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1st.
This morning I was told how the people of Deal
have set up two or three Maypoles, and have hung up their flags upon the
top of them, and do resolve to be very merry to-day. It being a very pleasant
day, I wished myself in Hide Park. This day I do count myself to have
had full two years of perfect cure for the stone, for which God of heaven
be blessed. This day Captain Parker came on board, and without his expectation
I had a commission for him for the Nonsuch frigate (he being now in the
Cheriton), for which he gave me a French pistole. Captain H. Cuttance
has commission for the Cheriton. After dinner to nine-pins, and won something.
The rest of the afternoon in my cabin writing and piping. While we were
at supper we heard a great noise upon the Quarter Deck, so we all rose
instantly, and found it was to save the coxon of the Cheriton, who, dropping
overboard, could not be saved, but was drowned. To-day I put on my suit
that was altered from the great skirts to little ones. To-day I hear they
were very merry at Deal, setting up the King's flag upon one of their
maypoles, and drinking his health upon their knees in the streets, and
firing the guns, which the soldiers of the Castle threatened; but durst
not oppose.
2nd. In the morning
at a breakfast of radishes at the Purser's cabin. After that to writing
till dinner. At which time comes Dunne from London, with letters that
tell us the welcome news of the Parliament's votes yesterday, which will
be remembered for the happiest May-day that bath been many a year to England.
The King's letter was read in the House, wherein he submits himself and
all things to them, as to an Act of Oblivion to all, unless they shall
please to except any, as to the confirming of the sales of the King's
and Church lands, if they see good. The House upon reading the letter,
ordered L50,000 to be forthwith provided to send to His Majesty for his
present supply; and a committee chosen to return an answer of thanks to
His Majesty for his gracious letter; and that the letter be kept among
the records of the Parliament; and in all this not so much as one No.
So that Luke Robinson himself stood up and made a recantation for what
he had done, and promises to be a loyal subject to his Prince for the
time to come. The City of London have put a Declaration, wherein they
do disclaim their owing any other government but that of a King, Lords,
and Commons. Thanks was given by the House to Sir John Greenville,
[Created Earl of Bath, 1661; son of Sir Bevil Grenville, killed at the
battle of Lansdowne; he was, when a boy, left for dead on the field at
the second battle of Newbury, and said to have been the only person entrusted
by Charles II. and Monk in bringing about the Restoration.]
one of the bedchamber to the King, who brought the letter, and they continued
bare all the time it was reading. Upon notice made from the Lords to the
Commons, of their desire that the Commons would join with them in their
vote for King, Lords, and Commons; the Commons did concur and voted that
all books whatever that are out against the Government of King, Lords,
and Commons, should be brought into the House and burned. Great joy all
yesterday at London, and at night more bonfires than ever, and ringing
of bells, and drinking of the King's health upon their knees in the streets,
which methinks is a little too much. But every body seems to be very joyfull
in the business, insomuch that our sea- commanders now begin to say so
too, which a week ago they would not do.
["The picture of King Charles II. was
often set up in houses, without the least molestation, whereas a while
ago, it was almost a hanging matter so to do; but now the Rump Parliament
was so hated and jeered at, that the butchers' boys would say, 'Will you
buy any Parliament rumps and kidneys?' And it was a very ordinary thing
to see little children make a fire in the streets, and burn rumps."
--Rugge's Diurnal.--B.]
And our seamen, as many as had money or credit for drink, did do nothing
else this evening. This day came Mr. North (Sir Dudley North's son) on
board, to spend a little time here, which my Lord was a little troubled
at, but he seems to be a fine gentleman, and at night did play his part
exceeding well at first sight. After musique I went up to the Captain's
Cabin with him and Lieutenant Ferrers, who came hither to-day from London
to bring this news to my Lord, and after a bottle of wine we all to bed.
3d. This morning
my Lord showed me the King's declaration and his letter to the two Generals
to be communicated to the fleet.
The contents of the letter are his offer of grace to
all that will come in within forty days, only excepting them that the
Parliament shall hereafter except. That the sales of lands during these
troubles, and all other things, shall be left to the Parliament, by which
he will stand. The letter dated at Breda, April, 4 1660, in the 12th year
of his reign. Upon the receipt of it this morning by an express, Mr. Phillips,
one of the messengers of the Council from General Monk, my Lord summoned
a council of war, and in the mean time did dictate to me how he would
have the vote ordered which he would have pass this council. Which done,
the Commanders all came on board, and the council sat in the coach (the
first council of war that had been in my time), where I read the letter
and declaration; and while they were discoursing upon it, I seemed to
draw up a vote, which being offered, they passed. Not one man seemed to
say no to it, though I am confident many in their hearts were against
it.
After this was done, I went up to the quarter-deck with
my Lord and the Commanders, and there read both the papers and the vote;
which done, and demanding their opinion, the seamen did all of them cry
out, "God bless King Charles!" with the greatest joy imaginable.
That being done, Sir R. Stayner, who had invited us yesterday, took all
the Commanders and myself on board him to dinner, which not being ready,
I went with Captain Hayward to the Plimouth and Essex, and did what I
had to do there and returned, where very merry at dinner. After dinner,
to the rest of the ships (staid at the Assistance to hear the harper a
good while) quite through the fleet. Which was a very brave sight to visit
all the ships, and to be received with the respect and honour that I was
on board them all; and much more to see the great joy that I brought to
all men; not one through the whole fleet showing the least dislike of
the business. In the evening as I was going on board the Vice-Admiral,
the General began to fire his guns, which he did all that he had in the
ship, and so did all the rest of the Commanders, which was very gallant,
and to hear the bullets go hissing over our heads as we were in the boat.
This done and finished my Proclamation, I returned
to the Nazeby, where my Lord was much pleased to hear how all the fleet
took it in a transport of joy, showed me a private letter of the King's
to him, and another from the Duke of York in such familiar style as to
their common friend, with all kindness imaginable. And I found by the
letters, and so my Lord told me too, that there had been many letters
passed between them for a great while, and I perceive unknown to Monk.
And among the rest that had carried these letters Sir John Boys is one,
and that Mr. Norwood, which had a ship to carry him over the other day,
when my Lord would not have me put down his name in the book. The King
speaks of his being courted to come to the Hague, but do desire my Lord's
advice whither to come to take ship. And the Duke offers to learn the
seaman's trade of him, in such familiar words as if Jack Cole and I had
writ them. This was very strange to me, that my Lord should carry all
things so wisely and prudently as he do, and I was over joyful to see
him in so good condition, and he did not a little please himself to tell
me how he had provided for himself so great a hold on the King.
After this to supper, and then to writing of letters till twelve at night,
and so up again at three in the morning. My Lord seemed to put great confidence
in me, and would take my advice in many things. I perceive his being willing
to do all the honour in the world to Monk, and to let him have all the
honour of doing the business, though he will many times express his thoughts
of him to be but a thick-sculled fool. So that I do believe there is some
agreement more than ordinary between the King and my Lord to let Monk
carry on the business, for it is he that must do the business, or at least
that can hinder it, if he be not flattered and observed. This, my Lord
will hint himself sometimes. My Lord, I perceive by the King's letter,
had writ to him about his father, Crew,--[When
only seventeen years old, Montagu had married Jemima, daughter of John
Crew, created afterwards Baron Crew of Stene.]--and
the King did speak well of him; but my Lord tells me, that he is afeard
that he hath too much concerned himself with the Presbyterians against
the House of Lords, which will do him a great discourtesy.
4th. I wrote this
morning many letters, and to all the copies of the vote of the council
of war I put my name, that if it should come in print my name maybe at
it. I sent a copy of the vote to Doling, inclosed in this letter:
"SIR,
"He that can fancy a fleet (like ours) in her pride, with pendants
loose, guns roaring, caps flying, and the loud 'Vive le Roys,' echoed
from one ship's company to another, he, and he only, can apprehend the
joy this inclosed vote was received with, or the blessing he thought himself
possessed of that bore it, and is
"Your humble servant."
About nine o'clock I got all my letters done, and sent them by the messenger
that came yesterday. This morning came Captain Isham on board with a gentleman
going to the King, by whom very cunningly, my Lord tells me, he intends
to send an account of this day's and yesterday's actions here, notwithstanding
he had writ to the Parliament to have leave of them to send the King the
answer of the fleet. Since my writing of the last paragraph, my Lord called
me to him to read his letter to the King, to see whether I could find
any slips in it or no. And as much of the letter' as I can remember, is
thus:
"May it please your Most Excellent Majesty," and so begins.
"That he yesterday received from General Monk his Majesty's letter
and direction; and that General Monk had desired him to write to the Parliament
to have leave to send the vote of the seamen before he did send it to
him, which he had done by writing to both Speakers; but for his private
satisfaction he had sent it thus privately (and so the copy of the proceedings
yesterday was sent him), and that this come by a gentleman that came this
day on board, intending to wait upon his Majesty, that he is my Lord's
countryman, and one whose friends have suffered much on his Majesty's
behalf. That my Lords Pembroke and Salisbury are put out of the House
of Lords. That my Lord is very joyful that other countries do pay him
the civility and respect due to him; and that he do much rejoice to see
that the King do resolve to receive none of their assistance (or some
such words), from them, he having strength enough in the love and loyalty
of his own subjects to support him. That his Majesty had chosen the best
place, Scheveling,--[Schevingen]
for his embarking, and that there is nothing in the world of which he
is more ambitious, than to have the honour of attending his Majesty, which
he hoped would be speedy. That he had commanded the vessel to attend at
Helversluce--[Hellevoetsluis, in South Holland]
--till this gentleman returns, that so if his Majesty do not think it
fit to command the fleet himself, yet that he may be there to receive
his commands and bring them to his Lordship. He ends his letter, that
he is confounded with the thoughts of the high expressions of love to
him in the King's letter, and concludes,
"Your most loyall, dutifull, faithfull and obedient subject and servant,
E. M."
The rest of the afternoon at ninepins. In the evening
came a packet from London, among the rest a letter from my wife, which
tells me that she has not been well, which did exceedingly trouble me,
but my Lord sending Mr. Cook at night, I wrote to her and sent a piece
of gold enclosed to her, and wrote also to Mrs. Bowyer, and enclosed a
half piece to her for a token. After supper at the table in the coach,
my Lord talking concerning the uncertainty of the places of the Exchequer
to them that had them now; he did at last think of an office which do
belong to him in case the King do restore every man to his places that
ever had been patent, which is to be one of the clerks of the signet,
which will be a fine employment for one of his sons. After all this discourse
we broke up and to bed.
In the afternoon came a minister on board, one Mr. Sharpe, who is going
to the King; who tells me that Commissioners are chosen both of Lords
and Commons to go to the King; and that Dr. Clarges is going to him from
the Army, and that he will be here to-morrow. My letters at night tell
me, that the House did deliver their letter to Sir John Greenville, in
answer to the King's sending, and that they give him L500 for his pains,
to buy him a jewel, and that besides the L50,000 ordered to be borrowed
of the City for the present use of the King, the twelve companies of the
City do give every one of them to his Majesty, as a present, L1000.
5th. All the morning
very busy writing letters to London, and a packet to Mr. Downing, to acquaint
him with what had been done lately in the fleet. And this I did by my
Lord's command, who, I thank him, did of himself think of doing it, to
do me a kindness, for he writ a letter himself to him, thanking him for
his kindness to me. All the afternoon at ninepins, at night after supper
good musique, my Lord, Mr. North, I and W. Howe. After that to bed. This
evening came Dr. Clarges to Deal, going to the King; where the towns-people
strewed the streets with herbes against his coming, for joy of his going.
Never was there so general a content as there is now. I cannot but remember
that our parson did, in his prayer to-night, pray for the long life and
happiness of our King and dread Soveraign, that may last as long as the
sun and moon endureth.
6th (Lord's day).
This morning while we were at sermon comes in Dr. Clarges and a dozen
gentlemen to see my Lord, who, after sermon, dined with him; I remember
that last night upon discourse concerning Clarges my Lord told me that
he was a man of small entendimiento.--[Entendimiento, Spanish: the understanding.]--This
afternoon there was a gentleman with me, an officer of Dunkirk going over,
who came to me for an order and told me he was lately with my uncle and
Aunt Fenner and that Kate's fits of the convulsions did hold her still.
It fell very well to-day, a stranger preached here for Mr. Ibbot, one
Mr. Stanley, who prayed for King Charles, by the Grace of God, &c.,
which gave great contentment to the gentlemen that were on board here,
and they said they would talk of it, when they come to Breda, as not having
it done yet in London so publickly. After they were gone from on board,
my Lord writ a letter to the King and give it to me to carry privately
to Sir William Compton' on board the Assistance, which I did, and after
a health to his Majesty on board there, I left them under sail for Breda.
Back again and found them at sermon. I went up to my cabin and looked
over my accounts, and find that, all my debts paid and my preparations
to sea paid for, I have L640 clear in my purse. After supper to bed.
7th. This morning
Captain Cuttance sent me 12 bottles of Margate ale. Three of them I drank
presently with some friends in the Coach. My Lord went this morning about
the flag-ships in a boat, to see what alterations there must be, as to
the arms and flags. He did give me order also to write for silk flags
and scarlett waistcloathes. [Waist-cloths are
the painted canvas coverings of the hammocks which are stowed in the waist-nettings.]
For a rich barge; for a noise of trumpets,
[A set or company of musicians, an expression constantly used by old writers
without any disparaging meaning. It is sometimes applied to voices as
well as to instruments.] and a set of fidlers.
Very great deal of company come today, among others Mr. Bellasses, Sir
Thomas Lenthropp, Sir Henry Chichley, Colonel Philip Honiwood, and Captain
Titus, the last of whom my Lord showed all our cabins, and I suppose he
is to take notice what room there will be for the King's entertainment.
Here were also all the Jurates of the town of Dover come to give my Lord
a visit, and after dinner all went away. I could not but observe that
the Vice-Admiral after dinner came into the great cabin below, where the
Jurates and I and the commanders for want of room dined, and there told
us we must drink a health to the King, and himself called for a bottle
of wine, and begun his and the Duke of York's. In the afternoon I lost
5s. at ninepins. After supper musique, and to bed. Having also among us
at the Coach table wrote a letter to the French ambassador, in French,
about the release of a ship we had taken. After I was in bed Mr. Sheply
and W. Howe came and sat in my cabin, where I gave them three bottles
of Margate ale, and sat laughing and very merry, till almost one o'clock
in the morning, and so good night.
8th. All the morning
busy. After dinner come several persons of honour, as my Lord St. John
and others, for convoy to Flushing, and great giving of them salutes.
My Lord and we at nine-pins: I lost 9s. While we were at play Mr. Cook
brings me word of my wife. He went to Huntsmore to see her, and brought
her and my father Bowyer to London, where he left her at my father's,
very well, and speaks very well of her love to me. My letters to-day tell
me how it was intended that the King should be proclaimed to-day in London,
with a great deal of pomp. I had also news who they are that are chosen
of the Lords and Commons to attend the King. And also the whole story
of what we did the other day in the fleet, at reading of the King's declaration,
and my name at the bottom of it. After supper some musique and to bed.
I resolving to rise betimes to- morrow to write letters to London.
9th. Up very early,
writing a letter to the King, as from the two Generals of the fleet, in
answer to his letter to them, wherein my Lord do give most humble thanks
for his gracious letter and declaration; and promises all duty and obedience
to him. This letter was carried this morning to Sir Peter Killigrew, who
came hither this morning early to bring an order from the Lords' House
to my Lord, giving him power to write an answer to the King. This morning
my Lord St. John and other persons of honour were here to see my Lord,
and so away to Flushing. After they were gone my Lord and I to write letters
to London, which we sent by Mr. Cook, who was very desirous to go because
of seeing my wife before she went out of town. As we were sitting down
to dinner, in comes Noble with a letter from the House of Lords to my
Lord, to desire him to provide ships to transport the Commissioners to
the King, which are expected here this week. He brought us certain news
that the King was proclaimed yesterday with great pomp, and brought down
one of the Proclamations, with great joy to us all; for which God be praised.
After dinner to ninepins and lost 5s. This morning came Mr. Saunderson
that writ the story of the King, hither, who is going over to the King.
He calls me cozen and seems a very knowing man. After supper to bed betimes,
leaving my Lord talking in the Coach with the Captain.
10th. This morning
came on board Mr. Pinkney and his son, going to the King with a petition
finely writ by Mr. Whore, for to be the King's embroiderer; for whom and
Mr. Saunderson I got a ship. This morning come my Lord Winchelsea and
a great deal of company, and dined here. In the afternoon, while my Lord
and we were at musique in the great cabin below, comes in a messenger
to tell us that Mr. Edward Montagu,
[Sir Edward Montagu's eldest son, afterwards
second Earl of Sandwich, called by Pepys "The child."]
my Lord's son, was come to Deal, who afterwards came on board with Mr.
Pickering with him. The child was sick in the evening. At night, while
my Lord was at supper, in comes my Lord Lauderdale and Sir John Greenville,
who supped here, and so went away. After they were gone, my Lord called
me into his cabin, and told me how he was commanded to set sail presently
for the King, ["Ordered that General Montagu
do observe the command of His Majesty for the disposing of the fleet,
in order to His Majesty's returning home to England to his kingly government:
and that all proceedings in law be in His Majesty's name."--Rugge's
Diurnal.--B.] and was very glad thereof,
and so put me to writing of letters and other work that night till it
was very late, he going to bed. I got him afterwards to sign things in
bed. After I had done some more work I to bed also.
11th. Up very early
in the morning, and so about a great deal of business in order to our
going hence to-day. Burr going on shore last night made me very angry.
So that I sent for Mr. Pitts to come tome from the Vice-Admiral's, intending
not to have employed Burr any more. But Burr by and by coming and desiring
humbly that I would forgive him and Pitts not coming I did set him to
work. This morning we began to pull down all the State's arms in the fleet,
having first sent to Dover for painters and others to come to set up the
King's. The rest of the morning writing of letters to London which I afterwards
sent by Dunne. I had this morning my first opportunity of discoursing
with Dr. Clarke, whom I found to be a very pretty man and very knowing.
He is now going in this ship to the King. There dined here my Lord Crafford
and my Lord Cavendish, and other Scotchmen whom I afterwards ordered to
be received on board the Plymouth, and to go along with us. After dinner
we set sail from the Downs, I leaving my boy to go to Deal for my linen.
In the afternoon overtook us three or four gentlemen; two of the Berties,
and one Mr. Dormerhoy, a Scotch gentleman, whom I afterwards found to
be a very fine man, who, telling my Lord that they heard the Commissioners
were come out of London to-day, my Lord dropt anchor over against Dover
Castle (which give us about thirty guns in passing), and upon a high debate
with the Vice and Rear Admiral whether it were safe to go and not stay
for the Commissioners, he did resolve to send Sir R. Stayner to Dover,
to enquire of my Lord Winchelsea, whether or no they are come out of London,
and then to resolve to-morrow morning of going or not; which was done.
It blew very hard all this night that I was afeard of my boy. About 11
at night came the boats from Deal, with great store of provisions, by
the same token John Goods told me that above 20 of the fowls are smothered,
but my boy was put on board the Northwich. To bed.
12th. This morning
I inquired for my boy, whether he was come well or no, and it was told
me that he was well in bed. My Lord called me to his chamber, he being
in bed, and gave me many orders to make for direction for the ships that
are left in the Downs, giving them the greatest charge in the world to
bring no passengers with them, when they come after us to Scheveling Bay,
excepting Mr. Edward Montagu, Mr. Thomas Crew, and Sir H. Wright. Sir
R. Stayner hath been here early in the morning and told my Lord, that
my Lord Winchelsea understands by letters, that the Commissioners are
only to come to Dover to attend the coming over of the King. So my Lord
did give order for weighing anchor, which we did, and sailed all day.
In our way in the morning, coming in the midway between Dover and Calais,
we could see both places very easily, and very pleasant it was to me that
the further we went the more we lost sight of both lands. In the afternoon
at cards with Mr. North and the Doctor.-- [Clarke]--There
by us, in the Lark frigate, Sir R. Freeman and some others, going from
the King to England, come to see my Lord and so onward on their voyage.
In the afternoon upon the quarterdeck the Doctor told Mr. North and me
an admirable story called "The Fruitless Precaution," an exceeding
pretty story and worthy my getting without book when I can get the book.[??]
This evening came Mr. Sheply on board, whom we had left at Deal and Dover
getting of provision and borrowing of money. In the evening late, after
discoursing with the Doctor, &c., to bed.
13th (Lord's day).
Trimmed in the morning, after that to the cook's room with Mr. Sheply,
the first time that I was there this voyage. Then to the quarter-deck,
upon which the tailors and painters were at work, cutting out some pieces
of yellow cloth into the fashion of a crown and C. R. and put it upon
a fine sheet, and that into the flag instead of the State's arms, which
after dinner was finished and set up after it had been shewn to my Lord,
who took physic to-day and was in his chamber, and liked it so well as
to bid me give the tailors 20s. among them for doing of it. This morn
Sir J. Boys and Capt. Isham met us in the Nonsuch, the first of whom,
after a word or two with my Lord, went forward, the other staid. I heard
by them how Mr. Downing had never made any address to the King, and for
that was hated exceedingly by the Court, and that he was in a Dutch ship
which sailed by us, then going to England with disgrace. Also how Mr.
Morland was knighted by the King this week, and that the King did give
the reason of it openly, that it was for his giving him intelligence all
the time he was clerk to Secretary Thurloe. In the afternoon a council
of war, only to acquaint them that the Harp must be taken out of all their
flags, [In May, 1658, the old Union Jack (being
the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew combined) was revived, with the
Irish harp over the centre of the flag. This harp was taken off at the
Restoration.] it being very offensive to
the King. Mr. Cook, who came after us in the Yarmouth, bringing me a letter
from my wife and a Latin letter from my brother John, with both of which
I was exceedingly pleased. No sermon all day, we being under sail, only
at night prayers, wherein Mr. Ibbott prayed for all that were related
to us in a spiritual and fleshly way. We came within sight of Middle's
shore. Late at night we writ letters to the King of the news of our coming,
and Mr. Edward Picketing carried them. Capt. Isham went on shore, nobody
showing of him any respect; so the old man very fairly took leave of my
Lord, and my Lord very coldly bid him "God be with you," which
was very strange, but that I hear that he keeps a great deal of prating
and talking on shore, on board, at the King's Courts, what command he
had with my Lord, &c. After letters were gone then to bed.
14th. In the morning
when I woke and rose, I saw myself out of the scuttle close by the shore,
which afterwards I was told to be the Dutch shore; the Hague was clearly
to be seen by us. My Lord went up in his nightgown into the cuddy, to
see how to dispose thereof for himself and us that belong to him, to give
order for our removal to-day. Some nasty Dutchmen came on board to proffer
their boats to carry things from us on shore, &c., to get money by
us. Before noon some gentlemen came on board from the shore to kiss my
Lord's hands. And by and by Mr. North and Dr. Clerke went to kiss the
Queen of Bohemia's' hands, from my Lord, with twelve attendants from on
board to wait on them, among which I sent my boy, who, like myself, is
with child to see any strange thing. After noon they came back again after
having kissed the Queen of Bohemia's hand, and were sent again by my Lord
to do the same to the Prince of Orange. [Son
of the Prince of Orange and Mary, eldest daughter of Charles I. --afterwards
William III. He was then in his tenth year, having been born in 1650.]
So I got the Captain to ask leave for me to go, which my Lord did give,
and I taking my boy and judge Advocate with me, went in company with them.
The weather bad; we were sadly washed when we came near the shore, it
being very hard to land there. The shore is, as all the country between
that and the Hague, all sand. The rest of the company got a coach by themselves;
Mr. Creed and I went in the fore part of a coach wherein were two very
pretty ladies, very fashionable and with black patches, who very merrily
sang all the way and that very well, and were very free to kiss the two
blades that were with them. I took out my flageolette and piped, but in
piping I dropped my rapier-stick, but when I came to the Hague, I sent
my boy back again for it and he found it, for which I did give him 6d.,
but some horses had gone over it and broke the scabbard. The Hague is
a most neat place in all respects. The houses so neat in all places and
things as is possible. Here we walked up and down a great while, the town
being now very full of Englishmen, for that the Londoners were come on
shore today. But going to see the Prince,--
[Prince of Orange, afterwards William III.]--he
was gone forth with his governor, and so we walked up and down the town
and court to see the place; and by the help of a stranger, an Englishman,
we saw a great many places, and were made to understand many things, as
the intention of may- poles, which we saw there standing at every great
man's door, of different greatness according to the quality of the person.
About 10 at night the Prince comes home, and we found an easy admission.
His attendance very inconsiderable as for a prince; but yet handsome,
and his tutor a fine man, and himself a very pretty boy. It was bright
moonshine to-night. This done we went to a place we had taken to sup in,
where a sallet and two or three bones of mutton were provided for a matter
of ten of us which was very strange. After supper the Judge and I to another
house, leaving them there, and he and I lay in one press bed, there being
two more in the same room, but all very neat and handsome, my boy sleeping
upon a bench by me.
15th. We lay till
past three o'clock, then up and down the town, to see it by daylight,
where we saw the soldiers of the Prince's guard, all very fine, and the
burghers of the town with their arms and muskets as bright as silver.
And meeting this morning a schoolmaster that spoke good English and French,
he went along with us and shewed us the whole town, and indeed I cannot
speak enough of the gallantry of the town. Every body of fashion speaks
French or Latin, or both. The women many of them very pretty and in good
habits, fashionable and black spots. He went with me to buy a couple of
baskets, one of them for Mrs. Pierce, the other for my wife. After he
was gone, we having first drank with him at our lodging, the judge and
I to the Grande Salle where we were shewed the place where the States
General sit in council. The hall is a great place, where the flags that
they take from their enemies are all hung up; and things to be sold, as
in Westminster Hall, and not much unlike it, but that not so big, but
much neater. After that to a bookseller's and bought for the love of the
binding three books: the French Psalms in four parts, Bacon's Organon,
and Farnab. Rhetor.
After that the judge, I and my boy by coach to Scheveling again, where
we went into a house of entertainment and drank there, the wind being
very high, and we saw two boats overset and the gallants forced to be
pulled on shore by the heels, while their trunks, portmanteaus, hats,
and feathers, were swimming in the sea. Among others I saw the ministers
that come along with the Commissioners (Mr. Case among the rest) sadly
dipped.
So they came in where we were, and I being in haste left my Copenhagen
knife, and so lost it. Having staid here a great while a gentleman that
was going to kiss my Lord's hand, from the Queen of Bohemia, and I hired
a Dutch boat for four rixdollars to carry us on board. We were fain to
wait a great while before we could get off from the shore, the sea being
very rough. The Dutchman would fain have made all pay that came into our
boat besides us two and our company, there being many of our ship's company
got in who were on shore, but some of them had no money, having spent
all on shore. Coming on board we found all the Commissioners of the House
of Lords at dinner with my Lord, who after dinner went away for shore.
Mr. Morland, now Sir Samuel, was here on board, but I do not find that
my Lord or any body did give him any respect, he being looked upon by
him and all men as a knave. Among others he betrayed Sir Rich. Willis
that married Dr. F. Jones's daughter, that he had paid him L1000 at one
time by the Protector's and Secretary Thurloe's order, for intelligence
that he sent concerning the King. In the afternoon my Lord called me on
purpose to show me his fine cloathes which are now come hither, and indeed
are very rich as gold and silver can make them, only his sword he and
I do not like.
In the afternoon my Lord and I walked together in the
coach two hours, talking together upon all sorts of discourse: as religion,
wherein he is, I perceive, wholly sceptical, as well as I, saying, that
indeed the Protestants as to the Church of Rome are wholly fanatiques:
he likes uniformity and form of prayer; about State-business, among other
things he told me that his conversion to the King's cause (for so I was
saying that I wondered from what time the King could look upon him to
become his friend), commenced from his being in the Sound, when he found
what usage he was likely to have from a Commonwealth. My Lord, the Captain,
and I supped in my Lord's chamber, where I did perceive that he did begin
to show me much more respect than ever he did yet. After supper, my Lord
sent for me, intending to have me play at cards with him, but I not knowing
cribbage, we fell into discourse of many things, till it was so rough
sea and the ship rolled so much that I was not able to stand, and so he
bid me go to bed.
16th. Soon as I was
up I went down to be trimmed below in the great cabin, but then come in
some with visits, among the rest one from Admiral Opdam, who spoke Latin
well, but not French nor English, to whom my Lord made me to give his
answer and to entertain; he brought my Lord a tierce of wine and a barrel
of butter, as a present from the Admiral. After that to finish my trimming,
and while I was doing of it in comes Mr. North very sea-sick from shore,
and to bed he goes. After that to dinner, where Commissioner Pett was
come to take care to get all things ready for the King on board. My Lord
in his best suit, this the first day, in expectation to wait upon the
King. But Mr. Edw. Pickering coming from the King brought word that the
King would not put my Lord to the trouble of coming to him; but that he
would come to the shore to look upon the fleet to-day, which we expected,
and had our guns ready to fire, and our scarlet waistcloathes out and
silk pendants, but he did not come.
My Lord and we at ninepins this afternoon upon the Quarterdeck,
which was very pretty sport. This evening came Mr. John Pickering on board,
like an ass, with his feathers and new suit that he had made at the Hague.
My Lord very angry for his staying on shore, bidding me a little before
to send to him, telling me that he was afraid that for his father's sake
he might have some mischief done him, unless he used the General's name.
To supper, and after supper to cards. I stood by and looked on till 11
at night and so to bed. This afternoon Mr. Edwd. Pickering told me in
what a sad, poor condition for clothes and money the King was, and all
his attendants, when he came to him first from my Lord, their clothes
not being worth forty shillings the best of them. And how overjoyed the
King was when Sir J. Greenville brought him some money; so joyful, that
he called the Princess Royal and Duke of York to look upon it as it lay
in the portmanteau before it was taken out. My Lord told me, too, that
the Duke of York is made High Admiral of England.
17th. Up early to
write down my last two days' observations. Dr. Clerke came to me to tell
me that he heard this morning, by some Dutch that are come on board already
to see the ship, that there was a Portuguese taken yesterday at the Hague,
that had a design to kill the King. But this I heard afterwards was only
the mistake upon one being observed to walk with his sword naked, he having
lost his scabbard. Before dinner Mr. Edw. Pickering and I, W. Howe, Pim,
and my boy,--[Edward Montagu, afterwards Lord
Hinchinbroke.]--to Scheveling, where we
took coach, and so to the Hague, where walking, intending to find one
that might show us the King incognito, I met with Captain Whittington
(that had formerly brought a letter to my Lord from the Mayor of London)
and he did promise me to do it, but first we went and dined at a French
house, but paid 16s. for our part of the club. At dinner in came Dr. Cade,
a merry mad parson of the King's. And they two after dinner got the child
and me (the others not being able to crowd in) to see the King, who kissed
the child very affectionately. Then we kissed his, and the Duke of York's,
and the Princess Royal's hands. The King seems to be a very sober man;
and a very splendid Court he hath in the number of persons of quality
that are about him, English very rich in habit. From the King to the Lord
Chancellor,
[On January 29th, 1658, Charles II. entrusted
the Great Seal to Sir Edward Hyde, with the title of Lord Chancellor,
and in that character Sir Edward accompanied the King to England.]
who did lie bed-rid of the gout: he spoke very merrily to the child and
me. After that, going to see the Queen of Bohemia, I met with Dr. Fullers
whom I sent to a tavern with Mr. Edw. Pickering, while I and the rest
went to see the Queen,--[Henrietta Maria.]-- who used us very respectfully;
her hand we all kissed. She seems a very debonaire, but plain lady. After
that to the Dr.'s, where we drank a while or so. In a coach of a friend's
of Dr. Cade we went to see a house of the Princess Dowager's in a park
about half-a-mile or a mile from the Hague, where there is one, the most
beautiful room for pictures in the whole world. She had here one picture
upon the top, with these words, dedicating it to the memory of her husband:--"Incomparabili
marito, inconsolabilis vidua."
[Mary, Princess Royal, eldest daughter of Charles
I., and widow of William of Nassau, Prince of Orange. She was not supposed
to be inconsolable, and scandal followed her at the court of Charles II.,
where she died of small-pox, December 24th, 1660.]
Here I met with Mr. Woodcock of Cambridge, Mr. Hardy and another, and
Mr. Woodcock beginning we had two or three fine songs, he and I, and W.
Howe to the Echo, which was very pleasant, and the more because in a heaven
of pleasure and in a strange country, that I never was taken up more with
a sense of pleasure in my life. After that we parted and back to the Hague
and took a tour or two about the Forehault,--[The Voorhout is the principal
street of the Hague, and it is lined with handsome trees.]-- where the
ladies in the evening do as our ladies do in Hide Park. But for my life
I could not find one handsome, but their coaches very rich and themselves
so too. From thence, taking leave of the Doctor, we took wagon to Scheveling,
where we had a fray with the Boatswain of the Richmond, who would not
freely carry us on board, but at last he was willing to it, but then it
was so late we durst not go. So we returned between 10 and 11 at night
in the dark with a wagon with one horse to the Hague, where being come
we went to bed as well as we could be accommodated, and so to sleep.
18th. Very early
up, and, hearing that the Duke of York, our Lord High Admiral, would go
on board to-day, Mr. Pickering and I took waggon for Scheveling, leaving
the child in Mr. Pierces hands, with directions to keep him within doors
all day till he heard from me. But the wind being very high that no boats
could get off from shore, we returned to the Hague (having breakfasted
with a gentleman of the Duke's, and Commissioner Pett, sent on purpose
to give notice to my Lord of his coming), where I hear that the child
is gone to Delfe to see the town. So we all and Mr. Ibbott, the Minister,
took a schuit--[The trekschuit (drag-boat)
along the canal is still described as an agreeable conveyance from Leyden
to Delft.]--and very much pleased with the
manner and conversation of the passengers, where most speak French; went
after them, but met them by the way. But however we went forward making
no stop. Where when we were come we got a smith's boy of the town to go
along with us, but could speak nothing but Dutch, and he showed us the
church where Van Trump lies entombed with a very fine monument. His epitaph
concluded thus:--"Tandem Bello Anglico tantum non victor, certe invictus,
vivere et vincere desiit." There is a sea-fight cut in marble, with
the smoke, the best expressed that ever I saw in my life. From thence
to the great church, that stands in a fine great market-place, over against
the Stadt- house, and there I saw a stately tomb of the old Prince of
Orange, of marble and brass; wherein among other rarities there are the
angels with their trumpets expressed as it were crying. Here were very
fine organs in both the churches. It is a most sweet town, with bridges,
and a river in every street. Observing that in every house of entertainment
there hangs in every room a poor-man's box, and desiring to know the reason
thereof, it was told me that it is their custom to confirm all bargains
by putting something into the poor people's box, and that binds as fast
as any thing. We also saw the Guesthouse, where it was very pleasant to
see what neat preparation there is for the poor. We saw one poor man a-
dying there. After we had seen all, we light by chance of an English house
to drink in, where we were very merry, discoursing of the town and the
thing that hangs up in the Stadthouse like a bushel, which I was told
is a sort of punishment for some sort of offenders to carry through the
streets of the town over his head, which is a great weight. Back by water,
where a pretty sober Dutch lass sat reading all the way, and I could not
fasten any discourse upon her. At our landing we met with Commissioner
Pett going down to the water-side with Major Harly, who is going upon
a dispatch into England. They having a coach I left the Parson and my
boy and went along with Commissioner Pett, Mr. Ackworth and Mr. Dawes
his friends, to the Princess Dowager's house again. Thither also my Lord
Fairfax and some other English Lords did come to see it, and my pleasure
was increased by seeing of it again. Besides we went into the garden,
wherein are gallant nuts better than ever I saw, and a fine Echo under
the house in a vault made on purpose with pillars, where I played on my
flageolette to great advantage. Back to the Hague, where not finding Mr.
Edward, I was much troubled, but went with the Parson to supper to Commissioner
Pett, where we sat late. And among other mirth Mr. Ackworth vyed wives,
each endeavouring to set his own wife out to the best advantage, he having
as they said an extraordinary handsome wife. But Mr. Dawes could not be
got to say anything of his. After that to our lodging where W. Howe and
I exceeding troubled not to know what is become of our young gentleman.
So to bed.
19th. Up early, hearing
nothing of the child, and went to Scheveling, where I found no getting
on board, though the Duke of York sent every day to see whether he could
do it or no. Here I met with Mr. Pinkney and his sons, and with them went
back to the Hague, in our way lighting and going to see a woman that makes
pretty rock-work in shells, &c., which could I have carried safe I
would have bought some of. At the Hague we went to buy some pictures,
where I saw a sort of painting done upon woollen cloth, drawn as if there
was a curtain over it, which was very pleasant, but dear. Another pretty
piece of painting I saw, on which there was a great wager laid by young
Pinkney and me whether it was a principal or a copy. But not knowing how
to decide, it was broken off, and I got the old man to lay out as much
as my piece of gold come to, and so saved my money, which had been 24s.
lost, I fear. While we were here buying of pictures, we saw Mr. Edward
and his company land. Who told me that they had been at Leyden all night,
at which I was very angry with Mr. Pierce, and shall not be friends I
believe a good while. To our lodging to dinner. After that out to buy
some linen to wear against to-morrow, and so to the barber's. After that
by waggon to Lausdune, where the 365 children were born. We saw the hill
where they say the house stood and sunk wherein the children were born.
The basins wherein the male and female children were baptized do stand
over a large table that hangs upon a wall, with the whole story of the
thing in Dutch and Latin, beginning, "Margarita Herman Comitissa,"
&c. The thing was done about 200 years ago.
The town is a little small village which answers much to one of our small
villages, such a one as Chesterton in all respects, and one could have
thought it in England but for the language of the people. We went into
a little drinking house where there were a great many Dutch boors eating
of fish in a boorish manner, but very merry in their way. But the houses
here as neat as in the great places. From thence to the Hague again playing
at crambo--["a play at short verses in
which a word is given, and the parties contend who can find most rhymes
to it."]--in the waggon, Mr. Edward,
Mr. Ibbott, W. Howe, Mr. Pinkney, and I. When we were come thither W.
Howe, and Mr. Ibbott, and Mr. Pinckney went away for Scheveling, while
I and the child to walk up and down the town, where I met my old chamber-fellow,
Mr. Ch. Anderson, and a friend of his (both Physicians), Mr. Wright, who
took me to a Dutch house, where there was an exceeding pretty lass, and
right for the sport, but it being Saturday we could not have much of her
company, but however I staid with them (having left the child with my
uncle Pickering, whom I met in the street) till 12 at night. By that time
Charles was almost drunk, and then broke up, he resolving to go thither
again, after he had seen me at my lodging, and lie with the girl, which
he told me he had done in the morning. Going to my lodging we met with
the bellman, who struck upon a clapper, which I took in my hand, and it
is just like the clapper that our boys frighten the birds away from the
corn with in summer time in England. To bed.
20th. Up early, and
with Mr. Pickering and the child by waggon to Scheveling, where it not
being yet fit to go off, I went to lie down in a chamber in the house,
where in another bed there was a pretty Dutch woman in bed alone, but
though I had a month's-mind I had not the boldness to go to her. So there
I slept an hour or two. At last she rose, and then I rose and walked up
and down the chamber, and saw her dress herself after the Dutch dress,
and talked to her as much as I could, and took occasion, from her ring
which she wore on her first finger, to kiss her hand, but had not the
face to offer anything more. So at last I left her there and went to my
company.
About 8 o'clock I went into the church at Scheveling,
which was pretty handsome, and in the chancel a very great upper part
of the mouth of a whale, which indeed was of a prodigious bigness, bigger
than one of our long boats that belong to one of our ships. Commissioner
Pett at last came to our lodging, and caused the boats to go off; so some
in one boat and some in another we all bid adieu to the shore. But through
badness of weather we were in great danger, and a great while before we
could get to the ship, so that of all the company not one but myself that
was not sick. I keeping myself in the open air, though I was soundly wet
for it. This hath not been known four days together such weather at this
time of year, a great while. Indeed our fleet was thought to be in great
danger, but we found all well, and Mr. Thos. Crew came on board. I having
spoke a word or two with my Lord, being not very well settled, partly
through last night's drinking and want of sleep, I lay down in my gown
upon my bed and slept till the 4 o'clock gun the next morning waked me,
which I took for 8 at night, and rising . . . mistook the sun rising for
the sun setting on Sunday night.
21st. So into my
naked bed and slept till 9 o'clock, and then John Goods waked me, [by]
and by the captain's boy brought me four barrels of Mallows oysters, which
Captain Tatnell had sent me from Murlace.--[Apparently
Mallows stands for St. Malo and Murlace for Morlaise.]--The
weather foul all this day also. After dinner, about writing one thing
or other all day, and setting my papers in order, having been so long
absent. At night Mr. Pierce, Purser (the other Pierce and I having not
spoken to one another since we fell out about Mr. Edward), and Mr. Cook
sat with me in my cabin and supped with me, and then I went to bed. By
letters that came hither in my absence, I understand that the Parliament
had ordered all persons to be secured, in order to a trial, that did sit
as judges in the late King's death, and all the officers too attending
the Court. Sir John Lenthall moving in the House, that all that had borne
arms against the King should be exempted from pardon, he was called to
the bar of the House, and after a severe reproof he was degraded his knighthood.
At Court I find that all things grow high. The old clergy talk as being
sure of their lands again, and laugh at the Presbytery; and it is believed
that the sales of the King's and Bishops' lands will never be confirmed
by Parliament, there being nothing now in any man's, power to hinder them
and the King from doing what they have a mind, but every body willing
to submit to any thing. We expect every day to have the King and Duke
on board as soon as it is fair. My Lord do nothing now, but offers all
things to the pleasure of the Duke as Lord High Admiral. So that I am
at a loss what to do.
22nd. Up very early,
and now beginning to be settled in my wits again, I went about setting
down my last four days' observations this morning. After that, was trimmed
by a barber that has not trimmed me yet, my Spaniard being on shore. News
brought that the two Dukes are coming on board, which, by and by, they
did, in a Dutch boats the Duke of York in yellow trimmings, the Duke of
Gloucester in grey and red. My Lord went in a boat to meet them, the Captain,
myself, and others, standing at the entering port. So soon as they were
entered we shot the guns off round the fleet. After that they went to
view the ship all over, and were most exceedingly pleased with it. They
seem to be both very fine gentlemen. After that done, upon the quarter-
deck table, under the awning, the Duke of York and my Lord, Mr. Coventry,
and I, spent an hour at allotting to every ship their service, in their
return to England; which having done, they went to dinner, where the table
was very full: the two Dukes at the upper end, my Lord Opdam next on one
side, and my Lord on the other. Two guns given to every man while he was
drinking the King's health, and so likewise to the Duke's health. I took
down Monsieur d'Esquier to the great cabin below, and dined with him in
state alone with only one or two friends of his. All dinner the harper
belonging to Captain Sparling played to the Dukes.
After dinner, the Dukes and my Lord to see the Vice
and Rear-Admirals; and I in a boat after them. After that done, they made
to the shore in the Dutch boat that brought them, and I got into the boat
with them; but the shore was so full of people to expect their coming,
as that it was as black (which otherwise is white sand), as every one
could stand by another. When we came near the shore, my Lord left them
and came into his own boat, and General Pen and I with him; my Lord being
very well pleased with this day's work. By the time we came on board again,
news is sent us that the King is on shore; so my Lord fired all his guns
round twice, and all the fleet after him, which in the end fell into disorder,
which seemed very handsome. The gun over against my cabin I fired myself
to the King, which was the first time that he had been saluted by his
own ships since this change; but holding my head too much over the gun,
I had almost spoiled my right eye. Nothing in the world but going of guns
almost all this day. In the evening we began to remove cabins; I to the
carpenter's cabin, and Dr. Clerke with me, who came on board this afternoon,
having been twice ducked in the sea to-day coming from shore, and Mr.
North and John Pickering the like. Many of the King's servants came on
board to- night; and so many Dutch of all sorts came to see the ship till
it was quite dark, that we could not pass by one another, which was a
great trouble to us all. This afternoon Mr. Downing (who was knighted
yesterday by the King') was here on board, and had a ship for his passage
into England, with his lady and servants. By the same token he called
me to him when I was going to write the order, to tell me that I must
write him Sir G. Downing. My Lord lay in the roundhouse to-night. This
evening I was late writing a French letter myself by my Lord's order to
Monsieur Kragh, Embassador de Denmarke a la Haye, which my Lord signed
in bed. After that I to bed, and the Doctor, and sleep well.
23rd. The Doctor
and I waked very merry, only my eye was very red and ill in the morning
from yesterday's hurt. In the morning came infinity of people on board
from the King to go along with him. My Lord, Mr. Crew, and others, go
on shore to meet the King as he comes off from shore, where Sir R. Stayner
bringing His Majesty into the boat, I hear that His Majesty did with a
great deal of affection kiss my Lord upon his first meeting. The King,
with the two Dukes and Queen of Bohemia, Princess Royal, and Prince of
Orange, came on board, where I in their coming in kissed the King's, Queen's,
and Princess's hands, having done the other before. Infinite shooting
off of the guns, and that in a disorder on purpose, which was better than
if it had been otherwise. All day nothing but Lords and persons of honour
on board, that we were exceeding full. Dined in a great deal of state,
the Royall company by themselves in the coach, which was a blessed sight
to see. I dined with Dr. Clerke, Dr. Quarterman, and Mr. Darcy in my cabin.
This morning Mr. Lucy came on board, to whom and his company of the King's
Guard in another ship my Lord did give three dozen of bottles of wine.
He made friends between Mr. Pierce and me.
After dinner the King and Duke altered the name of some
of the ships, viz. the Nazeby into Charles; the Richard, James; the Speakers
Mary; the Dunbar (which was not in company with us), the Henry; Winsly,
Happy Return; Wakefield, Richmond; Lambert; the Henrietta; Cheriton, the
Speedwell; Bradford, the Success. That done, the Queen, Princess Royal,
and Prince of Orange, took leave of the King, and the Duke of York went
on board the London, and the Duke of Gloucester, the Swiftsure. Which
done, we weighed anchor, and with a fresh gale and most happy weather
we set sail for England.
All the afternoon the King walked here and there, up
and down (quite contrary to what I thought him to have been), very active
and stirring. Upon the quarterdeck he fell into discourse of his escape
from Worcester, where it made me ready to weep to hear the stories that
he told of his difficulties that he had passed through, as his travelling
four days and three nights on foot, every step up to his knees in dirt,
with nothing but a green coat and a pair of country breeches on, and a
pair of country shoes that made him so sore all over his feet, that he
could scarce stir. Yet he was forced to run away from a miller and other
company, that took them for rogues. His sitting at table at one place,
where the master of the house, that had not seen him in eight years, did
know him, but kept it private; when at the same table there was one that
had been of his own regiment at Worcester, could not know him, but made
him drink the King's health, and said that the King was at least four
fingers higher than he. At another place he was by some servants of the
house made to drink, that they might know him not to be a Roundhead, which
they swore he was. In another place at his inn, the master of the house,
as the King was standing with his hands upon the back of a chair by the
fire-side, kneeled down and kissed his hand, privately, saying, that he
would not ask him who he was, but bid God bless him whither he was going.
Then the difficulty of getting a boat to get into France, where he was
fain to plot with the master thereof to keep his design from the four
men and a boy (which was all his ship's company), and so got to Fecamp
in France. At Rouen he looked so poorly, that the people went into the
rooms before he went away to see whether he had not stole something or
other.
In the evening I went up to my Lord to write letters
for England, which we sent away with word of our coming, by Mr. Edw. Pickering.
The King supped alone in the coach; after that I got a dish, and we four
supped in my cabin, as at noon. About bed-time my Lord Bartlett (who I
had offered my service to before) sent for me to get him a bed, who with
much ado I did get to bed to my Lord Middlesex in the great cabin below,
but I was cruelly troubled before I could dispose of him, and quit myself
of him. So to my cabin again, where the company still was, and were talking
more of the King's difficulties; as how he was fain to eat a piece of
bread and cheese out of a poor boy's pocket; how, at a Catholique house,
he was fain to lie in the priest's hole a good while in the house for
his privacy. After that our company broke up, and the Doctor and I to
bed. We have all the Lords Commissioners on board us, and many others.
Under sail all night, and most glorious weather.
24th. Up, and made
myself as fine as I could, with the Tinning stockings on and wide canons--["Cannions,
boot hose tops; an old-fashioned ornament for the legs." That is
to say, a particular addition to breeches.]--that
I bought the other day at Hague. Extraordinary press of noble company,
and great mirth all the day. There dined with me in my cabin (that is,
the carpenter's) Dr. Earle and Mr. Hollis, the King's Chaplins, Dr. Scarborough,
Dr. Quarterman, and Dr. Clerke, Physicians, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Fox, (both
very fine gentlemen), the King's servants, where we had brave discourse.
Walking upon the decks, where persons of honour all the afternoon, among
others, Thomas Killigrew (a merry droll, but a gentleman of great esteem
with the King), who told us many merry stories: one, how he wrote a letter
three or four days ago to the Princess Royal, about a Queen Dowager of
Judaea and Palestine, that was at the Hague incognita, that made love
to the King, &c., which was Mr. Cary (a courtier's) wife that had
been a nun, who are all married to Jesus. At supper the three Drs. of
Physic again at my cabin; where I put Dr. Scarborough in mind of what
I heard him say about the use of the eyes, which he owned, that children
do, in every day's experience, look several ways with both their eyes,
till custom teaches them otherwise. And that we do now see but with one
eye, our eyes looking in parallel lines. After this discourse I was called
to write a pass for my Lord Mandeville to take up horses to London, which
I wrote in the King's name,--[This right of
purveyance was abolished in Charles's reign.]--and
carried it to him to sign, which was the first and only one that ever
he signed in the ship Charles. To bed, coming in sight of land a little
before night.
25th. By the morning
we were come close to the land, and every body made ready to get on shore.
The King and the two Dukes did eat their breakfast before they went, and
there being set some ship's diet before them, only to show them the manner
of the ship's diet, they eat of nothing else but pease and pork, and boiled
beef. I had Mr. Darcy in my cabin and Dr. Clerke, who eat with me, told
me how the King had given L50 to Mr. Sheply for my Lord's servants, and
L500 among the officers and common men of the ship. I spoke with the Duke
of York about business, who called me Pepys by name, and upon my desire
did promise me his future favour. Great expectation of the King's making
some Knights, but there was none. About noon (though the brigantine that
Beale made was there ready to carry him) yet he would go in my Lord's
barge with the two Dukes. Our Captain steered, and my Lord went along
bare with him. I went, and Mr. Mansell, and one of the King's footmen,
with a dog that the King loved, (which [dirted]
the boat, which made us laugh, and me think that a King and all that belong
to him are but just as others are), in a boat by ourselves, and so got
on shore when the King did, who was received by General Monk with all
imaginable love and respect at his entrance upon the land of Dover. Infinite
the crowd of people and the horsemen, citizens, and noblemen of all sorts.
The Mayor of the town came and gave him his white staff, the badge of
his place, which the King did give him again. The Mayor also presented
him from the town a very rich Bible, which he took and said it was the
thing that he loved above all things in the world. A canopy was provided
for him to stand under, which he did, and talked awhile with General Monk
and others, and so into a stately coach there set for him, and so away
through the town towards Canterbury, without making any stay at Dover.
The shouting and joy expressed by all is past imagination.
Seeing that my Lord did not stir out of his barge, I got into a boat,
and so into his barge, whither Mr. John Crew stepped, and spoke a word
or two to my Lord, and so returned, we back to the ship, and going did
see a man almost drowned that fell out of his boat into the sea, but with
much ado was got out. My Lord almost transported with joy that he had
done all this without any the least blur or obstruction in the world,
that could give an offence to any, and with the great honour he thought
it would be to him. Being overtook by the brigantine, my Lord and we went
out of our barge into it, and so went on board with Sir W. Batten, and
the Vice and Rear-Admirals. At night my Lord supped and Mr. Thomas Crew
with Captain Stoakes, I supped with the Captain, who told me what the
King had given us. My Lord returned late, and at his coming did give me
order to cause the marke to be gilded, and a Crown and C. R. to be made
at the head of the coach table, where the King to-day with his own hand
did mark his height, which accordingly I caused the painter to do, and
is now done as is to be seen.
26th. Thanks to God
I got to bed in my own poor cabin, and slept well till 9 o'clock this
morning. Mr. North and Dr. Clerke and all the great company being gone,
I found myself very uncouth all this day for want thereof. My Lord dined
with the Vice-Admiral to-day (who is as officious, poor man! as any spaniel
can be; but I believe all to no purpose, for I believe he will not hold
his place), so I dined commander at the coach table to-day, and all the
officers of the ship with me, and Mr. White of Dover. After a game or
two at nine-pins, to work all the afternoon, making above twenty orders.
In the evening my Lord having been a-shore, the first time that he hath
been a-shore since he came out of the Hope (having resolved not to go
till he had brought his Majesty into England), returned on board with
a great deal of pleasure. I supped with the Captain in his cabin with
young Captain Cuttance, and afterwards a messenger from the King came
with a letter, and to go into France, and by that means we supped again
with him at 12 o'clock at night. This night the Captain told me that my
Lord had appointed me L30 out of the 1000 ducats which the King had given
to the ship, at which my heart was very much joyed. To bed.
27th (Lord's day). Called
up by John Goods to see the Garter and Heralds coat, which lay in the
coach, brought by Sir Edward Walker, King at Arms, this morning, for my
Lord. My Lord hath summoned all the Commanders on board him, to see the
ceremony, which was thus: Sir Edward putting on his coat, and having laid
the George and Garter, and the King's letter to my Lord, upon a crimson
cushion (in the coach, all the Commanders standing by), makes three congees
to him, holding the cushion in his arms. Then laying it down with the
things upon it upon a chair, he takes the letter, and delivers it to my
Lord, which my Lord breaks open and gives him to read. It was directed
to our trusty and well beloved Sir Edward Montagu, Knight, one of our
Generals at sea, and our Companion elect of our Noble Order of the Garter.
The contents of the letter is to show that the Kings of England have for
many years made use of this honour, as a special mark of favour, to persons
of good extraction and virtue (and that many Emperors, Kings and Princes
of other countries have borne this honour), and that whereas my Lord is
of a noble family, and hath now done the King such service by sea, at
this time, as he hath done; he do send him this George and Garter to wear
as Knight of the Order, with a dispensation for the other ceremonies of
the habit of the Order, and other things, till hereafter, when it can
be done. So the herald putting the ribbon about his neck, and the Garter
about his left leg, he salutes him with joy as Knight of the Garter, and
that was all.
After that was done, and the Captain and I had breakfasted
with Sir Edward while my Lord was writing of a letter, he took his leave
of my Lord, and so to shore again to the King at Canterbury, where he
yesterday gave the like honour to General Monk, who are the only two for
many years that have had the Garter given them, before they had other
honours of Earldom, or the like, excepting only the Duke of Buckingham,
who was only Sir George Villiers when he was made Knight of the Garter.
A while after Mr. Thos. Crew and Mr. J. Pickering (who had staid long
enough to make all the world see him to be a fool), took ship for London.
So there now remain no strangers with my Lord but Mr. Hetley, who had
been with us a day before the King went from us. My Lord and the ship's
company down to sermon. I staid above to write and look over my new song
book, which came last night to me from London in lieu of that that my
Lord had of me. The officers being all on board, there was not room for
me at table, so I dined in my cabin, where, among other things, Mr. Drum
brought me a lobster and a bottle of oil, instead of a bottle of vinegar,
whereby I spoiled my dinner. Many orders in the ordering of ships this
afternoon. Late to a sermon. After that up to the Lieutenant's cabin,
where Mr. Sheply, I, and the Minister supped, and after that I went down
to W. Howe's cabin, and there, with a great deal of pleasure, singing
till it was late. After that to bed.
28th. Called up at
two in the morning for letters for my Lord from the Duke of York, but
I went to bed again till 5. Trimmed early this morning. This morning the
Captain did call over all the men in the ship (not the boys), and give
every one of them a ducat of the King's money that he gave the ship, and
the officers according to their quality. I received in the Captain's cabin,
for my share, sixty ducats. The rest of the morning busy writing letters.
So was my Lord that he would not come to dinner. After dinner to write
again in order to sending to London, but my Lord did not finish his, so
we did not send to London to-day. A great part of the afternoon at nine-pins
with my Lord and Mr. Hetley. I lost about 4s. Supped with my Lord, and
after that to bed. At night I had a strange dream of--myself, which I
really did, and having kicked my clothes off, I got cold; and found myself
all much wet in the morning, and had a great deal of pain . . . which
made me very melancholy.
29th. The King's
birthday. Busy all the morning writing letters to London, among the rest
one to Mr. Chetwind to give me an account of the fees due to the Herald
for the Order of the Garter, which my Lord desires to know. After dinner
got all ready and sent away Mr. Cook to London with a letter and token
to my wife. After that abroad to shore with my Lord (which he offered
me of himself, saying that I had a great deal of work to do this month,
which was very true). On shore we took horses, my Lord and Mr. Edward,
Mr. Hetly and I, and three or four servants, and had a great deal of pleasure
in riding. Among other things my Lord showed me a house that cost a great
deal of money, and is built in so barren and inconvenient a place that
my Lord calls it the fool's house. At last we came upon a very high cliff
by the sea-side, and rode under it, we having laid great wagers, I and
Dr. Mathews, that it was not so high as Paul's; my Lord and Mr. Hetly,
that it was. But we riding under it, my Lord made a pretty good measure
of it with two sticks, and found it to be not above thirty-five yards
high, and Paul's is reckoned to be about ninety. From thence toward the
barge again, and in our way found the people at Deal going to make a bonfire
for joy of the day, it being the King's birthday, and had some guns which
they did fire at my Lord's coming by. For which I did give twenty shillings
among them to drink. While we were on the top of the cliffe, we saw and
heard our guns in the fleet go off for the same joy. And it being a pretty
fair day we could see above twenty miles into France. Being returned on
board, my Lord called for Mr. Sheply's book of Paul's, by which we were
confirmed in our wager. After that to supper and then to musique, and
so to bed. The pain that I have got last night by cold is not yet gone,
but troubles me at the time of . . . . This day, it is thought, the King
do enter the city of London.
30th. About eight o'clock
in the morning the lieutenant came to me to know whether I would eat a dish
of mackerel, newly catched, for my breakfast, which the Captain and we did
in the coach. All yesterday and to-day I had a great deal of pain . . .
and in my back, which made me afeard. But it proved nothing but cold, which
I took yesterday night. All this morning making up my accounts, in which
I counted that I had made myself now worth about L80, at which my heart
was glad, and blessed God. Many Dover men come and dine with my Lord. My
Lord at ninepins in the afternoon. In the afternoon Mr. Sheply told me how
my Lord had put me down for 70 guilders among the money which was given
to my Lord's servants, which my heart did much rejoice at. My Lord supped
alone in his chamber. Sir R. Stayner supped with us, and among other things
told us how some of his men did grumble that no more of the Duke's money
come to their share and so would not receive any; whereupon he called up
those that had taken it, and gives them three shares apiece more, which
was very good, and made good sport among the seamen. To bed.
31st. This day my
Lord took physic, and came not out of his chamber.
All the morning making orders. After dinner a great
while below in the great cabin trying with W. Howe some of Mr. Laws' songs,'
particularly that of "What is a kiss," with which we had a great
deal of pleasure. After that to making of orders again. Captain Sparling
of the Assistance brought me a pair of silk stockings of a light blue,
which I was much pleased with. The Captain and I to supper, and after
that a most pleasant walk till to at night with him upon the deck, it
being a fine evening. My pain was gone again that I had yesterday, blessed
be God. This day the month ends, I in very good health, and all the world
in a merry mood because of the King's coming. This day I began to teach
Mr. Edward; who I find to have a very good foundation laid for his Latin
by Mr. Fuller. I expect every minute to hear how my poor wife do. I find
myself in all things well as to body and mind, but troubled for the absence
of my wife.
June
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