Coventry's chamber; where, among other things, he came to me and
told me that he had received my yesterday's letters, and that we
concurred very well in our notions; and that as to my place which
I had offered to resign of the Victualling, he had drawn up a
letter at the same time for the Duke of York's signing for the
like places in general raised during this war; and that he had
done me right to the Duke of York, to let him know that I had of
my own accord offered to resign mine. The letter do bid us to do
all things, particularizing several, for the laying up of the
ships and easing the King of charge; so that the war is now
professedly over. By and by up to the Duke of York's chamber;
and there all the talk was about Jordan's coming with so much
indiscretion, with his four little frigates and sixteen fire-
ships from Harwich, to annoy the enemy. His failures were of
several sorts, I know not which the truest: that he came with so
strong a gale of wind that his grapplings would not hold; that he
did come by their lee, whereas if he had come athwart their
hawse, they would have held; that they did not stop a tide, and
ebb up with a windward tide, and then they would have come so
fast. Now there happened to be Captain Jenifer by, who commanded
the Lily in this business, and thus says: that finding the Dutch
not so many as they expected, they did not know that there were
more of them above, and so were not so earnest to the setting
upon these; that they did do what they could to make the fire-
ships fall in among the enemy; and for their lives Sir J. Jordan
nor others could, by shooting several times at them, make them go
in: and it seems they were commanded by some idle fellows, such
as they could of a sudden gather up at Harwich; which is a sad
consideration, that at such a time as this, where the saving the
reputation of the whole nation lay at stake, and after so long a
war, the King had not credit to gather a few able men to command
these vessels. He says, that if they had come up slower, the
enemy would (with their boats and their great sloops, which they
have to row with a great many men,) and did come and cut up
several of our fire-ships, and would certainly have taken most of
them, for they do come with a great provision of these boats on
purpose, and to save their men, which is bravely done of them,
though they did on this very occasion show great fear, as they
say, by some men leaping overboard out of a great ship (as these
were all of them of sixty and seventy guns a-piece) which one of
our fire-ships laid on board, though the fire did not take. But
yet it is brave to see what care they do take to encourage their
men to provide great stores of boats to save them, while we have
not credit to find one boat for a ship. And further, he told us
that this new way used by Deane (and this Sir W. Coventry
observed several times) of preparing of fire-ships do not do the
work; for the fire not being strong and quick enough to flame up,
so as to take the rigging and sails, lies smothering a great
while, half an hour before it flames, in which time they can get
the fire-ship off safely, though (which is uncertain, and did
fail in one or two this bout) it do serve to burn our own ships.
But what a shame it is to consider how two of our ships'
companies did desert their ships for fear of being taken by their
boats, our little frigates being forced to leave them, being
chased by their greater! And one more company did set their ship
on fire, and leave her; which afterwards a Feversham fisherman
came up to, and put out the fire, and carried safe into
Feversham, where she now is. Which was observed by the Duke of
York, and all the company with him, that it was only want of
courage, and a general dismay and abjectness of spirit upon all
our men; and others did observe our ill management, and God
Almighty's curse upon all that we have in hand, for never such an
opportunity was of destroying so many good ships of theirs as we
now had. But to see how negligent we were in this business, that
our fleet of Jordan's should not have any notice where: Spragg
was, nor Spragg of Jordan's so as to be able to meet and join in
the business, and help one another; but Jordan, when he saw
Spragg's fleet above, did think them to be another part of the
enemy's fleet! while, on the other side, notwithstanding our
people at Court made such a secret of Jordan's design that nobody
must know it, and even this office itself must not know it; nor
for my part; I did not, though Sir W. Batten says by others'
discourse to him he had heard something of it; yet De Ruyter (or
he that commanded this fleet) had notice of it, and told it to a
fisherman of ours that he took and released on Thursday last,
which was the day before our fleet came to him. But then, that
that seems most to our disgrace, and which the Duke of York did
take special and vehement notice of, is, that when the Dutch saw
so many fire-ships provided for them, themselves lying, I think,
about the Nore, they did with all their great ships, with a
North-east wind, (as I take it they said, but whatever it was, it
was a wind that we should not have done it with,) turn down to
the Middle-ground; which, the Duke of York observed, never was
nor would have been undertaken by ourselves. And whereas some of
the company answered, it was their great fear, not their choice,
that made them do it, the Duke of York answered, that it was, it
maybe, their fear and wisdom that made them do it; but yet their
fear did not make them mistake, as we should have done, when we
have had no fear upon us, and have run our ships on ground. And
this brought it into my mind, that they managed their retreat
down this difficult passage, with all their fear, better than we
could do ourselves in the main sea, when the Duke of Albemarle
ran away from the Dutch, when the Prince was lost, and the Royal
Charles and the other great ships came on ground upon the
Galloper. Thus in all things, in wisdom, courage, force,
knowledge of our own streams, and success, the Dutch have the
best of us, and do end the war with victory on their side. One
thing extraordinary was this day: a man, a Quaker, came naked
through the Hall, only very civilly tied about the loins to avoid
scandal, and with a chafing-dish of fire and brimstone burning
upon his head, did pass through the Hall, crying "Repent!
repent!" Presently comes down the House of Commons, the King
having made a very short and no pleasing speech to them at all,
not at all giving them thanks for their readiness to come up to
town at this busy time; but told them that he did think he should
have had occasion for them, but had none, and therefore did
dismiss them to look after their own occasions till October; and
that he did wonder any should offer to bring in a suspicion that
he intended to rule by an army, or otherwise than by the laws of
the land, which he promised them he would do; and so bade them go
home and settle the minds of the country in that particular; and
only added, that; he had made a peace which be did believe they
would find reasonable, and a good peace, but did give them none
of the particulars thereof. Thus they are dismissed again to
their general great distaste, I believe the greatest that ever
Parliament was, to see themselves so fooled, and the nation in
certain condition of ruin, while the King, they see, is only
governed by his lust, and women, and rogues about him. The
Speaker, they found, was kept from coming in the morning to the
House on purpose till after the King was come to the House of
Lords, for fear they should be doing any thing in the House of
Commons to the further dissatisfaction of the King and his
courtiers. They do all give up the kingdom for lost, that I
speak to; and do hear what the King says, how he and the Duke of
York do do what they can to get up an army, that they may need no
more Parliaments: and how my Lady Castlemaine hath, before the
last breach between her and the King, said to the King, that he
must rule by an army, or all would be lost. I am told that many
petitions were provided for the Parliament, complaining of the
wrongs they have received from the Court and courtiers, in city
and country, if the Parliament had but sat: and I do perceive
they all do resolve to have a good account of the money spent
before ever they give a farthing more; and the whole kingdom is
every where sensible of their being abused, insomuch that they
forced their Parliament-men to come up to sit; and my cozen Roger
told me that (but that was in mirth) he believed, if he had not
come up he should have had his house burned. The kingdom never
in so troubled a condition in this world as now; nobody pleased
with the peace, and yet nobody daring to wish for the continuance
of the war, it being plain that nothing do nor can thrive under
us. Here I saw old good Mr. Vaughan, and several of the great
men of the Commons, and some of them old men, that are come 200
miles and more to attend this session of Parliament; and have
been at great charge and disappointments in their other private
business; and now all to no purpose, neither to serve their
country, content themselves, nor receive any thanks from the
King. It is verily expected by many of them that the King will
continue the prorogation in October, so as, if it be possible,
never to have this Parliament more. My Lord Bristoll took his
place in the House of Lords this day, but not in his robes; and
when the King came in he withdrew: but my Lord of Buckingham was
there as brisk as ever, and sat in his robes; which is a
monstrous thing, that a man should be proclaimed against, and put
in the Tower, and released without any trial, and yet not
restored to his places. But above all, I saw my Lord Mordaunt
[Vide note Nov. 26, 1666.] as merry as the best, that it seems
hath done such further indignities to Mr. Taylor since the last
sitting of Parliament as would hang him, if there were nothing
else, would the King do what were fit for him; but nothing of
that is now likely to be. Cozen Roger and Creed to dinner with
me, and very merry: but among other things they told me of the
strange, bold sermon of Dr. Creeton [Probably Robert Creyghton of
Trin. Col. Cambridge, A.M. 1662. Ling. Graec. Prof. Reg.
1672-3.] yesterday before the King; how he preached against the
sins of the Court, and particularly against adultery, over and
over instancing how for that single sin in David the whole nation
was undone; and of our negligence in having our castles without
ammunition and powder when the Dutch came upon us; and how we
have no courage now-a-days, but let our ships be taken out of our
harbour. Here Creed did tell us the story of the duell last
night, in Covent-garden, between Sir H. Bellasses and Tom Porter.
It is worth remembering the silliness of the quarrel, and is a
kind of emblem of the general complexion of this whole kingdom at
present. They two dined yesterday at Sir Robert Carr's [M.P.
Knight and Baronet, of Sleaford, Lincolnshire, and one of the
proposed knights of the Royal Oak for that county.] where it
seems people do drink high, all that come. It happened that
these two, the greatest friends in the world, were talking
together: and Sir H. Bellasses talked a little louder than
ordinary to Tom Porter, giving of him some advice. Some of the
company standing by said, "What! are they quarrelling, that they
talk so high?" Sir H. Bellasses hearing it, said, "No!" says
he: "I would have you know I never quarrel, but I strike; and
take that as a rule of mine!" "How?" says Tom Porter, "strike! I
would I could see the man in England that durst give me a blow!"
with that Sir H. Bellasses did give him a box of the ears; and so
they were going to fight there, but were hindered. And by and by
Tom Porter went out, and meeting Dryden the poet, told him of the
business, and that he was resolved to fight Sir H. Bellasses
presently; for he knew, if he did not, they should be friends
to-morrow, and then the blow would rest upon him; which he would
prevent, and desired Dryden to let him have his boy to bring him
notice which way Sir H. Bellasses goes. By and by he is informed
that Sir H. Bellasses's coach was coming: so Tom Porter went
down out of the Coffee-house where he stayed for the tidings, and
stopped the coach, and bade Sir H. Bellasses come out. "Why,"
says H. Bellasses, "you will not hurt me coming out-will you?"
"No," says Tom Porter, So out he went, and both drew: and H.
Bellasses having drawn and flung away his scabbard, Tom Porter
asked him whether he was ready? The other answering him he was,
they fell to fight, some of their acquaintance by. They wounded
one another, and H. Bellasses so much that it is feared he will
die: and finding himself severely wounded, he called to Tom
Porter, and kissed him and bade him shift for himself; "for,"
says he, "Tom, thou hast hurt me; but I will make shift to stand
upon my legs till thou mayest withdraw, and the world not take
notice of you, for I would not have thee troubled for what thou
hast done." And so whether he did fly or no I cannot tell; but
Tom Porter showed H. Bellasses that he was wounded too: and they
are both ill, but H. Bellasses to fear of life. And this is a
fine example; and H. Bellasses a Parliament-man too, and both of
them extraordinary friends! Among other discourse my cosen Roger
told us a thing certain, that my Lady Castlemaine hath made a
Bishop lately, namely, her uncle Dr. Glenham, [Henry Glenham,
D.D., was Dean of Bristol, 1661; but, I believe, never raised to
the Bench.] who, I think they say, is Bishop of Carlisle; a
drunken, swearing rascal, and a scandal to the Church; and do now
pretend to be Bishop of Lincoln, in competition with Dr. Raynbow,
[Dr. Rainbow was Bishop of Carlisle from 1664 to 1684.] who is
reckoned as worthy a man as most in the Church for piety and
learning: which are things so scandalous to consider, that no
man can doubt but we must be undone that hears of them. Cosen
Roger did acquaint me in private with an offer made of his
marrying of Mrs. Elizabeth Wiles, whom I know; a kinswoman of Mr.
Honiwood's, an ugly old maid, but good housewife, and is said to
have 2500l. to her portion; though I am against it in my heart,
she being not handsome at all: and it hath been the very bad
fortune of the Pepyses that ever I knew, never to marry an
handsome woman, excepting Ned Pepys. To White Hall; and looking
out of the window into the garden, I saw the King (whom I have
not had any desire to see since the Dutch came upon the coast
first to Sheerness, for shame that; I should see him, or he me,
methinks, after such a dishonour) come upon the garden; with him
two or three idle Lords; and instantly after him, in another
walk, my Lady Castlemaine, led by Bab. May: at which I was
surprised, having but newly heard the stories of the King and her
being parted for ever. So I took Mr. Povy, who was there, aside,
and he told me all,--how imperious this woman is, and hectors the
King to whatever she will. It seems she is with child, and the
King says he did not get it: with that she made a slighting puh
with her mouth, and went out of the house, and never came in
again till the King went to Sir Daniel Harvy's to pray her; and
so she is come to-day, when one would think his mind should be
full of some other cares, having but this morning broken up such
a Parliament with so much discontent and so many wants upon him,
and but yesterday heard such a sermon against adultery. But it
seems she hath told the King, that whoever did get it, he should
own it. And the bottom of the quarrel is this:--She is fallen in
love with young Jermin, who hath of late been with her oftener
than the King, and is now going to marry my Lady Falmouth; [Lady
Falmouth married the Earl of Dorset.] the King is mad at her
entertaining Jermin, and she is mad at Jermin's going to marry
from her: so they are all mad; and thus the kingdom is governed!
But he tells me for certain that nothing is more sure than that
the King, and Duke of York, and the Chancellor, are desirous and
labouring all they can to get an army, whatever the King says to
the Parliament; and he believes that they are at last resolved to
stand and fall all three together: so that he says in terms that
the match of the Duke of York with the Chancellor's daughter hath
undone the nation. He tells me also that the King hath not
greater enemies in the world than those of his own family; for
there is not an officer in the house almost but curses him for
letting them starve, and there is not a farthing of money to be
raised for the buying them bread.
30th. To the Treasury-chamber, where I did speak with the Lords.
Here I do hear that there are three Lords more to be added to
them; my Lord Bridgewater, my Lord Anglesy, and my Lord
Chamberlaine. Mr. Cooling told as how the King, once speaking of
the Duke of York's being mastered by his wife, said to some of
the company by, that he would go no more abroad with this Tom
Otter (meaning the Duke of York) and his wife. [Vide the play of
"Epicene, or the Silent Woman," in which Mrs. Otter thus
addresses her henpecked husband, THOMAS OTTER--"Is this according
to the instrument when I married you, that I would be princess
and reign in my own house, and you would be my subject, and obey
me?"--ACT iii., SCENE 1.] Tom Killigrew being by, said, "Sir,
pray which is the best for a man, to be a Tom Otter to his wife
or to his mistress? meaning the King's being so to my Lady
Castlemaine.
31st. To Marrowbone, where my Lord Mayor and Aldermen, it seems,
dined to-day; and were just now going away, methought, in a
disconsolate condition, compared with their splendour they
formerly had when the City was standing.
AUGUST 1, 1667. Home, the gates of the City shut, it being so
late; and at Newgate we find them in trouble, some thieves having
this night broke open prison.
3rd. To the office, there to enable myself, by finishing our
great account, to give it to the Lords Commissioners of the
Treasury; which I did, and there was called in to them, to tell
them only the total of our debt of the Navy on the 25th of May
last, which is above 950,000l. Here I find them mighty hot in
their answer to the Council-board about our Treasurer's
threepences of the Victualling, and also against the present farm
of the Customes, which they do most highly inveigh against.
5th. I hear the ill news of our loss lately of four rich ships,
two from Guinea, one from Gallipoly, all with rich oyles, and the
other from Barbadoes, worth, as is guessed, 80,000l. But here is
strong talk as if Harman had taken some of the Dutch East India
ships, (but I dare not yet believe it,) and brought them into
Lisbon. To the Duke of York's house, and there saw "Love
Trickes, or the School of Compliments;" [A comedy, by James
Shirley.] a silly play, only Miss Davis, dancing in a shepherd's
clothes, did please us mightily.
6th. A full Board. Here, talking of news, my Lord Anglesy did
tell us that the Dutch do make a further bogle with us about two
or three things, which they will be satisfied in, he says, by us
easily, but only in one, it seems, they do demand that we shall
not interrupt their East Indiamen coming home, and of which they
are in some fear; and we are full of hopes that we have light
upon some of them and carried them into Lisbon by Harman; which
God send! But they (which do show the low esteem they have of
us) have the confidence to demand that we shall have a cessation
on our parts, and yet they at liberty to take what they will;
which is such an affront, as another cannot be devised greater.
7th. Though the King and my Lady Castlemaine are friends again,
she is not at White Hall, but at Sir D. Harvy's, whither the King
goes to her; and he says she made him ask her forgiveness upon
his knees and promised to offend her no more so: and that,
indeed, she did threaten to bring all his bastards to his closet
door, and hath nearly hectored him out of his wits.
8th. Sir Henry Bellasses is dead of the duell he fought about
ten days ago with Tom Porter; and it is pretty to see how the
world talk of them as of a couple of fools that killed one
another out of love. I to my bookseller's; where by and by I met
Mr. Evelyn, and talked of several things, but particularly of the
times: and he tells me that wise men do prepare to remove abroad
what they have, for that we must be ruined, our case being past
relief, the kingdom so much in debt, and the King minding nothing
but his lust, going two days a-week to see my Lady Castlemaine at
Sir D. Harvy's.
9th. To St. James's, and there met Sir W. Coventry; and he and I
walked in the Park an hour. And then to his chamber, where he
read to me the heads of the late great dispute between him and
the rest of the Commissioners of the Treasury, and our new
Treasurer of the Navy; where they have overthrown him the last
Wednesday, in the great dispute touching his having the payment
of the Victualler, which is now settled by Council that he is not
to have it: and, indeed, they have been most just as well as
most severe and bold in the doing this against a man of his
quality: but I perceive he does really make no difference
between any man. He tells me this day it is supposed the Peace is
ratified at Bredah, and all that matter over. We did talk of
many retrenchments of charge of the Navy which he will put in
practice, and every where else; though, he tells me, he despairs
of being able to do what ought to be done for the saving of the
kingdom, (which I tell him, indeed, all the world is almost in
hopes of, upon the proceeding of these gentlemen for the
regulating of the Treasury,) it being so late, and our poverty
grown so great, that they want where to set their feet to begin
to do any thing. He tells me how weary he hath for this year and
a half been of the warr; and how in the Duke of York's bedchamber
at Christ Church, at Oxford, when the Court was there, he did
labour to persuade the Duke to fling off the care of the Navy,
and get it committed to other hands; which, if he had done, would
have been much to his honour, being just come home with so much
honour from sea as he was. I took notice of the sharp letter he
wrote (which he sent us to read) to Sir Edward Spragg, where he
is very plain about his leaving his charge of the ships at
Gravesend, when the enemy came last up, and several other things;
a copy whereof I have kept. But it is done like a most worthy
man; and he says it is good now and then to tell these gentlemen
their duty, for they need it. And it seems, as he tells me, all
our Knights are fallen out one with another, he and Jenings and
Hollis, and (his words were) they are disputing which is the
coward among them; and yet men that take the greatest liberty of
censuring others! Here with him very late, till I could hardly
get a coach or link willing to go through the ruines; but I do,
but will not do it again, being indeed very dangerous.
10th. Sir John Denham's Poems are going to be all printed
together; and, among others, some new things; and among them he
showed me a copy of verses of his upon Sir John Minnes's going
heretofore to Bullogne to eat a pig. Cowly, he tells me, is
dead; who, it seems, was a mighty civil, serious man; which I did
not know before.
11th. To the Wells at Barnett, by seven o'clock; and there found
many people a-drinking; but the morning is a very cold morning,
so as we were very cold all the way in the coach. And so to
Hatfield, to the inn next my Lord Salisbury's house; and there
rested ourselves, and drank, and bespoke dinner: and so to
church. In this church lies the former Lord of Salisbury
(Cecil), buried in a noble tomb. Then we to our inn, and there
dined very well, and mighty merry; and walked out into the Park
through the fine walk of trees, and to the Vineyard, and there
showed them that which is in good order, and indeed a place of
great delight; which, together with our fine walk through the
Park, was of as much pleasure as could be desired in the world
for country pleasure and good ayre. Being come back and weary
with the walk, the women had pleasure in putting on some straw-
hats, which are much worn in this country, and did become them
mightily but especially my wife.
12th. To my bookseller's, and did buy Scott's Discourse of
Witches; and to hear Mr. Cowly mightily lamented (his death) by
Dr. Ward, the Bishop of Winchester, and Dr. Bates, who were
standing there, as the best poet of our nation, and as good a
man.
13th. Attended the Duke of York, with our usual business; who
upon occasion told us that he did expect this night or to-morrow
to hear from Bredah of the consummation of the peace.
15th. Sir W. Pen and I to the Duke's house; where a new play.
The King and Court there: the house full, and an act begun. And
so we went to the King's, and there saw "The Merry Wives of
Windsor;" which did not please me at all, in no part of it.
16th. My wife and I to the Duke's playhouse, where we saw the
new play acted yesterday, "The Feign Innocence, or Sir Martin
Marall;" a play made by my Lord Duke of Newcastle, but, as every
body says, corrected by Dryden. It is the most entire piece of
mirth, a complete farce from one end to the other, that certainly
was ever writ. I never laughed so in all my life, and at very
good wit therein, not fooling. The House full, and in all things
of mighty content to me. Every body wonders that we have no news
from Bredah of the ratification of the peace; and do suspect that
there is some stop in it.
17th. To the King's playhouse, where the house extraordinary
full; and there the King and Duke of York to see the new play,
"Queene Elizabeth's Troubles, and the history of Eighty Eight."
I confess I have sucked in so much of the sad story of Queene
Elizabeth from my cradle, that I was ready to weep for her
sometimes; but the play is the most ridiculous that sure ever
came upon stage, and, indeed, is merely a show, only shows the
true garbe of the Queene in those days, just as we see Queene
Mary and Queene Elizabeth painted: but the play is merely a
puppet play, acted by living puppets. Neither the design nor
language better; and one stands by and tells us the meaning of
things: only I was pleased to see Knipp dance among the milk
maids, and to hear her sing a song to Queene Elizabeth; and to
see her come out in her night-gowne with no lockes on, but her
bare face and hair only tied up in a knot behind; which is the
comeliest dress that ever I saw her in to her advantage.
18th. To Cree Church, to see it how it is; but I find no
alteration there, as they say there was, for my Lord Mayor and
Aldermen to come to sermon, as they do every Sunday, as they did
formerly to Paul's.
20th. Sir W. Coventry fell to discourse of retrenchments: and
therein he tells how he would have but only one Clerk of the
Acts. He do tell me he hath propounded how the charge of the
Navy in peace shall come within 200,000l., by keeping out twenty-
four ships in summer, and ten in the winter. And several other
particulars we went over of retrenchment: and I find I must
provide some things to offer, that I may be found studious to
lessen the King's charge. Sir W. Coventry did single Sir W. Pen
and me, and desired us to lend the King some money, out of the
prizes we have taken by Hogg. He did not much press it, and we
made but a merry answer thereto: but I perceive he did ask it
seriously, and did tell us that there never was so much need of
it in the world as now, we being brought to the lowest straits
that can be in the world.
22nd. Up, and to the office: whence Lord Brouncker, J. Minnes,
and W. Pen, and I went to examine some men that are put in there
for rescuing of men that were pressed into the service: and we
do plainly see that the desperate condition that we put men into
for want of their pay makes them mad, they being as good men as
over were in the world, and would as readily serve the King
again, were they but paid. Two men leapt overboard, among
others, into the Thames out of the vessel into which they were
pressed, and were shot by the soldiers placed there to keep them,
two days since; so much people do avoid the King's service! And
then these men are pressed without money, and so we cannot punish
them for any thing, so that we are forced only to make a show of
severity by keeping them in prison, but are unable to punish
them. [Shooting the men was rather more than a show of
severity.] Returning to the office, I did ask whether we might
visit Commissioner Pett (to which, I confess, I have no great
mind); and it was answered that he was close prisoner, and we
could not; but the Lieutenant of the Tower would send for him to
his lodgings, if we would: so we put it off to another time. To
Captain Cocke's to dinner; where Lord Brouncker and his lady,
Matt. Wren, and Bulteale, and Sir Allan Apsly; the last of whom
did make good sport, he being already fallen under the
retrenchments of the new Committee, as he is Master Falconer;
which makes him mad. With my Lord Brouncker and his mistress to
the King's Playhouse, and there saw "The Indian Emperour:" [A
tragi-comedy, by Dryden.] where I find Nell come again, which I
am glad of; but was most infinitely displeased with her being put
to act the Emperour's daughter, which is a great and serious
part, which she does most basely. This evening Mr. Pelling comes
to me, and tells me that this night the Dutch letters are come,
and that the peace was proclaimed there the 19th inst. and that
all is finished: which for my life I know not whether to be glad
or sorry for, a peace being so necessary, and yet so bad in its
terms.
23rd. To White Hall to attend the Council. The King there: and
it was about considering how the fleet might be discharged at
their coming in shortly, the peace being now ratified, and it
takes place on Monday next. To the Treasury-chamber, where I
waited talking with Sir G. Downing till the Lords met. He tells
me how he will make all the Exchequer officers, of one side and
the other, to lend the King money upon the Act; and that the
least Clerk shall lend money, and he believes the least will
100l.: but this I do not believe. He made me almost ashamed
that we of the Navy had not in all this time lent any; so that I
find it necessary I should, and so will speedily do it before any
of my fellows begin and lead me to a bigger sum. By and by the
Lords come; and I perceive Sir W. Coventry is the man, and
nothing done till he comes. Among other things I heard him
observe, looking over a paper, that Sir John Shaw is a miracle of
a man, for he thinks he executes more places than any man in
England: for there he finds him a Surveyor of some of the King's
woods, and so reckoned up many other places, the most
inconsistent in the world. Their business with me was to
consider how to assigne such of our commanders as will take
assignements upon the Act for their wages; and the consideration
thereof was referred to me to give them an answer the next
sitting: which is a horrid poor thing; but they scruple at
nothing of honour in the case. I find most people pleased with
their being at ease, and safe of a peace, that they may know no
more charge or hazard of an ill managed war; but nobody speaking
of the peace with any content or pleasure, but are silent in it,
as of a thing they are ashamed of; no, not at Court, much less in
the City.
24th. St. Bartholomew's Day. This morning was proclaimed the
peace between us and the States of the United Provinces, and also
of the King of France and Denmarke; and in the afternoon the
Proclamations were printed and came out; and at night the bells
rung, but no bonfires that I hear of any where, partly from the
dearness of firing, but principally from the little content most
people have in the peace. This day comes a letter from the Duke
of York to the Board, to invite us, which is as much as to fright
us, into the lending the King money; which is a poor thing, and
most dishonourable, and shows in what a case we are at the end of
the war to our neighbours. And the King do now declare publickly
to give 10 per cent. to all lenders; which make some think that
the Dutch themselves will send over money, and lend it upon our
publick faith, the Act of Parliament.
28th. To the office, where we sat upon a particular business all
the morning: and my Lord Anglesy with us; who, and my Lord
Brouncker, do bring us news how my Lord Chancellor's seal is to
be taken away from him to-day. The thing is so great and sudden
to me, that it put me into a very great admiration what should be
the meaning of it; and they do not own that they know what it
should be; but this is certain, that the King did resolve it on
Saturday, and did yesterday send the Duke of Albemarle (the only
man fit for those works) to him for his purse: to which the
Chancellor answered, that he received it from the King, and would
deliver it to the King's own hand, and so civilly returned the
Duke of Albemarle without it; and this morning my Lord Chancellor
is to be with the King, to come to an end in the business. Dined
at Sir W. Batten's, where Mr. Boreman was, who came from White
Hall; who tells us that he saw my Lord Chancellor come in his
coach with some of his men, without his seal, to White Hall to
his chamber; and thither the King and Duke of York came and staid
together alone an hour or more: and it is said that the King do
say that he will have the Parliament meet, and that it will
prevent much trouble by having of him out of their enmity by his
place being taken away; for that all their enmity will be at him.
It is said also that my Lord Chancellor answers, that he desires
he may be brought to his trial, if he have done anything to lose
his office; and that he will be willing and is most desirous to
lose that and his head both together. Upon what terms they
parted nobody knows; but the Chancellor looked sad, he says.
Then in comes Sir Richard Ford, and says he hears that there is
nobody more presses to reconcile the King and Chancellor than the
Duke of Albemarle and Duke of Buckingham: the latter of which is
very strange, not only that he who was so lately his enemy should
do it, but that this man, that but the other day was in danger of
losing his own head, should so soon come to be a mediator for
others: it shows a wise Government. They all say that he is but
a poor man, not worth above 3000l. a-year in land; but this I
cannot believe: and all do blame him for having built so great a
house, till he had got a better estate. Sir W. Pen and I had a
great deal of discourse with Mall; [Orange Moll, mentioned
before.] who tells us that Nell is already left by Lord
Buckhurst, and that he makes sport of her, and swears she hath
had all she could get of him; and Hart [The celebrated actor.]
her great admirer now hates her; and that she is very poor, and
hath lost my Lady Castlemaine, who was her great friend also:
but she is come to the playhouse, but is neglected by them all.
27th. To White Hall; and there hear how it is like to go well
enough with my Lord Chancellor; that he is like to keep his Seal,
desiring that he may stand his trial in Parliament, if they will
accuse him of any thing. This day Mr. Pierce, the surgeon was
with me; and tells me how this business of my Lord Chancellor's
was certainly designed in my Lady Castlemaine's chamber; and that
when he went from the King on Monday morning she was in bed
(though about twelve o'clock), and ran out in her smock into her
aviary looking into White Hall garden; and thither her woman
brought; her her nightgown; and stood blessing herself at the old
man's going away: and several of the gallants of White Hall (of
which there were many staying to see the Chancellor's return) did
talk to her in her bird-cage; among others Blancford, telling her
she was the bird of passage.
28th. To White Hall: till past twelve in a crowd of people in
the lobby, expecting the hearing of the great cause of Alderman
Barker against my Lord Deputy of Ireland for his ill usage in his
business of land there; but the King and Council sat so long as
they neither heard them nor me. Went twice round Bartholomew
fayre; which I was glad to see again, after two years missing it
by the plague.
29th. I find at Sir G. Carteret's that they do mightily joy
themselves in the hopes of my Lord Chancellor's getting over this
trouble; and I make them believe (and so, indeed, I do believe he
will) that my Lord Chancellor is become popular by it. I find by
all hands that the Court is at this day all to pieces, every man
of a faction of one sort or other, so as it is to be feared what
it will come to. But that that pleases me is, I hear to-night
that Mr. Brouncker is turned away yesterday by the Duke of York,
for some bold words he was heard by Colonel Werden to say in the
garden the day the Chancellor was with the King--that he believed
the King would be hectored out of every thing. For this the Duke
of York, who all say hath been very strong for his father-in-law
at this trial, hath turned him away: and every body, I think, is
glad of it; for he was a pestilent rogue, an atheist, that would
have sold his King and country for 6d. almost, so corrupt and
wicked a rogue he is by all men's report. But one observed to
me, that there never was the occasion of men's holding their
tongues at Court and every where else as there is at this day,
for nobody knows which side will be uppermost.
30th. At White Hall I met with Sir G. Downing, who tells me of
Sir W. Pen's offering to lend 500l.; and I tell him of my 300l.
which he would have me to lend upon the credit of the latter part
of the Act; saying, that by that means my 10 per cent. will
continue to me the longer. But I understand better, and will do
it upon the 380,000l. which will come to be paid the sooner;
there being no delight in lending money now, to be paid by the
King two years hence. But here he and Sir William Doyly were
attending the Council as Commissioners for sick and wounded, and
prisoners: and they told me their business, which was to know
how we shall do to release our prisoners; for it seems the Dutch
have got us to agree in the treaty (as they fool us in any
thing), that the dyet of the prisoners on both sides shall be
paid for before they be released: which they have done, knowing
ours to run high, they having more prisoners of ours than we have
of theirs; so they are able and most ready to discharge the debt
of theirs, but we are neither able nor willing to do that for
ours, the debt of those in Zeland only amounting to above 5000l.
for men taken in the King's own ships, besides others taken in
merchantmen, who expect, as is usual, that the King should redeem
them; but I think he will not, by what Sir G. Downing says. This
our prisoners complain of there; and say in their letters, which
Sir G. Downing showed me, that they have made a good feat that
they should be taken in the service of the King, and the King not
pay for their victuals while prisoners for him. But so far they
are from doing thus with their men as we do to discourage ours,
that I find in the letters of some of our prisoners there, which
he showed me, that they have with money got our men, that they
took, to work: and carry their ships home for them; and they
have been well rewarded, and released when they come into
Holland: which is done like a noble, brave, and wise people. I
to Bartholomew fayre to walk up and down; and there among other
things find my Lady Castlemaine at a puppet-play (Patient
Grizell), and the street full of people expecting her coming out.
I confess I did wonder at her courage to come abroad, thinking
the people would abuse her: but they, silly people! do not know
the work she makes, and therefore suffered her with great respect
to take coach, and she away without any trouble at all. Captain
Cocke tells me that there is yet expectation that the Chancellor
will lose the Seal; and assures me that there have been high
words between the Duke of York and Sir W. Coventry, for his being
so high against the Chancellor; so as the Duke of York would not
sign some papers that he brought, saying that he could not endure
the sight of him: and that Sir W. Coventry answered, that what
he did was in obedience to the King's commands; and that he did
not think any man fit to serve a prince, that did not know how to
retire and live a country life.
31st. At the office all the morning; where by Sir W. Pen I do
hear that the Seal was fetched away to the King yesterday from
the Lord Chancellor by Secretary Morrice; which puts me into a
great horror. In the evening Mr. Ball of the Excise-office tells
me that the Seal is delivered to Sir Orlando Bridgeman; the man
of the whole nation that is the best spoken of, and will please
most people; and therefore I am mighty glad of it. He was then
at my Lord Arlington's, whither I went, expecting to see him come
out; but staid so long, and Sir W. Coventry coming there, whom I
had not a mind should see me there idle upon a post-night, I went
home without seeing him; but he is there with his Seal in his
hand.
SEPTEMBER 1, 1667. Our new Lord-keeper Bridgeman, did this day,
the first time, attend the King to chapel with his Seal. Sir H.
Cholmly tells me there are hopes that the women also will have a
rout, and particularly that my Lady Castlemaine is coming to a
composition with the King to be gone; but how true this is, I
know not, Blancfort is made Privy-purse to the Duke of York; the
Attorney General is made Chief Justice in the room of my Lord
Bridgeman; the Solicitor-general is made Attorney-general; and
Sir Edward Turner made Solicitor-general. [According to Beatson,
no change took place in these officers at this time.] It is
pretty to see how strange every body looks, nobody knowing whence
this arises ; whether from my Lady Castlemaine, Bab. May, and
their faction; or from the Duke of York, notwithstanding his
great appearing of defence of the Chancellor; or from Sir William
Coventry, and some few with him. But greater changes are yet
expected.
2nd. This day is kept in the City as a publick fast for the fire
this day twelve months: but I was not at church, being commanded
with the rest to attend the Duke of York; and therefore with Sir
J. Minnes to St. James's, where we had much business before the
Duke of York, and observed all things to be very kind between the
Duke of York and Sir W. Coventry; which did mightily joy me.
When we had done, Sir W. Coventry called me down with him to his
chamber, and there told me that he is leaving the Duke of York's
service; which I was amazed at. But he tells me that it is not
with the least unkindness on the Duke of York's side, though he
expects (and I told him he was in the right) it will be
interpreted otherwise, because done just at this time; "but,"
says he, "I did desire it a good while since, and the Duke of
York did with much entreaty grant it, desiring that I would say
nothing of it, that he might have time and liberty to choose his
successor, without being importuned for others whom he should not
like:" and that he hath chosen Mr. Wren, which I am glad of, he
being a very ingenious man; and so Sir W. Coventry says of him,
though he knows him little; but particularly commends him for the
book he writ in answer to "Harrington's Oceana," which for that
reason I intend to buy. He tells me the true reason is, that he
being a man not willing to undertake more business than he can go
through, and being desirous to have his whole time to spend upon
the business of the Treasury, and a little for his own ease, he
did desire this of the Duke of York. He assures me that the
kindness with which he goes away from the Duke of York, is one of
the greatest joys that ever he had in the world. I used some
freedom with him, telling him how the world hath discoursed of
his having offended the Duke of York, about the late business of
the Chancellor. He does not deny it, but says that perhaps the
Duke of York might have some reason for it, he opposing him in a
thing wherein he was so earnest: but tells me, that
notwithstanding all that, the Duke of York does not now, nor can
blame him; for he was the man that did propose the removal of the
Chancellor; and that he did still persist in it, and at this day
publickly owns it, and is glad of it: but that the Duke of York
knows that he did first speak of it to the Duke of York before he
spoke to any mortal creature besides, which was fair dealing:
and the Duke of York was then of the same mind with him, and did
speak of it to the King, though since, for reasons best known to
himself, he afterwards altered. I did then desire to know, what
was the great matter that grounded his desire of the Chancellor's
removal? He told me many things not fit to be spoken, and yet
not any thing of his being unfaithful to the King, but, INSTAR
OMNIUM, he told me that while he was so great at the Council-
board, and in the administration of matters, there was no room
for any body to propose any remedy to what was amiss, or to
compass any thing, though never so good, for the kingdom, unless
approved of by the Chancellor, he managing all things with that
greatness, which now will be removed, that the King may have the
benefit of others' advice. I then told him that the world hath
an opinion that he hath joined himself with my Lady Castlemaine's
faction: but in this business, he told me, he cannot help it,
but says they are in an errour; for he will never while he lives,
truckle under any body or any faction, but do just as his own
reason and judgment directs; and when he cannot use that freedom,
he will have nothing to do in public affairs: but then he added
that he never was the man that ever had any discourse with my
Lady Castlemaine, or with others from her, about this or any
public business, or ever made her a visit, or at least not this
twelve-month, or been in her lodgings but when called on any
business to attend the King there, nor hath had any thing to do
in knowing her mind in this business. He ended all with telling
me that he knows that he that serves a prince must expect and be
contented to stand all fortunes, and be provided to retreat; and
that he is most willing to do whatever the King shall please.
And so we parted, he setting me down out of his coach at Charing
Cross, and desired me to tell Sir W. Pen what he had told me of
his leaving the Duke of York's service, that his friends might
not be the last that know it. I took a coach and went homewards;
but then turned again, and to White Hall, where I met with many
people; and among other things do learn that there is some fear
that Mr. Brouncker is got into the King's favour, and will be
cherished there; which will breed ill will between the King and
Duke of York, he lodging at this time in White Hall since he was
put away from the Duke of York; and he is great with Bab. May, my
Lady Castlemaine, and that wicked crew. But I find this denied
by Sir G. Carteret, who tells me that he is sure he hath no
kindness from the King; that the King at first, indeed, did
endeavour to persuade the Duke of York from putting him away; but
when, besides this business of his ill words concerning his
Majesty in the business of the Chancellor, he told him that he
hath had a long time a mind to put him away for his ill offices,
done between him and his wife, the King held his peace, and said
no more, but wished him to do what he pleased with him; which was
very noble. I met with Fenn; and he tells me, as I do hear from
some others, that the business of the Chancellor's had proceeded
from something of a mistake, for the Duke of York did first tell
the King that the Chancellor had a desire to be eased of his
great trouble: and that the King, when the Chancellor came to
him, did wonder to hear him deny it, and the Duke of York was
forced to deny to the King that ever he did tell him so in those
terms: but the King did answer that he was sure that he did say
some such things to him; but, however, since it had gone so far,
did desire him to be contented with it; as a thing very
convenient for him as well as for himself (the King:) and so
matters proceeded, as we find. Now it is likely the Chancellor
might some time or other, in a compliment or vanity, say to the
Duke of York, that he was weary of this burden, and I know not
what; and this comes of it. Some people, and myself among them,
are of good hope from this change that things are reforming; but
there are others that do think it is a bit of chance, as all
other our greatest matters are, and that there is no general plot
or contrivance in any number of people what to do next, (though,
I believe, Sir W. Coventry may in himself have further designs;)
and so that though other changes may come, yet they shall be
accidental and laid upon good principles of doing good. Mr. May
showed me the King's new buildings, in order to their having of
some old sails for the closing of the windows this winter. I
dined with Sir G. Carteret, with whom dined Mr. Jack Ashburnham
and Dr. Creeton, who I observe to be a most good man and scholar.
In discourse at dinner concerning the change of men's humours and
fashions touching meats, Mr. Asburnham told us, that he remembers
since the only fruit in request, and eaten by the King and Queene
at table as the best fruit, was the Katharine payre, though they
knew at the time other fruits of France and our own country.
After dinner comes in Mr. Townsend: and there I was witness of a
horrid rateing which Mr. Ashburnham, as one of the Grooms of the
King's Bedchamber, did give him for want of linen for the King's
person; which he swore was not to be endured, and that the King
would not endure it, and that the King his father would have
hanged his Wardrobe-man should he have been served so; the King
having at this day no hankerchers, and but three bands to his
neck, he swore. Mr. Townsend pleaded want of money and the owing
of the linendraper 5000l.; and that he hath of late got many rich
things made, beds and sheets and saddles, without money; and that
he can go no further: but still this old man (indeed like an old
loving servant) did cry out for the King's person to be
neglected. But when he was gone, Townsend told me that it is the
Grooms taking away the King's linen at the quarter's end, as
their fees, which makes this great want; for whether the King can
get it or no, they will run away at the quarter's end with what
he hath had, let the King get more as he can. All the company
gone, Sir G. Carteret and I to talk: and it is pretty to observe
how already he says that he did always look upon the Chancellor
indeed as his friend, though he never did do him any service at
all, nor ever got any thing by, nor was a man apt (and that, I
think, is true) to do any man any kindness of his own nature;
though I do know he was believed by all the world to be the
greatest support of Sir G. Carteret with the King of any man in
England: but so little is now made of it! He observes that my
Lord Sandwich will lose a great friend in him; and I think so
too, my Lord Hinchingbroke being about a match calculated purely
out of respect to my Lord Chancellor's family. By and by Sir G.
Carteret, and Townsend, and I to consider of an answer to the
Commissioners of the Treasury about my Lord Sandwich's profits in
the Wardrobe; which seem as we make them to be very small, not
1000l. a-year, but only the difference in measure at which he
buys and delivers out to the King, and then 6d. in the pound from
the tradesman for what money he receives for him; but this, it is
believed, these Commissioners will endeavour to take away. From
him I went to see a great match at tennis, between Prince Rupert
and one Captain Cooke against Bab. May and the elder Chichly;
where the King was, and Court; and it seems they are the best
players at tennis in the nation. But this puts me in mind of
what I observed in the morning, that the King playing at tennis
had a steele-yard carried to him; and I was told it was to weigh
him after he had done playing; and at noon Mr. Ashburnham told me
that it is only the King's curiosity, which he usually hath of
weighing himself before and after his play, to see how much he
loses in weight by playing; and this day he lost 4 1/2lbs. I to
Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen, and there discoursed of Sir W.
Coventry's leaving the Duke of York, and Mr. Wren's succeeding
him. They told me both seriously that they had long cut me out
for Secretary to the Duke of York, if ever Sir W. Coventry left
him; which agreeing with what I have heard from other hands
heretofore, do make me not only think that something of that kind
hath been thought on, but do comfort me to see that the world
hath such an esteem of my qualities as to think me fit for any
such thing: though I am glad with all my heart that I am not so;
for it would never please me to be forced to the attendance that
that would require, and leave my wife and family to themselves,
as I must do in such a case; thinking myself now in the best
place that ever man was in to please his own mind in, and
therefore I will take to preserve it.
3rd. Attended the Duke of York about the list of ships that we
propose to sell: and here there attended Mr. Wren the first
time, who hath not yet, I think, received the Duke of York's seal
and papers. At our coming hither we found the Duke and Duchesse
all alone at dinner, methought melancholy: or else I thought so,
from the late occasion of the Chancellor's fall, who, they say,
however, takes it very contentedly.
4th. By coach to White Hall to the Council-chamber; and there
met with Sir W. Coventry going in, who took me aside, and told me
that he was just come from delivering up his seal and papers to
Mr. Wren; and told me he must now take his leave of me as a naval
man, but that he shall always bear respect to his friends there,
[The officers of the Navy.] and particularly to myself with great
kindness; which I returned to him with thanks, and so with much
kindness parted; and he into the Council. Staid and heard
Alderman Barker's case of his being abused by the Council of
Ireland, touching his lands there. All I observed there is the
silliness of the King, playing with his dog all the while, and
not minding the business; and what he said was mighty weak: but
my Lord Keeper I observed to be a mighty able man. To the Duke
of York's playhouse, and there saw "Mustapha;" which the more I
see the more I like; and is a most admirable poem, and bravely
acted; only both Betterton and Harris could not contain from
laughing in the midst of a most serious part, from the ridiculous
mistake of one of the men upon the stage; which I did not like.
This morning was told by Sir W. Batten that he do hear from Mr.
Grey, who hath good intelligence, that our Queene is to go into a
nunnery there to spend her days; and that my Lady Castlemaine is
going to France, and is to have a pension of 4000l. a-year. This
latter I do more believe than the other, it being very wise in
her to do it and save all she hath, besides easing the King and
kingdom of a burden and reproach.
8th. Lord Brouncker says he do believe that my Lady Castlemaine
is compounding with the King for a pension, and to leave the
Court; but that her demands are mighty high: but he believes the
King is resolved, and so do everybody else I speak with, to do
all possible to please the Parliament; and he do declare that he
will deliver every body up to give an account of their actions:
and that last Friday, it seems, there was an Act of Council
passed, to put out all Papists in office, and to keep out any
from coming in. Sir G. Downing told he had been seven years
finding out a man that could dress English sheep-akin as it
should be; and indeed it is now as good in all respects as kidd;
and, he says, will save 100,000l. a-year that goes out to France
for kidds'-skins. He tells me that at this day the King in
familiar talk do call the Chancellor "the insolent man," and says
that he would not let him speak himself in Council: which is
very high, and do show that the Chancellor is like to be in a bad
state, unless he can defend himself better than people think.
And yet Creed tells me that he do hear that my Lord Cornbury
[Henry, afterwards second Earl of Clarendon.] do say that his
father do long for the coming of the Parliament, in order to his
own vindication, more than any one of his enemies. And here it
comes into my head to set down what Mr. Rawlinson (whom I met in
Fenchurch-street on Friday last looking over his ruines there)
told me that he was told by one of my Lord Chancellor's gentlemen
lately, that a grant coming to him to be sealed, wherein the King
hath given my Lady Castlemaine, or somebody by her means, a place
which he did not like well of, he did stop the grant; saying,
that he thought this woman would sell every thing shortly: which
she hearing of, she sent to let him know that she had disposed of
this place, and did not doubt in a little time to dispose of his.
To White Hall, and saw the King and Queene at dinner; and
observed (which I never did before) the formality, but it is but
a formality, of putting a bit of bread wiped upon each dish into
the mouth of every man that brings a dish; but it should be in
the sauce. Here were some Russes come to see the King at dinner;
among others the interpreter, a comely Englishman, in the Envoy's
own clothes; which the Envoy, it seems, in vanity did send to
show his fine clothes upon this man's back, he being one, it
seems, of a comelier presence than himself: and yet it is said
that none of their clothes are their own, but taken out of the
King's own Wardrobe; and which they dare not bring back dirty or
spotted, but clean, or are in danger of being beaten, as they
say: inasmuch that, Sir Charles Cotterell [Knight, and Master of
the Ceremonies from 1641 to 1686, when he resigned in favour of
his son.] says, when they are to have an audience they never
venture to put on their clothes till he appears to come and fetch
them; and as soon as ever they come home, put them off again. I
to Sir G. Carteret's to dinner; where Mr. Cofferer Ashburnham;
who told a good story of a prisoner's being condemned at
Salisbury for a small matter. While he was on the bench with his
father-in-law Judge Richardson, [Sir Thomas Richardson, Knight;
appointed Chief Justice of the Common Pleas 1626.] and while
they were considering to transport him to save his life, the
fellow flung a great stone at the Judge, that missed him, but
broke through the wainscoat. Upon this he had his hand cut off,
and was hanged presently. [This anecdote is thus confirmed in
Chief Justice Treby's NOTES TO DYER'S REPORTS, FOLIO EDITION,
p.188. b. "Richardson, Ch. Just. de C. Banc. al Assises at
Salisbury, in summer 1631, fuit assault per prisoner la condemne
pur felony; que puis son condemnation ject un brick-bat a le dit
Justice, qui narrowly mist; et pur ceo immediately fuit indictment
drawn, per Noy, [The Attorney-General.] eavers le prisoner, et
son dexter manus ampute, and fix at gibbet, sur que luy meme
immediatement hange in presence de Court."]
9th. To White Hall; and here do hear, by Tom Killigrew and Mr.
Progers, that for certain news is come of Harman's having spoiled
nineteen of twenty-two French ships, somewhere about the
Barbadoes, I think they said; but wherever it is, it is a good
service and very welcome. To the Bear-garden, where now the yard
was full of people, and those most of them seamen, striving by
force to get in. I got into the common pit; and there, with my
cloak about my face, I stood and saw the prize fought, till one
of them, a shoemaker, was so cut in both his wrists that he could
not fight any longer, and then they broke off: his enemy was a
butcher. The sport very good, and various humours to be seen
among the rabble that is there.
10th. To St. James's, where we all met and did our usual weekly
business with the Duke of York. But, Lord! methinks both he and
we are mighty flat and dull to what we used to be when Sir W.
Coventry was among us. Met Mr. Povy; and he and I to walk an
hour or more in the Pell Mell, talking of the times. He tells me
among other things, that this business of the Chancellor do breed
a kind of inward distance between the King and the Duke of York,
and that it cannot be avoided; for though the latter did at first
move it through his folly, yet he is made to see that he is
wounded by it, and is become much a less man than be was, and so
will be: but he tells me that they are, and have always been,
great dissemblers one towards another; and that their parting
heretofore in France is never to be thoroughly reconciled between
them. He tells me that he believes there is no such thing likely
to be as a composition with my Lady Castlemaine, and that she
shall be got out of the way before the Parliament comes; for he
says she is high as ever she was, though he believes the King is
as weary of her as is possible; and would give any thing to
remove her, but he is so weak in his passion that he dare not do
it: that he do believe that my Lord Chancellor will be doing
some acts in the Parliament which shall render him popular; and
that there are many people now do speak kindly of him that did
not before; but that if he do do this, it must provoke the King
and that party that removed him. He seems to doubt what the King
of France will do, in case an accommodation shall be made between
Spain and him for Flanders, for then he will have nothing more
easy to do with his army than to subdue us.
11th. Come to dine with me Sir W. Batten and his lady, and Mr.
Griffith their Ward, and Sir W. Pen and his lady, and Mrs.
Lowther, (who is grown either through pride or want of manners a
fool, having not a word to say; and, as a further mark of a
beggarly proud fool, hath a bracelet of diamonds and rubies about
her wrist, and a sixpenny necklace about her neck, and not one
good rag of clothes upon her back;) and Sir John Chichly in their
company, and Mr. Turner. Here I had an extraordinary good and
handsome dinner for them, better than any of them deserve or
understand (saving Sir John Chichly and Mrs. Turner.) To the Duke
of York's playhouse, and there saw part of the "Ungrateful
Lovers;" and sat by Beck Marshall, whose hand is very handsome.
Here came Mr. Moore, and sat and discoursed with me of public
matters: the sum of which is, that he do doubt that there is
more at the bottom than the removal of the Chancellor; that is,
he do verily believe that the King do resolve to declare the Duke
of Monmouth legitimate, and that we shall soon see if. This I do
not think the Duke of York will endure without blows; but his
poverty, and being lessened by having the Chancellor fallen and
Sir W. Coventry gone from him, will disable him from being able
to do any thing almost, he being himself almost lost in the
esteem of people; and will be more and more, unless my Lord
Chancellor (who is already begun to be pitied by some people, and
to be better thought of than was expected) do recover himself in
Parliament. He do say that that is very true, that my Lord
Chancellor did lately make some stop of some grants of 2000l.
a-year to my Lord Grandison, [George Villiers, fourth Viscount
Grandison, and younger brother of Lady Castlemaine's father, who
had died without male issue.] which was only in his name, for
the use of my Lady Castlemaine's children; and that this did
incense her, and she did speak very scornful words and sent a
scornful message to him about it.
14th. The King and Duke of York and the whole Court is mighty
joyful at the Duchesse of York's being brought to bed this day,
or yesterday, of a son; which will settle men's minds mightily.
And Pierce tells me that he do think that what the King do, of
giving the Duke of Monmouth the command of his Guards, and giving
my Lord Gerard 12,000l. for it, is merely to find an employment
for him upon which he may live, and not out of any design to
bring him into any title to the Crowne; which Mr. Moore did the
other day put me into great fear of. To the King's playhouse to
see "The Northerne Castle," which I think I never did see,
before. Knipp acted is it, and did her part very extraordinary
well; but the play is but a mean, sorry play. Sir H. Cholmly was
with me a good while; who tells me that the Duke of York's child
is christened, the Duke of Albemarle and the Marquis of Worcester
[Edward, second Marquis of Worcester, author of "The Century of
Inventions."] godfathers, and my Lady Suffolke godmother; and
they have named it Edgar, which is a brave name. But it seems
they are more joyful in the Chancellor's family, at the birth of
this Prince, than in wisdom they should, for fear it should give
the King cause of jealousy. Sir H. Cholmly thinks there may
possibly be some persons that would be glad to have the Queene
removed to some monastery, or somewhere or other, to make room
for a new wife; for they will all be unsafe under the Duke of
York. He says the King and Parliament will agree; that is, that
the King will do any thing that they will have him. I met with
"a fourth Advice to the Painter upon the coming in of the Dutch
to the River and end of the war," [In the Collection of Poems on
Affairs of State, there are four pieces called "DIRECTIONS TO A
PAINTER;" the first of them "CONCERNING THE DUTCH WAR, 1667, BY
SIR JOHN DENHAM." The same book also contains "THE LAST
INSTRUCTIONS TO A PAINTER ABOUT THE DUTCH WARS, BY ANDREW MARVEL,
ESQ.," which from its severity I suppose to be the work here
alluded to.] that made my heart ake to read, it being too sharp
and so true. Here I also saw a printed account of the
examinations taken touching the burning of the City of London,
showing the plot of the Papists therein; which, it seems, hath
been ordered to be burnt by the hands of the common hangman, in
Westminster Palace. My wife and Mercer and I away to the King's
playhouse, to see "The Scornfull Lady;" but it being now three
o'clock there was not one soul in the pit; whereupon, for shame
we could not go in, but, against our wills, went all to see "Tu
quoque" again, where there was pretty store of company. Here we
saw Madam Morland, [Sir Samuel Morland's first wife.] who is
grown mighty fat, but is very comely. Thence to the King's
house, upon a wager of mine with my wife that there would be no
acting there to-day there being no company: so I went in and
found a pretty good company there, and saw their dance at the end
of the play.
18th. I walked in the Exchange; which is now made mighty pretty,
by having windows and doors before all their shops, to keep out
the cold.
20th. By coach to the King's playhouse, and there saw, "The Mad
Couple," [Probably "A Mad Couple well Matched" a comedy by
Richard Brome, printed in 1653.] my wife having been at the same
play with Jane in the 18d. seat.
21st. The King, Duke of York, and the men of the Court have been
these four or five days a-hunting at Bagshot.
22nd. At noon comes Mr. Sheres, whom I find a good, ingenious
man, but do talk a little too much of his travels. He left my
Lord Sandwich well, but in pain to be at home for want of money,
which comes very hardly. I have indulged myself more in pleasure
for these last two months than ever I did in my life before,
since I came to be a person concerned in business; and I doubt,
when I come to make up my accounts, I shall find it so by the
expence.
23rd. At my Lord Ashly's by invitation to dine there. At table
it is worth remembering that my Lord tells us that the House of
Lords is the last appeal that a man can make upon a point of
interpretation of the law, and that therein they are above the
Judges; and that he did assert this in the Lords' House upon the
late occasion of the quarrel between my Lord Bristoll and the
Chancellor, when the former did accuse the latter of treason, and
the Judges did bring it in not to be treason: my Lord Ashly did
declare that the judgement of the Judges was nothing in the
presence of their Lordships, but only as far as they were the
properest men to bring precedents; but not to interpret the law
to their Lordships, but only the inducements of their
persuasions: and this the Lords did concur in. Another pretty
thing was my Lady Ashly's speaking of the bad Qualities of glass-
coaches; among others, the flying open of the doors upon any
great shake: but another was, that my Lady Peterborough being in
her glass-coach with the glass up, and seeing a lady pass by in a
coach whom she would salute, the glass was so clear that she
thought it had been open, and so ran her head through the glass!
We were put into my Lord's room before he could come to us, and
there had opportunity to look over his state of his accounts of
the prizes; and there saw how bountiful the King hath been to
several people: and hardly any man almost, commander of the Navy
of any note, but hath had some reward or other out of them; and
many sums to the Privy-purse, but not so many, I see, as I
thought there had been: but we could not look quite through it,
But several Bed-chambermen and people about the Court had good
sums; and, among others, Sir John Minnes and Lord Brouncker have
200l. a-piece for looking to the East India prizes, while I did
their work for them. By and by my Lord came, and we did look
over Yeabsly's business a little; and I find how prettily this
cunning lord can be partial and dissemble it in this case, being
privy to the bribe he is to receive. With Sir H. Cholmly to
Westminster; who by the way told me how merry the King and Duke
of York and Court were the other day, when they were abroad a-
hunting. They came to Sir G. Carteret's house at Cranbourne, and
there were entertained, and all made drunk; and being all drunk,
Armerer did come to the King, and swore to him by God, "Sir,"
says he, "you are not so kind to the Duke of York of late as you
used to be."--"Not I?" says the King. "Why so?" "Why," says
he, "if you are, let us drink his health." "Why let us," says
the King. Then he fell on his knees and drank it; and having
done, the King began to drink it. "Nay, Sir," says Armerer, by
God you must do it on your knees!" So he did, and then all the
company: and having done it, all fell a-crying for joy, being
all maudlin and kissing one another, the King the Duke of York,
and the Duke of York the King; and in such a maudlin pickle as
never people were: and so passed the day. But Sir H. Cholmly
tells me, that the King hath this good luck: that the next day
he hates to have any body mention what he had done the day
before, nor will suffer any body to gain upon him that way; which
is a good quality. By and by comes Captain Cocke about business;
who tells me that Mr. Brouncker is lost for ever, notwithstanding
that my Lord Brouncker hath advised with him (Cocke) how he might
make a peace with the Duke of York and Chancellor, upon promise
of serving him in the Parliament: but Cocke says that is base to
offer, and will have no success there. He says that Mr. Wren
hath refused a present of Tom Wilson's for his place of Store-
keeper at Chatham, and is resolved never to take any thing:
which is both wise in him, and good to the King's service.
25th. With Sir H. Cholmly (who came to me about his business) to
White Hall: and thither came also my Lord Brouncker. And we by
and by called in, and our paper read; and much discourse thereon
by Sir G. Carteret, my Lord Anglesy, Sir W. Coventry, and my Lord
Ashly, and myself: but I could easily discern that they none of
them understood the business; and the King at last ended it with
saying lazily, "Why," says he, "after all this discourse I now
come to understand it; and that is, that there can nothing be
done in this more than is possible," (which was so silly as I
never heard): "and therefore," says he, "I would have these
gentlemen do as much as possible to hasten the Treasurer's
accounts; and that is all." And so we broke up: and I confess
I went away ashamed, to see how slightly things are advised upon
there. Here I saw the Duke of Buckingham sit in Council again,
where he was re-admitted, it seems, the last Council-day: and it
is wonderful to see how this man is come again to his places, all
of them, after the reproach and disgrace done him; so that things
are done in a most foolish manner quite through. The Duke of
Buckingham did second Sir W. Coventry in the advising the King
that he would not concern himself in the evening or not evening
any man's accounts, or any thing else, wherein he had not the
same satisfaction that would satisfy the Parliament; saying, that
nothing would displease the Parliament; more than to find him
defending any thing that is not right nor justifiable to the
utmost degree: but methought he spoke it but very poorly. After
this I walked up and down the Gallery till noon: and here I met
with Bishop Fuller, who, to my great joy, is made (which I did
not hear before) Bishop of Lincolne. At noon I took coach, and
to Sir G. Carteret's in Lincoln's-inn-fields, to the house that
is my Lord's, which my Lord lets him have: and this is the first
day of dining there. And there dined with him and his lady my
Lord Privy-seale, [John Lord Roberts, afterwards Earl of Radnor,
filled this office from 1661 to 1669.] who is indeed a very
sober man: who, among other talk, did mightily wonder at the
reason of the growth of the credit of bankers, (since it is so
ordinary a thing for citizens to break out of knavery.) Upon
this we had much discourse; and I observed therein, to the
honour of this City, that I have not heard of one citizen of
London broke in all this war, this plague, or this fire, and
this coming up of the enemy among us; which he owned to be very
considerable. I to the King's playhouse, my eyes being so bad
since last night's straining of them that I am hardly able to
see, besides the pain which I have in them. The play was a new
play: and infinitely full; the King and all the Court almost
there. It is "The Storme," a play of Fletcher's; which is but
so-so, methinks; only there is a most admirable dance at the
end, of the ladies, in a military manner, which indeed did
please me mightily.
27th. Creed and Sheres come and dined with me; and we had a
great deal of pretty discourse of the ceremoniousness of the
Spaniards, whose ceremonies are so many and so known, that, he
tells me, upon all occasions of joy or sorrow in a Grandee's
family, my Lord Embassador is fain to send one with EN HORA BUENA
(if it be upon a marriage or birth of a child), or a PESA ME, if
it be upon the death of a child, or so. And these ceremonies are
so set, and the words of the compliment, that he hath been sent
from my Lord when he hath done no more than send in word to the
Grandee that one was there from the Embassador; and he knowing
what was his errand, that hath been enough, and he never spoken
with him; nay, several Grandees having been to marry a daughter,
have wrote letters to my Lord to give him notice, and out of the
greatness of his wisdom to desire his advice, though people he
never saw; and then my Lord he answers by commending the
greatness of his discretion in making so good an alliance, &c.
and so ends. He says that it is so far from dishonour to a man
to give private revenge for an affront, that the contrary is a
disgrace; they holding that he that receives an affront is not
fit to appear in the sight of the world till he hath revenged
himself; and therefore, that a gentleman there that receives an
affront oftentimes never appears again in the world till he hath,
by some private way or other, revenged himself: and that, on
this account, several have followed their enemies privately to
the Indys, thence to Italy, thence to France and back again,
waiting for an opportunity to be revenged. He says my Lord was
fain to keep a letter from the Duke of York to the Queene of
Spain a great while in his hands, before he could think fit to
deliver it, till he had learnt whether the Queene could receive
it, it being directed to his cosen. He says that many ladies in
Spain, after they are found to be with child, do never stir out
of their beds or chambers till they are brought to bed: so
ceremonious they are in that point also. He tells me of their
wooing by serenades at the window, and that their friends do
always make the match; but yet they have opportunities to meet at
masse at church, and there they make love: that the Court there
hath no dancing nor visits at night to see the King or Queene,
but is always just like a cloyster, nobody stirring in it; that
my Lord Sandwich wears a beard now, turned up in the Spanish
manner. But that which pleases me most indeed is, that the peace
which he hath made with Spain is now printed here, and is
acknowledged by all the merchants to be the best peace that ever
England had with them; and it appears that the King thinks it so,
for this is printed before the ratification is gone over:
whereas what with France and Holland was not in a good while
after, till copys came over of it in English out of Holland and
France, that it was a reproach not to have it printed here. This
I am mighty glad of; and is the first and only piece of good
news, or thing fit to be owned, that this nation hath done
several years.
28th. All the morning at the office busy upon an Order of
Council, wherein they are mightily at a loss what to advise about
our discharging of seamen by ticket, there being no money to pay
their wages before January. After dinner comes Sir Fr. Hollis to
me about business; and I with him by coach to the Temple, and
there I light; all the way he telling me romantic lies of himself
and his family, how they have been Parliament-men for Grimsby, he
and his forefathers, this 140 years; and his father is now: and
himself, at this day, stands for to be with his father, [Jervas
Hollis and Sir Frecheville Hollis represented Grimsby in 1669.
--CHAMBERLAYNES'S ANTIQUAE NOTITIA.] by the death of his fellow
burgess; and that he believes it will cost him as much as it did
his predecessor, which was 300l. in ale, and 52l. in buttered
ale; which I believe is one of his devilish lies.
30th. To the Duke of York to Council, where the officers of the
Navy did attend; and my Lord Ashly did move that an assignment
for money on the Act might be put into the hands of the East
India Company, or City of London, which he thought the seamen
would believe. But this my Lord Anglesy did very handsomely
oppose, and I think did carry it that it will not be: and it is
indeed a mean thing that the king should so far own his own want
of credit as to borrow theirs in this manner. My Lord Anglesy
told him that this was the way indeed to teach the Parliament to
trust the King no more for the time to come, but to have a
kingdom's Treasurer distinct from the King's.
October 1. To White Hall; and there in the Boarded Gallery did
hear the musick with which the King is presented this night by
Monsieur Grebus, the Master of his Musick: both instrumental
(I think twenty-four violins) and vocall: an English song upon
Peace. But, God forgive me! I never was so little pleased with
a concert of music in my life. The manner of setting of words
and repeating them out of order, and that with a number of
voices, makes me sick, the whole design of vocall musick; being
lost by it. Here was a great press of people; but I did not see
many pleased with it, only the instrumental musick he had brought
by practice to play very just.
3rd. To St. James's, where Sir W. Coventry took me into the
Gallery and walked with me an hour, discoursing of Navy business,
and with much kindness, to and confidence in me still; which I
must endeavour to preserve, and will do. And, good man! all his
care how to get the Navy paid off, and that all other things
therein may go well. He gone, I thence to my Lady Peterborough,
who sent for me: and with her an hour talking about her
husband's pension, and how she hath got an order for its being
paid again; though I believe, for all that order, it will hardly
be; but of that I said nothing; but her design is to get it paid
again: and how to raise money upon it to clear it from the
engagement which lies upon it to some citizens, who lent her
husband money (without her knowledge) upon it, to vast loss. She
intends to force them to take their money again, and release her
husband of those hard terms. The woman is a very wise woman, and
is very plain in telling me how her plate and jewels are at pawne
for money, and how they are forced to live beyond their estate,
and do get nothing by his being a courtier. The lady I pity, and
her family.
4th. To my Lord Crewe's, and there did stay with him an hour
till almost night, discoursing about the ill state of my Lord
Sandwich, that he can neither be got to be called home, nor money
got to maintain him there; [In Spain.] which will ruin his
family. And the truth is, he do almost deserve it, for by all
relation he hath, in little more than a year and half, spent
20,000l. of the King's money, and the best part of 10,000l. of
his own; which is a most prodigious expence, more than ever
Embassador spent there, and more than these Commissioners of the
Treasury will or do allow. And they demand an account before
they will give him any more money; which puts all his friends to
a loss what to answer. But more money we must get him, or to be
called home. I offer to speak to Sir W. Coventry about it; but
my Lord will not advise to it, without consent of Sir G.
Carteret.
5th. Up, and to the office; and there all the morning; none but
my Lord Anglesy and myself. But much surprized with the news of
the death of Sir W. Batten, who died this morning, having been
but two days sick. Sir W. Pen and I did dispatch a letter this
morning to Sir W. Coventry, to recommend Colonell Middleton, who
we think a most honest and understanding man, and fit for that
place. Sir G. Carteret did also come this morning, and walked
with me in the garden; and concluded not to concern or have any
advice made to Sir W. Coventry in behalf of my Lord Sandwich's
business: so I do rest satisfied, though I do think they are all
mad, that they will judge Sir W. Coventry an enemy, when he is
indeed no such man to any body, but is severe and just, as he
ought to be, where he sees things ill done. To the King's house;
and there going in met with Knipp, and she took us up into the
tireing-rooms; and to the women's shift, where Nell was dressing
herself, and was all unready, and is very pretty, prettier than I
thought. And into the scene-room, and there sat down, and she
gave us fruit: and here I read the questions to Knipp, while she
answered me, through all her part of "Flora's Figarys," which was
acted to-day. But, Lord! to see how they were both painted,
would make a man mad, and did make me loath them; and what base
company of men comes among them, and how lewdly they talk! And
how poor the men are in clothes, and yet what a show they make on
the stage by candle-light, is very observable. But to see how
Nell cursed, for having so few people in the pit, was strange;
the other house carrying away all the people at the new play, and
is said now-a-days to have generally most company, as being
better players. By and by into the pit, and there saw the play,
which is pretty good.
7th. I and my wife, and Willet, [Mrs. Pepys's maid.] set out in
a coach I have hired with four horses; and W. Hewer and Murford
rode by us on horse-back; and before night come to Bishop-
Stafford. [Stortford.] Took coach to Audly-End, and did go all
over the house and garden; and mighty merry we were. The house
indeed do appear very fine, but not so fine as it hath heretofore
to me; particularly the ceilings are not so good as I always took
them to be, being nothing so well wrought as my Lord Chancellor's
are; and though the figure of the house without be very
extraordinary good, yet the stayre-case is exceeding poor; and a
great many pictures, and not one good one in the house but one of
Harry the Eighth, done by Holben; and not one good suit of
hangings in all the house, but all most ancient things, such as I
would not give the hanging-upon in my house; and the other
furniture, beds and other things, accordingly. Only the gallery
is good, and above all things the cellars, where we went down and
drank of much good liquor. And indeed the cellars are fine: and
here my wife and I did sing to my great content. And then to the
garden, and there eat many grapes, and took some with us: and so
away thence exceeding well satisfied, though not to that degree
that by my old esteem of the house I ought and did expect to have
done, the situation of it not pleasing me. Thence away to
Cambridge, and did take up at the Rose.
9th. Up, and got ready, and eat our breakfast; and then took
coach; and the poor, as they did yesterday, did stand at the
coach to have something given them, as they do to all great
persons; and I did give them something: and the town musick did
also come and play; but, Lord! what sad musick they made! So
through the town, and observed at our College of Magdalene the
posts new painted, and understand that the Vice Chancellor is
there this year. And so away for Huntingdon; and come to
Brampton at about noon, and there find my father and sister and
brother all well: and up and down to see the garden with my
father, and the house, and do altogether find it very pretty; and
I bless God that I am like to have such a pretty place to retire
to. After dinner I walked up to Hinchingbroke, where my Lady
expected me; and there spent all the afternoon with her: the
same most excellent, good, discreet lady that ever she was; and,
among other things, is mightily pleased with the lady that is
like to be her son Hinchingbroke's wife. I am pleased with my
Lady Paulina [A mistake for Lady Catherine, Lady Paulina being
dead.] and Anne, who are both grown very proper ladies, and
handsome enough. But I do find by my Lady that they are reduced
to great straits for money, having been forced to sell her plate,
8 or 900l. worth; and she is now going to sell a suit of her best
hangings, of which I could almost wish to buy a piece or two, if
the pieces will be broke. But the house is most excellently
furnished, and brave rooms and good pictures, so that it do
please me infinitely beyond Audley End.
10th. Up, to walk up and down in the garden with my father, to
talk of all our concernments: about a husband for my sister,
whereof there is at present no appearance; but we must endeavour
to find her one now, for she grows old and ugly. My father and I
with a dark lantern, it being now night, into the garden with my
wife, and there went about our great work to dig up my gold.
But, Lord! what a tosse I was for some time in, that they could
not justly tell where it was: but by and by poking with a spit
we found it, and then begun with a spudd to lift up the ground.
But, good God! to see how sillily they did it, not half a foot
under ground, and in the sight of the world from a hundred
places, if any body by accident were near hand, and within sight
of a neighbour's window: only my father says that he saw them
all gone to church before he began the work, when he laid the
money. But I was out of my wits almost, and the more from that,
upon my lifting up the earth with the spudd, I did discern that I
had scattered the pieces of gold round about the ground among the
grass and loose earth: and taking up the iron head-pieces
wherein they were put, I perceived the earth was got among the
gold, and wet so that the bags were all rotten, and all the
notes, that I could not tell what in the world to say to it, not
knowing how to judge what was wanting or what had been lost by
Gibson in his coming down: which, all put together, did make me
mad; and at last I was forced to take up the head-pieces, dirt
and all, and as many of the scattered pieces as I could with the
dirt discern by candle light, and carry them up into my brother's
chamber, and there locke them up till I had eat a little supper:
and then, all people going to bed, W. Hewer and I did all alone
with several pails of water and besoms at last wash the dirt off
the pieces, and parted the pieces and the dirt, and then began to
tell them by a note which I had of the value of the whole (in my
pocket.) And do find that there was short above a hundred
pieces: which did make me mad; and considering that the
neighbour's house was so near that we could not possibly speak
one to another in the garden at that place where the gold lay
(especially my father being deaf) but they must know what we had
been doing, I feared that they might in the night come and gather
some pieces and prevent us the next morning; so W. Hewer and I
out again about midnight (for it was now grown so late) and there
by candle-light did make shift to gather forty-five pieces more.
And so in and to cleanse them: and by this time it was past two
in the morning; and so to bed, and there lay in some disquiet all
night telling of the clock till it was day-light.
11th. And then W. Hewer and I, with pails and a sieve, did lock
ourselves into the garden, and there gather all the earth about
the place into pails, and then sift those pails in one of the
summer-houses (just as they do for dyamonds in other parts of the
world); and there to our great content did by nine o'clock make
the last night's forty-five up seventy-nine: so that we are come
to about twenty or thirty of what I think the true number should
be. So do leave my father to make a second examination of the
dirt; and my mind at rest in it, being but an accident: and so
give me some kind of content to remember how painful it is
sometimes to keep money, as well as to get it, and how doubtful I
was to keep it all night, and how to secure it to London. About
ten o'clock took coach, my wife and I, and Willett, and W. Hewer,
and Murford and Bowles (whom my Lady lent me to go along with me
my journey, not telling her the reason, but it was only to secure
my gold,) and my brother John on horseback; and with these four I
thought myself pretty safe. My gold I put into a basket and set
under one of the seats; and so my work every quarter of an hour
was to look to see whether all was well; and I did ride in great
fear all the day.
12th. By five o'clock got home, where I find all well; and did
bring my gold to my heart's content very safe, having not this
day carried it in a basket, but in our hands: the girl took care
of one, and my wife another bag, and I the rest, I being afraid
of the bottom of the coach, lest it should break. At home we
find that Sir W. Batten's body was to-day carried from hence,
with a hundred or two of coaches, to Walthamstow, and there
buried, The Parliament met on Thursday last, and adjourned to
Monday next. The King did make them a very kind speech,
promising them to leave all to them to do, and call to account
what and whom they pleased; and declared by my Lord Keeper how
many (thirty-six) actes he had done since he saw them: among
others, disbanding the army, and putting all Papists out of
employment, and displacing persons that had managed their
business ill. The Parliament is mightily pleased with the King's
speech, and voted giving him thanks for what he said and hath
done; and among other things, would by name thank him for
displacing my Lord Chancellor, for which a great many did speak
in the House, but it was opposed by some, and particularly Harry
Coventry, who got that it should be put to a Committee to
consider what particulars to mention in their thanks to the King,
saying that it was too soon to give thanks for the displacing of
a man, before they knew or had examined what was the cause of his
displacing. And so it rested: but this do show that they are
and will be very high. And Mr. Pierce do tell me that he fears
and do hear that it hath been said among them, that they will
move for the calling my Lord Sandwich home, to bring him to
account which do trouble me mightily, but I trust it will not be
so. Anon comes home Sir W. Pen from the buriall; and he says
that Lady Batten and her children-in-law are all broke in pieces,
and that there is but 800l. found in the world of money; and is
in great doubt what we shall do towards the doing ourselves right
with them, about the prize money.
13th. To St. James's; and there to the Duke of York's chamber
and there he was dressing; and many Lords and Parliament-men come
to kiss his hands, they being newly come to town. And then the
Duke of York did of himself call me to him and tell me that he
had spoke to the King and that the King had granted me the ship
asked for; and did moreover say that he was mightily pleased with
my service, and that he would be willing to do any thing that was
in his power for me: which he said with mighty kindness; which I
did return him thanks for, and departed with mighty joy, more
than I did expect. And so walked over the Park to White Hall,
and then met Sir H. Cholmly who walked with me and told me most
of the news: heard last night of the Parliament; and thinks they
will do all things very well, only they will be revenged of my
Lord Chancellor; and says however, that he thinks there will be
but two things proved on him and that one is, that he may have
said to the King and to others words to breed in the King an ill
opinion of the Parliament--that they were factious, and that it
was better to dissolve them: and this he thinks they will be
able to prove; but what this will amount to, he knows not. And
next, that he hath taken money for several bargains that have
been made with the Crown; and did instance one that is already
complained of: but there are so many more involved in it, that
should they unravel things of this sort, every body almost will
be more or less concerned. But these are the two great points
which he thinks they will insist on, and prove against him.
14th. To Mr, Wren's; and he told me that my business was done
about my warrant on the Maybolt Galliott; which I did see, and
thought it was not so full in the reciting of my services as the
other was in that of Sir W. Pen's; yet I was well pleased with
it, and do intend to fetch it away anon. To visit Sir G.
Carteret; and from him do understand that the King himself (but
this he told me as a great secret) is satisfied that these thanks
which he expects from the House, for the laying aside of my Lord
Chancellor, are a thing irregular; but since it is come into the
House, he do think it necessary to carry it on, and will have it,
and hath made his mind known to be so to some of the House. But
Sir G. Carteret do say he knows nothing of what my Lord Brouncker
told us to-day, that the King was angry with the Duke of York
yesterday, and advised him not to hinder what he had a mind to
have done touching this business; which is news very bad, if
true. He tells me also that the King will have the thanks of the
House go on: and commends my Lord Keeper's speech for all but
what he was forced to say about the reason of the King's sending
away the House so soon the last time, when they were met.
16th. At home most of the morning with Sir H. Cholmly, about
some accounts of his: and for news he tells me that the Commons
and Lords have concurred, and delivered the King their thanks,
among other things, for his removal of the Chancellor; who took
their thanks very well, and, among other things, promised them
(in these words) never in any degree to give the Chancellor any
employment again. And he tells me that it is very true, he hath
it from one that was by, that the King did give the Duke of York
a sound reprimande; told him that he had lived with him with more
kindness than ever any brother King lived with a brother, and
that he lived as much like a monarch as himself, but advised him
not to cross him in his designs about the Chancellor; in which
the Duke of York do very wisely acquiesce, and will be quiet as
the King bade him, but presently commands all his friends to be
silent in the business of the Chancellor, and they were so: but
that the Chancellor hath done all that is possible to provoke the
King, and to bring himself to lose his head, by enraging of
people. To the Duke of York's house; and I was vexed to see
Young (who is but a bad actor at best) act Macbeth, in the room
of Betterton, who, poor man! is sick.
17th. The Parliament run on mighty furiously, having yesterday
been almost all the morning complaining against some high
proceedings of my Lord Chief Justice Keeling, that the gentlemen
of the country did complain against him in the House, and run
very high. It is the man that did fall out with my cosen Roger
Pepys, once at the Assizes there, and would have laid him by the
heels; but, it seems, a very able lawyer. This afternoon my Lord
Anglesy tells us that the House of Commons have this morning run
into the enquiry in many things; as, the sale of Dunkirke, the
dividing of the fleet the last year, the business of the prizes
with my Lord Sandwich, and many other things: so that now they
begin to fall close upon it, and God knows what will be the end
of it, but a Committee they have chosen to enquire into the
miscarriages of the war.
18th. To White Hall, and there attended the Duke of York; but
first we find him to spend above an hour in private in his closet
with Sir W. Coventry; which I was glad to see, that there is so
much confidence between them. By and by we were called in. The
Duke of York considering that the King had a mind for Spragg to
command the Rupert, which would not be well, by turning out
Hubbard, who is a good man, said he did not know whether he did
so well conforme as at this time to please the people and
Parliament, Sir W. Coventry answered, and the Duke of York
merrily agreed to it, that it was very hard to know what it was
that the Parliament would call conformity at this time.
19th. Full of my desire of seeing my Lord Orrery's new play this
afternoon at the King's house, "The Black Prince," the first time
it is acted; where, though we came by two o'clock, yet there was
no room in the pit, but were forced to go into one of the upper
boxes, at 4s. a piece, which is the first time I ever sat in a
box in my life. And in the same box came by and by, behind me,
my Lord Barkeley and his lady; but I did not turn my face to them
to be known, so that I was excused from giving them my seat. And
this pleasure I had, that from this place the scenes do appear
very fine indeed, and much better than in the pit. The house
infinite full, and the King and Duke of York there. The whole
house was mightily pleased all along till the reading of a
letter, which was so long and so unnecessary that they frequently
began to laugh, and to hiss twenty times, that had it not been
for the King's being there, they had certainly hissed it off the
stage.
20th (Lord's day). Up, and put on my new tunique of velvett;
which is very plain, but good. This morning is brought to me an
order for the presenting the Committee of Parliament to-morrow
with a list of the commanders and ships' names of all the fleets
set out since the war, and particularly of those ships which are
divided from the fleet with Prince Rupert; which gives me
occasion to see that they are busy after that business, and I am
glad of it. This afternoon comes to me Captain O'Bryan, about a
ship that the King hath given him; and he and I to talk of the
Parliament. And he tells me that the business of the Duke of
York's slackening sail in the first fight, at the beginning of
the war, is brought into question, and Sir W. Penn and Captain
Cox are to appear to-morrow about it; and it is thought will at
last be laid upon Mr. Brouncker's giving orders from the Duke of
York (which the Duke of York do not own) to Captain Cox to do it;
but it seems they do resent this very highly, and are mad in
going through all business, where they can lay any fault. I am
glad to hear that in the world I am as kindly spoke of as any
body; for, for aught I see, there is bloody work like to be, Sir
W. Coventry having been forced to produce a letter in Parliament,
wherein the Duke of Albemarle did from Sheernesse write in what
good posture all things were at Chatham, and that they were so
well placed that he feared no attempt of the enemy: so that,
among other things, I do see every body is upon his own defence,
and spares not to blame another to defend himself; and the same
course I shall take. But God knows where it will end! Pelling
tells me that my Lady Duchesse Albemarle was at Mrs. Turner's
this afternoon (she being ill,) and did there publickly talk of
business, and of our office; and that she believed that I was
safe, and had done well; and so, I thank God, I hear every body
speaks of me; and indeed I think, without vanity, I may expect to
be profited rather than injured by this inquiry which the
Parliament makes into business.
21st. To Westminster, and up to the lobby, where many commanders
of the fleet were, and Captain Cox, and Mr. Pierce the Surgeon;
the last of whom hath been in the House, and declared that he
heard Brouncker advise and give arguments to Cox: for the safety
of the Duke of York's person to shorten sail, that they might not
be in the middle of the enemy in the morning alone; and Cox
denying to observe his advice, having received the Duke of York's
commands over night to keep within gun-shot (as they then were)
of the enemy, Brouncker did go to Harman, and used the same
arguments, and told him that he was sure it would be well
pleasing to the King that care should be taken of not endangering
the Duke of York; and, after much persuasion, Harman was heard to
say, "Why, if it must be, then lower the topsail." and so did
shorten sail, to the loss, as the Parliament will have it, of the
greatest victory that ever was, and which would have saved all
the expence of blood and money, and honour, that followed; and
this they do resent, so as to put it to the question, whether
Brouncker should not be carried to the Tower: who do confess
that, out of kindness to the Duke of York's safety, he did advise
that they should do so, but did not use the Duke of York's name
therein; and so it was only his error in advising it, but; the
greatest theirs in taking it contrary to order. At last it ended
that it should be suspended till Harman comes home; and then the
Parliament-men do all tell me that it will fall heavy, and, they
think, be fatal to Brouncker or him. Sir W. Pen tells me, he was
gone to bed, having been all day labouring, and then not able to
stand, of the gout, and did give order for the keeping the sails
standing as they then were all night. But, which I wonder at, he
tells me that he did not know the next day that they had
shortened sail, nor ever did enquire into it till about ten days
ago, that this began to be mentioned; and indeed it is charged
privately as a fault on the Duke of York, that, he did not
presently examine the reason of the breach of his orders, and
punish it. But Cox tells me that he did finally refuse it; and
what prevailed with Harman he knows not, and do think that we
might have done considerable service on the enemy the next day,
if this had not been done. Thus this business ended to-day,
having kept them till almost two o'clock: and then I by coach
with Sir W. Pen as far as St. Clement's talking of this matter,
and there set down; and I walked to Sir G. Carteret's, and there
dined with him and several Parliament-men, who, I perceive, do
all look upon it as a thing certain that the Parliament will
enquire into every thing, and will be very severe where they can
find any fault. Sir W. Coventry, I hear, did this day make a
speech, in apology for his reading the letter of the Duke of
Albemarle, concerning the good condition which Chatham was in
before the enemy came thither; declaring his simple intention
therein without prejudice to my Lord. And I am told that he was
also with the Duke of Albemarle yesterday to excuse it; but this
day I do hear, by some of Sir W. Coventry's friends, that they
think he hath done himself much injury by making this man and his
interest so much his enemy. After dinner I away to Westminster,
and up to the Parliament house, and there did wait with great
patience till seven at night to be called in to the Committee,
who sat all this afternoon examining the business of Chatham; and
at last was called in, and told that the least they expected from
us Mr. Wren had promised them, and only bade me to bring all my
fellow-officers thither to-morrow afternoon. Sir Robert Brookes
in the chair: methinks a sorry fellow to be there, because a
young man; and yet he seems to speak very well. I gone thence,
my cosen Pepys comes out to me, and walks in the Hall with me,
and bids me prepare to answer to every thing; for they do seem to
lay the business of Chatham upon the Commissioners of the Navy,
and they are resolved to lay the fault heavy somewhere, and to
punish it: and prays me to prepare to save myself, and gives me
hints what; to prepare against; which I am obliged to him for.
This day I did get a list of the fourteen particular miscarriages
which are already before the Committee to be examined, wherein,
besides two or three that will concern this office much, there
are those of the prizes, and that of Bergen, and not following
the Dutch ships, against my Lord Sandwich; that I fear will ruin
him, unless he hath very good luck, or they may be in better
temper before he can come to be charged: but my heart is full of
fear for him and his family. I hear that they do prosecute the
business against my Lord Chief Justice Keeling with great
severity.
22nd. Slept but ill all the last part of the night, for fear of
this day's success in Parliament: therefore up, and all of us
all the morning close, till almost two o'clock, collecting all we
had to say and had done from the beginning, touching the safety
of the River Medway and Chatham. And having done this, and put
it into order, we away, I not having time to eat my dinner; and
so all in my Lord Brouncker's coach, (that is to say, Brouncker,
W. Pen, T. Hater, and myself,) talking of the other great matter
with which they charge us, that is, of discharging men by ticket,
in order to our defence in case that should be asked. We came to
the Parliament-door, and there, after a little waiting till the
Committee was sat, we were, the House being very full, called in:
(Sir W. Pen went in and sat as a Member: and my Lord Brouncker
would not at first go in, expecting to have a chair set for him,
and his brother had bid him not go in till he was called for;
but, after a few words, I had occasion to mention him, and so he
was called in, but without any more chair or respect paid him
than myself:) and so Brouncker, and T. Hater, and I were there to
answer: and I had a chair brought me to lean my books upon; and
so did give them such an account, in a series of the whole
business that had passed the office touching the matter, and so
answered all questions given me about it, that I did not perceive
but they were fully satisfied with me and the business as to our
office: and then Commissioner Pett (who was by at all my
discourse, and this held till within an hour after candle-light,
for I had candles brought in to read my papers by) was to answer
for himself, we having lodged all matters with him for execution.
But, Lord! what a tumultuous thing this Committee is, for all
the reputation they have of a great council, is a strange
consideration; there being as impertinent questions, and as
disorderly proposed, as any man could make. But Commissioner
Pett of all men living did make the weakest defence of himself:
nothing to the purpose, nor to satisfaction, nor certain; but
sometimes one thing and sometimes another, sometimes for himself
and sometimes against him; and h;s greatest failure was (that I
observed) from his considering whether the question propounded
was his part to answer or no, and the thing to be done was his
work to do: the want of which distinction will overthrow him;
for he concerns himself in giving an account of the disposal of
the boats, which he had no reason at all to do, or take any blame
upon him for them. He charged the not carrying up of "The
Charles" upon the Tuesday to the Duke of Albemarle; but I see the
House is mighty favourable to the Duke of Albemarle, and would
give little weight to it. And something of want of armes he
spoke, which Sir J. Duncomb answered with great imperiousness and
earnestness; but, for all that, I do see the House is resolved to
be better satisfied in the business of the unreadiness of
Sheernesse, and want of armes and ammunition there and every
where; and all their officers were here to-day attending, but
only one called in, about armes for boats to answer Commissioner
Pett. None of my brethren said anything but me there: but only
two or three silly words my Lord Brouncker gave in answer to one
question about the number of men that were in the King's Yard at
the time. At last the House dismissed us, and shortly after did
adjourn the debate till Friday next: and my cosen Pepys did come
out and joy me in my acquitting myself so well, and so did
several others, and my fellow officers all very briske to see
themselves so well acquitted; which makes me a little proud, but
yet not secure but we may yet meet with a back-blow which we see
not.
23rd. To White Hall, there to attend the Duke of York; but came
a little too late, and so missed it: only spoke with him, and
heard him correct my Lord Barkeley who fell foul on Sir Edward
Spragg, (who, it seems, said yesterday to the House, that if the
officers of the Ordnance had done as much work at Sheernesse in
ten weeks as "The Prince" did in ten days, he could have defended
the place against the Dutch): but the Duke of York told him that
every body must have liberty at this time to make their own
defence, though it be to the charging of the fault upon any
other, so it be true; so I perceive the whole world is at work in
blaming one another. Thence Sir W. Pen and I back into London;
and there saw the King, with his kettle-drums and trumpets, going
to the Exchange to lay the first stone of the first pillar of the
new building of the Exchange; which, the gates being shut, I
could not get in to see; so with Sir W. Pen to Captain Cocke's,
and then again toward Westminster; but in my way stopped at the
Exchange and got in, the King being newly gone; and there find
the bottom of the first pillar laid. And here was a shed set up,
and hung with tapestry, and a canopy of state, and some good
victuals and wine, for the King, who, it seems, did it; [i.e.,
Laid the stone.] and so a great many people, as Tom Killigrew
and others of the Court, there. I do find Mr. Gauden in his
gowne as Sheriffe, and understand that the King hath this morning
knighted him upon the place (which I am mightily pleased with);
and I think the other Sheriffe, who is Davis, [He became
afterwards Lord Mayor.] the little fellow, my school-fellow the
bookseller, who was one of Audley's executors, and now become
Sheriffe; which is a strange turn, methinks. To Westminster
Hall, where I came just as the House rose; and there in the Hall
met with Sir W. Coventry, who is in pain to defend himself in the
business of tickets, it being said that the paying of the ships
at Chatham by ticket was by his direction. He says the House was
well satisfied with my Report yesterday; and so several others
told me in the Hall that my Report was very good and
satisfactory, and that I have got advantage by it in the House:
I pray God it may prove so! To the King's playhouse, and saw
"The Black Prince;" which is now mightily bettered by that long
letter being printed, and so delivered to every body at their
going in, and some short reference made to it in the play. But
here to my great satisfaction I did see my Lord Hinchingbroke and
his mistress (with her father and mother); and I am mightily
pleased with the young lady, being handsome enough, and indeed to
my great liking, as I would have her. This day it was moved in
the House that a day might be appointed to bring in an
impeachment against the Chancellor, but it was decried as being
irregular; but that if there was ground for complaint, it might
be brought to the Committee for miscarriages, and, if they
thought good, to present it to the House; and so it was carried.
They did also vote this day thanks to be given to the Prince and
Duke of Albemarle, for their care and conduct in the last year's
war; which is a strange act: but, I know not how, the blockhead
Albemarle hath strange luck to be loved, though he be (and every
man must know it) the heaviest man in the world, but stout and
honest to his country. This evening late, Mr. Moore come to me
to prepare matters for my Lord Sandwich's defence; wherein I can
little assist, but will do all I can; and am in great fear of
nothing but the damned business of the prizes, but I fear my Lord
will receive a cursed deal of trouble by it.
25th. Up, and to make our answer ready for the Parliament this
afternoon, to show how Commissioner Pett was singly concerned in
the execution of all orders at Chatham, and that we did properly
lodge all orders with him. Thence with Sir W. Pen to the
Parliament Committee, and there I had no more matters asked me.
The Commissioners of the Ordnance, being examined with all
severity and hardly used, did go away with mighty blame; and I am
told by every body that it is likely to stick mighty hard upon
them: at which every body is glad, because of Duncomb's pride,
and their expecting to have the thanks of the House; whereas they
have deserved, as the Parliament apprehends, as bad as bad can
be. Here is great talk of an impeachment brought in against my
Lord Mordaunt, and that another will be brought in against my
Lord Chancellor in a few days. Here I understand for certain
that they have ordered that my Lord Arlington's letters, and
Secretary Morrice's letters of intelligence, be consulted about
the business of the Dutch fleet's coming abroad; and I do hear
how Birch is the man that do examine and trouble every body with
his questions.
26th. Mrs. Pierce tells me that the two Marshalls at the King's
house are Stephen Marshall's the great Presbyterian's daughters:
and that Nelly and Beck Marshall falling out the other day, the
latter called the other my Lord Buckhurst's mistress. Nell
answered her, "I was but one man's mistress, though I was brought
up in a brothel to fill strong water to the gentlemen; and you
are a mistress to three or four, though a Presbyter's praying
daughter!"
27th. This evening come Sir J. Minnes to me, to let me know that
a Parliament-man hath been with him to tell him that the
Parliament intend to examine him particularly about Sir W.
Coventry's selling of places, and about my Lord Brouncker's
discharging the ships at Chatham by ticket: for the former of
which I am more particularly sorry, that that business of Sir W.
Coventry should come up again; though this old man tells me, and
I believe, that he can say nothing to it.
28th. Sir W. Coventry says he is so well armed to justify
himself in every thing, unless in the old business of selling
places, when be says every body did; and he will now not be
forward to tell his own story, as he hath been; but tells me he
is grown wiser, and will put them to prove any thing, and he will
defend himself: that he is weary of public employment; and
neither ever designed, nor will ever, if his commission were
brought to him wrapt in gold, accept of any single place in the
State, as particularly Secretary of State: which, he says, the
world discourses Morrice is willing to resign.
29th. To Westminster Hall, the House sitting all this day about
the method of bringing in the charge against my Lord Chancellor;
and at last resolved for a Committee to draw up the heads.
30th. To the Parliament-house: where, after the Committee was
sat, I was called in: and the first thing was upon the complaint
of a dirty slut that was there, about a ticket which she had
lost, and had applied herself to me for another. I did give them
a short and satisfactory answer to that; and so they sent her
away, and were ashamed of their foolery, in giving occasion to
500 seamen and seamen's wives to come before them, as there were
this afternoon.
31st. I to Westminster; and there at the lobby do hear by
Commissioner Pett, to my great amazement, that he is in worse
condition than before, by the coming in of the Duke of
Albemarle's and Prince Rupert's Narratives this day; wherein the
former do most severely lay matters upon him, so as the House
this day have, I think, ordered him to the Tower again, or
something like it: so that the poor man is likely to be
overthrown, I doubt, right or wrong, so infinite fond they are of
any thing the Duke of Albemarle says or writes to them! I did
then go down, and there met with Colonell Reames and cosen Roger
Pepys: and there they do tell me how the Duke of Albemarle and
the Prince have laid blame on a great many, and particularly on
our office in general; and particularly for want of provision,
wherein I shall come to be questioned again in that business
myself; which do trouble me. But my cosen Pepys and I had much
discourse alone: and he do bewail the constitution of this
House, and says there is a direct caball and faction as much as
is possible between those for and against the Chancellor, and so
in other factions, that there is nothing almost done honestly and
with integrity; only some few, he says, there are, that do keep
out of all plots and combinations, and when their time comes will
speak and see right done if possible; and that he himself is
looked upon to be a man that will be of no faction, and so they
do shun to make him: and I am glad of it. He tells me that he
thanks God that he never knew what it was to be tempted to be a
knave in his life, till he did come into the House of Commons,
where there is nothing done but by passion, and faction, and
private interest. I espied Sir D. Gauden's coach, and so went
out of mine into his; and there had opportunity to talk of the
business of victuals, which the Duke of Albemarle and Prince did
complain that they were in want of the last year: but we do
conclude we shall be able to show quite the contrary of that;
only it troubles me that we must come to contend with these great
persons, which will overrun us.
NOVEMBER 1, 1667. I this morning before chapel visited Sir G.
Carteret, who is vexed to see how things are likely to go, but
cannot help it, and yet seems to think himself mighty safe. I
also visited my Lord Hinchingbroke, at his chamber at White Hall;
where I found Mr. Turner, Moore, and Creed talking of my Lord
Sandwich, whose case I doubt is but bad, and, I fear, will not
escape being worse. To the King's playhouse, and there saw a
silly play and an old one, "The Taming Of a Shrew."
2nd. To the King's playhouse, and there saw "Henry the Fourth;"
and, contrary to expectation, was pleased in nothing more than in
Cartwright's speaking of Falstaffe's speech about "What is
Honour?" [William Cartwright, one of Killigrew's Company at the
original establishment of Drury-lane. By his will, dated 1686,
he left his books, pictures, and furniture to Dulwich College,
where his portrait still remains.] The house full of Parliament-
men, it being holyday with them: and it was observable how a
gentleman of good habit sitting just before us, eating of some
fruit in the midst of the play, did drop down as dead, being
choked; but with much ado Orange Mall did thrust her finger down
his throat, and brought him to life again.
4th. To Westminster; and there landing at the New Exchange
stairs, I to Sir W. Coventry: and there he read over to me the
Prince's and Duke of Albemarle's Narratives; wherein they are
very severe against him and our office. But Sir W. Coventry do
contemn them; only that their persons and qualities are great,
and so I do perceive he is afraid of them, though he will not
confess it. But he do say that, if he can get out of these
briars, he will never trouble himself with Princes nor Dukes
again. He finds several things in their Narratives which are
both inconsistent and foolish, as well as untrue. Sir H. Cholmly
owns Sir W. Coventry, in his opinion, to be one of the worthiest
men in the nation, as I do really think he is. He tells me he do
think really that they will cut off my Lord Chancellor's head,
the Chancellor at this day having as much pride as is possible to
those few that venture their fortunes by coming to see him; and
that the Duke of York is troubled much, knowing that those that
fling down the Chancellor cannot stop there, but will do
something to him, to prevent his having it in his power hereafter
to avenge himself and father-in-law upon them. And this Sir H.
Cholmly fears may be by divorcing the Queene and getting another,
or declaring the Duke of Monmouth legitimate: which God forbid!
He tells me he do verily believe that there will come in an
impeachment of High Treason against my Lord of Ormond; among
other things, for ordering the quartering of soldiers in Ireland
on free quarters; which, it seems, is High Treason in that
country, and was one of the things that lost the Lord Strafford
his head, and the law is not yet repealed; which, he says, was a
mighty oversight of him not to have repealed (which he might with
ease have done), or have justified himself by an Act.
7th. At noon resolved with Sir W. Pen to go to see "The
Tempest," an old play of Shakespeare's, acted, I hear, the first
day, And so my wife, and girl, and W. Hewer by themselves, and
Sir W. Pen and I afterwards by ourselves: and forced to sit in
the side balcony over against the musique-room at the Duke's
House, close by my Lady Dorset [Frances, daughter of Lionel Earl
of Middlesex, wife of Richard fifth Earl of Dorset.] and a great
many great ones. The house mighty full; the King and Court
there: and the most innocent play that ever I saw; and a curious
piece of musique in an echo of half sentences, the echo repeating
the former half while the man goes on to the latter; which is
mighty pretty. The play has no great wit, but yet good above
ordinary plays.
9th. The House very busy, and like to be so all day, about my
Lord Chancellor's impeachment, whether Treason or not.
10th. To White Hall, to speak with Sir W. Coventry; and there,
beyond all we looked for do hear that the Duke of York hath got
and is full of the small-pox. And so we to his lodgings; and
there find most of the family going to St. James's, and the
gallery-doors locked up, that nobody might pass to nor fro: and
so a sad house, I am sorry to see. I am sad to consider the
effects of his death if he should miscarry; but Dr. Frazier tells
me that he is in as good condition as a man can be in his case.
They appeared last night: it seems he was let blood on Friday.
11th. Sir G. Carteret and I towards the Temple in coach
together; and there he did tell me how the King do all he can in
the world to overthrow my Lord Chancellor, and that notice is
taken of every man about the King that is not seen to promote the
ruine of the Chancellor; and that this being another great day in
his business, he dares not but be there. He tells me that as
soon as Secretary Morrice brought the Great Seale from my Lord
Chancellor, Bab. May fell upon his knees and catched the King
about the legs, and joyed him, and said that this was the first
time that ever he could call him King of England, being freed
from this great man: which was a most ridiculous saying. And he
told me that when first my Lord Gerard, a great while ago, came
to the King, and told him that the Chancellor did say openly that
the King was a lazy person and not fit to govern (which is now
made one of the things in people's mouths against the
Chancellor,) "Why," says the King, "that is no news, for he hath
told me so twenty times, and but the other day he told me so;"
and made matter of mirth at it: but yet this light discourse is
likely to prove bad to him.
12th. Up, and to the office, where sat all the morning; and
there hear that the Duke of York do yet do very well with his
small-pox: pray God he may continue to do so! This morning
also, to my astonishment, I hear that yesterday my Lord
Chancellor, to another of his Articles, that of betraying the
King's councils to his enemies, is voted to have matter against
him for an impeachment of High Treason, and that this day the
impeachment is to be carried up to the House of Lords: which is
very high, and I am troubled at it; for God knows what will
follow, since they that do this must do more to secure themselves
against any that will revenge this, if it ever come in their
power!
13th. To Westminster: where I find the House sitting, and in a
mighty heat about Commissioner Pett, that they would have him
impeached, though the Committee have yet brought in but part of
their Report: and this heat of the House is much heightened by
Sir Thomas Clifford telling them, that he was the man that did,
out of his own purse, employ people at the out-ports to prevent
the King of Scotts to escape after the battle of Worcester. The
house was in a great heat all this day about it; and at last it
was carried, however, that it should be referred back to the
Committee to make further enquiry. By and by I met with Mr.
Wren, who tells me that the Duke of York is in as good
condition as is possible for a man in his condition of the small-
pox. He, I perceive, is mightily concerned in the business of my
Lord Chancellor, the impeachment against whom is gone up to the
House of Lords; and great differences there are in the Lords'
House about it, and the Lords are very high one against another.
This day Mr. Chichly told me, with a seeming trouble, that the
House have stopped his son Jack (Sir John) his going to France,
that he may be a witness against my Lord Sandwich: which do
trouble me, though he can, I think, say little.