July 1st. Up and within all the morning, first bringing down my Tryangle
to my chamber below, having a new frame made proper for it to stand on.
By and by comes Dr. Burnett, who assures me that I have an ulcer either
in the kidneys or bladder, for my water, which he saw yesterday, he is
sure the sediment is not slime gathered by heat, but is a direct pusse.
He did write me down some direction what to do for it, but not with the
satisfaction I expected.
Dr. Burnett’s advice to mee.
The Originall is fyled among my letters.
Take of ye Rootes of Marsh-Mallows foure ounces, of Cumfry, of
Liquorish, of each two ounces, of ye Mowers of St. John’s Wort two
Handsfull, of ye Leaves of Plantan, of Alehoofe, of each three
handfulls, of Selfeheale, of Red Roses, of each one Handfull, of
Cynament, of Nutmegg, of each halfe an ounce. Beate them well, then
powre upon them one Quart of old Rhenish wine, and about Six houres
after strayne it and clarify it with ye white of an Egge, and with a
sufficient quantity of sugar, boyle it to ye consistence of a Syrrup
and reserve it for use.
Dissolve one spoonefull of this Syrrup in every draught of Ale or
beere you drink.
Morning and evening swallow ye quantity of an hazle-nutt of Cyprus
Terebintine.
If you are bound or have a fit of ye Stone eate an ounce of Cassia
new drawne, from ye poynt of a knife.
Old Canary or Malaga wine you may drinke to three or 4 glasses, but
noe new wine, and what wine you drinke, lett it bee at meales.-[From
a slip of paper inserted in the Diary at this place.]
I did give him a piece, with good hopes, however, that his advice will
be of use to me, though it is strange that Mr. Hollyard should never say
one word of this ulcer in all his life to me. He being gone, I to the
‘Change, and thence home to dinner, and so to my office, busy till
the evening, and then by agreement came Mr. Hill and Andrews and one
Cheswicke, a maister who plays very well upon the Spinette, and we sat
singing Psalms till 9 at night, and so broke up with great pleasure,
and very good company it is, and I hope I shall now and then have their
company. They being gone, I to my office till towards twelve o’clock,
and then home and to bed. Upon the ‘Change, this day, I saw how
uncertain the temper of the people is, that, from our discharging of
about 200 that lay idle, having nothing to do, upon some of our ships,
which were ordered to be fitted for service, and their works are now
done, the towne do talk that the King discharges all his men, 200
yesterday and 800 to-day, and that now he hath got L100,000 in his hand,
he values not a Dutch warr. But I undeceived a great many, telling them
how it is.
2nd. Up and to the office, where all the morning. At noon to the
‘Change, and there, which is strange, I could meet with nobody that
I could invite home to my venison pasty, but only Mr. Alsopp and Mr.
Lanyon, whom I invited last night, and a friend they brought along with
them. So home and with our venison pasty we had other good meat and good
discourse. After dinner sat close to discourse about our business of
the victualling of the garrison of Tangier, taking their prices of all
provisions, and I do hope to order it so that they and I also may get
something by it, which do much please me, for I hope I may get nobly and
honestly with profit to the King. They being gone came Sir W. Warren,
and he and I discoursed long about the business of masts, and then in
the evening to my office, where late writing letters, and then home to
look over some Brampton papers, which I am under an oathe to dispatch
before I spend one half houre in any pleasure or go to bed before 12
o’clock, to which, by the grace of God, I will be true. Then to bed.
When I came home I found that to-morrow being Sunday I should gain
nothing by doing it to-night, and to-morrow I can do it very well
and better than to-night. I went to bed before my time, but with a
resolution of doing the thing to better purpose to-morrow.
3rd (Lord’s day). Up and ready, and all the morning in my chamber
looking over and settling some Brampton businesses. At noon to dinner,
where the remains of yesterday’s venison and a couple of brave green
geese, which we are fain to eat alone, because they will not keepe,
which troubled us. After dinner I close to my business, and before the
evening did end it with great content, and my mind eased by it. Then up
and spent the evening walking with my wife talking, and it thundering
and lightning all the evening, and this yeare have had the most of
thunder and lightning they say of any in man’s memory, and so it is, it
seems, in France and everywhere else. So to prayers and to bed.
4th. Up, and many people with me about business, and then out to several
places, and so at noon to my Lord Crew’s, and there dined and very much
made of there by him. He offered me the selling of some land of his in
Cambridgeshire, a purchase of about L1000, and if I can compass it I
will. After dinner I walked homeward, still doing business by the way,
and at home find my wife this day of her owne accord to have lain
out 25s. upon a pair of pendantes for her eares, which did vex me and
brought both me and her to very high and very foule words from her
to me, such as trouble me to think she should have in her mouth, and
reflecting upon our old differences, which I hate to have remembered. I
vowed to breake them, or that she should go and get what she could for
them again. I went with that resolution out of doors; the poor wretch
afterwards in a little while did send out to change them for her money
again. I followed Besse her messenger at the ‘Change, and there
did consult and sent her back; I would not have them changed, being
satisfied that she yielded. So went home, and friends again as to that
business; but the words I could not get out of my mind, and so went to
bed at night discontented, and she came to bed to me, but all would not
make me friends, but sleep and rise in the morning angry. This day the
King and the Queene went to visit my Lord Sandwich and the fleete, going
forth in the Hope.
[“Their Majesties were treated at Tilbury Hope by the Earl of
Sandwich, returning the same day, abundantly satisfied both with the
dutiful respects of that honourable person and with the excellent
condition of all matters committed to his charge” (“The Newes,” July
7th, 1664).--B.]
5th. Up and to the office, where all the morning. At noon to the ‘Change
a little, then with W. Howe home and dined. So after dinner to my
office, and there busy till late at night, having had among other things
much discourse with young Gregory about the Chest business, wherein Sir
W. Batten is so great a knave, and also with Alsop and Lanyon about the
Tangier victualling, wherein I hope to get something for myself. Late
home to supper and to bed, being full of thoughts of a sudden resolution
this day taken upon the ‘Change of going down to-morrow to the Hope.
6th. Up very betimes, and my wife also, and got us ready; and about
eight o’clock, having got some bottles of wine and beer and neat’s
tongues, we went to our barge at the Towre, where Mr. Pierce and his
wife, and a kinswoman and his sister, and Mrs. Clerke and her sister and
cozen were to expect us; and so set out for the Hope, all the way down
playing at cards and other sports, spending our time pretty merry. Come
to the Hope about one and there showed them all the ships, and had a
collacion of anchovies, gammon, &c., and after an houre’s stay or more,
embarked again for home; and so to cards and other sports till we came
to Greenwich, and there Mrs. Clerke and my wife and I on shore to an
alehouse, for them to do their business, and so to the barge again,
having shown them the King’s pleasure boat; and so home to the Bridge,
bringing night home with us; and it rained hard, but we got them on foot
to the Beare, and there put them into a boat, and I back to my wife in
the barge, and so to the Tower Wharf and home, being very well pleased
today with the company, especially Mrs. Pierce, who continues her
complexion as well as ever, and hath, at this day, I think, the best
complexion that ever I saw on any woman, young or old, or child either,
all days of my life. Also Mrs. Clerke’s kinswoman sings very prettily,
but is very confident in it; Mrs. Clerke herself witty, but spoils all
in being so conceited and making so great a flutter with a few fine
clothes and some bad tawdry things worne with them. But the charge of
the barge lies heavy upon me, which troubles me, but it is but once, and
I may make Pierce do me some courtesy as great. Being come home, I weary
to bed with sitting. The reason of Dr. Clerke’s not being here was the
King’s being sicke last night and let blood, and so he durst not come
away to-day.
7th. Up, and this day begun, the first day this year, to put off my
linnen waistcoat, but it happening to be a cool day I was afraid of
taking cold, which troubles me, and is the greatest pain I have in the
world to think of my bad temper of my health. At the office all the
morning. Dined at home, to my office to prepare some things against a
Committee of Tangier this afternoon. So to White Hall, and there found
the Duke and twenty more reading their commission (of which I am, and
was also sent to, to come) for the Royall Fishery, which is very large,
and a very serious charter it is; but the company generally so ill
fitted for so serious a worke that I do much fear it will come to
little. That being done, and not being able to do any thing for lacke
of an oathe for the Governor and Assistants to take, we rose. Then our
Committee for the Tangier victualling met and did a little, and so up,
and I and Mr. Coventry walked in the garden half an hour, talking of
the business of our masts, and thence away and with Creed walked half an
hour or more in the Park, and thence to the New Exchange to drink some
creame, but missed it and so parted, and I home, calling by the way
for my new bookes, viz., Sir H. Spillman’s “Whole Glossary,” “Scapula’s
Lexicon,” and Shakespeare’s plays, which I have got money out of my
stationer’s bills to pay for. So home and to my office a while, and then
home and to bed, finding myself pretty well for all my waistecoate being
put off to-day. The king is pretty well to-day, though let blood the
night before yesterday.
8th. Up and called out by my Lord Peterborough’s gentleman to Mr. Povy’s
to discourse about getting of his money, wherein I am concerned in hopes
of the L50 my Lord hath promised me, but I dare not reckon myself sure
of it till I have it in my main,--[hand.]--for these Lords are hard to
be trusted. Though I well deserve it. I staid at Povy’s for his
coming in, and there looked over his stables and every thing, but
notwithstanding all the times I have been there I do yet find many fine
things to look on. Thence to White Hall a little, to hear how the King
do, he not having been well these three days. I find that he is pretty
well again. So to Paul’s Churchyarde about my books, and to the binder’s
and directed the doing of my Chaucer,
[This was Speght’s edition of 1602, which is still in the Pepysian
Library. The book is bound in calf, with brass clasps and bosses.
It is not lettered.]
though they were not full neate enough for me, but pretty well it is;
and thence to the clasp-maker’s to have it clasped and bossed. So to the
‘Change and home to dinner, and so to my office till 5 o’clock, and then
came Mr. Hill and Andrews, and we sung an houre or two. Then broke
up and Mr. Alsop and his company came and consulted about our Tangier
victualling and brought it to a good head. So they parted, and I to
supper and to bed.
9th. Up, and at the office all the morning. In the afternoon by coach
with Sir J. Minnes to White Hall, and there to a Committee for Fishing;
but the first thing was swearing to be true to the Company, and we
were all sworne; but a great dispute we had, which, methought, is very
ominous to the Company; some, that we should swear to be true to the
best of our power, and others to the best of our understanding; and
carried in the last, though in that we are the least able to serve the
Company, because we would not be obliged to attend the business when we
can, but when we list. This consideration did displease me, but it was
voted and so went. We did nothing else, but broke up till a Committee
of Guinny was set and ended, and then met again for Tangier, and there
I did my business about my Lord Peterborough’s order and my own for my
expenses for the garrison lately. So home, by the way calling for my
Chaucer and other books, and that is well done to my mind, which pleased
me well. So to my office till late writing letters, and so home to my
wife to supper and bed, where we have not lain together because of the
heat of the weather a good while, but now against her going into the
country.
10th (Lord’s day). Up and by water, towards noon, to Somersett House,
and walked to my Lord Sandwich’s, and there dined with my Lady and the
children. And after some ordinary discourse with my Lady, after dinner
took our leaves and my wife hers, in order to her going to the country
to-morrow. But my Lord took not occasion to speak one word of my father
or mother about the children at all, which I wonder at, and begin I will
not. Here my Lady showed us my Lady Castlemayne’s picture, finely done;
given my Lord; and a most beautiful picture it is. Thence with my Lady
Jemimah and Mr. Sidney to St. Gyles’s Church, and there heard a long,
poore sermon. Thence set them down and in their coach to Kate Joyce’s
christening, where much company, good service of sweetmeates; and after
an houre’s stay, left them, and in my Lord’s coach--his noble, rich
coach--home, and there my wife fell to putting things in order against
her going to-morrow, and I to read, and so to bed, where I not well, and
so had no pleasure at all with my poor wife.
11th. But betimes up this morning, and, getting ready, we by coach to
Holborne, where, at nine o’clock, they set out, and I and my man Will on
horseback, by my wife, to Barnett; a very pleasant day; and there dined
with her company, which was very good; a pretty gentlewoman with her,
that goes but to Huntington, and a neighbour to us in towne. Here we
staid two hours and then parted for all together, and my poor wife I
shall soon want I am sure. Thence I and Will to see the Wells, half a
mile off,
[The mineral springs at Barnet Common, nearly a mile to the west of
High Barnet. The discovery of the wells was announced in the
“Perfect Diurnall” of June 5th, 1652, and Fuller, writing in 1662,
says that there are hopes that the waters may “save as many lives as
were lost in the fatal battle at Barnet” (“Worthies,” Herts). A
pamphlet on “The Barnet Well Water” was published by the Rev. W. M.
Trinder, M.D., as late as the year 1800, but in 1840 the old well-
house was pulled down.]
and there I drank three glasses, and went and walked and came back and
drunk two more; the woman would have had me drink three more; but I
could not, my belly being full, but this wrought very well, and so we
rode home, round by Kingsland, Hackney, and Mile End till we were quite
weary, and my water working at least 7 or 8 times upon the road, which
pleased me well, and so home weary, and not being very well, I betimes
to bed, and there fell into a most mighty sweat in the night, about
eleven o’clock, and there, knowing what money I have in the house and
hearing a noyse, I begun to sweat worse and worse, till I melted almost
to water. I rung, and could not in half an houre make either of the
wenches hear me, and this made me fear the more, lest they might be
gaga; and then I begun to think that there was some design in a stone
being flung at the window over our stayres this evening, by which the
thiefes meant to try what looking there would be after them and know
our company. These thoughts and fears I had, and do hence apprehend the
fears of all rich men that are covetous and have much money by them.
At last Jane rose, and then I understand it was only the dogg wants a
lodging and so made a noyse. So to bed, but hardly slept, at last did,
and so till morning,
12th. And so rose, called up by my Lord Peterborough’s gentleman about
getting his Lord’s money to-day of Mr. Povy, wherein I took such order,
that it was paid, and I had my L50 brought me, which comforts my heart.
We sat at the office all the morning, then at home. Dined alone; sad for
want of company and not being very well, and know not how to eat alone.
After dinner down with Sir G. Carteret, Sir J. Minnes, and Sir W. Batten
to view, and did like a place by Deptford yard to lay masts in. By
and by comes Mr. Coventry, and after a little stay he and I down to
Blackwall, he having a mind to see the yarde, which we did, and fine
storehouses there are and good docks, but of no great profit to him that
oweth them for ought we see.
[For “owneth.” This sense is very common in Shakespeare. In the
original edition of the authorized version of the Bible we read: “So
shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that oweth this girdle”
(Acts xxi. I i) Nares’s Glossary.]
So home by water with him, having good discourse by the way, and so I to
the office a while, and late home to supper and to bed.
13th. Up and to my office, at noon (after having at an alehouse hard
by discoursed with one Mr. Tyler, a neighbour, and one Captain Sanders
about the discovery of some pursers that have sold their provisions) I
to my Lord Sandwich, thinking to have dined there, but they not dining
at home, I with Captain Ferrers to Mr. Barwell the King’s Squire Sadler,
where about this time twelvemonths I dined before at a good venison
pasty. The like we had now, and very good company, Mr. Tresham and
others. Thence to White Hall to the Fishery, and there did little. So
by water home, and there met Lanyon, &c., about Tangier matters, and
so late to my office, and thence home and to bed. Mr. Moore was with me
late to desire me to come to my Lord Sandwich tomorrow morning, which I
shall, but I wonder what my business is.
14th. My mind being doubtful what the business should be, I rose a
little after four o’clock, and abroad. Walked to my Lord’s, and nobody
up, but the porter rose out of bed to me so I back again to Fleete
Streete, and there bought a little book of law; and thence, hearing a
psalm sung, I went into St. Dunstan’s, and there heard prayers read,
which, it seems, is done there every morning at six o’clock; a thing I
never did do at a chappell, but the College Chappell, in all my life.
Thence to my Lord’s again, and my Lord being up, was sent for up, and
he and I alone. He did begin with a most solemn profession of the same
confidence in and love for me that he ever had, and then told me what a
misfortune was fallen upon me and him: in me, by a displeasure which my
Lord Chancellor did show to him last night against me, in the highest
and most passionate manner that ever any man did speak, even to the not
hearing of any thing to be said to him: but he told me, that he did say
all that could be said for a man as to my faithfullnesse and duty to his
Lordship, and did me the greatest right imaginable. And what should the
business be, but that I should be forward to have the trees in Clarendon
Park marked and cut down, which he, it seems, hath bought of my Lord
Albemarle; when, God knows! I am the most innocent man in the world in
it, and did nothing of myself, nor knew of his concernment therein, but
barely obeyed my Lord Treasurer’s warrant for the doing thereof. And
said that I did most ungentlemanlike with him, and had justified the
rogues in cutting down a tree of his; and that I had sent the veriest
Fanatique [Deane] that is in England to mark them, on purpose to
nose--[provoke]--him. All which, I did assure my Lord, was most properly
false, and nothing like it true; and told my Lord the whole passage. My
Lord do seem most nearly affected; he is partly, I believe, for me, and
partly for himself. So he advised me to wait presently upon my Lord, and
clear myself in the most perfect manner I could, with all submission and
assurance that I am his creature both in this and all other things; and
that I do owne that all I have, is derived through my Lord Sandwich from
his Lordship. So, full of horror, I went, and found him busy in tryals
of law in his great room; and it being Sitting-day, durst not stay, but
went to my Lord and told him so: whereupon he directed me to take him
after dinner; and so away I home, leaving my Lord mightily concerned for
me. I to the office, and there sat busy all the morning. At noon to the
‘Change, and from the ‘Change over with Alsopp and the others to the
Pope’s Head tavern, and there staid a quarter of an hour, and concluded
upon this, that in case I got them no more than 3s. per week per man
I should have of them but L150 per ann., but to have it without any
adventure or charge, but if I got them 3s. 2d., then they would give me
L300 in the like manner. So I directed them to draw up their tender in
a line or two against the afternoon, and to meet me at White Hall. So
I left them, and I to my Lord Chancellor’s; and there coming out after
dinner I accosted him, telling him that I was the unhappy Pepys that
had fallen into his high displeasure, and come to desire him to give me
leave to make myself better understood to his Lordship, assuring him
of my duty and service. He answered me very pleasingly, that he was
confident upon the score of my Lord Sandwich’s character of me, but that
he had reason to think what he did, and desired me to call upon him some
evening: I named to-night, and he accepted of it. So with my heart light
I to White Hall, and there after understanding by a stratagem, and yet
appearing wholly desirous not to understand Mr. Gauden’s price when he
desired to show it me, I went down and ordered matters in our tender
so well that at the meeting by and by I was ready with Mr. Gauden’s
and his, both directed him a letter to me to give the board their two
tenders, but there being none but the Generall Monk and Mr. Coventry and
Povy and I, I did not think fit to expose them to view now, but put it
off till Saturday, and so with good content rose. Thence I to the Half
Moone, against the ‘Change, to acquaint Lanyon and his friends of our
proceedings, and thence to my Lord Chancellor’s, and there heard several
tryals, wherein I perceive my Lord is a most able and ready man. After
all done, he himself called, “Come, Mr. Pepys, you and I will take a
turn in the garden.” So he was led down stairs, having the goute, and
there walked with me, I think, above an houre, talking most friendly,
yet cunningly. I told him clearly how things were; how ignorant I was
of his Lordship’s concernment in it; how I did not do nor say one word
singly, but what was done was the act of the whole Board. He told me by
name that he was more angry with Sir G. Carteret than with me, and also
with the whole body of the Board. But thinking who it was of the Board
that knew him least, he did place his fear upon me; but he finds that
he is indebted to none of his friends there. I think I did thoroughly
appease him, till he thanked me for my desire and pains to satisfy him;
and upon my desiring to be directed who I should of his servants advise
with about this business, he told me nobody, but would be glad to hear
from me himself. He told me he would not direct me in any thing, that it
might not be said that the Lord Chancellor did labour to abuse the King;
or (as I offered) direct the suspending the Report of the Purveyors but
I see what he means, and I will make it my worke to do him service
in it. But, Lord! to see how he is incensed against poor Deane, as a
fanatique rogue, and I know not what: and what he did was done in spite
to his Lordship, among all his friends and tenants. He did plainly say
that he would not direct me in any thing, for he would not put himself
into the power of any man to say that he did so and so; but plainly
told me as if he would be glad I did something. Lord! to see how we poor
wretches dare not do the King good service for fear of the greatness of
these men. He named Sir G. Carteret, and Sir J. Minnes, and the rest;
and that he was as angry with them all as me. But it was pleasant to
think that, while he was talking to me, comes into the garden Sir G.
Carteret; and my Lord avoided speaking with him, and made him and many
others stay expecting him, while I walked up and down above an houre, I
think; and would have me walk with my hat on. And yet, after all this,
there has been so little ground for this his jealousy of me, that I am
sometimes afeard that he do this only in policy to bring me to his side
by scaring me; or else, which is worse, to try how faithfull I would
be to the King; but I rather think the former of the two. I parted with
great assurance how I acknowledged all I had to come from his Lordship;
which he did not seem to refuse, but with great kindness and respect
parted. So I by coach home, calling at my Lord’s, but he not within. At
my office late, and so home to eat something, being almost starved for
want of eating my dinner to-day, and so to bed, my head being full of
great and many businesses of import to me.
15th. Up, and to my Lord Sandwich’s; where he sent for me up, and I
did give my Lord an account of what had passed with my Lord Chancellor
yesterday; with which he was well pleased, and advised me by all means
to study in the best manner I could to serve him in this business. After
this discourse ended, he begun to tell me that he had now pitched upon
his day of going to sea upon Monday next, and that he would now give me
an account how matters are with him. He told me that his work now in the
world is only to keep up his interest at Court, having little hopes
to get more considerably, he saying that he hath now about L8,000 per
annum. It is true, he says, he oweth about L10,000; but he hath been at
great charges in getting things to this pass in his estate; besides his
building and good goods that he hath bought. He says he hath now evened
his reckonings at the Wardrobe till Michaelmas last, and hopes to finish
it to Ladyday before he goes. He says now there is due, too, L7,000 to
him there, if he knew how to get it paid, besides L2000 that Mr. Montagu
do owe him. As to his interest, he says that he hath had all the injury
done him that ever man could have by another bosom friend that knows
all his secrets, by Mr. Montagu; but he says that the worst of it all
is past, and he gone out and hated, his very person by the King, and he
believes the more upon the score of his carriage to him; nay, that the
Duke of Yorke did say a little while since in his closett, that he did
hate him because of his ungratefull carriage to my Lord of Sandwich. He
says that he is as great with the Chancellor, or greater, than ever in
his life. That with the King he is the like; and told me an instance,
that whereas he formerly was of the private council to the King before
he was last sicke, and that by the sickness an interruption was made
in his attendance upon him; the King did not constantly call him, as he
used to do, to his private council, only in businesses of the sea and
the like; but of late the King did send a message to him by Sir Harry
Bennet, to excuse the King to my Lord that he had not of late sent for
him as he used to do to his private council, for it was not out of any
distaste, but to avoid giving offence to some others whom he did not
name; but my Lord supposes it might be Prince Rupert, or it may be only
that the King would rather pass it by an excuse, than be thought unkind:
but that now he did desire him to attend him constantly, which of late
he hath done, and the King never more kind to him in his life than now.
The Duke of Yorke, as much as is possible; and in the business of late,
when I was to speak to my Lord about his going to sea, he says that he
finds the Duke did it with the greatest ingenuity and love in the world;
“and whereas,” says my Lord, “here is a wise man hard by that thinks
himself so, and would be thought so, and it may be is in a degree so
(naming by and by my Lord Crew), would have had me condition with him
that neither Prince Rupert nor any body should come over his head, and I
know not what.” The Duke himself hath caused in his commission, that he
be made Admirall of this and what other ships or fleets shall hereafter
be put out after these; which is very noble. He tells me in these cases,
and that of Mr. Montagu’s, and all others, he finds that bearing of them
patiently is his best way, without noise or trouble, and things wear out
of themselves and come fair again. But, says he, take it from me, never
to trust too much to any man in the world, for you put yourself into his
power; and the best seeming friend and real friend as to the present may
have or take occasion to fall out with you, and then out comes all. Then
he told me of Sir Harry Bennet, though they were always kind, yet now
it is become to an acquaintance and familiarity above ordinary, that for
these months he hath done no business but with my Lord’s advice in his
chamber, and promises all faithfull love to him and service upon all
occasions. My Lord says, that he hath the advantage of being able by his
experience to helpe and advise him; and he believes that that chiefly
do invite Sir Harry to this manner of treating him. “Now,” says my Lord,
“the only and the greatest embarras that I have in the world is, how
to behave myself to Sir H. Bennet and my Lord Chancellor, in case that
there do lie any thing under the embers about my Lord Bristoll, which
nobody can tell; for then,” says he, “I must appear for one or other,
and I will lose all I have in the world rather than desert my Lord
Chancellor: so that,” says he, “I know not for my life what to do in
that case.” For Sir H. Bennet’s love is come to the height, and his
confidence, that he hath given my Lord a character, and will oblige my
Lord to correspond with him. “This,” says he, “is the whole condition of
my estate and interest; which I tell you, because I know not whether I
shall see you again or no.” Then as to the voyage, he thinks it will be
of charge to him, and no profit; but that he must not now look after nor
think to encrease, but study to make good what he hath, that what is due
to him from the Wardrobe or elsewhere may be paid, which otherwise would
fail, and all a man hath be but small content to him. So we seemed to
take leave one of another; my Lord of me, desiring me that I would
write to him and give him information upon all occasions in matters that
concern him; which, put together with what he preambled with yesterday,
makes me think that my Lord do truly esteem me still, and desires to
preserve my service to him; which I do bless God for. In the middle of
our discourse my Lady Crew came in to bring my Lord word that he hath
another son, my Lady being brought to bed just now, I did not think her
time had been so nigh, but she’s well brought to bed, for which God be
praised! and send my Lord to study the laying up of something the more!
Then with Creed to St. James’s, and missing Mr. Coventry, to White Hall;
where, staying for him in one of the galleries, there comes out of the
chayre-room Mrs. Stewart, in a most lovely form, with her hair all
about her eares, having her picture taking there. There was the King and
twenty more, I think, standing by all the while, and a lovely creature
she in this dress seemed to be. Thence to the ‘Change by coach, and so
home to dinner and then to my office. In the evening Mr. Hill, Andrews
and I to my chamber to sing, which we did very pleasantly, and then to
my office again, where very late and so home, with my mind I bless God
in good state of ease and body of health, only my head at this juncture
very full of business, how to get something. Among others what this
rogue Creed will do before he goes to sea, for I would fain be rid of
him and see what he means to do, for I will then declare myself his firm
friend or enemy.
16th. Up in the morning, my head mightily confounded with the great
deale of business I have upon me to do. But to the office, and there
dispatched Mr. Creed’s business pretty well about his bill; but then
there comes W. Howe for my Lord’s bill of Imprest for L500 to carry with
him this voyage, and so I was at a loss how to carry myself in it, Creed
being there, but there being no help I delivered it to them both, and
let them contend, when I perceive they did both endeavour to have it,
but W. Howe took it, and the other had the discretion to suffer it. But
I think I cleared myself to Creed that it past not from any practice
of mine. At noon rose and did some necessary business at the ‘Change.
Thence to Trinity House to a dinner which Sir G. Carteret makes there
as Maister this year. Thence to White Hall to the Tangier Committee, and
there, above my expectation, got the business of our contract for the
victualling carried for my people, viz., Alsopp, Lanyon, and Yeabsly;
and by their promise I do thereby get L300 per annum to myself, which
do overjoy me; and the matter is left to me to draw up. Mr. Lewes was in
the gallery and is mightily amazed at it, and I believe Mr. Gauden will
make some stir about it, for he wrote to Mr. Coventry to-day about it to
argue why he should for the King’s convenience have it, but Mr. Coventry
most justly did argue freely for them that served cheapest. Thence
walked a while with Mr. Coventry in the gallery, and first find that he
is mighty cold in his present opinion of Mr. Peter Pett for his flagging
and doing things so lazily there, and he did also surprise me with
a question why Deane did not bring in their report of the timber of
Clarendon. What he means thereby I know not, but at present put him off;
nor do I know how to steer myself: but I must think of it, and advise
with my Lord Sandwich. Thence with Creed by coach to my Lord Sandwich’s,
and there I got Mr. Moore to give me my Lord’s hand for my receipt of
L109 more of my money of Sir G. Carteret, so that then his debt to me
will be under L500, I think. This do ease my mind also. Thence carried
him and W. Howe into London, and set them down at Sir G. Carteret’s to
receive some money, and I home and there busy very late, and so home to
supper and to bed, with my mind in pretty good ease, my business being
in a pretty good condition every where.
17th (Lord’s day). All the morning at my office doing business there, it
raining hard. So dined at home alone. After dinner walked to my Lord’s,
and there found him and much other guests at table at dinner, and it
seems they have christened his young son to-day-called him James. I got
a piece of cake. I got my Lord to signe and seale my business about my
selling of Brampton land, which though not so full as I would, yet is as
full as I can at present. Walked home again, and there fell to read, and
by and by comes my uncle Wight, Dr. Burnett, and another gentleman,
and talked and drank, and the Doctor showed me the manner of eating,
turpentine, which pleases me well, for it is with great ease. So they
being gone, I to supper and to bed.
18th. Up, and walked to my Lord’s, and there took my leave of him, he
seeming very friendly to me in as serious a manner as ever in his life,
and I believe he is very confident of me. He sets out this morning
for Deale. Thence to St. James’s to the Duke, and there did our usual
business. He discourses very freely of a warr with Holland, to begin
about winter, so that I believe we shall come to it. Before we went up
to the Duke, Sir G. Carteret and I did talk together in the Parke about
my Lord Chancellor’s business of the timber; he telling me freely that
my Lord Chancellor was never so angry with him in all his life, as he
was for this business, in great passion; and that when he saw me there,
he knew what it was about. And plots now with me how we may serve my
Lord, which I am mightily glad of; and I hope together we may do it.
Thence to Westminster to my barber’s, to have my Periwigg he lately made
me cleansed of its nits, which vexed me cruelly that he should put such
a thing into my hands. Here meeting his mayd Jane, that has lived with
them so long, I talked with her, and sending her of an errand to Dr.
Clerk’s, did meet her, and took her into a little alehouse in Brewers
Yard, and there did sport with her, without any knowledge of her though,
and a very pretty innocent girl she is. Thence to my Lord Chancellor’s,
but he being busy I went away to the ‘Change, and so home to dinner. By
and by comes Creed, and I out with him to Fleet Street, and he to Mr.
Povy’s, I to my Lord Chancellor’s, and missing him again walked to
Povy’s, and there saw his new perspective in his closet. Povy, to my
great surprise and wonder, did here attacque me in his own and Mr.
Bland’s behalf that I should do for them both for the new contractors
for the victualling of the garrison. Which I am ashamed that he should
ask of me, nor did I believe that he was a man that did seek benefit in
such poor things. Besides that he professed that he did not believe that
I would have any hand myself in the contract, and yet here declares that
he himself would have profit by it, and himself did move me that Sir W.
Rider might join, and Ford with Gauden. I told him I had no interest
in them, but I fear they must do something to him, for he told me that
those of the Mole did promise to consider him. Thence home and Creed
with me, and there he took occasion to owne his obligations to me, and
did lay down twenty pieces in gold upon my shelf in my closett, which
I did not refuse, but wish and expected should have been more. But,
however, this is better than nothing, and now I am out of expectation,
and shall henceforward know how to deal with him. After discourse of
settling his matters here, we went out by coach, and he ‘light at the
Temple, and there took final leave of me, in order to his following my
Lord to-morrow. I to my Lord Chancellor, and discoursed his business
with him. I perceive, and he says plainly, that he will not have any man
to have it in his power to say that my Lord Chancellor did contrive the
wronging the King of his timber; but yet I perceive, he would be glad to
have service done him therein; and told me Sir G. Carteret hath told him
that he and I would look after his business to see it done in the best
manner for him. Of this I was glad, and so away. Thence home, and late
with my Tangier men about drawing up their agreement with us, wherein I
find much trouble, and after doing as much as we could to-night, broke
up and I to bed.
19th. Up, and to the office, where we sat all the morning. At noon
dined alone at home. After dinner Sir W. Batten and I down by water to
Woolwich, where coming to the ropeyarde we are told that Mr. Falconer,
who hath been ill of a relapse these two days, is just now dead. We
went up to his widow, who is sicke in bed also. The poor woman in great
sorrow, and entreats our friendship, which we shall, I think, in every
thing do for her. I am sure I will. Thence to the Docke, and there in
Sheldon’s garden eat some fruit; so to Deptford a little, and thence
home, it raining mightily, and being cold I doubted my health after it.
At the office till 9 o’clock about Sir W. Warren’s contract for masts,
and then at home with Lanyon and Yeabsly till 12 and past about their
contract for Tangier, wherein they and I differed, for I would have it
drawn to the King’s advantage, as much as might be, which they did not
like, but parted good friends; however, when they were gone, I wished
that I had forborne any disagreement till I had had their promise to me
in writing. They being gone, I to bed.
20th. Up, and a while to my office, and then home with Mr. Deane till
dinner, discoursing upon the business of my Lord Chancellor’s timber in
Clarendon Parke, and how to make a report therein without offending him;
which at last I drew up, and hope it will please him. But I would to
God neither I nor he ever had had any thing to have done with it! Dined
together with a good pig, and then out by coach to White Hall, to the
Committee for Fishing; but nothing done, it being a great day to-day
there upon drawing at the Lottery of Sir Arthur Slingsby. I got in and
stood by the two Queenes and the Duchesse of Yorke, and just behind my
Lady Castlemayne, whom I do heartily adore; and good sport it was to
see how most that did give their ten pounds did go away with a pair of
globes only for their lot, and one gentlewoman, one Mrs. Fish, with the
only blanke. And one I staid to see drew a suit of hangings valued at
L430, and they say are well worth the money, or near it. One other suit
there is better than that; but very many lots of three and fourscore
pounds. I observed the King and Queenes did get but as poor lots as any
else. But the wisest man I met with was Mr. Cholmley, who insured as
many as would, from drawing of the one blank for 12d.; in which case
there was the whole number of persons to one, which I think was three or
four hundred. And so he insured about 200 for 200 shillings, so that he
could not have lost if one of them had drawn it, for there was enough
to pay the L10; but it happened another drew it, and so he got all the
money he took. I left the lottery, and went to a play, only a piece of
it, which was the Duke’s house, “Worse and Worse;” just the same manner
of play, and writ, I believe, by the same man as “The Adventures of Five
Hours;” very pleasant it was, and I begin to admire Harris more than
ever. Thence to Westminster to see Creed, and he and I took a walk in
the Parke. He is ill, and not able yet to set out after my Lord, but
will do to-morrow. So home, and late at my office, and so home to bed.
This evening being moonshine I played a little late upon my flageolette
in the garden. But being at Westminster Hall I met with great news that
Mrs. Lane is married to one Martin, one that serves Captain Marsh. She
is gone abroad with him to-day, very fine. I must have a bout with her
very shortly to see how she finds marriage.
21st. Up, and to the office, where we sat all the morning, among other
things making a contract with Sir W. Warren for almost 1000 Gottenburg
masts, the biggest that ever was made in the Navy, and wholly of my
compassing and a good one I hope it is for the King. Dined at Sir W.
Batten’s, where I have not eat these many months. Sir G. Carteret, Mr.
Coventry, Sir J. Minnes, and myself there only, and my Lady. A good
venison pasty, and very merry, and pleasant I made myself with my
Lady, and she as much to me. This morning to the office comes Nicholas
Osborne, Mr. Gauden’s clerke, to desire of me what piece of plate I
would choose to have a L100, or thereabouts, bestowed upon me in, he
having order to lay out so much; and, out of his freedom with me, do
of himself come to make this question. I a great while urged my
unwillingnesse to take any, not knowing how I could serve Mr. Gauden,
but left it wholly to himself; so at noon I find brought home in fine
leather cases, a pair of the noblest flaggons that ever I saw all the
days of my life; whether I shall keepe them or no I cannot tell; for
it is to oblige me to him in the business of the Tangier victualling,
wherein I doubt I shall not; but glad I am to see that I shall be sure
to get something on one side or other, have it which will: so, with a
merry heart, I looked upon them, and locked them up. After dinner to
[give] my Lord Chancellor a good account of his business, and he is very
well pleased therewith, and carries himself with great discretion to me,
without seeming over glad or beholding to me; and yet I know that he do
think himself very well served by me. Thence to Westminster and to Mrs.
Lane’s lodgings, to give her joy, and there suffered me to deal with
her as I hoped to do, and by and by her husband comes, a sorry, simple
fellow, and his letter to her which she proudly showed me a simple,
nonsensical thing. A man of no discourse, and I fear married her to make
a prize of, which he is mistaken in, and a sad wife I believe she will
prove to him, for she urged me to appoint a time as soon as he is gone
out of town to give her a meeting next week. So by water with a couple
of cozens of Mrs. Lane’s, and set them down at Queenhive, and I through
Bridge home, and there late at business, and so home to supper and to
bed.
22nd. Up and to my office, where busy all the morning. At noon to the
‘Change, and so home to dinner, and then down by water to Deptford,
where coming too soon, I spent an houre in looking round the yarde, and
putting Mr. Shish
[Jonas Shish, master-shipwright at Deptford. There are several
papers of his among the State Papers. “I was at the funeral of old
Mr. Shish, Master Shipwright of His Majesty’s Yard here, an honest
and remarkable man, and his death a public loss, for his excellent
success in building ships (though altogether illiterate) and for
bringing up so many of his children to be able artists. I held up
the pall with three knights who did him that honour, and he was
worthy of it. It was the custom of this good man to rise in the
night and pray, kneeling in his own coffin, which he had lying by
him for many years. He was born that famous year, the Gunpowder-
plot, 1605” (Evelyn’s “Diary,” May 13th, 1680).]
to measure a piece or two of timber, which he did most cruelly wrong,
and to the King’s losse 12 or 13s. in a piece of 28 feet in contents.
Thence to the Clerke of the Cheques, from whose house Mr. Falconer was
buried to-day; Sir J. Minnes and I the only principal officers that
were there. We walked to church with him, and then I left them without
staying the sermon and straight home by water, and there find, as I
expected, Mr. Hill, and Andrews, and one slovenly and ugly fellow,
Seignor Pedro, who sings Italian songs to the theorbo most neatly,
and they spent the whole evening in singing the best piece of musique
counted of all hands in the world, made by Seignor Charissimi, the
famous master in Rome. Fine it was, indeed, and too fine for me to judge
of. They have spoke to Pedro to meet us every weeke, and I fear it
will grow a trouble to me if we once come to bid judges to meet us,
especially idle Masters, which do a little displease me to consider.
They gone comes Mr. Lanyon, who tells me Mr. Alsopp is now become
dangerously ill, and fears his recovery, covery, which shakes my
expectation of L630 per annum by the business; and, therefore, bless God
for what Mr. Gauden hath sent me, which, from some discourse to-day with
Mr. Osborne, swearing that he knows not any thing of this business of
the victualling; but, the contrary, that it is not that moves Mr. Gauden
to send it me, for he hath had order for it any time these two months.
Whether this be true or no, I know not; but I shall hence with the more
confidence keepe it. To supper and to the office a little, and to walk
in the garden, the moon shining bright, and fine warm fair weather, and
so home to bed.
23rd. Up, and all the morning at the office. At noon to the ‘Change,
where I took occasion to break the business of my Lord Chancellor’s
timber to Mr. Coventry in the best manner I could. He professed to me,
that, till, Sir G. Carteret did speake of it at the table, after our
officers were gone to survey it, he did not know that my Lord Chancellor
had any thing to do with it; but now he says that he had been told by
the Duke that Sir G. Carteret had spoke to him about it, and that he had
told the Duke that, were he in my Lord Chancellor’s case, if he were his
father, he would rather fling away the gains of two or L3,000, than have
it said that the timber, which should have been the King’s, if it had
continued the Duke of Albemarle’s, was concealed by us in favour of my
Lord Chancellor; for, says he, he is a great man, and all such as he,
and he himself particularly, have a great many enemies that would be
glad of such an advantage against him. When I told him it was strange
that Sir J. Minnes and Sir G. Carteret, that knew my Lord Chancellor’s
concernment therein, should not at first inform us, he answered me that
for Sir J. Minnes, he is looked upon to be an old good companion, but by
nobody at the other end of the towne as any man of business, and that
my Lord Chancellor, he dares say, never did tell him of it, only Sir G.
Carteret, he do believe, must needs know it, for he and Sir J. Shaw are
the greatest confidants he hath in the world. So for himself, he said,
he would not mince the matter, but was resolved to do what was fit, and
stand upon his owne legs therein, and that he would speak to the
Duke, that he and Sir G. Carteret might be appointed to attend my Lord
Chancellor in it. All this disturbs me mightily. I know not what to say
to it, nor how to carry myself therein; for a compliance will discommend
me to Mr. Coventry, and a discompliance to my Lord Chancellor. But I
think to let it alone, or at least meddle in it as little more as I can.
From thence walked toward Westminster, and being in an idle and wanton
humour, walked through Fleet Alley, and there stood a most pretty wench
at one of the doors, so I took a turn or two, but what by sense of
honour and conscience I would not go in, but much against my will took
coach and away, and away to Westminster Hall, and there ‘light of Mrs.
Lane, and plotted with her to go over the water. So met at White’s
stairs in Chanel Row, and over to the old house at Lambeth Marsh, and
there eat and drank, and had my pleasure of her twice, she being the
strangest woman in talk of love to her husband sometimes, and sometimes
again she do not care for him, and yet willing enough to allow me a
liberty of doing what I would with her. So spending 5s. or 6s. upon her,
I could do what I would, and after an hour’s stay and more back again
and set her ashore there again, and I forward to Fleet Street, and
called at Fleet Alley, not knowing how to command myself, and went in
and there saw what formerly I have been acquainted with, the wickedness
of these houses, and the forcing a man to present expense. The woman
indeed is a most lovely woman, but I had no courage to meddle with her
for fear of her not being wholesome, and so counterfeiting that I had
not money enough, it was pretty to see how cunning she was, would not
suffer me to have to do in any manner with her after she saw I had no
money, but told me then I would not come again, but she now was sure I
would come again, but I hope in God I shall not, for though she be
one of the prettiest women I ever saw, yet I fear her abusing me. So
desiring God to forgive me for this vanity, I went home, taking some
books from my bookseller, and taking his lad home with me, to whom I
paid L10 for books I have laid up money for, and laid out within these
three weeks, and shall do no more a great while I hope. So to my office
writing letters, and then home and to bed, weary of the pleasure I have
had to-day, and ashamed to think of it.
24th (Lord’s day). Up, in some pain all day from yesterday’s passages,
having taken cold, I suppose. So staid within all day reading of two
or three good plays. At night to my office a little, and so home, after
supper to bed.
25th. Up, and with Sir J. Minnes and Sir W. Batten by coach to St.
James’s, but there the Duke being gone out we to my Lord Berkeley’s
chamber, Mr. Coventry being there, and among other things there met with
a printed copy of the King’s commission for the repair of Paul’s, which
is very large, and large power for collecting money, and recovering of
all people that had bought or sold formerly any thing belonging to the
Church. And here I find my Lord Mayor of the City set in order before
the Archbishopp or any nobleman, though all the greatest officers of
state are there. But yet I do not hear by my Lord Berkeley, who is
one of them, that any thing is like to come of it. Thence back again
homewards, and Sir W. Batten and I to the Coffee-house, but no newes,
only the plague is very hot still, and encreases among the Dutch. Home
to dinner, and after dinner walked forth, and do what I could I could
not keep myself from going through Fleet Lane, but had the sense of
safety and honour not to go in, and the rather being a holiday I feared
I might meet with some people that might know me. Thence to Charing
Cross, and there called at Unthanke’s to see what I owed, but found
nothing, and here being a couple of pretty ladies, lodgers in the
kitchen, I staid a little there. Thence to my barber Gervas, who this
day buries his child, which it seems was born without a passage behind,
so that it never voided any thing in the week or fortnight that it has
been born. Thence to Mr. Reeves, it coming just now in my head to buy a
microscope, but he was not within, so I walked all round that end of the
town among the loathsome people and houses, but, God be thanked! had no
desire to visit any of them. So home, where I met Mr. Lanyon, who tells
me Mr. Alsop is past hopes, which will mightily disappoint me in my
hopes there, and yet it may be not. I shall think whether it will be
safe for me to venture myself or no, and come in as an adventurer. He
gone, Mr. Cole (my old Jack Cole) comes to see and speak with me, and
his errand in short to tell me that he is giving over his trade; he can
do no good in it, and will turn what he has into money and go to sea,
his father being dead and leaving him little, if any thing. This I was
sorry to hear, he being a man of good parts, but, I fear, debauched. I
promised him all the friendship I can do him, which will end in little,
though I truly mean it, and so I made him stay with me till 11 at night,
talking of old school stories, and very pleasing ones, and truly I find
that we did spend our time and thoughts then otherwise than I think boys
do now, and I think as well as methinks that the best are now. He supped
with me, and so away, and I to bed. And strange to see how we are all
divided that were bred so long at school together, and what various
fortunes we have run, some good, some bad.
26th. All the morning at the office, at noon to Anthony Joyce’s, to
our gossip’s dinner. I had sent a dozen and a half of bottles of wine
thither, and paid my double share besides, which is 18s. Very merry we
were, and when the women were merry and rose from table, I above
with them, ne’er a man but I, I began discourse of my not getting of
children, and prayed them to give me their opinions and advice, and they
freely and merrily did give me these ten, among them (1) Do not hug my
wife too hard nor too much; (2) eat no late suppers; (3) drink juyce
of sage; (4) tent and toast; (5) wear cool holland drawers; (6) keep
stomach warm and back cool; (7) upon query whether it was best to do at
night or morn, they answered me neither one nor other, but when we had
most mind to it; (8) wife not to go too straight laced; (9) myself to
drink mum and sugar; (10) Mrs. Ward did give me, to change my place.
The 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 10th they all did seriously declare, and lay
much stress upon them as rules fit to be observed indeed, and especially
the last, to lie with our heads where our heels do, or at least to make
the bed high at feet and low at head. Very merry all, as much as I
could be in such sorry company. Great discourse of the fray yesterday
in Moorefields, how the butchers at first did beat the weavers (between
whom there hath been ever an old competition for mastery), but at last
the weavers rallied and beat them. At first the butchers knocked down
all for weavers that had green or blue aprons, till they were fain to
pull them off and put them in their breeches. At last the butchers were
fain to pull off their sleeves, that they might not be known, and were
soundly beaten out of the field, and some deeply wounded and bruised;
till at last the weavers went out tryumphing, calling L100 for a
butcher. I to Mr. Reeves to see a microscope, he having been with me
to-day morning, and there chose one which I will have. Thence back and
took up young Mrs. Harman, a pretty bred and pretty humoured woman whom
I could love well, though not handsome, yet for her person and carriage,
and black. By the way met her husband going for her, and set them both
down at home, and so home to my office a while, and so to supper and
bed.
27th. Up, and after some discourse with Mr. Duke, who is to be Secretary
to the Fishery, and is now Secretary to the Committee for Trade, who
I find a very ingenious man, I went to Mr. Povy’s, and there heard a
little of his empty discourse, and fain he would have Mr. Gauden been
the victualler for Tangier, which none but a fool would say to me when
he knows he hath made it his request to me to get him something of these
men that now do it. Thence to St. James’s, but Mr. Coventry being ill
and in bed I did not stay, but to White Hall a little, walked up and
down, and so home to fit papers against this afternoon, and after dinner
to the ‘Change a little, and then to White Hall, where anon the Duke
of Yorke came, and a Committee we had of Tangier, where I read over my
rough draught of the contract for Tangier victualling, and acquainted
them with the death of Mr. Alsopp, which Mr. Lanyon had told me this
morning, which is a sad consideration to see how uncertain a thing
our lives are, and how little to be presumed of in our greatest
undertakings. The words of the contract approved of, and I home and
there came Mr. Lanyon to me and brought my neighbour, Mr. Andrews, to
me, whom he proposes for his partner in the room of Mr. Alsopp, and
I like well enough of it. We read over the contract together, and
discoursed it well over and so parted, and I am glad to see it once over
in this condition again, for Mr. Lanyon and I had some discourse to-day
about my share in it, and I hope if it goes on to have my first hopes of
L300 per ann. They gone, I to supper and to bed. This afternoon came my
great store of Coles in, being to Chaldron, so that I may see how long
they will last me.
28th. At the office all the morning, dined, after ‘Change, at home, and
then abroad, and seeing “The Bondman” upon the posts, I consulted my
oaths and find I may go safely this time without breaking it; I went
thither, notwithstanding my great desire to have gone to Fleet Alley,
God forgive me, again. There I saw it acted. It is true, for want
of practice, they had many of them forgot their parts a little; but
Betterton and my poor Ianthe outdo all the world. There is nothing more
taking in the world with me than that play. Thence to Westminster to my
barber’s, and strange to think how when I find that Jervas himself did
intend to bring home my periwigg, and not Jane his maid, I did desire
not to have it at all, for I had a mind to have her bring it home. I
also went to Mr. Blagrave’s about speaking to him for his kinswoman to
come live with my wife, but they are not come to town, and so I home
by coach and to my office, and then to supper and to bed. My present
posture is thus: my wife in the country and my mayde Besse with her and
all quiett there. I am endeavouring to find a woman for her to my mind,
and above all one that understands musique, especially singing. I am the
willinger to keepe one because I am in good hopes to get 2 or L300 per
annum extraordinary by the business of the victualling of Tangier, and
yet Mr. Alsopp, my chief hopes, is dead since my looking after it,
and now Mr. Lanyon, I fear, is, falling sicke too. I am pretty well in
health, only subject to wind upon any cold, and then immediate and great
pains. All our discourse is of a Dutch warr and I find it is likely to
come to it, for they are very high and desire not to compliment us at
all, as far as I hear, but to send a good fleete to Guinny to oppose us
there. My Lord Sandwich newly gone to sea, and I, I think, fallen into
his very good opinion again, at least he did before his going, and by
his letter since, show me all manner of respect and confidence. I am
over-joyed in hopes that upon this month’s account I shall find myself
worth L1000, besides the rich present of two silver and gilt flaggons
which Mr. Gauden did give me the other day. I do now live very prettily
at home, being most seriously, quietly, and neatly served by my two
mayds Jane and the girle Su, with both of whom I am mightily well
pleased. My greatest trouble is the settling of Brampton Estate, that I
may know what to expect, and how to be able to leave it when I die, so
as to be just to my promise to my uncle Thomas and his son. The next
thing is this cursed trouble my brother Tom is likely to put us to by
his death, forcing us to law with his creditors, among others Dr. Tom
Pepys, and that with some shame as trouble, and the last how to know in
what manner as to saving or spending my father lives, lest they should
run me in debt as one of my uncle’s executors, and I never the wiser
nor better for it. But in all this I hope shortly to be at leisure to
consider and inform myself well.
29th. At the office all the morning dispatching of business, at noon
to the ‘Change after dinner, and thence to Tom Trice about Dr. Pepys’s
business, and thence it raining turned into Fleet Alley, and there was
with Cocke an hour or so. The jade, whether I would not give her money
or not enough; she would not offer to invite to do anything, but on the
contrary saying she had no time, which I was glad of, for I had no mind
to meddle with her, but had my end to see what a cunning jade she was,
to see her impudent tricks and ways of getting money and raising the
reckoning by still calling for things, that it come to 6 or 7 shillings
presently. So away home, glad I escaped without any inconvenience,
and there came Mr. Hill, Andrews and Seignor Pedro, and great store of
musique we had, but I begin to be weary of having a master with us, for
it spoils, methinks, the ingenuity of our practice. After they were
gone comes Mr. Bland to me, sat till 11 at night with me, talking of
the garrison of Tangier and serving them with pieces of eight. A mind he
hath to be employed there, but dares not desire any courtesy of me, and
yet would fain engage me to be for him, for I perceive they do all find
that I am the busy man to see the King have right done him by inquiring
out other bidders. Being quite tired with him, I got him gone, and so to
bed.
30th. All the morning at the office; at noon to the ‘Change, where great
talke of a rich present brought by an East India ship from some of the
Princes of India, worth to the King L70,000 in two precious stones.
After dinner to the office, and there all the afternoon making an end
of several things against the end of the month, that I may clear all my
reckonings tomorrow; also this afternoon, with great content, I finished
the contracts for victualling of Tangier with Mr. Lanyon and the rest,
and to my comfort got him and Andrews to sign to the giving me L300 per
annum, by which, at least, I hope to be a L100 or two the better. Wrote
many letters by the post to ease my mind of business and to clear my
paper of minutes, as I did lately oblige myself to clear every thing
against the end of the month. So at night with my mind quiet and
contented to bed. This day I sent a side of venison and six bottles of
wine to Kate Joyce.
31st (Lord’s day). Up, and to church, where I have not been these many
weeks. So home, and thither, inviting him yesterday, comes Mr. Hill, at
which I was a little troubled, but made up all very well, carrying him
with me to Sir J. Minnes, where I was invited and all our families to a
venison pasty. Here good cheer and good discourse. After dinner Mr.
Hill and I to my house, and there to musique all the afternoon. He being
gone, in the evening I to my accounts, and to my great joy and with
great thanks to Almighty God, I do find myself most clearly worth L1014,
the first time that ever I was worth L1000 before, which is the height
of all that ever I have for a long time pretended to. But by the
blessing of God upon my care I hope to lay up something more in a little
time, if this business of the victualling of Tangier goes on as I hope
it will. So with praise to God for this state of fortune that I am
brought to as to wealth, and my condition being as I have at large set
it down two days ago in this book, I home to supper and to bed, desiring
God to give me the grace to make good use of what I have and continue my
care and diligence to gain more.