|
|
|
April
1st (Lord's day). Mr. Ibbott preached very
well. After dinner my Lord did give me a private list of all the ships
that were to be set out this summer, wherein I do discern that he bath
made it his care to put by as much of the Anabaptists as he can. By reason
of my Lord and my being busy to send away the packet by Mr. Cooke of the
Nazeby, it was four o'clock before we could begin sermon again. This day
Captain Guy come on board from Dunkirk, who tells me that the King will
come in, and that the soldiers at Dunkirk do drink the King's health in
the streets. At night the Captain, Sir R. Stayner, Mr. Sheply, and I did
sup together in the Captain's cabin. I made a commission for Captain Wilgness,
of the Bear, to-night, which got me 30s. So after writing a while I went
to bed.
2d. Up very early,
and to get all my things and my boy's packed up. Great concourse of commanders
here this morning to take leave of my Lord upon his going into the Nazeby,
so that the table was full, so there dined below many commanders, and
Mr. Creed, who was much troubled to hear that he could not go along with
my Lord, for he had already got all his things thither, thinking to stay
there, but W. Howe was very high against it, and he indeed did put him
out, though everybody was glad of it. After dinner I went in one of the
boats with my boy before my Lord, and made shift before night to get my
cabin in pretty good order. It is but little, but very convenient, having
one window to the sea and another to the deck, and a good bed. This morning
comes Mr. Ed. Pickering, like a coxcomb as he always was. He tells me
that the King will come in, but that Monk did resolve to have the doing
of it himself, or else to hinder it.
3d. Late to bed.
About three in the morning there was great knocking at my cabin, which
with much difficulty (so they say) waked me, and I rose, but it was only
for a packet, so went to my bed again, and in the morning gave it my Lord.
This morning Capt. Isham comes on board to see my Lord and drunk his wine
before he went into the Downs, there likewise come many merchants to get
convoy to the Baltique, which a course was taken for. They dined with
my Lord, and one of them by name Alderman Wood talked much to my Lord
of the hopes that we have now to be settled, (under the King he meant);
but my Lord took no notice of it. After dinner which was late my Lord
went on shore, and after him I and Capt. Sparling went in his boat, but
the water being almost at low water we could not stay for fear of not
getting into our boat again. So back again. This day come the Lieutenant
of the Swiftsure, who was sent by my Lord to Hastings, one of the Cinque
Ports, to have got Mr. Edward Montagu to have been one of their burgesses,
but could not, for they were all promised before. After he had done his
message, I took him and Mr. Pierce, the surgeon (who this day came on
board, and not before), to my cabin, where we drank a bottle of wine.
At night, busy a-writing, and so to bed. My heart exceeding heavy for
not hearing of my dear wife, and indeed I do not remember that ever my
heart was so apprehensive of her absence as at this very time.
4th. This morning
I dispatch many letters of my own private business to London. There come
Colonel Thomson with the wooden leg, and General Pen, and dined with my
Lord and Mr. Blackburne, who told me that it was certain now that the
King must of necessity come in, and that one of the Council told him there
is something doing in order to a treaty already among them. And it was
strange to hear how Mr. Blackburne did already begin to commend him for
a sober man, and how quiet he would be under his government, &c. I
dined all alone to prevent company, which was exceeding great to-day,
in my cabin. After these two were gone Sir W. Wheeler and Sir John Petters
came on board and staid about two or three hours, and so went away. The
Commissioners came to-day, only to consult about a further reducement
of the Fleet, and to pay them as fast as they can. I did give Davis, their
servant, L5 10s. to give to Mr. Moore from me, in part of the L7 that
I borrowed of him, and he is to discount the rest out of the 36s. that
he do owe me. At night, my Lord resolved to send the Captain of our ship
to Waymouth and promote his being chosen there, which he did put himself
into a readiness to do the next morning.
5th. Infinity of
business all the morning of orders to make, that I was very much perplexed
that Mr. Burr had failed me of coming back last night, and we ready to
set sail, which we did about noon, and came in the evening to Lee roads
and anchored. At night Mr. Sheply overtook us who had been at Gray's Market
this morning. I spent all the afternoon upon the deck, it being very pleasant
weather. This afternoon Sir Rich. Stayner and Mr. Creed, after we were
come to anchor, did come on board, and Creed brought me L30, which my
Lord had ordered him to pay me upon account, and Captain Clerke brought
me a noted caudle. At night very sleepy to bed.
6th. This morning
came my brother-in-law Balty to see me, and to desire to be here with
me as Reformado,--["a broken or disbanded
officer."] which did much trouble me.
But after dinner (my Lord using him very civilly, at table) I spoke to
my Lord, and he presented me a letter to Captain Stokes for him that he
should be there. All the day with him walking and talking, we under sail
as far as the Spitts. In the afternoon, W. Howe and I to our viallins,
the first time since we came on board. This afternoon I made even with
my Lord to this day, and did give him all the money remaining in my hands.
In the evening, it being fine moonshine, I staid late walking upon the
quarter-deck with Mr. Cuttance, learning of some sea terms; and so down
to supper and to bed, having an hour before put Balty into Burr's cabin,
he being out of the ship.
7th. This day, about
nine o'clock in the morning, the wind grew high, and we being among the
sands lay at anchor; I began to be dizzy and squeamish. Before dinner
my Lord sent for me down to eat some oysters, the best my Lord said that
ever he ate in his life, though I have ate as good at Bardsey. After dinner,
and all the afternoon I walked upon the deck to keep myself from being
sick, and at last about five o'clock, went to bed and got a caudle made
me, and sleep upon it very well. This day Mr. Sheply went to Sheppy.
8th (Lord's day). Very
calm again, and I pretty well, but my head aked all day. About noon set
sail; in our way I see many vessels and masts, which are now the greatest
guides for ships. We had a brave wind all the afternoon, and overtook
two good merchantmen that overtook us yesterday, going to the East Indies.
The lieutenant and I lay out of his window with his glass, looking at
the women that were on board them, being pretty handsome. This evening
Major Willoughby, who had been here three or four days on board with Mr.
Pickering, went on board a catch [ketch] for Dunkirk. We continued sailing
when I went to bed, being somewhat ill again, and Will Howe, the surgeon,
parson, and Balty supped in the Lieutenant's cabin and afterwards sat
disputing, the parson for and I against extemporary prayers, very hot.
9th. We having sailed
all night, were come in sight of the Nore and South Forelands in the morning,
and so sailed all day. In the afternoon we had a very fresh gale, which
I brooked better than I thought I should be able to do. This afternoon
I first saw France and Calais, with which I was much pleased, though it
was at a distance. About five o'clock we came to the Goodwin, so to the
Castles about Deal; where our Fleet lay, among whom we anchored. Great
was the shout of guns from the castles and ships, and our answers, that
I never heard yet so great rattling of guns. Nor could we see one another
on board for the smoke that was among us, nor one ship from another. Soon
as we came to anchor, the captains came from on board their ships all
to us on board. This afternoon I wrote letters for my Lord to the Council,
&c., which Mr. Dickering was to carry, who took his leave this night
of my Lord, and Balty after I had wrote two or three letters by him to
my wife and Mr. Bowyer, and had drank a bottle of wine with him in my
cabin which J. Goods and W. Howe brought on purpose, he took leave of
me too to go away to-morrow morning with Mr. Dickering. I lent Balty 15s.
which he was to pay to my wife. It was one in the morning before we parted.
This evening Mr. Sheply came on board, having escaped a very great danger
upon a sand coming from Chatham.
10th. This morning
many or most of the commanders in the Fleet came on board and dined here,
so that some of them and I dined together in the Round-house, where we
were very merry. Hither came the Vice-Admiral to us, and sat and talked
and seemed a very good-natured man. At night as I was all alone in my
cabin, in a melancholy fit playing on my viallin, my Lord and Sir R. Stayner
came into the coach
["A sort of chamber or apartment in a
large ship of war, just before the great cabin. The floor of it is formed
by the aftmost part of the quarter deck, and the roof of it by the poop:
it is generally the habitation of the flag-captain."--Smyth's Sailor's
Word-Book.] and supped there, and called
me out to supper with them. After that up to the Lieutenant's cabin, where
he and I and Sir Richard sat till 11 o'clock talking, and so to bed. This
day my Lord Goring returned from France, and landed at Dover.
11th. A Gentleman
came this morning from my Lord of Manchester to my Lord for a pass for
Mr. Boyle,' which was made him. I ate a good breakfast by my Lord's orders
with him in the great cabin below. The wind all this day was very high,
so that a gentleman that was at dinner with my Lord that came along with
Sir John Bloys (who seemed a fine man) was forced to rise from table.
This afternoon came a great packet of letters from London directed to
me, among the rest two from my wife, the first that I have since coming
away from London. All the news from London is that things go on further
towards a King. That the Skinners' Company the other day at their entertaining
of General Monk had took down the Parliament Arms in their Hall, and set
up the King's. In the evening my Lord and I had a great deal of discourse
about the several Captains of the Fleet and his interest among them, and
had his mind clear to bring in the King. He confessed to me that he was
not sure of his own Captain [Cuttance] to be true to him, and that he
did not like Captain Stokes. At night W. Howe and I at our viallins in
my cabin, where Mr. Ibbott and the lieutenant were late. I staid the lieutenant
late, shewing him my manner of keeping a journal. After that to bed. It
comes now into my mind to observe that I am sensible that I have been
a little too free to make mirth with the minister of our ship, he being
a very sober and an upright man.
12th. This day, the
weather being very bad, we had no strangers on board. In the afternoon
came the Vice-Admiral on board, with whom my Lord consulted, and I sent
a packet to London at night with several letters to my friends, as to
my wife about my getting of money for her when she should need it, to
Mr. Bowyer that he tell me when the Messieurs of the offices be paid,
to Mr. Moore about the business of my office, and making even with him
as to matter of money. At night after I had despatched my letters, to
bed.
13th. This day very
foul all day for rain and wind. In the afternoon set my own things in
my cabin and chests in better order than hitherto, and set my papers in
order. At night sent another packet to London by the post, and after that
was done I went up to the lieutenant's cabin and there we broached a vessel
of ale that we had sent for among us from Deal to-day. There was the minister
and doctor with us. After that till one o'clock in the morning writing
letters to Mr. Downing about my business of continuing my office to myself,
only Mr. Moore to execute it for me. I had also a very serious and effectual
letter from my Lord to him to that purpose. After that done then to bed,
and it being very rainy, and the rain coming upon my bed, I went and lay
with John Goods in the great cabin below, the wind being so high that
we were faro to lower some of the masts. I to bed, and what with the goodness
of the bed and the rocking of the ship I slept till almost ten o'clock,
and then--
14th. Rose and drank
a good morning draught there with Mr. Sheply, which occasioned my thinking
upon the happy life that I live now, had I nothing to care for but myself.
The sea was this morning very high, and looking out of the window I saw
our boat come with Mr. Pierce, the surgeon, in it in great danger, who
endeavouring to come on board us, had like to have been drowned had it
not been for a rope. This day I was informed that my Lord Lambert is got
out of the Towers and that there is L100 proffered to whoever shall bring
him forth to the Council of State.
My Lord is chosen at Waymouth this morning; my Lord
had his freedom brought him by Captain Tiddiman of the port of Dover,
by which he is capable of being elected for them. This day I heard that
the Army had in general declared to stand by what the next Parliament
shall do. At night supped with my Lord.
15th (Lord's day).
Up early and was trimmed by the barber in the great cabin below. After
that to put my clothes on and then to sermon, and then to dinner, where
my Lord told us that the University of Cambridge had a mind to choose
him for their burgess, which he pleased himself with, to think that they
do look upon him as a thriving man, and said so openly at table. At dinner-time
Mr. Cook came back from London with a packet which caused my Lord to be
full of thoughts all day, and at night he bid me privately to get two
commissions ready, one for Capt. Robert Blake to be captain of the Worcester,
in the room of Capt. Dekings, an anabaptist, and one that had witnessed
a great deal of discontent with the present proceedings. The other for
Capt. Coppin to come out of that into the Newbury in the room of Blake,
whereby I perceive that General Monk do resolve to make a thorough change,
to make way for the King. From London I hear that since Lambert got out
of the Tower, the Fanatiques had held up their heads high, but I hope
all that will come to nothing. Late a writing of letters to London to
get ready for Mr. Cook. Then to bed.
16th. And about 4
o'clock in the morning Mr. Cook waked me where I lay in the great cabin
below, and I did give him his packet and directions for London. So to
sleep again. All the morning giving out orders and tickets to the Commanders
of the Fleet to discharge all supernumeraries that they had above the
number that the Council had set in their last establishment. After dinner
busy all the afternoon writing, and so till night, then to bed.
17th. All the morning
getting ready commissions for the Vice-Admiral and the Rear-Admiral, wherein
my Lord was very careful to express the utmost of his own power, commanding
them to obey what orders they should receive from the Parliament, &c.,
or both or either of the Generals.
The Vice-Admiral dined with us, and in the afternoon my Lord called me
to give him the commission for him, which I did, and he gave it him himself.
A very pleasant afternoon, and I upon the deck all the day, it was so
clear that my Lord's glass shewed us Calais very plain, and the cliffs
were as plain to be seen as Kent, and my Lord at first made me believe
that it was Kent. At night, after supper, my Lord called for the Rear-
Admiral's commission, which I brought him, and I sitting in my study heard
my Lord discourse with him concerning D. King's and Newberry's being put
out of commission. And by the way I did observe that my Lord did speak
more openly his mind to me afterwards at night than I can find that he
did to the Rear-Admiral, though his great confidant. For I was with him
an hour together, when he told me clearly his thoughts that the King would
carry it, and that he did think himself very happy that he was now at
sea, as well for his own sake, as that he thought he might do his country
some service in keeping things quiet. To bed, and shifting myself from
top to toe, there being J. Goods and W. Howe sat late by my bedside talking.
So to sleep, every day bringing me a fresh sense of the pleasure of my
present life.
18th. This morning
very early came Mr. Edward Montagu on board, but what was the business
of his coming again or before without any servant and making no stay at
all I cannot guess. This day Sir R. Stayner, Mr. Sheply, and as many of
my Lord's people as could be spared went to Dover to get things ready
against to-morrow for the election there. I all the afternoon dictating
in my cabin (my own head being troubled with multiplicity of business)
to Burr, who wrote for me above a dozen letters, by which I have made
my mind more light and clear than I have had it yet since I came on board.
At night sent a packet to London, and Mr. Cook returned hence bringing
me this news, that the Sectaries do talk high what they will do, but I
believe all to no purpose, but the Cavaliers are something unwise to talk
so high on the other side as they do. That the Lords do meet every day
at my Lord of Manchester's, and resolve to sit the first day of the Parliament.
That it is evident now that the General and the Council do resolve to
make way for the King's coming. And it is now clear that either the Fanatiques
must now be undone, or the gentry and citizens throughout England, and
clergy must fall, in spite of their militia and army, which is not at
all possible I think. At night I supped with W. Howe and Mr. Luellin (being
the first time that I had been so long with him) in the great cabin below.
After that to bed, and W. Howe sat by my bedside, and he and I sang a
psalm or two and so I to sleep.
19th. A great deal
of business all this day, and Burr being gone to shore without my leave
did vex me much. At dinner news was brought us that my Lord was chosen
at Dover. This afternoon came one Mr. Mansell on board as a Reformado,
to whom my Lord did shew exceeding great respect, but upon what account
I do not yet know. This day it has rained much, so that when I came to
go to bed I found it wet through, so I was fain to wrap myself up in a
dry sheet, and so lay all night.
20th. All the morning
I was busy to get my window altered, and to have my table set as I would
have it, which after it was done I was infinitely pleased with it, and
also to see what a command I have to have every one ready to come and
go at my command. This evening came Mr. Boyle on board, for whom I writ
an order for a ship to transport him to Flushing. He supped with my Lord,
my Lord using him as a person of honour. This evening too came Mr. John
Pickering on board us. This evening my head ached exceedingly, which I
impute to my sitting backwards in my cabin, otherwise than I am used to
do. To-night Mr. Sheply told me that he heard for certain at Dover that
Mr. Edw. Montagu did go beyond sea when he was here first the other day,
and I am apt to believe that he went to speak with the King. This day
one told me how that at the election at Cambridge for knights of the shire,
Wendby and Thornton by declaring to stand for the Parliament and a King
and the settlement of the Church, did carry it against all expectation
against Sir Dudley North and Sir Thomas Willis! I supped to-night with
Mr. Sheply below at the half-deck table, and after that I saw Mr. Pickering
whom my Lord brought down to his cabin, and so to bed.
21st. This day dined
Sir John Boys and some other gentlemen formerly great Cavaliers, and among
the rest one Mr. Norwood, for whom my Lord give a convoy to carry him
to the Brill, but he is certainly going to the King. For my Lord commanded
me that I should not enter his name in my book. My Lord do show them and
that sort of people great civility. All their discourse and others are
of the King's coming, and we begin to speak of it very freely. And heard
how in many churches in London, and upon many signs there, and upon merchants'
ships in the river, they had set up the King's arms. In the afternoon
the Captain would by all means have me up to his cabin, and there treated
me huge nobly, giving me a barrel of pickled oysters, and opened another
for me, and a bottle of wine, which was a very great favour. At night
late singing with W. Howe, and under the barber's hands in the coach.
This night there came one with a letter from Mr. Edw. Montagu to my Lord,
with command to deliver it to his own hands. I do believe that he do carry
some close business on for the King.
This day I had a large letter from Mr. Moore, giving me an account of
the present dispute at London that is like to be at the beginning of the
Parliament, about the House of Lords, who do resolve to sit with the Commons,
as not thinking themselves dissolved yet. Which, whether it be granted
or no, or whether they will sit or no, it will bring a great many inconveniences.
His letter I keep, it being a very well writ one.
22d (Easter Sunday).
Several Londoners, strangers, friends of the Captains, dined here, who,
among other things told us, how the King's Arms are every day set up in
houses and churches, particularly in Allhallows Church in Thames-street,
John Simpson's church, which being privately done was, a great eye-sore
to his people when they came to church and saw it. Also they told us for
certain, that the King's statue is making by the Mercers' Company (who
are bound to do it) to set up in the Exchange. After sermon in the afternoon
I fell to writing letters against to-morrow to send to London. After supper
to bed.
23rd. All the morning
very busy getting my packet ready for London, only for an hour or two
had the Captain and Mr. Sheply in my cabin at the barrel of pickled oysters
that the Captain did give me on Saturday last. After dinner I sent Mr.
Dunn to London with the packet. This afternoon I had 40s. given me by
Captain Cowes of the Paradox.' In the evening the first time that we had
any sport among the seamen, and indeed there was extraordinary good sport
after my Lord had done playing at ninepins. After that W. Howe and I went
to play two trebles in the great cabin below, which my Lord hearing, after
supper he called for our instruments, and played a set of Lock's, two
trebles, and a base, and that being done, he fell to singing of a song
made upon the Rump, with which he played himself well, to the tune of
"The Blacksmith." After all that done, then to bed.
24th. This morning
I had Mr. Luellin and Mr. Sheply to the remainder of my oysters that were
left yesterday. After that very busy all the morning. While I was at dinner
with my Lord, the Coxon of the Vice- Admiral came for me to the Vice-Admiral
to dinner. So I told my Lord and he gave me leave to go. I rose therefore
from table and went, where there was very many commanders, and very pleasant
we were on board the London, which hath a state-room much bigger than
the Nazeby, but not so rich. After that, with the Captain on board our
own ship, where we were saluted with the news of Lambert's being taken,
which news was brought to London on Sunday last. He was taken in Northamptonshire
by Colonel Ingoldsby, at the head of a party, by which means their whole
design is broke, and things now very open and safe. And every man begins
to be merry and full of hopes. In the afternoon my Lord gave a great large
character to write out, so I spent all the day about it, and after supper
my Lord and we had some more very good musique and singing of "Turne
Amaryllis," as it is printed in the song book, with which my Lord
was very much pleased. After that to bed.
25th. All the morning
about my Lord's character. Dined to-day with Captain Clerke on board the
Speaker (a very brave ship) where was the Vice-Admiral, Rear-Admiral,
and many other commanders. After dinner home, not a little contented to
see how I am treated, and with what respect made a fellow to the best
commanders in the Fleet. All the afternoon finishing of the character,
which I did and gave it my Lord, it being very handsomely done and a very
good one in itself, but that not truly Alphabetical. Supped with Mr. Sheply,
W. Howe, &c. in Mr. Pierce, the Purser's cabin, where very merry,
and so to bed. Captain Isham came hither to-day.
26th. This day came
Mr. Donne back from London, who brought letters with him that signify
the meeting of the Parliament yesterday. And in the afternoon by other
letters I hear, that about twelve of the Lords met and had chosen my Lord
of Manchester' Speaker of the House of Lords (the young Lords that never
sat yet, do forbear to sit for the present); and Sir Harbottle Grimstone,
Speaker for the House of Commons. The House of Lords sent to have a conference
with the House of Commons, which, after a little debate, was granted.
Dr. Reynolds' preached before the Commons before they sat. My Lord told
me how Sir H. Yelverton (formerly my school-fellow) was chosen in the
first place for Northamptonshire and Mr. Crew in the second. And told
me how he did believe that the Cavaliers have now the upper hand clear
of the Presbyterians. All the afternoon I was writing of letters, among
the rest one to W. Simons, Peter Luellin and Tom Doling, which because
it is somewhat merry I keep a copy of. After that done Mr. Sheply, W.
Howe and I down with J. Goods into my Lord's storeroom of wine and other
drink, where it was very pleasant to observe the massy timbers that the
ship is made of. We in the room were wholly under water and yet a deck
below that. After that to supper, where Tom Guy supped with us, and we
had very good laughing, and after that some musique, where Mr. Pickering
beginning to play a bass part upon the viall did it so like a fool that
I was ashamed of him. After that to bed.
27th. This morning
Burr was absent again from on board, which I was troubled at, and spoke
to Mr. Pierce, Purser, to speak to him of it, and it is my mind. This
morning Pim [the tailor] spent in my cabin, putting a great many ribbons
to a suit. After dinner in the afternoon came on board Sir Thomas Hatton
and Sir R. Maleverer going for Flushing; but all the world know that they
go where the rest of the many gentlemen go that every day flock to the
King at Breda.
They supped here, and my Lord treated them as he do the rest that go thither,
with a great deal of civility. While we were at supper a packet came,
wherein much news from several friends. The chief is that, that I had
from Mr. Moore, viz. that he fears the Cavaliers in the House will be
so high, that the others will be forced to leave the House and fall in
with General Monk, and so offer things to the King so high on the Presbyterian
account that he may refuse, and so they will endeavour some more mischief;
but when I told my Lord it, he shook his head and told me, that the Presbyterians
are deceived, for the General is certainly for the King's interest, and
so they will not be able to prevail that way with him. After supper the
two knights went on board the Grantham, that is to convey them to Flushing.
I am informed that the Exchequer is now so low, that there is not L20
there, to give the messenger that brought the news of Lambert's being
taken; which story is very strange that he should lose his reputation
of being a man of courage now at one blow, for that he was not able to
fight one stroke, but desired of Colonel Ingoldsby several times for God's
sake to let him escape. Late reading my letters, my mind being much troubled
to think that, after all our hopes, we should have any cause to fear any
more disappointments therein. To bed. This day I made even with Mr. Creed,
by sending him my bill and he me my money by Burr whom I sent for it.
28th. This morning
sending a packet by Mr. Dunne to London. In the afternoon I played at
ninepins with Mr. Pickering, I and Mr. Pett against him and Ted Osgood,
and won a crown apiece of him. He had not money enough to pay me. After
supper my Lord exceeding merry, and he and I and W. Howe to sing, and
so to bed.
29th (Sunday). This
day I put on first my fine cloth suit made of a cloak that had like to
have been [dirted] a year ago, the very day that I put it on. After sermon
in the morning Mr. Cook came from London with a packet, bringing news
how all the young lords that were not in arms against the Parliament do
now sit. That a letter is come from the King to the House, which is locked
up by the Council 'till next Tuesday that it may be read in the open House
when they meet again, they having adjourned till then to keep a fast tomorrow.
And so the contents is not yet known. L13,000 of the L20,000 given to
General Monk is paid out of the Exchequer, he giving L12 among the teller
clerks of Exchequer. My Lord called me into the great cabin below, where
I opened my letters and he told me that the Presbyterians are quite mastered
by the Cavaliers, and that he fears Mr. Crew did go a little too far the
other day in keeping out the young lords from sitting. That he do expect
that the King should be brought over suddenly, without staying to make
any terms at all, saying that the Presbyterians did intend to have brought
him in with such conditions as if he had been in chains. But he shook
his shoulders when he told me how Monk had betrayed him, for it was he
that did put them upon standing to put out the lords and other members
that came not within the qualifications, which he [Montagu] did not like,
but however he [Monk] had done his business, though it be with some kind
of baseness. After dinner I walked a great while upon the deck with the
chyrurgeon and purser, and other officers of the ship, and they all pray
for the King's coming, which I pray God send.
30th. All the morning
getting instructions ready for the Squadron of ships that are going to-day
to the Streights, among others Captain Teddiman, Curtis, and Captain Robert
Blake to be commander of the whole Squadron. After dinner to ninepins,
W. Howe and I against Mr. Creed and the Captain. We lost 5s. apiece to
them. After that W. Howe, Mr. Sheply and I got my Lord's leave to go to
see Captain Sparling. So we took boat and first went on shore, it being
very pleasant in the fields; but a very pitiful town Deal is.
We went to Fuller's (the famous place for ale), but
they have none but what was in the vat. After that to Poole's, a tavern
in the town, where we drank, and so to boat again, and went to the Assistance,
where we were treated very civilly by the Captain, and he did give us
such music upon the harp by a fellow that he keeps on board that I never
expect to hear the like again, yet he is a drunken simple fellow to look
on as any I ever saw. After that on board the Nazeby, where we found my
Lord at supper, so I sat down and very pleasant my Lord was with Mr. Creed
and Sheply, who he puzzled about finding out the meaning of the three
notes which my Lord had cut over the chrystal of his watch. After supper
some musique.
Then Mr. Sheply, W. Howe and I up to the Lieutenant's
cabin, where we drank, and I and W. Howe were very merry, and among other
frolics he pulls out the spigot of the little vessel of ale that was there
in the cabin and drew some into his mounteere, and after he had drank,
I endeavouring to dash it in his face, he got my velvet studying cap and
drew some into mine too, that we made ourselves a great deal of mirth,
but spoiled my clothes with the ale that we dashed up and down. After
that to bed very late with drink enough in my head.
May
|

|
|