which we were about till past ten o’clock, with a great deal of
pleasure. Then to Westminster, where I met with Mr. Sheply and Mr.
Pinkney at Will’s, who took me by water to Billingsgate, at the
Salutation Tavern, whither by-and-by, Mr. Talbot and Adams came, and
bring a great [deal of] good meat, a ham of bacon, &c. Here we staid
and drank till Mr. Adams began to be overcome. Then we parted, and so to
Westminster by water, only seeing Mr. Pinkney at his own house, where he
shewed me how he had alway kept the Lion and Unicorn, in the back of his
chimney, bright, in expectation of the King’s coming again. At home
I found Mr. Hunt, who told me how the Parliament had voted that the
Covenant be printed and hung in churches again. Great hopes of the
King’s coming again. To bed.
6th. (Shrove Tuesday.) I called Mr. Sheply and we both went up to my
Lord’s lodgings at Mr. Crew’s, where he bade us to go home again, and
get a fire against an hour after. Which we did at White Hall, whither
he came, and after talking with him and me about his going to sea, he
called me by myself to go along with him into the garden, where he asked
me how things were with me, and what he had endeavoured to do with my
uncle to get him to do something for me but he would say nothing too. He
likewise bade me look out now at this turn some good place, and he would
use all his own, and all the interest of his friends that he had in
England, to do me good. And asked me whether I could, without too much
inconvenience, go to sea as his secretary, and bid me think of it. He
also began to talk of things of State, and told me that he should want
one in that capacity at sea, that he might trust in, and therefore he
would have me to go. He told me also, that he did believe the King would
come in, and did discourse with me about it, and about the affection
of the people and City, at which I was full glad. After he was gone, I
waiting upon him through the garden till he came to the Hall, where I
left him and went up to my office, where Mr. Hawly brought one to me,
a seaman, that had promised Rio to him if he get him a purser’s place,
which I think to endeavour to do. Here comes my uncle Tom, whom I
took to Will’s and drank with, poor man, he comes to inquire about the
knights of Windsor, of which he desires to get to be one.
[The body of Poor Knights of Windsor was founded by Edward III. The
intention of the king with regard to the poor knights was to provide
relief and comfortable subsistence for such valiant soldiers as
happened in their old age to fall into poverty and decay. On
September 20th, 1659, a Report having been read respecting the Poor
Knights of Windsor, the House “ordered that it be referred to a
Committee, to look into the revenue for maintenance of the Poor
Knights of Windsor,” &c. (See Tighe and Davis’s “Annals of
Windsor.”)]
While we were drinking, in comes Mr. Day, a carpenter in Westminster, to
tell me that it was Shrove Tuesday, and that I must go with him to their
yearly Club upon this day, which I confess I had quite forgot. So I went
to the Bell, where were Mr. Eglin, Veezy, Vincent a butcher, one more,
and Mr. Tanner, with whom I played upon a viall, and he a viallin, after
dinner, and were very merry, with a special good dinner, a leg of veal
and bacon, two capons and sausages and fritters, with abundance of wine.
After that I went home, where I found Kate Sterpin who hath not been
here a great while before. She gone I went to see Mrs. Jem, at whose
chamber door I found a couple of ladies, but she not being there, we
hunted her out, and found that she and another had hid themselves behind
a door. Well, they all went down into the dining-room, where it was full
of tag, rag, and bobtail, dancing, singing, and drinking, of which I was
ashamed, and after I had staid a dance or two I went away. Going home,
called at my Lord’s for Mr. Sheply, but found him at the Lion with a
pewterer, that he had bought pewter to-day of. With them I drank, and so
home and wrote by the post, by my Lord’s command, for J. Goods to come
up presently. For my Lord intends to go forthwith into the Swiftsure
till the Nazeby be ready. This day I hear that the Lords do intend to
sit, and great store of them are now in town, and I see in the Hall
to-day. Overton at Hull do stand out, but can, it is thought, do
nothing; and Lawson, it is said, is gone with some ships thither, but
all that is nothing. My Lord told me, that there was great endeavours to
bring in the Protector again; but he told me, too, that he did believe
it would not last long if he were brought in; no, nor the King neither
(though he seems to think that he will come in), unless he carry himself
very soberly and well. Every body now drinks the King’s health without
any fear, whereas before it was very private that a man dare do it. Monk
this day is feasted at Mercers’ Hall, and is invited one after another
to all the twelve Halls in London! Many think that he is honest yet, and
some or more think him to be a fool that would raise himself, but think
that he will undo himself by endeavouring it. My mind, I must needs
remember, has been very much eased and joyed at my Lord’s great
expressions of kindness this day, and in discourse thereupon my wife and
I lay awake an hour or two in our bed.
7th. (Ash Wednesday.) In the morning I went to my Lord at Mr. Crew’s,
in my way Washington overtook me and told me upon my question whether
he knew of any place now void that I might have, by power over friends,
that this day Mr. G. Montagu was to be made ‘Custos Rotulorum’ for
Westminster, and that by friends I might get to be named by him Clerk of
the Peace, with which I was, as I am at all new things, very much joyed,
so when I came to Mr. Crew’s, I spoke to my Lord about it, who told me
he believed Mr. Montagu had already promised it, and that it was given
him only that he might gratify one person with the place I look for.
Here, among many that were here, I met with Mr. Lynes, the surgeon, who
promised me some seeds of the sensitive plant.
[Evelyn, about the same date (August 9th, 1661), “tried several
experiments on the sensitive plant and humilis, which contracted
with the least touch of the sun through a burning glass, though it
rises and opens only when it shines on it”]
I spoke too with Mr. Pierce the surgeon, who gave me great encouragement
to go to sea with my Lord. Thence going homewards, my Lord overtook me
in his coach, and called me in, and so I went with him to St. James’s,
and G. Montagu being gone to White Hall, we walked over the Park
thither, all the way he discoursing of the times, and of the change
of things since the last year, and wondering how he could bear with so
great disappointment as he did. He did give me the best advice that he
could what was best for me, whether to stay or go with him, and offered
all the ways that could be, how he might do me good, with the greatest
liberty and love that could be. I left him at Whitehall, and myself went
to Westminster to my office, whither nothing to do, but I did discourse
with Mr. Falconbridge about Le Squire’s place, and had his consent to
get it if I could. I afterwards in the Hall met with W. Simons, who
put me in the best way how to get it done. Thence by appointment to
the Angel in King Street, where Chetwind, Mr. Thomas and Doling were at
oysters, and beginning Lent this day with a fish dinner. After dinner
Mr. Thomas and I by water to London, where I went to Herring’s and
received the L50 of my Lord’s upon Frank’s bill from Worcester. I gave
in the bill and set my hand to his bill. Thence I went to the Pope’s
Head Alley and called on Adam Chard, and bought a catcall there, it cost
me two groats. Thence went and gave him a cup of ale. After that to the
Sun behind the Exchange, where meeting my uncle Wight by the way, took
him with me thither, and after drinking a health or two round at the
Cock (Mr. Thomas being gone thither), we parted, he and I homewards,
parted at Fleet Street, where I found my father newly come home from
Brampton very well. He left my uncle with his leg very dangerous, and do
believe he cannot continue in that condition long. He tells me that my
uncle did acquaint him very largely what he did intend to do with his
estate, to make me his heir and give my brother Tom something, and that
my father and mother should have likewise something, to raise portions
for John and Pall. I pray God he may be as good as his word. Here I
staid and supped and so home, there being Joyce Norton there and Ch.
Glascock. Going home I called at Wotton’s and took home a piece of
cheese. At home Mr. Sheply sat with me a little while, and so we all
to bed. This news and my Lord’s great kindness makes me very cheerful
within. I pray God make me thankful. This day, according to order, Sir
Arthur [Haselrigge] appeared at the House; what was done I know not, but
there was all the Rumpers almost come to the House to-day. My Lord did
seem to wonder much why Lambert was so willing to be put into the Tower,
and thinks he has some design in it; but I think that he is so poor that
he cannot use his liberty for debts, if he were at liberty; and so it is
as good and better for him to be there, than any where else.
8th. To Whitehall to bespeak some firing for my father at Short’s, and
likewise to speak to Mr. Blackburne about Batters being gunner in the
“Wexford.” Then to Westminster Hall, where there was a general damp over
men’s minds and faces upon some of the Officers of the Army being about
making a remonstrance against Charles Stuart or any single person; but
at noon it was told, that the General had put a stop to it, so all was
well again. Here I met with Jasper, who was to look for me to bring me
to my Lord at the lobby; whither sending a note to my Lord, he comes out
to me and gives me direction to look after getting some money for him
from the Admiralty, seeing that things are so unsafe, that he would not
lay out a farthing for the State, till he had received some money of
theirs. Home about two o’clock, and took my wife by land to Paternoster
Row, to buy some Paragon for a petticoat and so home again. In my way
meeting Mr. Moore, who went home with me while I ate a bit and so back
to Whitehall again, both of us. He waited at the Council for Mr. Crew.
I to the Admiralty, where I got the order for the money, and have taken
care for the getting of it assigned upon Mr. Hutchinson, Treasurer for
the Navy, against tomorrow. Hence going home I met with Mr. King that
belonged to the Treasurers at War and took him to Harper’s, who told me
that he and the rest of his fellows are cast out of office by the new
Treasurers. This afternoon, some of the Officers of the Army, and some
of the Parliament, had a conference at White Hall to make all right
again, but I know not what is done. This noon I met at the Dog tavern
Captain Philip Holland, with whom I advised how to make some advantage
of my Lord’s going to sea, which he told me might be by having of
five or six servants entered on board, and I to give them what wages I
pleased, and so their pay to be mine; he was also very urgent to have
me take the Secretary’s place, that my Lord did proffer me. At the same
time in comes Mr. Wade and Mr. Sterry, secretary to the plenipotentiary
in Denmark, who brought the news of the death of the King of Sweden
at Gottenburgh the 3rd of the last month, and he told me what a great
change he found when he came here, the secluded members being restored.
He also spoke very freely of Mr. Wades profit, which he made while he
was in Zeeland, how he did believe that he cheated Mr. Powell, and that
he made above L500 on the voyage, which Mr. Wade did very angrily deny,
though I believe he was guilty enough.
9th. To my Lord at his lodging, and came to Westminster with him in the
coach, with Mr. Dudley with him, and he in the Painted Chamber
[The Painted Chamber, or St. Edward’s Chamber, in the old Palace at
Westminster. The first name was given to it from the curious
paintings on the walls, and the second from the tradition that
Edward the Confessor died in it.]
walked a good while; and I telling him that I was willing and ready
to go with him to sea, he agreed that I should, and advised me what
to write to Mr. Downing about it, which I did at my office, that by my
Lord’s desire I offered that my place might for a while be supplied by
Mr. Moore, and that I and my security should be bound by the same bond
for him. I went and dined at Mr. Crew’s, where Mr. Hawly comes to me,
and I told him the business and shewed him the letter promising him L20
a year, which he liked very well of. I did the same to Mr. Moore, which
he also took for a courtesy. In the afternoon by coach, taking Mr.
Butler with me to the Navy Office, about the L500 for my Lord, which I
am promised to have to-morrow morning. Then by coach back again, and at
White Hall at the Council Chamber spoke with my Lord and got him to sign
the acquittance for the L500, and he also told me that he had spoke to
Mr. Blackburne to put off Mr. Creed and that I should come to him for
direction in the employment. After this Mr. Butler and I to Harper’s,
where we sat and drank for two hours till ten at night; the old woman
she was drunk and began to talk foolishly in commendation of her son
James. Home and to bed. All night troubled in my thoughts how to order
my business upon this great change with me that I could not sleep, and
being overheated with drink I made a promise the next morning to drink
no strong drink this week, for I find that it makes me sweat and puts me
quite out of order. This day it was resolved that the writs do go out in
the name of the Keepers of the Liberty, and I hear that it is resolved
privately that a treaty be offered with the King. And that Monk did
check his soldiers highly for what they did yesterday.
10th. In the morning went to my father’s, whom I took in his cutting
house,--[His father was a tailor, and this was his cutting-out
room.]--and there I told him my resolution to go to sea with my Lord,
and consulted with him how to dispose of my wife, and we resolved of
letting her be at Mr. Bowyer’s. Thence to the Treasurer of the Navy,
where I received L500 for my Lord, and having left L200 of it with
Mr. Rawlinson at his house for Sheply, I went with the rest to the Sun
tavern on Fish Street Hill, where Mr. Hill, Stevens and Mr. Hater of
the Navy Office had invited me, where we had good discourse and a fine
breakfast of Mr. Hater. Then by coach home, where I took occasion to
tell my wife of my going to sea, who was much troubled at it, and was
with some dispute at last willing to continue at Mr. Bowyer’s in my
absence. After this to see Mrs. Jem and paid her maid L7, and then to
Mr. Blackburne, who told me what Mr. Creed did say upon the news of my
coming into his place, and that he did propose to my Lord that there
should be two Secretaries, which made me go to Sir H. Wright’s where my
Lord dined and spoke with him about it, but he seemed not to agree to
the motion. Hither W. Howe comes to me and so to Westminster. In the way
he told me, what I was to provide and so forth against my going. He went
with me to my office, whither also Mr. Madge comes half foxed and played
the fool upon the violin that made me weary. Then to Whitehall and so
home and set many of my things in order against my going. My wife was
late making of caps for me, and the wench making an end of a pair of
stockings that she was knitting of. So to bed.
11th. (Sunday.) All the day busy without my band on, putting up my books
and things, in order to my going to sea. At night my wife and I went to
my father’s to supper, where J. Norton and Chas. Glascocke supt with us,
and after supper home, where the wench had provided all things against
tomorrow to wash, and so to bed, where I much troubled with my cold and
coughing.
12th. This day the wench rose at two in the morning to wash, and my wife
and I lay talking a great while. I by reason of my cold could not tell
how to sleep. My wife and I to the Exchange, where we bought a great
many things, where I left her and went into London, and at Bedells the
bookseller’s at the Temple gate I paid L12 10s. 6d. for Mr. Fuller by
his direction. So came back and at Wilkinson’s found Mr. Sheply and some
sea people, as the cook of the Nazeby and others, at dinner. Then to the
White Horse in King Street, where I got Mr. Buddle’s horse to ride to
Huntsmore to Mr. Bowyer’s, where I found him and all well, and willing
to have my wife come and board with them while I was at sea, which was
the business I went about. Here I lay and took a thing for my cold,
namely a spoonful of honey and a nutmeg scraped into it, by Mr. Bowyer’s
direction, and so took it into my mouth, which I found did do me much
good.
13th. It rained hard and I got up early, and got to London by 8 o’clock
at my Lord’s lodgings, who told me that I was to be secretary, and Creed
to be deputy treasurer to the Fleet, at which I was troubled, but I
could not help it. After that to my father’s to look after things, and
so at my shoemaker’s and others. At night to Whitehall, where I met with
Simons and Luellin at drink with them at Roberts at Whitehall. Then to
the Admiralty, where I talked with Mr. Creed till the Brothers, and they
were very seemingly willing and glad that I have the place since my Lord
would dispose of it otherwise than to them. Home and to bed. This day
the Parliament voted all that had been done by the former Rump against
the House of Lords be void, and to-night that the writs go out without
any qualification. Things seem very doubtful what will be the end of
all; for the Parliament seems to be strong for the King, while the
soldiers do all talk against.
14th. To my Lord, where infinity of applications to him and to me. To my
great trouble, my Lord gives me all the papers that was given to him, to
put in order and give him an account of them. Here I got half-a-piece of
a person of Mr. Wright’s recommending to my Lord to be Preacher of the
Speaker frigate. I went hence to St. James’s and Mr. Pierce the surgeon
with me, to speak with Mr. Clerke, Monk’s secretary, about getting some
soldiers removed out of Huntingdon to Oundle, which my Lord told me
he did to do a courtesy to the town, that he might have the greater
interest in them, in the choice of the next Parliament; not that he
intends to be chosen himself, but that he might have Mr. G. Montagu
and my Lord Mandeville chose there in spite of the Bernards. This done
(where I saw General Monk and methought he seemed a dull heavy man), he
and I to Whitehall, where with Luellin we dined at Marsh’s. Coming home
telling my wife what we had to dinner, she had a mind to some cabbage,
and I sent for some and she had it. Went to the Admiralty, where a
strange thing how I am already courted by the people. This morning among
others that came to me I hired a boy of Jenkins of Westminster and Burr
to be my clerk. This night I went to Mr. Creed’s chamber where he gave
me the former book of the proceedings in the fleet and the Seal. Then to
Harper’s where old Beard was and I took him by coach to my Lord’s, but
he was not at home, but afterwards I found him out at Sir H. Wright’s.
Thence by coach, it raining hard, to Mrs. Jem, where I staid a while,
and so home, and late in the night put up my things in a sea-chest that
Mr. Sheply lent me, and so to bed.
15th. Early packing up my things to be sent by cart with the rest of my
Lord’s. So to Will’s, where I took leave of some of my friends. Here I
met Tom Alcock, one that went to school with me at Huntingdon, but I had
not seen him these sixteen years. So in the Hall paid and made even with
Mrs. Michell; afterwards met with old Beale, and at the Axe paid him
this quarter to Ladyday next. In the afternoon Dick Mathews comes to
dine, and I went and drank with him at Harper’s. So into London by
water, and in Fish Street my wife and I bought a bit of salmon for 8d.
and went to the Sun Tavern and ate it, where I did promise to give her
all that I have in the world but my books, in case I should die at sea.
From thence homewards; in the way my wife bought linen for three smocks
and other things. I went to my Lord’s and spoke with him. So home with
Mrs. Jem by coach and then home to my own house. From thence to the Fox
in King-street to supper on a brave turkey of Mr. Hawly’s, with
some friends of his there, Will Bowyer, &c. After supper I went to
Westminster Hall, and the Parliament sat till ten at night, thinking and
being expected to dissolve themselves to-day, but they did not. Great
talk to-night that the discontented officers did think this night to
make a stir, but prevented. To the Fox again. Home with my wife, and to
bed extraordinary sleepy.
16th. No sooner out of bed but troubled with abundance of clients,
seamen. My landlord Vanly’s man came to me by my direction yesterday,
for I was there at his house as I was going to London by water, and I
paid him rent for my house for this quarter ending at Lady day, and took
an acquittance that he wrote me from his master. Then to Mr. Sheply, to
the Rhenish Tavern House, where Mr. Pim, the tailor, was, and gave us a
morning draft and a neat’s tongue. Home and with my wife to London, we
dined at my father’s, where Joyce Norton and Mr. Armiger dined also.
After dinner my wife took leave of them in order to her going to-morrow
to Huntsmore. In my way home I went to the Chapel in Chancery Lane
to bespeak papers of all sorts and other things belonging to writing
against my voyage. So home, where I spent an hour or two about my
business in my study. Thence to the Admiralty, and staid a while, so
home again, where Will Bowyer came to tell us that he would bear my wife
company in the coach to-morrow. Then to Westminster Hall, where I heard
how the Parliament had this day dissolved themselves, and did pass very
cheerfully through the Hall, and the Speaker without his mace. The whole
Hall was joyful thereat, as well as themselves, and now they begin to
talk loud of the King. To-night I am told, that yesterday, about five
o’clock in the afternoon, one came with a ladder to the Great Exchange,
and wiped with a brush the inscription that was upon King Charles, and
that there was a great bonfire made in the Exchange, and people called
out “God bless. King Charles the Second!”
[“Then the writing in golden letters, that was engraven under the
statue of Charles I, in the Royal Exchange [‘Exit tyrannus, Regum
ultimus, anno libertatis Angliae, anno Domini 1648, Januarie xxx.)
was washed out by a painter, who in the day time raised a ladder,
and with a pot and brush washed the writing quite out, threw down
his pot and brush and said it should never do him any more service,
in regard that it had the honour to put out rebels’ hand-writing.
He then came down, took away his ladder, not a misword said to him,
and by whose order it was done was not then known. The merchants
were glad and joyful, many people were gathered together, and
against the Exchange made a bonfire. “Rugge’s Diurnal.” In the
Thomason Collection of Civil War Tracts at the British Museum is a
pamphlet which is dated in MS. March 21st, 1659-60, where this act
is said to be by order of Monk: “The Loyal Subjects Teares for the
Sufferings and Absence of their Sovereign Charles II., King of
England, Scotland, and Ireland; with an Observation upon the
expunging of ‘Exit Tyrannus, Regum ultimus’, by order of General
Monk, and some Advice to the Independents, Anabaptists, Phanatiques,
&c. London, 1660.”]
From the Hall I went home to bed, very sad in mind to part with my wife,
but God’s will be done.
17th. This morning bade adieu in bed to the company of my wife. We rose
and I gave my wife some money to serve her for a time, and what papers
of consequence I had. Then I left her to get her ready and went to my
Lord’s with my boy Eliezer to my Lord’s lodging at Mr. Crew’s. Here I
had much business with my Lord, and papers, great store, given me by my
Lord to dispose of as of the rest. After that, with Mr. Moore home to my
house and took my wife by coach to the Chequer in Holborn, where, after
we had drank, &c., she took coach and so farewell. I staid behind with
Tom Alcock and Mr. Anderson, my old chamber fellow at Cambridge his
brother, and drank with them there, who were come to me thither about
one that would have a place at sea. Thence with Mr. Hawly to dinner at
Mr. Crew’s. After dinner to my own house, where all things were put up
into the dining-room and locked up, and my wife took the keys along with
her.
This day, in the presence of Mr. Moore (who made it) and Mr. Hawly, I
did before I went out with my wife, seal my will to her, whereby I did
give her all that I have in the world, but my books which I give to my
brother John, excepting only French books, which my wife is to have. In
the evening at the Admiralty, I met my Lord there and got a commission
for Williamson to be captain of the Harp frigate, and afterwards went
by coach taking Mr. Crips with me to my Lord and got him to sign it at
table as he was at supper. And so to Westminster back again with him
with me, who had a great desire to go to sea and my Lord told me that he
would do him any favour. So I went home with him to his mother’s house
by me in Axe Yard, where I found Dr. Clodius’s wife and sat there
talking and hearing of old Mrs. Crisp playing of her old lessons upon
the harpsichon till it was time to go to bed. After that to bed, and
Laud, her son lay with me in the best chamber in her house, which indeed
was finely furnished.
18th. I rose early and went to the barber’s (Jervas) in Palace Yard and
I was trimmed by him, and afterwards drank with him a cup or two of ale,
and did begin to hire his man to go with me to sea. Then to my Lord’s
lodging where I found Captain Williamson and gave him his commission
to be Captain of the Harp, and he gave me a piece of gold and 20s. in
silver. So to my own house, where I staid a while and then to dinner
with Mr. Shepley at my Lord’s lodgings. After that to Mr. Mossum’s,
where he made a very gallant sermon upon “Pray for the life of the King
and the King’s son.” (Ezra vi. 10.) From thence to Mr. Crew’s, but my
Lord not being within I did not stay, but went away and met with Mr.
Woodfine, who took me to an alehouse in Drury Lane, and we sat and drank
together, and ate toasted cakes which were very good, and we had a great
deal of mirth with the mistress of the house about them. From thence
homewards, and called at Mr. Blagrave’s, where I took up my note that he
had of mine for 40s., which he two years ago did give me as a pawn while
he had my lute. So that all things are even between him and I. So to
Mrs. Crisp, where she and her daughter and son and I sat talking
till ten o’clock at night, I giving them the best advice that I could
concerning their son, how he should go to sea, and so to bed.
19th. Early to my Lord, where infinity of business to do, which makes
my head full; and indeed, for these two or three days, I have not been
without a great many cares and thoughts concerning them. After that to
the Admiralty, where a good while with Mr. Blackburne, who told me that
it was much to be feared that the King would come in, for all good men
and good things were now discouraged. Thence to Wilkinson’s, where
Mr. Sheply and I dined; and while we were at dinner, my Lord Monk’s
lifeguard come by with the Serjeant at Arms before them, with two
Proclamations, that all Cavaliers do depart the town; but the other that
all officers that were lately disbanded should do the same. The last of
which Mr. R. Creed, I remember, said, that he looked upon it as if they
had said, that all God’s people should depart the town. Thence with some
sea officers to the Swan, where we drank wine till one comes to me to
pay me some money from Worcester, viz., L25. His name is Wilday. I sat
in another room and took my money and drank with him till the rest of my
company were gone and so we parted. Going home the water was high,
and so I got Crockford to carry me over it. So home, and left my money
there. All the discourse now-a-day is, that the King will come again;
and for all I see, it is the wishes of all; and all do believe that it
will be so. My mind is still much troubled for my poor wife, but I hope
that this undertaking will be worth my pains. To Whitehall and staid
about business at the Admiralty late, then to Tony Robins’s, where Capt.
Stokes, Mr. Luddington and others were, and I did solicit the Captain
for Laud Crisp, who gave me a promise that he would entertain him. After
that to Mrs. Crisp’s where Dr. Clodius and his wife were. He very merry
with drink. We played at cards late and so to bed. This day my Lord
dined at my Lord Mayor’s [Allen], and Jasper was made drunk, which my
Lord was very angry at.
20th. This morning I rose early and went to my house to put things in a
little order against my going, which I conceive will be to-morrow (the
weather still very rainy). After that to my Lord, where I found very
great deal of business, he giving me all letters and papers that come
to him about business, for me to give him account of when we come
on shipboard. Hence with Capt. Isham by coach to Whitehall to the
Admiralty. He and I and Chetwind, Doling and Luellin dined together at
Marsh’s at Whitehall. So to the Bull Head whither W. Simons comes to us
and I gave them my foy
[Foy. A feast given by one who is about to leave a place. In Kent,
according to Grose, a treat to friends, either at going abroad or
coming home. See Diary, November 25th, 1661.]
against my going to sea; and so we took leave one of another, they
promising me to write to me to sea. Hither comes Pim’s boy, by my
direction, with two monteeres--[Monteeres, montero (Spanish), a kind of
huntsman’s cap.]--for me to take my choice of, and I chose the saddest
colour and left the other for Mr. Sheply. Hence by coach to London, and
took a short melancholy leave of my father and mother, without having
them to drink, or say anything of business one to another. And indeed I
had a fear upon me I should scarce ever see my mother again, she having
a great cold then upon her. Then to Westminster, where by reason of rain
and an easterly wind, the water was so high that there was boats rowed
in King Street and all our yard was drowned, that one could not go to my
house, so as no man has seen the like almost, most houses full of water.
[“In this month the wind was very high, and caused great tides, so
that great hurt was done to the inhabitants of Westminster, King
Street being quite drowned. The Maidenhead boat was cast away, and
twelve persons with her. Also, about Dover the waters brake in upon
the mainland; and in Kent was very much damage done; so that report
said, there was L20,000 worth of harm done.”--Rugge’s Diurnal.--B.]
Then back by coach to my Lord’s; where I met Mr. Sheply, who staid with
me waiting for my Lord’s coming in till very late. Then he and I, and
William Howe went with our swords to bring my Lord home from Sir H.
Wright’s. He resolved to go to-morrow if the wind ceased. Sheply and I
home by coach. I to Mrs. Crisp’s, who had sat over a good supper long
looking for me. So we sat talking and laughing till it was very late,
and so Laud and I to bed.
21st. To my Lord’s, but the wind very high against us, and the weather
bad we could not go to-day; here I did very much business, and then to
my Lord Widdrington’s from my Lord, with his desire that he might have
the disposal of the writs of the Cinque Ports. My Lord was very civil to
me, and called for wine, and writ a long letter in answer. Thence I went
to a tavern over against Mr. Pierce’s with judge Advocate Fowler and Mr.
Burr, and sat and drank with them two or three pints of wine. After that
to Mr. Crew’s again and gave my Lord an account of what I had done, and
so about my business to take leave of my father and mother, which by
a mistake I have put down yesterday. Thence to Westminster to Crisp’s,
where we were very merry; the old woman sent for a supper for me, and
gave me a handkercher with strawberry buttons on it, and so to bed.
22nd. Up very early and set things in order at my house, and so took
leave of Mrs. Crispe and her daughter (who was in bed) and of Mrs. Hunt.
Then to my Lord’s lodging at the gate and did so there, where Mr. Hawly
came to me and I gave him the key of my house to keep, and he went with
me to Mr. Crew’s, and there I took my last leave of him. But the weather
continuing very bad my Lord would not go to-day. My Lord spent this
morning private in sealing of his last will and testament with Mr. W.
Mountagu. After that I went forth about my own business to buy a pair of
riding grey serge stockings and sword and belt and hose, and after that
took Wotton and Brigden to the Pope’s Head Tavern in Chancery Lane,
where Gilb. Holland and Shelston were, and we dined and drank a great
deal of wine, and they paid all. Strange how these people do now promise
me anything; one a rapier, the other a vessel of wine or a gun, and one
offered me his silver hatband to do him a courtesy. I pray God to
keep me from being proud or too much lifted up hereby. After that to
Westminster, and took leave of Kate Sterpin who was very sorry to part
with me, and after that of Mr. George Mountagu, and received my warrant
of Mr. Blackburne, to be Secretary to the two Generals of the Fleet.
Then to take my leave of the Clerks of the Council, and thence Doling
and Luellin would have me go with them to Mount’s chamber, where we
sat and talked and then I went away. So to my Lord (in my way meeting
Chetwind and Swan and bade them farewell) where I lay all night with Mr.
Andrews. This day Mr. Sheply went away on board and I sent my boy with
him. This day also Mrs. Jemimah went to Marrowbone, so I could not see
her. Mr. Moore being out of town to-night I could not take leave of him
nor speak to him about business which troubled me much. I left my small
case therefore with Mr. Andrews for him.
23rd. Up early, carried my Lord’s will in a black box to Mr. William
Montagu for him to keep for him. Then to the barber’s and put on my
cravat there. So to my Lord again, who was almost ready to be gone and
had staid for me. Hither came Gilb. Holland, and brought me a stick
rapier and Shelston a sugar-loaf, and had brought his wife who he said
was a very pretty woman to the Ship tavern hard by for me to see but
I could not go. Young Reeve also brought me a little perspective glass
which I bought for my Lord, it cost me 8s. So after that my Lord in Sir
H. Wright’s coach with Captain Isham, Mr. Thomas, John Crew, W. Howe,
and I in a Hackney to the Tower, where the barges staid for us; my Lord
and the Captain in one, and W. Howe and I, &c., in the other, to the
Long Reach, where the Swiftsure lay at anchor; (in our way we saw the
great breach which the late high water had made, to the loss of many
L1000 to the people about Limehouse.) Soon as my Lord on board, the
guns went off bravely from the ships. And a little while after comes the
Vice-Admiral Lawson, and seemed very respectful to my Lord, and so did
the rest of the Commanders of the frigates that were thereabouts. I to
the cabin allotted for me, which was the best that any had that belonged
to my Lord. I got out some things out of my chest for writing and to
work presently, Mr. Burr and I both. I supped at the deck table with Mr.
Sheply. We were late writing of orders for the getting of ships ready,
&c.; and also making of others to all the seaports between Hastings and
Yarmouth, to stop all dangerous persons that are going or coming between
Flanders and there. After that to bed in my cabin, which was but short;
however I made shift with it and slept very well, and the weather being
good I was not sick at all yet, I know not what I shall be.
24th. At work hard all the day writing letters to the Council, &c. This
day Mr. Creed came on: board and dined very boldly with my Lord, but
he could not get a bed there. At night Capt. Isham who had been at
Gravesend all last night and to-day came and brought Mr. Lucy (one
acquainted with Mrs. Pierce, with whom I had been at her house), I drank
with him in the Captain’s cabin, but my business could not stay with
him. I despatch many letters to-day abroad and it was late before we
could get to bed. Mr. Sheply and Howe supped with me in my cabin. The
boy Eliezer flung down a can of beer upon my papers which made me give
him a box of the ear, it having all spoiled my papers and cost me a
great deal of work. So to bed.
25th. (Lord’s day). About two o’clock in the morning, letters came from
London by our coxon, so they waked me, but I would not rise but bid him
stay till morning, which he did, and then I rose and carried them in
to my Lord, who read them a-bed. Among the rest, there was the writ
and mandate for him to dispose to the Cinque Ports for choice of
Parliament-men. There was also one for me from Mr. Blackburne, who with
his own hand superscribes it to S.P. Esq., of which God knows I was
not a little proud. After that I wrote a letter to the Clerk of Dover
Castle, to come to my Lord about issuing of those writs. About ten
o’clock Mr. Ibbott, at the end of the long table, begun to pray
and preach and indeed made a very good sermon, upon the duty of all
Christians to be stedfast in faith. After that Captain Cuttance and
I had oysters, my Lord being in his cabin not intending to stir out
to-day. After that up into the great cabin above to dinner with the
Captain, where was Captain Isham and all the officers of the ship. I
took place of all but the Captains; after dinner I wrote a great many
letters to my friends at London. After that, sermon again, at which I
slept, God forgive me! After that, it being a fair day, I walked with
the Captain upon the deck talking. At night I supped with him and after
that had orders from my Lord about some business to be done against
to-morrow, which I sat up late and did and then to bed.
26th. This day it is two years since it pleased God that I was cut of
the stone at Mrs. Turner’s in Salisbury Court. And did resolve while I
live to keep it a festival, as I did the last year at my house, and for
ever to have Mrs. Turner and her company with me. But now it pleases God
that I am where I am and so prevented to do it openly; only within my
soul I can and do rejoice, and bless God, being at this time blessed be
his holy name, in as good health as ever I was in my life. This morning
I rose early, and went about making of an establishment of the whole
Fleet, and a list of all the ships, with the number of men and guns:
About an hour after that, we had a meeting of the principal commanders
and seamen, to proportion out the number of these things. After that
to dinner, there being very many commanders on board. All the afternoon
very many orders were made, till I was very weary. At night Mr. Sheply
and W. Howe came and brought some bottles of wine and some things to eat
in my cabin, where we were very merry, remembering the day of being
cut for the stone. Captain Cuttance came afterwards and sat drinking a
bottle of wine till eleven, a kindness he do not usually do the greatest
officer in the ship. After that to bed.
27th. Early in the morning at making a fair new establishment of the
Fleet to send to the Council. This morning, the wind came about, and we
fell into the Hope,--[A reach of the Thames near Tilbury.]--and in our
passing by the Vice-Admiral, he and the rest of the frigates, with him,
did give us abundance of guns and we them, so much that the report of
them broke all the windows in my cabin and broke off the iron bar that
was upon it to keep anybody from creeping in at the Scuttle.--[“A small
hole or port cut either in the deck or side of a ship, generally for
ventilation. That in the deck is a small hatch-way.”--Smyth’s Sailor’s
Word-Book.]--This noon I sat the first time with my Lord at table since
my coming to sea. All the afternoon exceeding busy in writing of letters
and orders. In the afternoon, Sir Harry Wright came onboard us, about
his business of being chosen Parliament-man. My Lord brought him to see
my cabin, when I was hard a-writing. At night supped with my Lord too,
with the Captain, and after that to work again till it be very late. So
to bed.
28th. This morning and the whole day busy, and that the more because Mr.
Burr was about his own business all the day at Gravesend. At night there
was a gentleman very well bred, his name was Banes, going for Flushing,
who spoke French and Latin very well, brought by direction from Captain
Clerke hither, as a prisoner, because he called out of the vessel that
he went in, “Where is your King, we have done our business, Vive le
Roi.” He confessed himself a Cavalier in his heart, and that he and his
whole family had fought for the King; but that he was then drunk, having
been all night taking his leave at Gravesend the night before, and
so could not remember what it was that he said; but in his words and
carriage showed much of a gentleman. My Lord had a great kindness for
him, but did not think it safe to release him, but commanded him to
be used civilly, so he was taken to the Master’s Cabin and had supper
there. In the meantime I wrote a letter to the Council about him, and an
order for the vessel to be sent for back that he was taken out of. But
a while after, he sent a letter down to my Lord, which my Lord did like
very well, and did advise with me what was best to be done. So I put in
something to my Lord and then to the Captain that the gentleman was to
be released and the letter stopped, which was done. So I went up and sat
and talked with him in Latin and French, and drank a bottle or two with
him; and about eleven at night he took boat again, and so God bless him.
Thence I to my cabin and to bed. This day we had news of the election at
Huntingdon for Bernard and Pedly, at which my Lord was much troubled for
his friends’ missing of it.
29th. We lie still a little below Gravesend. At night Mr. Sheply
returned from London, and told us of several elections for the next
Parliament. That the King’s effigies was new making to be set up in
the Exchange again. This evening was a great whispering of some of the
Vice-Admiral’s captains that they were dissatisfied, and did intend to
fight themselves, to oppose the General. But it was soon hushed, and the
Vice-Admiral did wholly deny any such thing, and protested to stand by
the General. At night Mr. Sheply, W. Howe, and I supped in my cabin. So
up to the Master’s cabin, where we sat talking, and then to bed.
30th. I was saluted in the morning with two letters, from some that I
had done a favour to, which brought me in each a piece of gold. This
day, while my Lord and we were at dinner, the Nazeby came in sight
towards us, and at last came to anchor close by us. After dinner my Lord
and many others went on board her, where every thing was out of order,
and a new chimney made for my Lord in his bedchamber, which he was much
pleased with. My Lord, in his discourse, discovered a great deal of love
to this ship.
31st. This morning Captain Jowles of the “Wexford” came on board, for
whom I got commission from my Lord to be commander of the ship. Upon the
doing thereof he was to make the 20s. piece that he sent me yesterday,
up L5; wherefore he sent me a bill that he did owe me L4., which I sent
my boy to Gravesend with him, and he did give the boy L4 for me, and the
boy gave him the bill under his hand. This morning, Mr. Hill that lives
in Axe-yard was here on board with the Vice-Admiral. I did give him a
bottle of wine, and was exceedingly satisfied of the power that I have
to make my friends welcome. Many orders to make all the afternoon. At
night Mr. Sheply, Howe, Ibbott, and I supped in my cabin together.