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June
1st (Lord's day).
At church in the morning. A stranger made
a very good sermon. Dined at home, and Mr. Spong came to see me; so he
and I sat down a little to sing some French psalms, and then comes Mr.
Shepley and Mr. Moore, and so we to dinner, and after dinner to church
again, where a Presbyter made a sad and long sermon, which vexed me, and
so home, and so to walk on the leads, and supper and to prayers and bed.
2nd. Up early about business
and then to the Wardrobe with Mr. Moore, and spoke to my Lord about the
exchange of the crusados
[Cruzado, a Portuguese coin of 480 reis.] into
sterling money, and other matters. So to my father at Tom's, and after
some talk with him away home, and by and by comes my father to dinner
with me, and then by coach, setting him down in Cheapside, my wife and
I to Mrs. Clarke's at Westminster, the first visit that ever we both made
her yet. We found her in a dishabille, intending to go to Hampton Court
to-morrow. We had much pretty discourse, and a very fine lady she is.
Thence by water to Salisbury Court, and Mrs. Turner not being at home,
home by coach, and so after walking on the leads and supper to bed. This
day my wife put on her slasht wastecoate, which is very pretty.
3rd. Up by four o'clock
and to my business in my chamber, to even accounts with my Lord and myself,
and very fain I would become master of L1000, but I have not above L530
toward it yet. At the office all the morning, and Mr. Coventry brought
his patent and took his place with us this morning. Upon our making a
contract, I went, as I use to do, to draw the heads thereof, but Sir W.
Pen most basely told me that the Comptroller is to do it, and so begun
to employ Mr. Turner about it, at which I was much vexed, and begun to
dispute; and what with the letter of the Duke's orders, and Mr. Barlow's
letter, and the practice of our predecessors, which Sir G. Carteret knew
best when he was Comptroller, it was ruled for me. What Sir J. Minnes
will do when he comes I know not, but Sir W. Pen did it like a base raskall,
and so I shall remember him while I live. After office done, I went down
to the Towre Wharf, where Mr. Creed and Shepley was ready with three chests
of the crusados, being about L6000, ready to bring to shore to my house,
which they did, and put it in my further cellar, and Mr. Shepley took
the key. I to my father and Dr. Williams and Tom Trice, by appointment,
in the Old Bayly, to Short's, the alehouse, but could come to no terms
with T. Trice. Thence to the Wardrobe, where I found my Lady come from
Hampton Court, where the Queen hath used her very civilly; and my Lady
tells me is a most pretty woman, at which I am glad. Yesterday (Sir R.
Ford told me) the Aldermen of the City did attend her in their habits,
and did present her with a gold Cupp and L1000 in gold therein. But, he
told me, that they are so poor in their Chamber, that they were fain to
call two or three Aldermen to raise fines to make up this sum, among which
was Sir W. Warren. Home and to the office, where about 8 at night comes
Sir G. Carteret and Sir W. Batten, and so we did some business, and then
home and to bed, my mind troubled about Sir W. Pen, his playing the rogue
with me to-day, as also about the charge of money that is in my house,
which I had forgot; but I made the maids to rise and light a candle, and
set it in the dining-room, to scare away thieves, and so to sleep.
4th. Up early, and Mr.
Moore comes to me and tells me that Mr. Barnwell is dead, which troubles
me something, and the more for that I believe we shall lose Mr. Shepley's
company. By and by Sir W. Batten and I by water to Woolwich; and there
saw an experiment made of Sir R. Ford's Holland's yarn (about which we
have lately had so much stir; and I have much concerned myself for our
ropemaker, Mr. Hughes, who has represented it as bad), and we found it
to be very bad, and broke sooner than, upon a fair triall, five threads
of that against four of Riga yarn; and also that some of it had old stuff
that had been tarred, covered over with new hemp, which is such a cheat
as hath not been heard of. I was glad of this discovery, because I would
not have the King's workmen discouraged (as Sir W. Batten do most basely
do) from representing the faults of merchants' goods, where there is any.
After eating some fish that we had bought upon the water at Falconer's,
we went to Woolwich, and there viewed our frames of our houses, and so
home, and I to my Lord's, who I find resolved to buy Brampton Manor of
Sir Peter Ball, [Sir Peter Ball was the Queen's Attorney-General]
at which I am glad. Thence to White Hall, and showed Sir G. Carteret the
cheat, and so to the Wardrobe, and there staid and supped with my Lady.
My Lord eating nothing, but writes letters to-night to several places,
he being to go out of town to-morrow. So late home and to bed.
5th. To the Wardrobe, and
there my Lord did enquire my opinion of Mr. Moore, which I did give to
the best advantage I could, and by that means shall get him joined with
Mr. Townsend in the Wardrobe business. He did also give me all Mr. Shepley's
and Mr. Moore's accounts to view, which I am glad of, as being his great
trust in me, and I would willingly keep up a good interest with him. So
took leave of him (he being to go this day) and to the office, where they
were just sat down, and I showed them yesterday's discovery, and have
got Sir R. Ford to be my enemy by it; but I care not, for it is my duty,
and so did get his bill stopped for the present. To dinner, and found
Dr. Thos. Pepys at my house; but I was called from dinner by a note from
Mr. Moore to Alderman Backwell's, to see some thousands of my Lord's crusados
weighed, and we find that 3,000 come to about L530 or 40 generally. Home
again and found my father there; we talked a good while and so parted.
We met at the office in the afternoon to finish Mr. Gauden's accounts,
but did not do them quite. In the evening with Mr. Moore to Backwell's
with another 1,200 crusados and saw them weighed, and so home and to bed.
6th. At my office all alone
all the morning, and the smith being with me about other things, did open
a chest that hath stood ever since I came to the office, in my office,
and there we found a modell of a fine ship, which I long to know whether
it be the King's or Mr. Turner's. At noon to the Wardrobe by appointment
to meet my father, who did come and was well treated by my Lady, who tells
me she has some thoughts to send her two little boys to our house at Brampton,
but I have got leave for them to go along with me and my wife to Hampton
Court to-morrow or Sunday. Thence to my brother Tom's, where we found
a letter from Pall that my mother is dangerously ill in fear of death,
which troubles my father and me much, but I hope it is otherwise, the
letter being four days old since it was writ. Home and at my office, and
with Mr. Hater set things in order till evening, and so home and to bed
by daylight. This day at my father's desire I lent my brother Tom L20,
to be repaid out of the proceeds of Sturtlow when we can sell it. I sent
the money all in new money by my boy from Alderman Backwell's.
7th. To the office, where
all the morning, and I find Mr. Coventry is resolved to do much good,
and to enquire into all the miscarriages of the office. At noon with him
and Sir W. Batten to dinner at Trinity House; where, among others, Sir
J. Robinson, Lieutenant of the Tower, was, who says that yesterday Sir
H. Vane had a full hearing at the King's Bench, and is found guilty; and
that he did never hear any man argue more simply than he in all his life,
and so others say. My mind in great trouble whether I should go as I intended
to Hampton Court to-morrow or no. At last resolved the contrary, because
of the charge thereof, and I am afraid now to bring in any accounts for
journeys, and so will others I suppose be, because of Mr. Coventry's prying
into them. Thence sent for to Sir G. Carteret's, and there talked with
him a good while. I perceive, as he told me, were it not that Mr. Coventry
had already feathered his nest in selling of places, he do like him very
well, and hopes great good from him. But he complains so of lack of money,
that my heart is very sad, under the apprehension of the fall of the office.
At my office all the afternoon, and at night hear that my father is gone
into the country, but whether to Richmond as he intended, and thence to
meet us at Hampton Court on Monday, I know not, or to Brampton. At which
I am much troubled. In the evening home and to bed.
8th (Lord's day). Lay till
church-time in bed, and so up and to church, and there I found Mr. Mills
come home out of the country again, and preached but a lazy sermon. Home
and dined with my wife, and so to church again with her. Thence walked
to my Lady's, and there supped with her, and merry, among other things,
with the parrott which my Lord hath brought from the sea, which speaks
very well, and cries Pall so pleasantly, that made my Lord give it my
Lady Paulina; but my Lady, her mother, do not like it. Home, and observe
my man Will to walk with his cloak flung over his shoulder, like a Ruffian,
which, whether it was that he might not be seen to walk along with the
footboy, I know not, but I was vexed at it; and coming home, and after
prayers, I did ask him where he learned that immodest garb, and he answered
me that it was not immodest, or some such slight answer, at which I did
give him two boxes on the ears, which I never did before, and so was after
a little troubled at it.
9th. Early up and at the
office with Mr. Hater, making my alphabet of contracts, upon the dispatch
of which I am now very intent, for that I am resolved much to enquire
into the price of commodities. Dined at home, and after dinner to Greatorex's,
and with him and another stranger to the Tavern, but I drank no wine.
He recommended Bond, of our end of the town, to teach me to measure timber,
and some other things that I would learn, in order to my office. Thence
back again to the office, and there T. Hater and I did make an end of
my alphabet, which did much please me. So home to supper and to bed.
10th. At the office all
the morning, much business; and great hopes of bringing things, by Mr.
Coventry's means, to a good condition in the office. Dined at home, Mr.
Hunt with us; to the office again in the afternoon, but not meeting, as
was intended, I went to my brother's and bookseller's, and other places
about business, and paid off all for books to this day, and do not intend
to buy any more of any kind a good while, though I had a great mind to
have bought the King's works, as they are new printed in folio, and present
it to my Lord; but I think it will be best to save the money. So home
and to bed.
11th. At the office all
the morning, Sir W. Batten, Sir W. Pen, and I about the Victualler's accounts.
Then home to dinner and to the office again all the afternoon, Mr. Hater
and I writing over my Alphabet fair, in which I took great pleasure to
rule the lines and to have the capitall words wrote with red ink. So home
and to supper. This evening Savill the Paynter came and did varnish over
my wife's picture and mine, and I paid him for my little picture L3, and
so am clear with him. So after supper to bed. This day I had a letter
from my father that he is got down well, and found my mother pretty well
again. So that I am vexed with all my heart at Pall for writing to him
so much concerning my mother's illness (which I believe was not so great),
so that he should be forced to hasten down on the sudden back into the
country without taking leave, or having any pleasure here.
12th. This morning I tried
on my riding cloth suit with close knees, the first that ever I had; and
I think they will be very convenient, if not too hot to wear any other
open knees after them. At the office all the morning, where we had a full
Board, viz., Sir G. Carteret, Sir John Mennes, Sir W. Batten, Mr. Coventry,
Sir W. Pen, Mr. Pett, and myself. Among many other businesses, I did get
a vote signed by all, concerning my issuing of warrants, which they did
not smell the use I intend to make of it; but it is to plead for my clerks
to have their right of giving out all warrants, at which I am not a little
pleased. But a great difference happened between Sir G. Carteret and Mr.
Coventry, about passing the Victualler's account, and whether Sir George
is to pay the Victualler his money, or the Exchequer; Sir George claiming
it to be his place to save his threepences. It ended in anger, and I believe
will come to be a question before the King and Council. I did what I could
to keep myself unconcerned in it, having some things of my own to do before
I would appear high in anything. Thence to dinner, by Mr. Gauden's invitation,
to the Dolphin, where a good dinner; but what is to myself a great wonder;
that with ease I past the whole dinner without drinking a drop of wine.
After dinner to the office, my head full of business, and so home, and
it being the longest day in the year,--[That is, by
the old style. The new style was not introduced until 1752]--I
made all my people go to bed by daylight. But after I was a-bed and asleep,
a note came from my brother Tom to tell me that my cozen Anne Pepys, of
Worcestershire, her husband is dead, and she married again, and her second
husband in town, and intends to come and see me to-morrow.
13th. Up by 4 o'clock in
the morning, and read Cicero's Second Oration against Catiline, which
pleased me exceedingly; and more I discern therein than ever I thought
was to be found in him; but I perceive it was my ignorance, and that he
is as good a writer as ever I read in my life. By and by to Sir G. Carteret's,
to talk with him about yesterday's difference at the office; and offered
my service to look into any old books or papers that I have, that may
make for him. He was well pleased therewith, and did much inveigh against
Mr. Coventry; telling me how he had done him service in the Parliament,
when Prin had drawn up things against him for taking of money for places;
that he did at his desire, and upon his, letters, keep him off from doing
it. And many other things he told me, as how the King was beholden to
him, and in what a miserable condition his family would be, if he should
die before he hath cleared his accounts. Upon the whole, I do find that
he do much esteem of me, and is my friend, and I may make good use of
him. Thence to several places about business, among others to my brother's,
and there Tom Beneere the barber trimmed me. Thence to my Lady's, and
there dined with her, Mr. Laxton, Gibbons, and Goldgroove with us, and
after dinner some musique, and so home to my business, and in the evening
my wife and I, and Sarah and the boy, a most pleasant walk to Halfway
house, and so home and to bed.
14th. Up by four o'clock
in the morning and upon business at my office. Then we sat down to business,
and about 11 o'clock, having a room got ready for us, we all went out
to the Tower-hill; and there, over against the scaffold, made on purpose
this day, saw Sir Henry Vane brought.
[Sir Harry Vane the younger was born 1612. Charles
signed on June 12th a warrant for the execution of Vane by hanging at
Tyburn on the 14th, which sentence on the following day "upon humble
suit made" to him, Charles was "graciously pleased to mitigate,"
as the warrant terms it, for the less ignominious punishment of beheading
on Tower Hill, and with permission that the head and body should be given
to the relations to be by them decently and privately interred.-- Lister's
Life of Clarendon, ii, 123.]
A very great press of people. He made a long speech, many times interrupted
by the Sheriff and others there; and they would have taken his paper out
of his hand, but he would not let it go. But they caused all the books
of those that writ after him to be given the Sheriff; and the trumpets
were brought under the scaffold that he might not be heard. Then he prayed,
and so fitted himself, and received the blow; but the scaffold was so
crowded that we could not see it done. But Boreman, who had been upon
the scaffold, came to us and told us, that first he began to speak of
the irregular proceeding against him; that he was, against Magna Charta,
denied to have his exceptions against the indictment allowed; and that
there he was stopped by the Sheriff. Then he drew out his, paper of notes,
and begun to tell them first his life; that he was born a gentleman, that
he was bred up and had the quality of a gentleman, and to make him in
the opinion of the world more a gentleman, he had been, till he was seventeen
years old, a good fellow, but then it pleased God to lay a foundation
of grace in his heart, by which he was persuaded, against his worldly
interest, to leave all preferment and go abroad, where he might serve
God with more freedom. Then he was called home, and made a member of the
Long Parliament; where he never did, to this day, any thing against his
conscience, but all for the glory of God. Here he would have given them
an account of the proceedings of the Long Parliament, but they so often
interrupted him, that at last he was forced to give over: and so fell
into prayer for England in generall, then for the churches in England,
and then for the City of London: and so fitted himself for the block,
and received the blow. He had a blister, or issue, upon his neck, which
he desired them not hurt: he changed not his colour or speech to the last,
but died justifying himself and the cause he had stood for; and spoke
very confidently of his being presently at the right hand of Christ; and
in all, things appeared the most resolved man that ever died in that manner,
and showed more of heat than cowardize, but yet with all humility and
gravity. One asked him why he did not pray for the King. He answered,
"Nay," says he, "you shall see I can pray for the King:
I pray God bless him!" The King had given his body to his friends;
and, therefore, he told them that he hoped they would be civil to his
body when dead; and desired they would let him die like a gentleman and
a Christian, and not crowded and pressed as he was. So to the office a
little, and so to the Trinity-house all of us to dinner; and then to the
office again all the afternoon till night. So home and to bed. This day,
I hear, my Lord Peterborough is come unexpected from Tangier, to give
the King an account of the place, which, we fear, is in none of the best
condition. We had also certain news to- day that the Spaniard is before
Lisbon with thirteen sail; six Dutch, and the rest his own ships; which
will, I fear, be ill for Portugall. I writ a letter of all this day's
proceedings to my Lord, at Hinchingbroke, who, I hear, is very well pleased
with the work there.
15th (Lord's day). To church
in the morning and home to dinner, where come my brother Tom and Mr. Fisher,
my cozen, Nan Pepys's second husband, who, I perceive, is a very good-humoured
man, an old cavalier. I made as much of him as I could, and were merry,
and am glad she hath light of so good a man. They gone, to church again;
but my wife not being dressed as I would have her, I was angry, and she,
when she was out of doors in her way to church, returned home again vexed.
But I to church, Mr. Mills, an ordinary sermon. So home, and found my
wife and Sarah gone to a neighbour church, at which I was not much displeased.
By and by she comes again, and, after a word or two, good friends. And
then her brother came to see her, and he being gone she told me that she
believed he was married and had a wife worth L500 to him, and did inquire
how he might dispose the money to the best advantage, but I forbore to
advise her till she could certainly tell me how things are with him, being
loth to meddle too soon with him. So to walk upon the leads, and to supper,
and to bed.
16th. Up before four o'clock,
and after some business took Will forth, and he and I walked over the
Tower Hill, but the gate not being open we walked through St. Catharine's
and Ratcliffe (I think it is) by the waterside above a mile before we
could get a boat, and so over the water in a scull (which I have not done
a great while), and walked finally to Deptford, where I saw in what forwardness
the work is for Sir W. Batten's house and mine, and it is almost ready.
I also, with Mr. Davis, did view my cozen Joyce's tallow, and compared
it with the Irish tallow we bought lately, and found ours much more white,
but as soft as it; now what is the fault, or whether it be or no a fault,
I know not. So walked home again as far as over against the Towre, and
so over and home, where I found Sir W. Pen and Sir John Minnes discoursing
about Sir John Minnes's house and his coming to live with us, and I think
he intends to have Mr. Turner's house and he to come to his lodgings,
which I shall be very glad of. We three did go to Mr. Turner's to view
his house, which I think was to the end that Sir John Minnes might see
it. Then by water with my wife to the Wardrobe, and dined there; and in
the afternoon with all the children by water to Greenwich, where I showed
them the King's yacht, the house, and the park, all very pleasant; and
so to the tavern, and had the musique of the house, and so merrily home
again. Will and I walked home from the Wardrobe, having left my wife at
the Tower Wharf coming by, whom I found gone to bed not very well . .
. . So to bed.
17th. Up, and Mr. Mayland
comes to me and borrowed 30s. of me to be paid again out of the money
coming to him in the James and Charles for his late voyage. So to the
office, where all the morning. So home to dinner, my wife not being well,
but however dined with me. So to the office, and at Sir W. Batten's, where
we all met by chance and talked, and they drank wine; but I forebore all
their healths. Sir John Minnes, I perceive, is most excellent company.
So home and to bed betimes by daylight.
18th. Up early; and after
reading a little in Cicero, I made me ready and to my office, where all
the morning very busy. At noon Mr. Creed came to me about business, and
he and I walked as far as Lincoln's Inn Fields together. After a turn
or two in the walks we parted, and I to my Lord Crew's and dined with
him; where I hear the courage of Sir H. Vane at his death is talked on
every where as a miracle. Thence to Somerset House to Sir J. Winter's
chamber by appointment, and met Mr. Pett, where he and I read over his
last contract with the King for the Forest of Dean, whereof I took notes
because of this new one that he is now in making. That done he and I walked
to Lilly's, the painter's, where we saw among other rare things, the Duchess
of York, her whole body, sitting instate in a chair, in white sattin,
and another of the King, that is not finished; most rare things. I did
give the fellow something that showed them us, and promised to come some
other time, and he would show me Lady Castlemaine's, which I could not
then see, it being locked up! Thence to Wright's, the painter's: but,
Lord! the difference that is between their two works. Thence to the Temple,
and there spoke with my cozen Roger, who gives me little hopes in the
business between my Uncle Tom and us. So Mr. Pett (who staid at his son's
chamber) and I by coach to the old Exchange, and there parted, and I home
and at the office till night. My windows at my office are made clean to-day
and a casement in my closet. So home, and after some merry discourse in
the kitchen with my wife and maids as I now-a-days often do, I being well
pleased with both my maids, to bed.
19th. Up by five o'clock,
and while my man Will was getting himself ready to come up to me I took
and played upon my lute a little. So to dress myself, and to my office
to prepare things against we meet this morning. We sat long to-day, and
had a great private business before us about contracting with Sir W. Rider,
Mr. Cutler, and Captain Cocke, for 500 ton of hemp, which we went through,
and I am to draw up the conditions. Home to dinner, where I found Mr.
Moore, and he and I cast up our accounts together and evened them, and
then with the last chest of crusados to Alderman Backwell's, by the same
token his lady going to take coach stood in the shop, and having a gilded
glassfull of perfumed comfits given her by Don Duarte de Silva, the Portugall
merchant, that is come over with the Queen, I did offer at a taste, and
so she poured some out into my hand, and, though good, yet pleased me
the better coming from a pretty lady. So home and at the office preparing
papers and things, and indeed my head has not been so full of business
a great while, and with so much pleasure, for I begin to see the pleasure
it gives. God give me health. So to bed.
20th. Up by four or five
o'clock, and to the office, and there drew up the agreement between the
King and Sir John Winter about the Forrest of Deane; and having done it,
he came himself (I did not know him to be the Queen's Secretary before,
but observed him to be a man of fine parts); and we read it, and both
liked it well. That done, I turned to the Forrest of Deane, in Speede's
Mapps, and there he showed me how it lies; and the Lea-bayly, with the
great charge of carrying it to Lydny, and many other things worth my knowing;
and I do perceive that I am very short in my business by not knowing many
times the geographical part of my business. At my office till Mr. Moore
took me out and at my house looked over our papers again, and upon our
evening accounts did give full discharges one to the other, and in his
and many other accounts I perceive I shall be better able to give a true
balance of my estate to myself within a day or two than I have been this
twelve months. Then he and I to Alderman Backwell's and did the like there,
and I gave one receipt for all the money I have received thence upon the
receipt of my Lord's crusados. Then I went to the Exchange, and hear that
the merchants have a great fear of a breach with the Spaniard; for they
think he will not brook our having Tangier, Dunkirk, and Jamaica; and
our merchants begin to draw home their estates as fast as they can. Then
to Pope's Head Ally, and there bought me a pair of tweezers, cost me 14s.,
the first thing like a bawble I have bought a good while, but I do it
with some trouble of mind, though my conscience tells me that I do it
with an apprehension of service in my office to have a book to write memorandums
in, and a pair of compasses in it; but I confess myself the willinger
to do it because I perceive by my accounts that I shall be better by L30
than I expected to be. But by tomorrow night I intend to see to the bottom
of all my accounts. Then home to dinner, where Mr. Moore met me. Then
he went away, and I to the office and dispatch much business. So in the
evening, my wife and I and Jane over the water to the Halfway-house, a
pretty, pleasant walk, but the wind high. So home again and to bed.
21st. Up about four o'clock,
and settled some private business of my own, then made me ready and to
the office to prepare things for our meeting to-day. By and by we met,
and at noon Sir W. Pen and I to the Trinity House; where was a feast made
by the Wardens, when great good cheer, and much, but ordinary company.
The Lieutenant of the Tower, upon my demanding how Sir H. Vane died, told
me that he died in a passion; but all confess with so much courage as
never man died. Thence to the office, where Sir W. Rider, Capt. Cocke,
and Mr. Cutler came by appointment to meet me to confer about the contract
between us and them for 500 tons of hemp. That being done, I did other
business and so went home, and there found Mr. Creed, who staid talking
with my wife and me an hour or two, and I put on my riding cloth suit,
only for him to see how it is, and I think it will do very well. He being
gone, and I hearing from my wife and the maids' complaints made of the
boy, I called him up, and with my whip did whip him till I was not able
to stir, and yet I could not make him confess any of the lies that they
tax him with. At last, not willing to let him go away a conqueror, I took
him in task again, and pulled off his frock to his shirt, and whipped
him till he did confess that he did drink the whey, which he had denied,
and pulled a pink, and above all did lay the candlestick upon the ground
in his chamber, which he had denied this quarter of a year. I confess
it is one of the greatest wonders that ever I met with that such a little
boy as he could possibly be able to suffer half so much as he did to maintain
a lie. I think I must be forced to put him away. So to bed, with my arm
very weary.
22nd (Lord's day). This
day I first put on my slasht doublet, which I like very well. Mr. Shepley
came to me in the morning, telling me that he and my Lord came to town
from Hinchinbroke last night. He and I spend an hour in looking over his
account, and then walked to the Wardrobe, all the way discoursing of my
Lord's business. He tells me to my great wonder that Mr. Barnwell is dead
L500 in debt to my Lord. By and by my Lord came from church, and I dined,
with some others, with him, he very merry, and after dinner took me aside
and talked of state and other matters. By and by to my brother Tom's and
took him out with me homewards (calling at the Wardrobe to talk a little
with Mr. Moore), and so to my house, where I paid him all I owed him,
and did make the L20 I lately lent him up to L40, for which he shall give
bond to Mr. Shepley, for it is his money. So my wife and I to walk in
the garden, where all our talk was against Sir W. Pen, against whom I
have lately had cause to be much prejudiced. By and by he and his daughter
came out to walk, so we took no notice of them a great while, at last
in going home spoke a word or two, and so good night, and to bed. This
day I am told of a Portugall lady, at Hampton Court, that hath dropped
a child already since the Queen's coming, but the king would not have
them searched whose it is; and so it is not commonly known yet. Coming
home to-night, I met with Will. Swan, who do talk as high for the Fanatiques
as ever he did in his life; and do pity my Lord Sandwich and me that we
should be given up to the wickedness of the world; and that a fall is
coming upon us all; for he finds that he and his company are the true
spirit of the nation, and the greater part of the nation too, who will
have liberty of conscience in spite of this "Act of Uniformity,"
or they will die; and if they may not preach abroad, they will preach
in their own houses. He told me that certainly Sir H. Vane must be gone
to Heaven, for he died as much a martyr and saint as ever man did; and
that the King hath lost more by that man's death, than he will get again
a good while. At all which I know not what to think; but, I confess, I
do think that the Bishops will never be able to carry it so high as they
do.
23rd. Up early, this morning,
and my people are taking down the hangings and things in my house because
of the great dust that is already made by the pulling down of Sir W. Batten's
house, and will be by my own when I come to it. To my office, and there
hard at work all the morning. At noon to the Exchange to meet Dr. Williams,
who sent me this morning notice of his going into the country tomorrow,
but could not find him, but meeting with Frank Moore, my Lord Lambeth's
man formerly, we, and two or three friends of his did go to a tavern,
and there they drank, but I nothing but small beer. In the next room one
was playing very finely of the dulcimer, which well played I like well,
but one of our own company, a talking fellow, did in discourse say much
of this Act against Seamen, [In 1662 was passed "An
Act for providing of carriage by land and by water for the use of His
Majesty's Navy and Ordinance" (13-14 Gar. II., cap. 20), which gave
power for impressing seamen, &c.] for their being brought to
account; and that it was made on purpose for my Lord Sandwich, who was
in debt L100,000, and hath been forced to have pardon oftentimes from
Oliver for the same: at which I was vexed at him, but thought it not worth
my trouble to oppose what he said, but took leave and went home, and after
a little dinner to my office again, and in the evening Sir W. Warren came
to me about business, and that being done, discoursing of deals, I did
offer to go along with him among his deal ships, which we did to half
a score, where he showed me the difference between Dram, Swinsound, Christiania,
and others, and told me many pleasant notions concerning their manner
of cutting and sawing them by watermills, and the reason how deals become
dearer and cheaper, among others, when the snow is not so great as to
fill up the values that they may pass from hill to hill over the snow,
then it is dear carriage. From on board he took me to his yard, where
vast and many places of deals, sparrs, and bulks, &c., the difference
between which I never knew before, and indeed am very proud of this evening's
work. He had me into his house, which is most pretty and neat and well
furnished. After a glass, not of wine, for I would not be tempted to drink
any, but a glass of mum, I well home by water, but it being late was forced
to land at the Custom House, and so home and to bed, and after I was a-bed,
letters came from the Duke for the fitting out of four ships forthwith
from Portsmouth (I know not yet for what) so I was forced to make Will
get them wrote, and signed them in bed and sent them away by express.
And so to sleep.
24th (Midsummer day). Up
early and to my office, putting things in order against we sit. There
came to me my cozen Harry Alcocke, whom I much respect, to desire (by
a letter from my father to me, where he had been some days) my help for
him to some place. I proposed the sea to him, and I think he will take
it, and I hope do well. Sat all the morning, and I bless God I find that
by my diligence of late and still, I do get ground in the office every
day. At noon to the Change, where I begin to be known also, and so home
to dinner, and then to the office all the afternoon dispatching business.
At night news is brought me that Field the rogue hath this day cast me
at Guildhall in L30 for his imprisonment, to which I signed his commitment
with the rest of the officers; but they having been parliament-men, that
he hath begun the law with me; and threatens more, but I hope the Duke
of York will bear me out. At night home, and Mr. Spong came to me, and
so he and I sat singing upon the leads till almost ten at night and so
he went away (a pretty, harmless, and ingenious man), and I to bed, in
a very great content of mind, which I hope by my care still in my business
will continue to me.
25th. Up by four o'clock,
and put my accounts with my Lord into a very good order, and so to my
office, where having put many things in order I went to the Wardrobe,
but found my Lord gone to Hampton Court. After discourse with Mr. Shepley
we parted, and I into Thames Street, beyond the Bridge, and there enquired
among the shops the price of tarre and oyle, and do find great content
in it, and hope to save the King money by this practice. So home to dinner,
and then to the Change, and so home again, and at the office preparing
business against to-morrow all the afternoon. At night walked with my
wife upon the leads, and so to supper and to bed. My wife having lately
a great pain in her ear, for which this night she begins to take physique,
and I have got cold and so have a great deal of my old pain.
26th. Up and took physique,
but such as to go abroad with, only to loosen me, for I am bound. So to
the office, and there all the morning sitting till noon, and then took
Commissioner Pett home to dinner with me, where my stomach was turned
when my sturgeon came to table, upon which I saw very many little worms
creeping, which I suppose was through the staleness of the pickle. He
being gone, comes Mr. Nicholson, my old fellow-student at Magdalene, and
we played three or four things upon the violin and basse, and so parted,
and I to my office till night, and there came Mr. Shepley and Creed in
order to settling some accounts of my Lord to-night, and so to bed.
27th. Up early, not quite
rid of my pain. I took more physique, and so made myself ready to go forth.
So to my Lord, who rose as soon as he heard I was there; and in his nightgown
and shirt stood talking with me alone two hours,. I believe, concerning
his greatest matters of state and interest. Among other things, that his
greatest design is, first, to get clear of all debts to the King for the
Embassy money, and then a pardon. Then, to get his land settled; and then
to, discourse and advise what is best for him, whether to keep his sea
employment longer or no. For he do discern that the Duke would be willing
to have him out, and that by Coventry's means. And here he told me, how
the terms at Argier were wholly his; and that he did plainly tell Lawson
and agree with him, that he would have the honour of them, if they should
ever be agreed to; and that accordingly they did come over hither entitled,
"Articles concluded on by Sir J. Lawson, according to instructions
received from His Royal Highness James Duke of York, &c., and from
His Excellency the Earle of Sandwich." (Which however was more than
needed; but Lawson tells my Lord in his letter, that it was not he, but
the Council of Warr that would have "His Royal Highness" put
into the title, though he did not contribute one word to it.) But the
Duke of York did yesterday propose them to the Council, to be printed
with this title: "Concluded on, by Sir J. Lawson, Knt." and
my Lord quite left out. Here I find my Lord very politique; for he tells
me, that he discerns they design to set up Lawson as much as they can
and that he do counterplot them by setting him up higher still; by which
they will find themselves spoiled of their design, and at last grow jealous
of Lawson. This he told me with much pleasure; and that several of the
Duke's servants, by name my Lord Barkeley [of Stratton],
Mr. Talbot, and others, had complained to my Lord, of Coventry, and would
have him out. My Lord do acknowledge that his greatest obstacle is Coventry.
He did seem to hint such a question as this: "Hitherto I have been
supported by the King and Chancellor against the Duke; but what if it
should come about, that it should be the Duke and Chancellor against the
King?" which, though he said it in these plain words, yet I could
not fully understand it; but may more here after. My Lord did also tell
me, that the Duke himself at Portsmouth did thank my Lord for all his
pains and care; and that he perceived it must be the old Captains that
must do the business; and that the new ones would spoil all. And that
my Lord did very discreetly tell the Duke (though quite against his judgement
and inclination), that, however, the King's new captains ought to be borne
with a little and encouraged. By which he will oblige that party, and
prevent, as much as may be, their envy; but he says that certainly things
will go to rack if ever the old captains should be wholly out, and the
new ones only command. Then we fell to talk of Sir J. Minnes, of whom
my Lord hath a very slight opinion, and that at first he did come to my
Lord very displeased and sullen, and had studied and turned over all his
books to see whether it had ever been that two flags should ride together
in the main-top, but could not find it, nay, he did call his captains
on board to consult them. So when he came by my Lord's side, he took down
his flag, and all the day did not hoist it again, but next day my Lord
did tell him that it was not so fit to ride without a flag, and therefore
told him that he should wear it in the fore-top, for it seems my Lord
saw his instructions, which were that he should not wear his flag in the
maintop in the presence of the Duke or my Lord. But that after that my
Lord did caress him, and he do believe him as much his friend as his interest
will let him. I told my Lord of the late passage between Swan and me,
and he told me another lately between Dr. Dell and himself when he was
in the country. At last we concluded upon dispatching all his accounts
as soon as possible, and so I parted, and to my office, where I met Sir
W. Pen, and he desired a turn with me in the garden, where he told me
the day now was fixed for his going into Ireland;--[Penn
was Governor of Kinsale.-B.] --and that whereas I had mentioned
some service he could do a friend of mine there, Saml. Pepys, [Mentioned
elsewhere as "My cousin in Ireland." He was son of Lord Chief
Justice Richard Pepys.] he told me he would most readily do what
I would command him, and then told me we must needs eat a dish of meat
together before he went, and so invited me and my wife on Sunday next.
To all which I did give a cold consent, for my heart cannot love or have
a good opinion of him since his last playing the knave with me, but he
took no notice of our difference at all, nor I to him, and so parted,
and I by water to Deptford, where I found Sir W. Batten alone paying off
the yard three quarters pay. Thence to dinner, where too great a one was
prepared, at which I was very much troubled, and wished I had not been
there. After dinner comes Sir J. Minnes and some captains with him, who
had been at a Councill of Warr to- day, who tell us they have acquitted
Captain Hall, who was accused of cowardice in letting of old Winter, the
Argier pyrate, go away from him with a prize or two; and also Captain
Diamond of the murder laid to him of a man that he had struck, but he
lived many months after, till being drunk, he fell into the hold, and
there broke his jaw and died, but they say there are such bawdy articles
against him as never were heard of . . . . To the pay again, where I left
them, and walked to Redriffe, and so home, and there came Mr. Creed and
Shepley to me, and staid till night about my Lord's accounts, our proceeding
to set them in order, and so parted and I to bed. Mr. Holliard had been
with my wife to-day, and cured her of her pain in her ear by taking out
a most prodigious quantity of hard wax that had hardened itself in the
bottom of the ear, of which I am very glad.
28th. Up to my Lord's and
my own accounts, and so to the office, where all the forenoon sitting,
and at noon by appointment to the Mitre, where Mr. Shepley gave me and
Mr. Creed, and I had my uncle Wight with us, a dish of fish. Thence to
the office again, and there all the afternoon till night, and so home,
and after talking with my wife to bed. This day a genteel woman came to
me, claiming kindred of me, as she had once done before, and borrowed
10s. of me, promising to repay it at night, but I hear nothing of her.
I shall trust her no more. Great talk there is of a fear of a war with
the Dutch; and we have order to pitch upon twenty ships to be forthwith
set out; but I hope it is but a scarecrow to the world, to let them see
that we can be ready for them; though, God knows! the King is not able
to set out five ships at this present without great difficulty, we neither
having money, credit, nor stores. My mind is now in a wonderful condition
of quiet and content, more than ever in all my life, since my minding
the business of my office, which I have done most constantly; and I find
it to be the very effect of my late oaths against wine and plays, which,
if God please, I will keep constant in, for now my business is a delight
to me, and brings me great credit, and my purse encreases too.
29th (Lord's day). Up by
four o'clock, and to the settling of my own accounts, and I do find upon
my monthly ballance, which I have undertaken to keep from month to month,
that I am worth L650, the greatest sum that ever I was yet master of.
I pray God give me a thankfull, spirit, and care to improve and encrease
it. To church with my wife, who this day put on her green petticoat of
flowred satin, with fine white and gimp lace of her own putting on, which
is very pretty. Home with Sir W. Pen to dinner by appointment, and to
church again in the afternoon, and then home, Mr. Shepley coming to me
about my Lord's accounts, and in the evening parted, and we to supper
again to Sir W. Pen. Whatever the matter is, he do much fawn upon me,
and I perceive would not fall out with me, and his daughter mighty officious
to my wife, but I shall never be deceived again by him, but do hate him
and his traitorous tricks with all my heart. It was an invitation in order
to his taking leave of us to-day, he being to go for Ireland in a few
days. So home and prayers, and to bed.
30th. Up betimes, and to
my office, where I found Griffen's girl making it clean, but, God forgive
me! what a mind I had to her, but did not meddle with her. She being gone,
I fell upon boring holes for me to see from my closet into the great office,
without going forth, wherein I please myself much. So settled to business,
and at noon with my wife to the Wardrobe, and there dined, and staid talking
all the afternoon with my Lord, and about four o'clock took coach with
my wife and Lady, and went toward my house, calling at my Lady Carteret's,
who was within by chance (she keeping altogether at Deptford for a month
or two), and so we sat with her a little. Among other things told my Lady
how my Lady Fanshaw is fallen out with her only for speaking in behalf
of the French, which my Lady wonders at, they having been formerly like
sisters, but we see there is no true lasting friendship in the world.
Thence to my house, where I took great pride to lead her through the Court
by the hand, she being very fine, and her page carrying up her train.
She staid a little at my house, and then walked through the garden, and
took water, and went first on board the King's pleasure boat, which pleased
her much. Then to Greenwich Park; and with much ado she was able to walk
up to the top of the hill, and so down again, and took boat, and so through
bridge to Blackfryers, and home, she being much pleased with the ramble
in every particular of it. So we supped with her, and then walked home,
and to bed.
OBSERVATIONS.
This I take to be as bad a juncture as ever I observed. The King and his
new Queen minding their pleasures at Hampton Court. All people discontented;
some that the King do not gratify them enough; and the others, Fanatiques
of all sorts, that the King do take away their liberty of conscience;
and the height of the Bishops, who I fear will ruin all again. They do
much cry up the manner of Sir H. Vane's death, and he deserves it. They
clamour against the chimney-money, and say they will not pay it without
force. And in the mean time, like to have war abroad; and Portugall to
assist, when we have not money to pay for any ordinary layings-out at
home. Myself all in dirt about building of my house and Sir W. Batten's
a story higher. Into a good way, fallen on minding my business and saving
money, which God encrease; and I do take great delight in it, and see
the benefit of it. In a longing mind of going to see Brampton, but cannot
get three days time, do what I can. In very good health, my wife and myself.
July
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