July 1st. This morning came home my fine Camlett cloak,
[Camlet was a mixed stuff of wool and silk. It was very expensive,
and later Pepys gave L24 for a suit. (See June 1st, 1664.)]
with gold buttons, and a silk suit, which cost me much money, and I pray
God to make me able to pay for it. I went to the cook’s and got a good
joint of meat, and my wife and I dined at home alone. In the afternoon
to the Abbey, where a good sermon by a stranger, but no Common Prayer
yet. After sermon called in at Mrs. Crisp’s, where I saw Mynheer Roder,
that is to marry Sam Hartlib’s sister, a great fortune for her to
light on, she being worth nothing in the world. Here I also saw Mrs.
Greenlife, who is come again to live in Axe Yard with her new husband
Mr. Adams. Then to my Lord’s, where I staid a while. So to see for Mr.
Creed to speak about getting a copy of Barlow’s patent. To my Lord’s,
where late at night comes Mr. Morland, whom I left prating with my Lord,
and so home.
2nd. Infinite of business that my heart and head and all were full. Met
with purser Washington, with whom and a lady, a friend of his, I dined
at the Bell Tavern in King Street, but the rogue had no more manners
than to invite me and to let me pay my club. All the afternoon with my
Lord, going up and down the town; at seven at night he went home, and
there the principal Officers of the Navy,
[A list of the Officers of the Admiralty, May 31st, 1660. From a
MS. in the Pepysian Library in Pepys’s own handwriting.
His Royal Highness James, Duke of York, Lord High Admiral.
Sir George Carteret, Treasurer.
Sir Robert Slingsby, (soon after) Comptroller.
Sir William Batten, Surveyor.
Samuel Pepys, Esq., Clerk of the Acts.
John, Lord Berkeley (of Stratton,)|
Sir William Penn, | Commissioners.
Peter Pett, Esq.--B,] |
among the rest myself was reckoned one. We had order to meet to-morrow,
to draw up such an order of the Council as would put us into action
before our patents were passed. At which my heart was glad. At night
supped with my Lord, he and I together, in the great dining-room alone
by ourselves, the first time I ever did it in London. Home to bed, my
maid pretty well again.
3d. All the morning the Officers and Commissioners of the Navy, we met
at Sir G. Carteret’s
[Sir George Carteret, born 1599, had originally been bred to the sea
service, and became Comptroller of the Navy to Charles I., and
Governor of Jersey, where he obtained considerable reputation by his
gallant defence of that island against the Parliament forces. At
the Restoration he was made Vice-Chamberlain to the King, Treasurer
of the Navy, and a Privy Councillor, and in 1661 he was elected M.P.
for Portsmouth. In 1666 he exchanged the Treasurership of the Navy
with the Earl of Anglesea for the Vice-Treasurership of Ireland. He
became a Commissioner of the Admiralty in 1673. He continued in
favour with Charles II. till his death, January 14th, 1679, in his
eightieth year. He married his cousin Elizabeth, daughter of Sir
Philip Carteret, Knight of St. Ouen, and had issue three sons and
five daughters.]
chamber, and agreed upon orders for the Council to supersede the old
ones, and empower us to act. Dined with Mr. Stephens, the Treasurer’s
man of the Navy, and Mr. Turner, to whom I offered L50 out of my own
purse for one year, and the benefit of a Clerk’s allowance beside, which
he thanked me for; but I find he hath some design yet in his head, which
I could not think of. In the afternoon my heart was quite pulled down,
by being told that Mr. Barlow was to enquire to-day for Mr. Coventry;
but at night I met with my Lord, who told me that I need not fear, for
he would get me the place against the world. And when I came to W. Howe,
he told me that Dr. Petty had been with my Lord, and did tell him
that Barlow was a sickly man, and did not intend to execute the place
himself, which put me in great comfort again. Till 2 in the morning
writing letters and things for my Lord to send to sea. So home to my
wife to bed.
4th. Up very early in the morning and landing my wife at White Friars
stairs, I went to the Bridge and so to the Treasurer’s of the Navy, with
whom I spake about the business of my office, who put me into very good
hopes of my business. At his house comes Commissioner Pett, and he and I
went to view the houses in Seething Lane, belonging to the Navy,
[The Navy Office was erected on the site of Lumley House, formerly
belonging to the Fratres Sancta Crucis (or Crutched Friars), and all
business connected with naval concerns was transacted there till its
removal to Somerset House.--The ground was afterwards occupied by
the East India Company’s warehouses. The civil business of the
Admiralty was removed from Somerset House to Spring Gardens in
1869.]
where I find the worst very good, and had great fears in my mind that
they will shuffle me out of them, which troubles me. From thence to the
Excise Office in Broad Street, where I received L500 for my Lord, by
appointment of the Treasurer, and went afterwards down with Mr. Luddyard
and drank my morning draft with him and other officers. Thence to Mr.
Backewell’s, the goldsmith, where I took my Lord’s L100 in plate for Mr.
Secretary Nicholas, and my own piece of plate, being a state dish and
cup in chased work for Mr. Coventry, cost me above L19. Carried these
and the money by coach to my Lord’s at White Hall, and from thence
carried Nicholas’s plate to his house and left it there, intending
to speak with him anon. So to Westminster Hall, where meeting with M.
L’Impertinent and W. Bowyer, I took them to the Sun Tavern, and gave
them a lobster and some wine, and sat talking like a fool till 4
o’clock. So to my Lord’s, and walking all the afternoon in White Hall
Court, in expectation of what shall be done in the Council as to our
business. It was strange to see how all the people flocked together
bare, to see the King looking out of the Council window. At night my
Lord told me how my orders that I drew last night about giving us power
to act, are granted by the Council. At which he and I were very glad.
Home and to bed, my boy lying in my house this night the first time.
5th. This morning my brother Tom brought me my jackanapes coat with
silver buttons. It rained this morning, which makes us fear that the
glory of this great day will be lost; the King and Parliament being to
be entertained by the City to-day with great pomp.
[“July 5th. His Majesty, the two Dukes, the House of Lords, and the
House of Commons, and the Privy Council, dined at the Guildhall.
Every Hall appeared with their colours and streamers to attend His
Majesty; the Masters in gold chains. Twelve pageants in the streets
between Temple Bar and Guildhall. Forty brace of bucks were that
day spent in the City of London.”--Rugge’s Diurnal.--B.]
Mr. Hater’ was with me to-day, and I agreed with him to be my clerk.
[Thomas Hayter. He remained with Pepys for some time; and by his
assistance was made Petty Purveyor of Petty Missions. He succeeded
Pepys as Clerk of the Acts in 1673, and in 1679 he was Secretary of
the Admiralty, and Comptroller of the Navy from 1680 to 1682.]
Being at White Hall, I saw the King, the Dukes, and all their attendants
go forth in the rain to the City, and it bedraggled many a fine suit of
clothes. I was forced to walk all the morning in White Hall, not knowing
how to get out because of the rain. Met with Mr. Cooling, my Lord
Chamberlain’s secretary, who took me to dinner among the gentlemen
waiters, and after dinner into the wine-cellar. He told me how he had
a project for all us Secretaries to join together, and get money by
bringing all business into our hands. Thence to the Admiralty, where Mr.
Blackburne and I (it beginning to hold up) went and walked an hour or
two in the Park, he giving of me light in many things in my way in this
office that I go about. And in the evening I got my present of plate
carried to Mr. Coventry’s. At my Lord’s at night comes Dr. Petty to me,
to tell me that Barlow had come to town, and other things, which put me
into a despair, and I went to bed very sad.
6th. In the morning with my Lord at Whitehall, got the order of the
Council for us to act. From thence to Westminster Hall, and there met
with the Doctor that shewed us so much kindness at the Hague, and took
him to the Sun tavern, and drank with him. So to my Lord’s and dined
with W. Howe and Sarah, thinking it might be the last time that I
might dine with them together. In the afternoon my Lord and I, and
Mr. Coventry and Sir G. Carteret, went and took possession of the Navy
Office, whereby my mind was a little cheered, but my hopes not great.
From thence Sir G. Carteret and I to the Treasurer’s Office, where he
set some things in order. And so home, calling upon Sir Geoffry Palmer,
who did give me advice about my patent, which put me to some doubt to
know what to do, Barlow being alive. Afterwards called at Mr. Pim’s,
about getting me a coat of velvet, and he took me to the Half Moon, and
the house so full that we staid above half an hour before we could get
anything. So to my Lord’s, where in the dark W. Howe and I did sing
extemporys, and I find by use that we are able to sing a bass and a
treble pretty well. So home, and to bed.
7th. To my Lord, one with me to buy a Clerk’s place, and I did demand
L100. To the Council Chamber, where I took an order for the advance of
the salaries of the officers of the Navy, and I find mine to be raised
to L350 per annum. Thence to the Change, where I bought two fine prints
of Ragotti from Rubens, and afterwards dined with my Uncle and Aunt
Wight, where her sister Cox and her husband were. After that to Mr.
Rawlinson’s with my uncle, and thence to the Navy Office, where I began
to take an inventory of the papers, and goods, and books of the office.
To my Lord’s, late writing letters. So home to bed.
8th (Lord’s day). To White Hall chapel, where I got in with ease by
going before the Lord Chancellor with Mr. Kipps. Here I heard very good
music, the first time that ever I remember to have heard the organs and
singing-men in surplices in my life.
[During the Commonwealth organs were destroyed all over the country,
and the following is the title of the Ordinances under which this
destruction took place: “Two Ordinances of the Lords and Commons
assembled in Parliament, for the speedy demolishing of all organs,
images, and all matters of superstitious monuments in all Cathedrals
and Collegiate or Parish Churches and Chapels throughout the Kingdom
of England and the dominion of Wales; the better to accomplish the
blessed reformation so happily begun, and to remove all offences and
things illegal in the worship of God. Dated May 9th, 1644.” When
at the period of the Restoration music again obtained its proper
place in the services of the Church, there was much work for the
organ builders. According to Dr. Rimbault (“Hopkins on the Organ,”
1855, p. 74), it was more than fifty years after the Restoration
when our parish churches began commonly to be supplied with organs.
Drake says, in his “Eboracum” (published in 1733), that at that date
only one parish church in the city of York possessed an organ.
Bernard Schmidt, better known as “Father Smith,” came to England
from Germany at the time of the Restoration, and he it was who built
the organ at the Chapel Royal. He was in high favour with Charles
II., who allowed, him apartments in Whitehall Palace.]
The Bishop of Chichester preached before the King, and made a great
flattering sermon, which I did not like that Clergy should meddle with
matters of state. Dined with Mr. Luellin and Salisbury at a cook’s shop.
Home, and staid all the afternoon with my wife till after sermon. There
till Mr. Fairebrother came to call us out to my father’s to supper. He
told me how he had perfectly procured me to be made Master in Arts by
proxy, which did somewhat please me, though I remember my cousin Roger
Pepys was the other day persuading me from it. While we were at supper
came Win. Howe to supper to us, and after supper went home to bed.
9th. All the morning at Sir G. Palmer’s advising about getting my bill
drawn. From thence to the Navy office, where in the afternoon we met and
sat, and there I begun to sign bills in the Office the first time. From
thence Captain Holland and Mr. Browne of Harwich took me to a tavern and
did give me a collation. From thence to the Temple to further my bills
being done, and so home to my Lord, and thence to bed.
10th. This day I put on first my new silk suit, the first that ever I
wore in my life. This morning came Nan Pepys’ husband Mr. Hall to see
me being lately come to town. I had never seen him before. I took him to
the Swan tavern with Mr. Eglin and there drank our morning draft. Home,
and called my wife, and took her to Dr. Clodius’s to a great wedding of
Nan Hartlib to Mynheer Roder, which was kept at Goring House with very
great state, cost, and noble company. But, among all the beauties there,
my wife was thought the greatest. After dinner I left the company, and
carried my wife to Mrs. Turner’s. I went to the Attorney-General’s, and
had my bill which cost me seven pieces. I called my wife, and set her
home. And finding my Lord in White Hall garden, I got him to go to the
Secretary’s, which he did, and desired the dispatch of his and my bills
to be signed by the King. His bill is to be Earl of Sandwich, Viscount
Hinchingbroke, and Baron of St. Neot’s.
[The motive for Sir Edward Montagu’s so suddenly altering his
intended title is not explained; probably, the change was adopted as
a compliment to the town of Sandwich, off which the Fleet was lying
before it sailed to bring Charles from Scheveling. Montagu had also
received marked attentions from Sir John Boys and other principal
men at Sandwich; and it may be recollected, as an additional reason,
that one or both of the seats for that borough have usually been
placed at the disposal of the Admiralty. The title of Portsmouth
was given, in 1673, for her life, to the celebrated Louise de
Querouaille, and becoming extinct with her, was, in 1743, conferred
upon John Wallop, Viscount Lymington, the ancestor of the present
Earl of Portsmouth.--B.]
Home, with my mind pretty quiet: not returning, as I said I would, to
see the bride put to bed.
11th. With Sir W. Pen by water to the Navy office, where we met, and
dispatched business. And that being done, we went all to dinner to the
Dolphin, upon Major Brown’s invitation. After that to the office again,
where I was vexed, and so was Commissioner Pett, to see a busy fellow
come to look out the best lodgings for my Lord Barkley, and the
combining between him and Sir W. Pen; and, indeed, was troubled much
at it. Home to White Hall, and took out my bill signed by the King, and
carried it to Mr. Watkins of the Privy Seal to be despatched there, and
going home to take a cap, I borrowed a pair of sheets of Mr. Howe, and
by coach went to the Navy office, and lay (Mr. Hater, my clerk, with me)
at Commissioner Willoughby’s’ house, where I was received by him very
civilly and slept well.
12th. Up early and by coach to White Hall with Commissioner Pett, where,
after we had talked with my Lord, I went to the Privy Seal and got my
bill perfected there, and at the Signet: and then to the House of Lords,
and met with Mr. Kipps, who directed me to Mr. Beale to get my patent
engrossed; but he not having time to get it done in Chancery-hand, I was
forced to run all up and down Chancery-lane, and the Six Clerks’ Office
[The Six Clerks’ Office was in Chancery Lane, near the Holborn end.
The business of the office was to enrol commissions, pardons,
patents, warrants, &c., that had passed the Great Seal; also other
business in Chancery. In the early history of the Court of
Chancery, the Six Clerks and their under-clerks appear to have acted
as the attorneys of the suitors. As business increased, these
under-clerks became a distinct body, and were recognized by the
court under the denomination of ‘sworn clerks,’ or ‘clerks in
court.’ The advance of commerce, with its consequent accession of
wealth, so multiplied the subjects requiring the judgment of a Court
of Equity, that the limits of a public office were found wholly
inadequate to supply a sufficient number of officers to conduct the
business of the suitors. Hence originated the ‘Solicitors’ of the
“Court of Chancery.” See Smith’s “Chancery Practice,” p. 62, 3rd
edit. The “Six Clerks” were abolished by act of Parliament,
5 Vict. c. 5.]
but could find none that could write the hand, that were at leisure.
And so in a despair went to the Admiralty, where we met the first time
there, my Lord Montagu, my Lord Barkley, Mr. Coventry, and all the
rest of the principal Officers and Commissioners, [except] only the
Controller, who is not yet chosen. At night to Mr. Kipps’s lodgings, but
not finding him, I went to Mr. Spong’s and there I found him and got him
to come to me to my Lord’s lodgings at 11 o’clock of night, when I got
him to take my bill to write it himself (which was a great providence
that he could do it) against to-morrow morning. I late writing letters
to sea by the post, and so home to bed. In great trouble because I heard
at Mr. Beale’s to-day that Barlow had been there and said that he would
make a stop in the business.
13th. Up early, the first day that I put on my black camlett coat with
silver buttons. To Mr. Spong, whom I found in his night-down writing
of my patent, and he had done as far as he could “for that &c.” by
8 o’clock. It being done, we carried it to Worcester House to the
Chancellor, where Mr. Kipps (a strange providence that he should now be
in a condition to do me a kindness, which I never thought him capable of
doing for me), got me the Chancellor’s recepi to my bill; and so carried
it to Mr. Beale for a dockett; but he was very angry, and unwilling to
do it, because he said it was ill writ (because I had got it writ by
another hand, and not by him); but by much importunity I got Mr. Spong
to go to his office and make an end of my patent; and in the mean time
Mr. Beale to be preparing my dockett, which being done, I did give him
two pieces, after which it was strange how civil and tractable he was
to me. From thence I went to the Navy office, where we despatched much
business, and resolved of the houses for the Officers and Commissioners,
which I was glad of, and I got leave to have a door made me into the
leads. From thence, much troubled in mind about my patent, I went to Mr.
Beale again, who had now finished my patent and made it ready for the
Seal, about an hour after I went to meet him at the Chancellor’s. So
I went away towards Westminster, and in my way met with Mr. Spong, and
went with him to Mr. Lilly and ate some bread and cheese, and drank with
him, who still would be giving me council of getting my patent out,
for fear of another change, and my Lord Montagu’s fall. After that to
Worcester House, where by Mr. Kipps’s means, and my pressing in General
Montagu’s name to the Chancellor, I did, beyond all expectation, get my
seal passed; and while it was doing in one room, I was forced to keep
Sir G. Carteret (who by chance met me there, ignorant of my business) in
talk, while it was a doing. Went home and brought my wife with me into
London, and some money, with which I paid Mr. Beale L9 in all, and took
my patent of him and went to my wife again, whom I had left in a coach
at the door of Hinde Court, and presented her with my patent at which
she was overjoyed; so to the Navy office, and showed her my house, and
were both mightily pleased at all things there, and so to my business.
So home with her, leaving her at her mother’s door. I to my Lord’s,
where I dispatched an order for a ship to fetch Sir R. Honywood home,
for which I got two pieces of my Lady Honywood by young Mr. Powell. Late
writing letters; and great doings of music at the next house, which was
Whally’s; the King and Dukes there with Madame Palmer,
[Barbara Villiers, only child of William, second Viscount Grandison,
born November, 1640, married April 14th, 1659, to Roger Palmer,
created Earl of Castlemaine, 1661. She became the King’s mistress
soon after the Restoration, and was in 1670 made Baroness Nonsuch,
Countess of Southampton, and Duchess of Cleveland. She had six
children by the King, one of them being created Duke of Grafton, and
the eldest son succeeding her as Duke of Cleveland. She
subsequently married Beau Fielding, whom she prosecuted for bigamy.
She died October 9th, 1709, aged sixty-nine. Her life was written
by G. Steinman Steinman, and privately printed 1871, with addenda
1874, and second addenda 1878.]
a pretty woman that they have a fancy to, to make her husband a cuckold.
Here at the old door that did go into his lodgings, my Lord, I, and W.
Howe, did stand listening a great while to the music. After that home to
bed. This day I should have been at Guildhall to have borne witness for
my brother Hawly against Black Collar, but I could not, at which I was
troubled. To bed with the greatest quiet of mind that I have had a
great while, having ate nothing but a bit of bread and cheese at Lilly’s
to-day, and a bit of bread and butter after I was a-bed.
14th. Up early and advised with my wife for the putting of all our
things in a readiness to be sent to our new house. To my Lord’s, where
he was in bed very late. So with Major Tollhurst and others to Harper’s,
and I sent for my barrel of pickled oysters and there ate them; while we
were doing so, comes in Mr. Pagan Fisher; the poet, and promises me what
he had long ago done, a book in praise of the King of France, with my
armes, and a dedication to me very handsome. After him comes Mr. Sheply
come from sea yesterday, whom I was glad to see that he may ease me of
the trouble of my Lord’s business. So to my Lord’s, where I staid doing
his business and taking his commands. After that to Westminster Hall,
where I paid all my debts in order to my going away from hence. Here I
met with Mr. Eglin, who would needs take me to the Leg in King
Street and gave me a dish of meat to dinner; and so I sent for Mons.
L’Impertinent, where we sat long and were merry. After that parted, and
I took Mr. Butler [Mons. L’Impertinent] with me into London by coach
and shewed him my house at the Navy Office, and did give order for the
laying in coals. So into Fenchurch Street, and did give him a glass of
wine at Rawlinson’s, and was trimmed in the street. So to my Lord’s late
writing letters, and so home, where I found my wife had packed up all
her goods in the house fit for a removal. So to bed.
15th. Lay long in bed to recover my rest. Going forth met with Mr.
Sheply, and went and drank my morning draft with him at Wilkinson’s,
and my brother Spicer.--[Jack Spicer, brother clerk of the Privy
Seal.]--After that to Westminster Abbey, and in Henry the Seventh’s
Chappell heard part of a sermon, the first that ever I heard there. To
my Lord’s and dined all alone at the table with him. After dinner he and
I alone fell to discourse, and I find him plainly to be a sceptic in all
things of religion, and to make no great matter of anything therein, but
to be a perfect Stoic. In the afternoon to Henry the Seventh’s Chappell,
where I heard service and a sermon there, and after that meeting W.
Bowyer there, he and I to the Park, and walked a good while till night.
So to Harper’s and drank together, and Captain Stokes came to us and so
I fell into discourse of buying paper at the first hand in my office,
and the Captain promised me to buy it for me in France. After that to
my Lord’s lodgings, where I wrote some business and so home. My wife
at home all the day, she having no clothes out, all being packed up
yesterday. For this month I have wholly neglected anything of news, and
so have beyond belief been ignorant how things go, but now by my patent
my mind is in some quiet, which God keep. I was not at my father’s
to-day, I being afraid to go for fear he should still solicit me to
speak to my Lord for a place in the Wardrobe, which I dare not do,
because of my own business yet. My wife and I mightily pleased with our
new house that we hope to have. My patent has cost me a great deal of
money, about L40, which is the only thing at present which do trouble
me much. In the afternoon to Henry the Seventh’s chapel, where I heard
a sermon and spent (God forgive me) most of my time in looking upon Mrs.
Butler. After that with W. Bowyer to walk in the Park. Afterwards to
my Lord’s lodgings, and so home to bed, having not been at my father’s
to-day.
16th, This morning it proved very rainy weather so that I could not
remove my goods to my house. I to my office and did business there, and
so home, it being then sunrise, but by the time that I got to my house
it began to rain again, so that I could not carry my goods by cart as I
would have done. After that to my Lord’s and so home and to bed.
17th. This morning (as indeed all the mornings nowadays) much business
at my Lord’s. There came to my house before I went out Mr. Barlow, an
old consumptive man, and fair conditioned, with whom I did discourse a
great while, and after much talk I did grant him what he asked, viz.,
L50 per annum, if my salary be not increased, and (100 per annum, in
case it be to L350), at which he was very well pleased to be paid as I
received my money and not otherwise. Going to my Lord’s I found my Lord
had got a great cold and kept his bed, and so I brought him to my Lord’s
bedside, and he and I did agree together to this purpose what I should
allow him. That done and the day proving fair I went home and got all my
goods packed up and sent away, and my wife and I and Mrs. Hunt went by
coach, overtaking the carts a-drinking in the Strand. Being come to my
house and set in the goods, and at night sent my wife and Mrs. Hunt to
buy something for supper; they bought a Quarter of Lamb, and so we ate
it, but it was not half roasted. Will, Mr. Blackburne’s nephew, is so
obedient, that I am greatly glad of him. At night he and I and Mrs. Hunt
home by water to Westminster. I to my Lord, and after having done some
business with him in his chamber in the Nursery, which has been now
his chamber since he came from sea, I went on foot with a linkboy to my
home, where I found my wife in bed and Jane washing the house, and Will
the boy sleeping, and a great deal of sport I had before I could wake
him. I to bed the first night that I ever lay here with my wife.
18th. This morning the carpenter made an end of my door out of my
chamber upon the leads.
This morning we met at the office: I dined at my house in Seething Lane,
and after that, going about 4 o’clock to Westminster, I met with Mr.
Carter and Mr. Cooke coming to see me in a coach, and so I returned
home. I did also meet with Mr. Pierce, the surgeon, with a porter with
him, with a barrel of Lemons, which my man Burr sends me from sea. I
took all these people home to my house and did give them some drink,
and after them comes Mr. Sheply, and after a little stay we all went by
water to Westminster as far as the New Exchange. Thence to my Lord
about business, and being in talk in comes one with half a buck from
Hinchinbroke, and it smelling a little strong my Lord did give it me
(though it was as good as any could be). I did carry it to my mother,
where I had not been a great while, and indeed had no great mind to go,
because my father did lay upon me continually to do him a kindness at
the Wardrobe, which I could not do because of my own business being so
fresh with my Lord. But my father was not at home, and so I did leave
the venison with her to dispose of as she pleased. After that home,
where W. Hewer now was, and did lie this night with us, the first night.
My mind very quiet, only a little trouble I have for the great debts
which I have still upon me to the Secretary, Mr. Kipps, and Mr. Spong
for my patent.
19th. I did lie late a-bed. I and my wife by water, landed her at
Whitefriars with her boy with an iron of our new range which is already
broke and my wife will have changed, and many other things she has to
buy with the help of my father to-day. I to my Lord and found him in
bed. This day I received my commission to swear people the oath of
allegiance and supremacy delivered me by my Lord. After talk with my
Lord I went to Westminster Hall, where I took Mr. Michell and his wife,
and Mrs. Murford we sent for afterwards, to the Dog Tavern, where I did
give them a dish of anchovies and olives and paid for all, and did talk
of our old discourse when we did use to talk of the King, in the time of
the Rump, privately; after that to the Admiralty Office, in White Hall,
where I staid and writ my last observations for these four days
last past. Great talk of the difference between the Episcopal and
Presbyterian Clergy, but I believe it will come to nothing. So home and
to bed.
20th. We sat at the office this morning, Sir W. Batten and Mr. Pett
being upon a survey to Chatham. This morning I sent my wife to my
father’s and he is to give me L5 worth of pewter. After we rose at the
office, I went to my father’s, where my Uncle Fenner and all his crew
and Captain Holland and his wife and my wife were at dinner at a venison
pasty of the venison that I did give my mother the other day. I did this
time show so much coldness to W. Joyce that I believe all the table took
notice of it. After that to Westminster about my Lord’s business and so
home, my Lord having not been well these two or three days, and I hear
that Mr. Barnwell at Hinchinbroke is fallen sick again. Home and to bed.
21st. This morning Mr. Barlow had appointed for me to bring him what
form I would have the agreement between him and me to pass, which I did
to his lodgings at the Golden Eagle in the new street--[Still retains
the name New Street.]--between Fetter Lane and Shoe Lane, where he liked
it very well, and I from him went to get Mr. Spong to engross it in
duplicates. To my Lord and spoke to him about the business of the Privy
Seal for me to be sworn, though I got nothing by it, but to do Mr.
Moore a kindness, which he did give me a good answer to. Went to the Six
Clerks’ office to Mr. Spong for the writings, and dined with him at a
club at the next door, where we had three voices to sing catches. So
to my house to write letters and so to Whitehall about business of my
Lord’s concerning his creation,--[As Earl of Sandwich.]--and so home and
to bed.
22nd. Lord’s day. All this last night it had rained hard. My brother Tom
came this morning the first time to see me, and I paid him all that I
owe my father to this day. Afterwards I went out and looked into several
churches, and so to my uncle Fenner’s, whither my wife was got before
me, and we, my father and mother, and all the Joyces, and my aunt Bell,
whom I had not seen many a year before. After dinner to White Hall (my
wife to church with K. Joyce), where I find my Lord at home, and walked
in the garden with him, he showing me all the respect that can be. I
left him and went to walk in the Park, where great endeavouring to get
into the inward Park,--[This is still railed off from St. James’s Park,
and called the Enclosure.]--but could not get in; one man was basted by
the keeper, for carrying some people over on his back through the water.
Afterwards to my Lord’s, where I staid and drank with Mr. Sheply, having
first sent to get a pair of oars. It was the first time that ever I went
by water on the Lord’s day. Home, and at night had a chapter read; and
I read prayers out of the Common Prayer Book, the first time that ever I
read prayers in this house. So to bed.
23rd. This morning Mr. Barlow comes to me, and he and I went forth to
a scrivener in Fenchurch Street, whom we found sick of the gout in bed,
and signed and sealed our agreement before him. He urged to have these
words (in consideration whereof) to be interlined, which I granted,
though against my will. Met this morning at the office, and afterwards
Mr. Barlow by appointment came and dined with me, and both of us very
pleasant and pleased. After dinner to my Lord, who took me to Secretary
Nicholas, and there before him and Secretary Morris, my Lord and I upon
our knees together took our oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy; and the
Oath of the Privy Seal, of which I was much glad, though I am not likely
to get anything by it at present; but I do desire it, for fear of a
turn-out of our office. That done and my Lord gone from me, I went with
Mr. Cooling and his brother, and Sam Hartlibb, little Jennings and some
others to the King’s Head Tavern at Charing Cross, where after drinking
I took boat and so home, where we supped merrily among ourselves (our
little boy proving a droll) and so after prayers to bed. This day my
Lord had heard that Mr. Barnwell was dead, but it is not so yet, though
he be very ill. I was troubled all this day with Mr. Cooke, being
willing to do him good, but my mind is so taken up with my own business
that I cannot.
24th. To White Hall, where I did acquaint Mr. Watkins with my being
sworn into the Privy Seal, at which he was much troubled, but put it up
and did offer me a kinsman of his to be my clerk, which I did give him
some hope of, though I never intend it. In the afternoon I spent much
time in walking in White Hall Court with Mr. Bickerstaffe, who was very
glad of my Lord’s being sworn, because of his business with his
brother Baron, which is referred to my Lord Chancellor, and to be ended
to-morrow. Baron had got a grant beyond sea, to come in before the
reversionary of the Privy Seal. This afternoon Mr. Mathews came to me,
to get a certificate of my Lord’s and my being sworn, which I put in
some forwardness, and so home and to bed.
25th. In the morning at the office, and after that down to Whitehall,
where I met with Mr. Creed, and with him and a Welsh schoolmaster, a
good scholar but a very pedagogue, to the ordinary at the Leg in King
Street.’ I got my certificate of my Lord’s and my being sworn. This
morning my Lord took leave of the House of Commons, and had the thanks
of the House for his great services to his country. In the afternoon
(but this is a mistake, for it was yesterday in the afternoon) Monsieur
L’Impertinent and I met and I took him to the Sun and drank with him,
and in the evening going away we met his mother and sisters and father
coming from the Gatehouse; where they lodge, where I did the first time
salute them all, and very pretty Madame Frances--[Frances Butler, the
beauty.]--is indeed. After that very late home and called in Tower
Street, and there at a barber’s was trimmed the first time. Home and to
bed.
26th. Early to White Hall, thinking to have a meeting of my Lord and the
principal officers, but my Lord could not, it being the day that he
was to go and be admitted in the House of Lords, his patent being done,
which he presented upon his knees to the Speaker; and so it was read in
the House, and he took his place. I at the Privy Seal Office with Mr.
Hooker, who brought me acquainted with Mr. Crofts of the Signet, and
I invited them to a dish of meat at the Leg in King Street, and so we
dined there and I paid for all and had very good light given me as to my
employment there. Afterwards to Mr. Pierces, where I should have dined
but I could not, but found Mr. Sheply and W. Howe there. After we had
drunk hard we parted, and I went away and met Dr. Castle, who is one of
the Clerks of the Privy Seal, and told him how things were with my Lord
and me, which he received very gladly. I was this day told how Baron
against all expectation and law has got the place of Bickerstaffe, and
so I question whether he will not lay claim to wait the next month, but
my Lord tells me that he will stand for it. In the evening I met with T.
Doling, who carried me to St. James’s Fair,
[August, 1661: “This year the Fair, called St. James’s Fair, was
kept the full appointed time, being a fortnight; but during that
time many lewd and infamous persons were by his Majesty’s express
command to the Lord Chamberlain, and his Lordship’s direction to
Robert Nelson, Esq., committed to the House of Correction.”--Rugge’s
Diurnal. St; James’s fair was held first in the open space near St.
James’s Palace, and afterwards in St. James’s Market. It was
prohibited by the Parliament in 1651, but revived at the
Restoration. It was, however, finally suppressed before the close
of the reign of Charles II.]
and there meeting with W. Symons and his wife, and Luellin, and D.
Scobell’s wife and cousin, we went to Wood’s at the Pell Mell
[This is one of the earliest references to Pall Mall as an inhabited
street, and also one of the earliest uses of the word clubbing.]
(our old house for clubbing), and there we spent till 10 at night, at
which time I sent to my Lord’s for my clerk Will to come to me, and so
by link home to bed. Where I found Commissioner Willoughby had sent
for all his things away out of my bedchamber, which is a little
disappointment, but it is better than pay too dear for them.
27th: The last night Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen came to their houses
at the office. Met this morning and did business till noon. Dined at
home and from thence to my Lord’s where Will, my clerk, and I were all
the afternoon making up my accounts, which we had done by night, and I
find myself worth about L100 after all my expenses. At night I sent to
W. Bowyer to bring me L100, being that he had in his hands of my Lord’s.
in keeping, out of which I paid Mr. Sheply all that remained due to my
Lord upon my balance, and took the rest home with me late at night. We
got a coach, but the horses were tired and could not carry us farther
than St. Dunstan’s. So we ‘light and took a link and so home weary to
bed.
28th. Early in the morning rose, and a boy brought me a letter from
Poet Fisher, who tells me that he is upon a panegyrique of the King,
and desired to borrow a piece of me; and I sent him half a piece. To
Westminster, and there dined with Mr. Sheply and W. Howe, afterwards
meeting with Mr. Henson, who had formerly had the brave clock that went
with bullets (which is now taken away from him by the King, it being his
goods).
[Some clocks are still made with a small ball, or bullet, on an
inclined plane, which turns every minute. The King’s clocks
probably dropped bullets. Gainsborough the painter had a brother
who was a dissenting minister at Henley-on-Thames, and possessed a
strong genius for mechanics. He invented a clock of a very peculiar
construction, which, after his death, was deposited in the British
Museum. It told the hour by a little bell, and was kept in motion
by a leaden bullet, which dropped from a spiral reservoir at the top
of the clock, into a little ivory bucket. This was so contrived as
to discharge it at the bottom, and by means of a counter-weight was
carried up to the top of the clock, where it received another
bullet, which was discharged as the former. This seems to have been
an attempt at the perpetual motion.--Gentleman’s Magazine, 1785,
p. 931.--B.]
I went with him to the Swan Tavern and sent for Mr. Butler, who was now
all full of his high discourse in praise of Ireland, whither he and his
whole family are going by Coll. Dillon’s persuasion, but so many lies I
never heard in praise of anything as he told of Ireland. So home late at
night and to bed.
29th. Lord’s day. I and my boy Will to Whitehall, and I with my Lord
to White Hall Chappell, where I heard a cold sermon of the Bishop of
Salisbury’s, and the ceremonies did not please me, they do so overdo
them. My Lord went to dinner at Kensington with my Lord Camden. So I
dined and took Mr. Birfett, my Lord’s chaplain, and his friend along
with me, with Mr. Sheply at my Lord’s. In the afternoon with Dick Vines
and his brother Payton, we walked to Lisson Green and Marybone and back
again, and finding my Lord at home I got him to look over my accounts,
which he did approve of and signed them, and so we are even to this day.
Of this I was glad, and do think myself worth clear money about L120.
Home late, calling in at my father’s without stay. To bed.
30th. Sat at our office to-day, and my father came this day the first
time to see us at my new office. And Mrs. Crisp by chance came in and
sat with us, looked over our house and advised about the furnishing of
it. This afternoon I got my L50, due to me for my first quarter’s salary
as Secretary to my Lord, paid to Tho. Hater for me, which he received
and brought home to me, of which I am full glad. To Westminster and
among other things met with Mr. Moore, and took him and his friend, a
bookseller of Paul’s Churchyard, to the Rhenish Winehouse, and drinking
there the sword-bearer of London (Mr. Man) came to ask for us, with whom
we sat late, discoursing about the worth of my office of Clerk of the
Acts, which he hath a mind to buy, and I asked four years’ purchase. We
are to speak more of it to-morrow. Home on foot, and seeing him at home
at Butler’s merry, he lent me a torch, which Will carried, and so home.
31st. To White Hall, where my Lord and the principal officers met, and
had a great discourse about raising of money for the Navy, which is in
very sad condition, and money must be raised for it. Mr. Blackburne, Dr.
Clerke, and I to the Quaker’s and dined there. I back to the Admiralty,
and there was doing things in order to the calculating of the debts of
the Navy and other business, all the afternoon. At night I went to the
Privy Seal, where I found Mr. Crofts and Mathews making up all their
things to leave the office tomorrow, to those that come to wait the
next month. I took them to the Sun Tavern and there made them drink,
and discoursed concerning the office, and what I was to expect tomorrow
about Baron, who pretends to the next month. Late home by coach so far
as Ludgate with Mr. Mathews, and thence home on foot with W. Hewer with
me, and so to bed.