. Having set all things in order against the next

flood, I went on shore with Captain Erwin at Greenwich, and into

the parke, and there: we could hear the guns from the fleete

most plainly. We walked to the water-side, and there seeing the

King and Duke come down in their barge to Greenwich-house, I to

them, and did give them an account what I was doing. They went

up to the park to hear the guns of the fleet go off. All our

hopes now are that Prince Rupert with his fleet is coming back

and will be with the fleet this even: a message being sent to

him for that purpose on Wednesday last; and a return is come from

him this morning, that he did intend to sail from St. Ellen's

point about four in the afternoon yesterday; which gives us great

hopes, the wind being very fair, that he is with them this even,

and the fresh going off of the guns makes us believe the same.

Down to Blackewall, and there saw the soldiers (who were by this

time gotten most of them drunk) shipped off. But, Lord! to see

how the poor fellows kissed their wives and sweet-hearts in that

simple manner at their going off, and shouted, and let off their

guns, was strange sport. In the evening come up the River the

Katharine yacht, Captain Fazeby, who hath brought over my Lord of

Alesbury [Robert Bruce, created Earl of Aylesbury, 1663. Ob.

1685.] and Sir Thomas Liddall [Of Ravensworth Castle, Durham,

succeeded his grandfather, the first Baronet, 1650. He had three

daughters. Ob. 1697.] (with a very pretty daughter, and in a

pretty travelling-dress) from Flanders, who saw the Dutch fleet

on Thursday, and ran from them; but from that hour to this hath

not heard one gun, nor any news of any fight. Having put the

soldiers on board, I home.

3rd (Lord's-day; Whit-sunday). Up; and by water to White Hall,

and there met with Mr. Coventry, who tells me the only news from

the fleet is brought by Captain Elliott, of the Portland, which,

by being run on board by the Guernsey, was disabled from staying

abroad: so is come in to Albrough. That he saw one of the Dutch

great ships blown up, and three on fire. That they begun to

fight on Friday; and at his coming into port, could make another

ship of the King's coming in, which he judged to be the Rupert:

that he knows of no other hurt to our ships. With this good news

I home by water again. The Exchange as full of people, and hath

been all this noon as of any other day, only for news. To White

Hall, and there met with this bad news farther, that the Prince

come to Dover but at ten o'clock last night, and there heard

nothing of a fight; so that we are defeated of all our hopes of

his help to the fleet. It is also reported by some Victuallers

that the Duke of Albemarle and Holmes [Sir Robert Holmes.] their

flags were shot down, and both fain to come to anchor to renew

their rigging and sails. A letter is also come this afternoon,

from Harman in the Henery; which states, that she was taken by

Elliott for the Rupert; that being fallen into the body of the

Dutch fleet, he made his way through them, was set on by three

fire-ships one after another, got two of them off, and disabled

the third; was set on fire himself; upon which many of his men

leapt into the sea and perished; among others, the parson first.

Have lost above 100 men, and a good many women, (God knows what

is become of Balty [Balthazar St. Michel, Mrs. Pepys's brother,

employed in the office for sick and hurt at Deal afterwards, and

in 1686 Commissioner at Woolwich and Deptford.] ) and at last

quenched his own fire and got to Albrough; being, as all say, the

greatest hazard that ever any ship escaped, and so bravely

managed by him. The mast of the third fire ship fell into their

ship on fire, and hurt Harman's leg, which makes him lame now,

but not dangerous. I to Sir G. Carteret, who told me there hath

been great bad management in all this; that the King's orders

that went on Friday for calling back the Prince, were sent but by

the ordinary post on Wednesday; and come to the Prince his hands

but on Friday; and then, instead of sailing presently, he stays

till four in the evening. And that which is worst of all, the

Hampshire, laden with merchants' money, come from the Straights,

set out with or but just before the fleet, and was in the Downes

by five in the clock yesterday morning; and the Prince with his

fleet come to Dover but at ten of the clock at night. This is

hard to answer, if it be true. This puts great astonishment into

the King, and Duke, and Court, every body being out of

countenance. Home by the 'Change, which is full of people still,

and all talk highly of the failure of the Prince in not making

more haste after his instructions did come, and of our

managements here in not giving it sooner and with more care and

oftener.

4th. To White Hall, where, when we come, we find the Duke at St.

James's, whither he is lately gone to lodge. So walking through

the Park we saw hundreds of people listening at the Gravell-pits,

and to and again in the Park to hear the guns. I saw a letter,

dated last night, from Strowd, Governor of Dover Castle, which

sags that the Prince come thither the night before with his

fleet; but that for the guns which we writ that we heard, it is

only a mistake for thunder; and so far as to yesterday it is a

miraculous thing that we all Friday, and Saturday and yesterday,

did hear every where most plainly the guns go off, and yet at

Deal and Dover to last night they did not hear one word of a

fight, nor think they heard one gun. This, added to what I have

set down before the other day about the Katharine, makes room for

a great dispute in philosophy, how we should hear it and they

not, the same wind that brought it to us being the same that

should bring it to them: but so it is. Major Halsey, however,

(He was sent down on purpose to hear news) did bring news this

morning that he did see the Prince and his fleet at nine of the

clock yesterday morning, four or five leagues to sea behind the

Goodwin, so that by the hearing of the guns this morning, we

conclude he is come to the fleet. After wayting upon the Duke

with Sir W. Pen, (who was commanded to go to-night by water down

to Harwich, to dispatch away all the ships he can,) I home:

where no sooner come, but news is brought me of a couple of men

come to speak with me from the fleet; so I down, and who should

it be but Mr. Daniel, all muffled up, and his face as black as

the chimney, and covered with dirt, pitch, and tar, and powder,

and muffled with dirty clouts, and his right eye stopped with

okum. He is come last night; at five o'clock from the fleet,

with a comrade of his that hath endangered another eye. They

were set on shore at Harwich this morning, and at two o'clock, in

a catch with about twenty more wounded men from the Royall

Charles. They being able to ride, took post about three this

morning, and were here between eleven and twelve. I went

presently into the coach with them, and carried them to Somerset-

House-stairs, and there took water (all the world gazing upon us,

and concluding it to be news from the fleet, and every body's

face appeared expecting of news,) to the Privy-stairs, and left

them at Mr. Coventry's lodgings (he, though, not being there);

and so I into the Park to the King, and told him my Lord Generall

was well the last night at five o'clock, and the Prince come with

his fleet and joyned with his about seven. The King was mightily

pleased with this news, and so took me by the hand and talked a

little of it, giving him the best account I could; and then he

bid me to fetch the two seamen to him, he walking into the house.

So I went and fetched the seamen into the same room to him, and

there he heard the whole account.