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July
1st. Up and within all the morning, first bringing down my Tryangle
to my chamber below, having a new frame made proper for it to stand on.
By and by comes Dr. Burnett, who assures me that I have an ulcer either
in the kidneys or bladder, for my water, which he saw yesterday, he is
sure the sediment is not slime gathered by heat, but is a direct pusse.
He did write me down some direction what to do for it, but not with the
satisfaction I expected.
Dr. Burnett's advice to mee.
The Originall is fyled among my letters.
Take of ye Rootes of Marsh-Mallows foure ounces, of Cumfry, of Liquorish,
of each two ounces, of ye Mowers of St. John's Wort two Handsfull, of
ye Leaves of Plantan, of Alehoofe, of each three handfulls, of Selfeheale,
of Red Roses, of each one Handfull, of Cynament, of Nutmegg, of each
halfe an ounce. Beate them well, then powre upon them one Quart of old
Rhenish wine, and about Six houres after strayne it and clarify it with
ye white of an Egge, and with a sufficient quantity of sugar, boyle
it to ye consistence of a Syrrup and reserve it for use.
Dissolve one spoonefull of this Syrrup in every draught of Ale or beere
you drink.
Morning and evening swallow ye quantity of an hazle-nutt of Cyprus Terebintine.
If you are bound or have a fit of ye Stone eate an ounce of Cassia new
drawne, from ye poynt of a knife.
Old Canary or Malaga wine you may drinke to three or 4 glasses, but
noe new wine, and what wine you drinke, lett it bee at meales.-[From
a slip of paper inserted in the Diary at this place.]
I did give him a piece, with good hopes,
however, that his advice will be of use to me, though it is strange that
Mr. Hollyard should never say one word of this ulcer in all his life to
me. He being gone, I to the 'Change, and thence home to dinner, and so
to my office, busy till the evening, and then by agreement came Mr. Hill
and Andrews and one Cheswicke, a maister who plays very well upon the
Spinette, and we sat singing Psalms till 9 at night, and so broke up with
great pleasure, and very good company it is, and I hope I shall now and
then have their company. They being gone, I to my office till towards
twelve o'clock, and then home and to bed. Upon the 'Change, this day,
I saw how uncertain the temper of the people is, that, from our discharging
of about 200 that lay idle, having nothing to do, upon some of our ships,
which were ordered to be fitted for service, and their works are now done,
the towne do talk that the King discharges all his men, 200 yesterday
and 800 to-day, and that now he hath got L100,000 in his hand, he values
not a Dutch warr. But I undeceived a great many, telling them how it is.
2nd. Up and to the office,
where all the morning. At noon to the 'Change, and there, which is strange,
I could meet with nobody that I could invite home to my venison pasty,
but only Mr. Alsopp and Mr. Lanyon, whom I invited last night, and a friend
they brought along with them. So home and with our venison pasty we had
other good meat and good discourse. After dinner sat close to discourse
about our business of the victualling of the garrison of Tangier, taking
their prices of all provisions, and I do hope to order it so that they
and I also may get something by it, which do much please me, for I hope
I may get nobly and honestly with profit to the King. They being gone
came Sir W. Warren, and he and I discoursed long about the business of
masts, and then in the evening to my office, where late writing letters,
and then home to look over some Brampton papers, which I am under an oathe
to dispatch before I spend one half houre in any pleasure or go to bed
before 12 o'clock, to which, by the grace of God, I will be true. Then
to bed. When I came home I found that to-morrow being Sunday I should
gain nothing by doing it to-night, and to-morrow I can do it very well
and better than to-night. I went to bed before my time, but with a resolution
of doing the thing to better purpose to-morrow.
3rd (Lord's day). Up and
ready, and all the morning in my chamber looking over and settling some
Brampton businesses. At noon to dinner, where the remains of yesterday's
venison and a couple of brave green geese, which we are fain to eat alone,
because they will not keepe, which troubled us. After dinner I close to
my business, and before the evening did end it with great content, and
my mind eased by it. Then up and spent the evening walking with my wife
talking, and it thundering and lightning all the evening, and this yeare
have had the most of thunder and lightning they say of any in man's memory,
and so it is, it seems, in France and everywhere else. So to prayers and
to bed.
4th. Up, and many people
with me about business, and then out to several places, and so at noon
to my Lord Crew's, and there dined and very much made of there by him.
He offered me the selling of some land of his in Cambridgeshire, a purchase
of about L1000, and if I can compass it I will. After dinner I walked
homeward, still doing business by the way, and at home find my wife this
day of her owne accord to have lain out 25s. upon a pair of pendantes
for her eares, which did vex me and brought both me and her to very high
and very foule words from her to me, such as trouble me to think she should
have in her mouth, and reflecting upon our old differences, which I hate
to have remembered. I vowed to breake them, or that she should go and
get what she could for them again. I went with that resolution out of
doors; the poor wretch afterwards in a little while did send out to change
them for her money again. I followed Besse her messenger at the 'Change,
and there did consult and sent her back; I would not have them changed,
being satisfied that she yielded. So went home, and friends again as to
that business; but the words I could not get out of my mind, and so went
to bed at night discontented, and she came to bed to me, but all would
not make me friends, but sleep and rise in the morning angry. This day
the King and the Queene went to visit my Lord Sandwich and the fleete,
going forth in the Hope.
5th. Up and to the office,
where all the morning. At noon to the 'Change a little, then with W. Howe
home and dined. So after dinner to my office, and there busy till late
at night, having had among other things much discourse with young Gregory
about the Chest business, wherein Sir W. Batten is so great a knave, and
also with Alsop and Lanyon about the Tangier victualling, wherein I hope
to get something for myself. Late home to supper and to bed, being full
of thoughts of a sudden resolution this day taken upon the 'Change of
going down to-morrow to the Hope.
6th. Up very betimes, and
my wife also, and got us ready; and about eight o'clock, having got some
bottles of wine and beer and neat's tongues, we went to our barge at the
Towre, where Mr. Pierce and his wife, and a kinswoman and his sister,
and Mrs. Clerke and her sister and cozen were to expect us; and so set
out for the Hope, all the way down playing at cards and other sports,
spending our time pretty merry. Come to the Hope about one and there showed
them all the ships, and had a collacion of anchovies, gammon, &c.,
and after an houre's stay or more, embarked again for home; and so to
cards and other sports till we came to Greenwich, and there Mrs. Clerke
and my wife and I on shore to an alehouse, for them to do their business,
and so to the barge again, having shown them the King's pleasure boat;
and so home to the Bridge, bringing night home with us; and it rained
hard, but we got them on foot to the Beare, and there put them into a
boat, and I back to my wife in the barge, and so to the Tower Wharf and
home, being very well pleased today with the company, especially Mrs.
Pierce, who continues her complexion as well as ever, and hath, at this
day, I think, the best complexion that ever I saw on any woman, young
or old, or child either, all days of my life. Also Mrs. Clerke's kinswoman
sings very prettily, but is very confident in it; Mrs. Clerke herself
witty, but spoils all in being so conceited and making so great a flutter
with a few fine clothes and some bad tawdry things worne with them. But
the charge of the barge lies heavy upon me, which troubles me, but it
is but once, and I may make Pierce do me some courtesy as great. Being
come home, I weary to bed with sitting. The reason of Dr. Clerke's not
being here was the King's being sicke last night and let blood, and so
he durst not come away to- day.
7th. Up, and this day begun,
the first day this year, to put off my linnen waistcoat, but it happening
to be a cool day I was afraid of taking cold, which troubles me, and is
the greatest pain I have in the world to think of my bad temper of my
health. At the office all the morning. Dined at home, to my office to
prepare some things against a Committee of Tangier this afternoon. So
to White Hall, and there found the Duke and twenty more reading their
commission (of which I am, and was also sent to, to come) for the Royall
Fishery, which is very large, and a very serious charter it is; but the
company generally so ill fitted for so serious a worke that I do much
fear it will come to little. That being done, and not being able to do
any thing for lacke of an oathe for the Governor and Assistants to take,
we rose. Then our Committee for the Tangier victualling met and did a
little, and so up, and I and Mr. Coventry walked in the garden half an
hour, talking of the business of our masts, and thence away and with Creed
walked half an hour or more in the Park, and thence to the New Exchange
to drink some creame, but missed it and so parted, and I home, calling
by the way for my new bookes, viz., Sir H. Spillman's "Whole Glossary,"
"Scapula's Lexicon," and Shakespeare's plays, which I have got
money out of my stationer's bills to pay for. So home and to my office
a while, and then home and to bed, finding myself pretty well for all
my waistecoate being put off to-day. The king is pretty well to-day, though
let blood the night before yesterday.
8th. Up and called out
by my Lord Peterborough's gentleman to Mr. Povy's to discourse about getting
of his money, wherein I am concerned in hopes of the L50 my Lord hath
promised me, but I dare not reckon myself sure of it till I have it in
my main,--[hand.]--for these Lords are hard
to be trusted. Though I well deserve it. I staid at Povy's for his coming
in, and there looked over his stables and every thing, but notwithstanding
all the times I have been there I do yet find many fine things to look
on. Thence to White Hall a little, to hear how the King do, he not having
been well these three days. I find that he is pretty well again. So to
Paul's Churchyarde about my books, and to the binder's and directed the
doing of my Chaucer, [This was Speght's edition of
1602, which is still in the Pepysian Library. The book is bound in calf,
with brass clasps and bosses. It is not lettered.] though they
were not full neate enough for me, but pretty well it is; and thence to
the clasp-maker's to have it clasped and bossed. So to the 'Change and
home to dinner, and so to my office till 5 o'clock, and then came Mr.
Hill and Andrews, and we sung an houre or two. Then broke up and Mr. Alsop
and his company came and consulted about our Tangier victualling and brought
it to a good head. So they parted, and I to supper and to bed.
9th. Up, and at the office
all the morning. In the afternoon by coach with Sir J. Minnes to White
Hall, and there to a Committee for Fishing; but the first thing was swearing
to be true to the Company, and we were all sworne; but a great dispute
we had, which, methought, is very ominous to the Company; some, that we
should swear to be true to the best of our power, and others to the best
of our understanding; and carried in the last, though in that we are the
least able to serve the Company, because we would not be obliged to attend
the business when we can, but when we list. This consideration did displease
me, but it was voted and so went. We did nothing else, but broke up till
a Committee of Guinny was set and ended, and then met again for Tangier,
and there I did my business about my Lord Peterborough's order and my
own for my expenses for the garrison lately. So home, by the way calling
for my Chaucer and other books, and that is well done to my mind, which
pleased me well. So to my office till late writing letters, and so home
to my wife to supper and bed, where we have not lain together because
of the heat of the weather a good while, but now against her going into
the country.
10th (Lord's day). Up and
by water, towards noon, to Somersett House, and walked to my Lord Sandwich's,
and there dined with my Lady and the children. And after some ordinary
discourse with my Lady, after dinner took our leaves and my wife hers,
in order to her going to the country to-morrow. But my Lord took not occasion
to speak one word of my father or mother about the children at all, which
I wonder at, and begin I will not. Here my Lady showed us my Lady Castlemayne's
picture, finely done; given my Lord; and a most beautiful picture it is.
Thence with my Lady Jemimah and Mr. Sidney to St. Gyles's Church, and
there heard a long, poore sermon. Thence set them down and in their coach
to Kate Joyce's christening, where much company, good service of sweetmeates;
and after an houre's stay, left them, and in my Lord's coach--his noble,
rich coach--home, and there my wife fell to putting things in order against
her going to-morrow, and I to read, and so to bed, where I not well, and
so had no pleasure at all with my poor wife.
11th. But betimes up this
morning, and, getting ready, we by coach to Holborne, where, at nine o'clock,
they set out, and I and my man Will on horseback, by my wife, to Barnett;
a very pleasant day; and there dined with her company, which was very
good; a pretty gentlewoman with her, that goes but to Huntington, and
a neighbour to us in towne. Here we staid two hours and then parted for
all together, and my poor wife I shall soon want I am sure. Thence I and
Will to see the Wells, half a mile off, [The mineral
springs at Barnet Common, nearly a mile to the west of High Barnet.]
and there I drank three glasses, and went and walked and came back and
drunk two more; the woman would have had me drink three more; but I could
not, my belly being full, but this wrought very well, and so we rode home,
round by Kingsland, Hackney, and Mile End till we were quite weary, and
my water working at least 7 or 8 times upon the road, which pleased me
well, and so home weary, and not being very well, I betimes to bed, and
there fell into a most mighty sweat in the night, about eleven o'clock,
and there, knowing what money I have in the house and hearing a noyse,
I begun to sweat worse and worse, till I melted almost to water. I rung,
and could not in half an houre make either of the wenches hear me, and
this made me fear the more, lest they might be gaga; and then I begun
to think that there was some design in a stone being flung at the window
over our stayres this evening, by which the thiefes meant to try what
looking there would be after them and know our company. These thoughts
and fears I had, and do hence apprehend the fears of all rich men that
are covetous and have much money by them. At last Jane rose, and then
I understand it was only the dogg wants a lodging and so made a noyse.
So to bed, but hardly slept, at last did, and so till morning,
12th. And so rose, called
up by my Lord Peterborough's gentleman about getting his Lord's money
to-day of Mr. Povy, wherein I took such order, that it was paid, and I
had my L50 brought me, which comforts my heart. We sat at the office all
the morning, then at home. Dined alone; sad for want of company and not
being very well, and know not how to eat alone. After dinner down with
Sir G. Carteret, Sir J. Minnes, and Sir W. Batten to view, and did like
a place by Deptford yard to lay masts in. By and by comes Mr. Coventry,
and after a little stay he and I down to Blackwall, he having a mind to
see the yarde, which we did, and fine storehouses there are and good docks,
but of no great profit to him that oweth them for ought we see. So home
by water with him, having good discourse by the way, and so I to the office
a while, and late home to supper and to bed.
13th. Up and to my office,
at noon (after having at an alehouse hard by discoursed with one Mr. Tyler,
a neighbour, and one Captain Sanders about the discovery of some pursers
that have sold their provisions) I to my Lord Sandwich, thinking to have
dined there, but they not dining at home, I with Captain Ferrers to Mr.
Barwell the King's Squire Sadler, where about this time twelvemonths I
dined before at a good venison pasty. The like we had now, and very good
company, Mr. Tresham and others. Thence to White Hall to the Fishery,
and there did little. So by water home, and there met Lanyon, &c.,
about Tangier matters, and so late to my office, and thence home and to
bed. Mr. Moore was with me late to desire me to come to my Lord Sandwich
tomorrow morning, which I shall, but I wonder what my business is.
14th. My mind being doubtful
what the business should be, I rose a little after four o'clock, and abroad.
Walked to my Lord's, and nobody up, but the porter rose out of bed to
me so I back again to Fleete Streete, and there bought a little book of
law; and thence, hearing a psalm sung, I went into St. Dunstan's, and
there heard prayers read, which, it seems, is done there every morning
at six o'clock; a thing I never did do at a chappell, but the College
Chappell, in all my life. Thence to my Lord's again, and my Lord being
up, was sent for up, and he and I alone. He did begin with a most solemn
profession of the same confidence in and love for me that he ever had,
and then told me what a misfortune was fallen upon me and him: in me,
by a displeasure which my Lord Chancellor did show to him last night against
me, in the highest and most passionate manner that ever any man did speak,
even to the not hearing of any thing to be said to him: but he told me,
that he did say all that could be said for a man as to my faithfullnesse
and duty to his Lordship, and did me the greatest right imaginable. And
what should the business be, but that I should be forward to have the
trees in Clarendon Park marked and cut down, which he, it seems, hath
bought of my Lord Albemarle; when, God knows! I am the most innocent man
in the world in it, and did nothing of myself, nor knew of his concernment
therein, but barely obeyed my Lord Treasurer's warrant for the doing thereof.
And said that I did most ungentlemanlike with him, and had justified the
rogues in cutting down a tree of his; and that I had sent the veriest
Fanatique [Deane] that is in England to mark
them, on purpose to nose-- [provoke]--him.
All which, I did assure my Lord, was most properly false, and nothing
like it true; and told my Lord the whole passage. My Lord do seem most
nearly affected; he is partly, I believe, for me, and partly for himself.
So he advised me to wait presently upon my Lord, and clear myself in the
most perfect manner I could, with all submission and assurance that I
am his creature both in this and all other things; and that I do owne
that all I have, is derived through my Lord Sandwich from his Lordship.
So, full of horror, I went, and found him busy in tryals
of law in his great room; and it being Sitting-day, durst not stay, but
went to my Lord and told him so: whereupon he directed me to take him
after dinner; and so away I home, leaving my Lord mightily concerned for
me. I to the office, and there sat busy all the morning. At noon to the
'Change, and from the 'Change over with Alsopp and the others to the Pope's
Head tavern, and there staid a quarter of an hour, and concluded upon
this, that in case I got them no more than 3s. per week per man I should
have of them but L150 per ann., but to have it without any adventure or
charge, but if I got them 3s. 2d., then they would give me L300 in the
like manner. So I directed them to draw up their tender in a line or two
against the afternoon, and to meet me at White Hall. So I left them, and
I to my Lord Chancellor's; and there coming out after dinner I accosted
him, telling him that I was the unhappy Pepys that had fallen into his
high displeasure, and come to desire him to give me leave to make myself
better understood to his Lordship, assuring him of my duty and service.
He answered me very pleasingly, that he was confident upon the score of
my Lord Sandwich's character of me, but that he had reason to think what
he did, and desired me to call upon him some evening: I named to-night,
and he accepted of it. So with my heart light I to White Hall, and there
after understanding by a stratagem, and yet appearing wholly desirous
not to understand Mr. Gauden's price when he desired to show it me, I
went down and ordered matters in our tender so well that at the meeting
by and by I was ready with Mr. Gauden's and his, both directed him a letter
to me to give the board their two tenders, but there being none but the
Generall Monk and Mr. Coventry and Povy and I, I did not think fit to
expose them to view now, but put it off till Saturday, and so with good
content rose.
Thence I to the Half Moone, against the 'Change, to
acquaint Lanyon and his friends of our proceedings, and thence to my Lord
Chancellor's, and there heard several tryals, wherein I perceive my Lord
is a most able and ready man. After all done, he himself called, "Come,
Mr. Pepys, you and I will take a turn in the garden." So he was led
down stairs, having the goute, and there walked with me, I think, above
an houre, talking most friendly, yet cunningly. I told him clearly how
things were; how ignorant I was of his Lordship's concernment in it; how
I did not do nor say one word singly, but what was done was the act of
the whole Board. He told me by name that he was more angry with Sir G.
Carteret than with me, and also with the whole body of the Board. But
thinking who it was of the Board that knew him least, he did place his
fear upon me; but he finds that he is indebted to none of his friends
there. I think I did thoroughly appease him, till he thanked me for my
desire and pains to satisfy him; and upon my desiring to be directed who
I should of his servants advise with about this business, he told me nobody,
but would be glad to hear from me himself. He told me he would not direct
me in any thing, that it might not be said that the Lord Chancellor did
labour to abuse the King; or (as I offered) direct the suspending the
Report of the Purveyors but I see what he means, and I will make it my
worke to do him service in it. But, Lord! to see how he is incensed against
poor Deane, as a fanatique rogue, and I know not what: and what he did
was done in spite to his Lordship, among all his friends and tenants.
He did plainly say that he would not direct me in any thing, for he would
not put himself into the power of any man to say that he did so and so;
but plainly told me as if he would be glad I did something. Lord! to see
how we poor wretches dare not do the King good service for fear of the
greatness of these men. He named Sir G. Carteret, and Sir J. Minnes, and
the rest; and that he was as angry with them all as me. But it was pleasant
to think that, while he was talking to me, comes into the garden Sir G.
Carteret; and my Lord avoided speaking with him, and made him and many
others stay expecting him, while I walked up and down above an houre,
I think; and would have me walk with my hat on. And yet, after all this,
there has been so little ground for this his jealousy of me, that I am
sometimes afeard that he do this only in policy to bring me to his side
by scaring me; or else, which is worse, to try how faithfull I would be
to the King; but I rather think the former of the two. I parted with great
assurance how I acknowledged all I had to come from his Lordship; which
he did not seem to refuse, but with great kindness and respect parted.
So I by coach home, calling at my Lord's, but he not within. At my office
late, and so home to eat something, being almost starved for want of eating
my dinner to-day, and so to bed, my head being full of great and many
businesses of import to me.
15th. Up, and to my Lord
Sandwich's; where he sent for me up, and I did give my Lord an account
of what had passed with my Lord Chancellor yesterday; with which he was
well pleased, and advised me by all means to study in the best manner
I could to serve him in this business. After this discourse ended, he
begun to tell me that he had now pitched upon his day of going to sea
upon Monday next, and that he would now give me an account how matters
are with him. He told me that his work now in the world is only to keep
up his interest at Court, having little hopes to get more considerably,
he saying that he hath now about L8,000 per annum. It is true, he says,
he oweth about L10,000; but he hath been at great charges in getting things
to this pass in his estate; besides his building and good goods that he
hath bought. He says he hath now evened his reckonings at the Wardrobe
till Michaelmas last, and hopes to finish it to Ladyday before he goes.
He says now there is due, too, L7,000 to him there, if he knew how to
get it paid, besides L2000 that Mr. Montagu do owe him. As to his interest,
he says that he hath had all the injury done him that ever man could have
by another bosom friend that knows all his secrets, by Mr. Montagu; but
he says that the worst of it all is past, and he gone out and hated, his
very person by the King, and he believes the more upon the score of his
carriage to him; nay, that the Duke of Yorke did say a little while since
in his closett, that he did hate him because of his ungratefull carriage
to my Lord of Sandwich. He says that he is as great with the Chancellor,
or greater, than ever in his life. That with the King he is the like;
and told me an instance, that whereas he formerly was of the private council
to the King before he was last sicke, and that by the sickness an interruption
was made in his attendance upon him; the King did not constantly call
him, as he used to do, to his private council, only in businesses of the
sea and the like; but of late the King did send a message to him by Sir
Harry Bennet, to excuse the King to my Lord that he had not of late sent
for him as he used to do to his private council, for it was not out of
any distaste, but to avoid giving offence to some others whom he did not
name; but my Lord supposes it might be Prince Rupert, or it may be only
that the King would rather pass it by an excuse, than be thought unkind:
but that now he did desire him to attend him constantly, which of late
he hath done, and the King never more kind to him in his life than now.
The Duke of Yorke, as much as is possible; and in the business of late,
when I was to speak to my Lord about his going to sea, he says that he
finds the Duke did it with the greatest ingenuity and love in the world;
"and whereas," says my Lord, "here is a wise man hard by
that thinks himself so, and would be thought so, and it may be is in a
degree so (naming by and by my Lord Crew), would have had me condition
with him that neither Prince Rupert nor any body should come over his
head, and I know not what." The Duke himself hath caused in his commission,
that he be made Admirall of this and what other ships or fleets shall
hereafter be put out after these; which is very noble. He tells me in
these cases, and that of Mr. Montagu's, and all others, he finds that
bearing of them patiently is his best way, without noise or trouble, and
things wear out of themselves and come fair again. But, says he, take
it from me, never to trust too much to any man in the world, for you put
yourself into his power; and the best seeming friend and real friend as
to the present may have or take occasion to fall out with you, and then
out comes all. Then he told me of Sir Harry Bennet, though they were always
kind, yet now it is become to an acquaintance and familiarity above ordinary,
that for these months he hath done no business but with my Lord's advice
in his chamber, and promises all faithfull love to him and service upon
all occasions. My Lord says, that he hath the advantage of being able
by his experience to helpe and advise him; and he believes that that chiefly
do invite Sir Harry to this manner of treating him. "Now," says
my Lord," the only and the greatest embarras that I have in the world
is, how to behave myself to Sir H. Bennet and my Lord Chancellor, in case
that there do lie any thing under the embers about my Lord Bristoll, which
nobody can tell; for then," says he, "I must appear for one
or other, and I will lose all I have in the world rather than desert my
Lord Chancellor: so that," says he, "I know not for my life
what to do in that case." For Sir H. Bennet's love is come to the
height, and his confidence, that he hath given my Lord a character, and
will oblige my Lord to correspond with him. "This," says he,
"is the whole condition of my estate and interest; which I tell you,
because I know not whether I shall see you again or no." Then as
to the voyage, he thinks it will be of charge to him, and no profit; but
that he must not now look after nor think to encrease, but study to make
good what he hath, that what is due to him from the Wardrobe or elsewhere
may be paid, which otherwise would fail, and all a man hath be but small
content to him. So we seemed to take leave one of another; my Lord of
me, desiring me that I would write to him and give him information upon
all occasions in matters that concern him; which, put together with what
he preambled with yesterday, makes me think that my Lord do truly esteem
me still, and desires to preserve my service to him; which I do bless
God for. In the middle of our discourse my Lady Crew came in to bring
my Lord word that he hath another son, my Lady being brought to bed just
now, I did not think her time had been so nigh, but she's well brought
to bed, for which God be praised! and send my Lord to study the laying
up of something the more! Then with Creed to St. James's, and missing
Mr. Coventry, to White Hall; where, staying for him in one of the galleries,
there comes out of the chayre-room Mrs. Stewart, in a most lovely form,
with her hair all about her eares, having her picture taking there. There
was the King and twenty more, I think, standing by all the while, and
a lovely creature she in this dress seemed to be. Thence to the 'Change
by coach, and so home to dinner and then to my office. In the evening
Mr. Hill, Andrews and I to my chamber to sing, which we did very pleasantly,
and then to my office again, where very late and so home, with my mind
I bless God in good state of ease and body of health, only my head at
this juncture very full of business, how to get something. Among others
what this rogue Creed will do before he goes to sea, for I would fain
be rid of him and see what he means to do, for I will then declare myself
his firm friend or enemy.
16th. Up in the morning,
my head mightily confounded with the great deale of business I have upon
me to do. But to the office, and there dispatched Mr. Creed's business
pretty well about his bill; but then there comes W. Howe for my Lord's
bill of Imprest for L500 to carry with him this voyage, and so I was at
a loss how to carry myself in it, Creed being there, but there being no
help I delivered it to them both, and let them contend, when I perceive
they did both endeavour to have it, but W. Howe took it, and the other
had the discretion to suffer it. But I think I cleared myself to Creed
that it past not from any practice of mine. At noon rose and did some
necessary business at the 'Change. Thence to Trinity House to a dinner
which Sir G. Carteret makes there as Maister this year. Thence to White
Hall to the Tangier Committee, and there, above my expectation, got the
business of our contract for the victualling carried for my people, viz.,
Alsopp, Lanyon, and Yeabsly; and by their promise I do thereby get L300
per annum to myself, which do overjoy me; and the matter is left to me
to draw up. Mr. Lewes was in the gallery and is mightily amazed at it,
and I believe Mr. Gauden will make some stir about it, for he wrote to
Mr. Coventry to-day about it to argue why he should for the King's convenience
have it, but Mr. Coventry most justly did argue freely for them that served
cheapest. Thence walked a while with Mr. Coventry in the gallery, and
first find that he is mighty cold in his present opinion of Mr. Peter
Pett for his flagging and doing things so lazily there, and he did also
surprise me with a question why Deane did not bring in their report of
the timber of Clarendon. What he means thereby I know not, but at present
put him off; nor do I know how to steer myself: but I must think of it,
and advise with my Lord Sandwich. Thence with Creed by coach to my Lord
Sandwich's, and there I got Mr. Moore to give me my Lord's hand for my
receipt of L109 more of my money of Sir G. Carteret, so that then his
debt to me will be under L500, I think. This do ease my mind also. Thence
carried him and W. Howe into London, and set them down at Sir G. Carteret's
to receive some money, and I home and there busy very late, and so home
to supper and to bed, with my mind in pretty good ease, my business being
in a pretty good condition every where.
17th (Lord's day). All
the morning at my office doing business there, it raining hard. So dined
at home alone. After dinner walked to my Lord's, and there found him and
much other guests at table at dinner, and it seems they have christened
his young son to-day-called him James. I got a piece of cake. I got my
Lord to signe and seale my business about my selling of Brampton land,
which though not so full as I would, yet is as full as I can at present.
Walked home again, and there fell to read, and by and by comes my uncle
Wight, Dr. Burnett, and another gentleman, and talked and drank, and the
Doctor showed me the manner of eating, turpentine, which pleases me well,
for it is with great ease. So they being gone, I to supper and to bed.
18th. Up, and walked to
my Lord's, and there took my leave of him, he seeming very friendly to
me in as serious a manner as ever in his life, and I believe he is very
confident of me. He sets out this morning for Deale. Thence to St. James's
to the Duke, and there did our usual business. He discourses very freely
of a warr with Holland, to begin about winter, so that I believe we shall
come to it. Before we went up to the Duke, Sir G. Carteret and I did talk
together in the Parke about my Lord Chancellor's business of the timber;
he telling me freely that my Lord Chancellor was never so angry with him
in all his life, as he was for this business, in great passion; and that
when he saw me there, he knew what it was about. And plots now with me
how we may serve my Lord, which I am mightily glad of; and I hope together
we may do it. Thence to Westminster to my barber's, to have my Periwigg
he lately made me cleansed of its nits, which vexed me cruelly that he
should put such a thing into my hands. Here meeting his mayd Jane, that
has lived with them so long, I talked with her, and sending her of an
errand to Dr. Clerk's, did meet her, and took her into a little alehouse
in Brewers Yard, and there did sport with her, without any knowledge of
her though, and a very pretty innocent girl she is
Thence to my Lord Chancellor's, but he being busy I
went away to the 'Change, and so home to dinner. By and by comes Creed,
and I out with him to Fleet Street, and he to Mr. Povy's, I to my Lord
Chancellor's, and missing him again walked to Povy's, and there saw his
new perspective in his closet. Povy, to my great surprise and wonder,
did here attacque me in his own and Mr. Bland's behalf that I should do
for them both for the new contractors for the victualling of the garrison.
Which I am ashamed that he should ask of me, nor did I believe that he
was a man that did seek benefit in such poor things. Besides that he professed
that he did not believe that I would have any hand myself in the contract,
and yet here declares that he himself would have profit by it, and himself
did move me that Sir W. Rider might join, and Ford with Gauden. I told
him I had no interest in them, but I fear they must do something to him,
for he told me that those of the Mole did promise to consider him. Thence
home and Creed with me, and there he took occasion to owne his obligations
to me, and did lay down twenty pieces in gold upon my shelf in my closett,
which I did not refuse, but wish and expected should have been more. But,
however, this is better than nothing, and now I am out of expectation,
and shall henceforward know how to deal with him. After discourse of settling
his matters here, we went out by coach, and he 'light at the Temple, and
there took final leave of me, in order to his following my Lord to-morrow.
I to my Lord Chancellor, and discoursed his business with him. I perceive,
and he says plainly, that he will not have any man to have it in his power
to say that my Lord Chancellor did contrive the wronging the King of his
timber; but yet I perceive, he would be glad to have service done him
therein; and told me Sir G. Carteret hath told him that he and I would
look after his business to see it done in the best manner for him. Of
this I was glad, and so away. Thence home, and late with my Tangier men
about drawing up their agreement with us, wherein I find much trouble,
and after doing as much as we could to-night, broke up and I to bed.
19th. Up, and to the office,
where we sat all the morning. At noon dined alone at home. After dinner
Sir W. Batten and I down by water to Woolwich, where coming to the ropeyarde
we are told that Mr. Falconer, who hath been ill of a relapse these two
days, is just now dead. We went up to his widow, who is sicke in bed also.
The poor woman in great sorrow, and entreats our friendship, which we
shall, I think, in every thing do for her. I am sure I will. Thence to
the Docke, and there in Sheldon's garden eat some fruit; so to Deptford
a little, and thence home, it raining mightily, and being cold I doubted
my health after it. At the office till 9 o'clock about Sir W. Warren's
contract for masts, and then at home with Lanyon and Yeabsly till 12 and
past about their contract for Tangier, wherein they and I differed, for
I would have it drawn to the King's advantage, as much as might be, which
they did not like, but parted good friends; however, when they were gone,
I wished that I had forborne any disagreement till I had had their promise
to me in writing. They being gone, I to bed.
20th. Up, and a while to
my office, and then home with Mr. Deane till dinner, discoursing upon
the business of my Lord Chancellor's timber in Clarendon Parke, and how
to make a report therein without offending him; which at last I drew up,
and hope it will please him. But I would to God neither I nor he ever
had had any thing to have done with it! Dined together with a good pig,
and then out by coach to White Hall, to the Committee for Fishing; but
nothing done, it being a great day to-day there upon drawing at the Lottery
of Sir Arthur Slingsby. I got in and stood by the two Queenes and the
Duchesse of Yorke, and just behind my Lady Castlemayne, whom I do heartily
adore; and good sport it was to see how most that did give their ten pounds
did go away with a pair of globes only for their lot, and one gentlewoman,
one Mrs. Fish, with the only blanke. And one I staid to see drew a suit
of hangings valued at L430, and they say are well worth the money, or
near it. One other suit there is better than that; but very many lots
of three and fourscore pounds. I observed the King and Queenes did get
but as poor lots as any else. But the wisest man I met with was Mr. Cholmley,
who insured as many as would, from drawing of the one blank for 12d.;
in which case there was the whole number of persons to one, which I think
was three or four hundred. And so he insured about 200 for 200 shillings,
so that he could not have lost if one of them had drawn it, for there
was enough to pay the L10; but it happened another drew it, and so he
got all the money he took. I left the lottery, and went to a play, only
a piece of it, which was the Duke's house, "Worse and Worse;"
just the same manner of play, and writ, I believe, by the same man as
"The Adventures of Five Hours;" very pleasant it was, and I
begin to admire Harris more than ever. Thence to Westminster to see Creed,
and he and I took a walk in the Parke. He is ill, and not able yet to
set out after my Lord, but will do to-morrow. So home, and late at my
office, and so home to bed. This evening being moonshine I played a little
late upon my flageolette in the garden. But being at Westminster Hall
I met with great news that Mrs. Lane is married to one Martin, one that
serves Captain Marsh. She is gone abroad with him to-day, very fine. I
must have a bout with her very shortly to see how she finds marriage.
21st. Up, and to the office,
where we sat all the morning, among other things making a contract with
Sir W. Warren for almost 1000 Gottenburg masts, the biggest that ever
was made in the Navy, and wholly of my compassing and a good one I hope
it is for the King. Dined at Sir W. Batten's, where I have not eat these
many months. Sir G. Carteret, Mr. Coventry, Sir J. Minnes, and myself
there only, and my Lady. A good venison pasty, and very merry, and pleasant
I made myself with my Lady, and she as much to me. This morning to the
office comes Nicholas Osborne, Mr. Gauden's clerke, to desire of me what
piece of plate I would choose to have a L100, or thereabouts, bestowed
upon me in, he having order to lay out so much; and, out of his freedom
with me, do of himself come to make this question. I a great while urged
my unwillingnesse to take any, not knowing how I could serve Mr. Gauden,
but left it wholly to himself; so at noon I find brought home in fine
leather cases, a pair of the noblest flaggons that ever I saw all the
days of my life; whether I shall keepe them or no I cannot tell; for it
is to oblige me to him in the business of the Tangier victualling, wherein
I doubt I shall not; but glad I am to see that I shall be sure to get
something on one side or other, have it which will: so, with a merry heart,
I looked upon them, and locked them up. After dinner to [give] my Lord
Chancellor a good account of his business, and he is very well pleased
therewith, and carries himself with great discretion to me, without seeming
over glad or beholding to me; and yet I know that he do think himself
very well served by me. Thence to Westminster and to Mrs. Lane's lodgings,
to give her joy, and there suffered me to deal with her as I hoped to
do, and by and by her husband comes, a sorry, simple fellow, and his letter
to her which she proudly showed me a simple, nonsensical thing. A man
of no discourse, and I fear married her to make a prize of, which he is
mistaken in, and a sad wife I believe she will prove to him, for she urged
me to appoint a time as soon as he is gone out of town to give her a meeting
next week. So by water with a couple of cozens of Mrs. Lane's, and set
them down at Queenhive, and I through Bridge home, and there late at business,
and so home to supper and to bed.
22nd. Up and to my office,
where busy all the morning. At noon to the 'Change, and so home to dinner,
and then down by water to Deptford, where coming too soon, I spent an
houre in looking round the yarde, and putting Mr. Shish
[Jonas Shish, master-shipwright at Deptford. There are several papers
of his among the State Papers. "I was at the funeral of old Mr. Shish,
Master Shipwright of His Majesty's Yard here, an honest and remarkable
man, and his death a public loss, for his excellent success in building
ships (though altogether illiterate) and for bringing up so many of his
children to be able artists. I held up the pall with three knights who
did him that honour, and he was worthy of it. It was the custom of this
good man to rise in the night and pray, kneeling in his own coffin, which
he had lying by him for many years. He was born that famous year, the
Gunpowder- plot, 1605" (Evelyn's "Diary," May 13th, 1680).]
to measure a piece or two of timber, which he did most cruelly wrong,
and to the King's losse 12 or 13s. in a piece of 28 feet in contents.
Thence to the Clerke of the Cheques, from whose house Mr. Falconer was
buried to-day; Sir J. Minnes and I the only principal officers that were
there. We walked to church with him, and then I left them without staying
the sermon and straight home by water, and there find, as I expected,
Mr. Hill, and Andrews, and one slovenly and ugly fellow, Seignor Pedro,
who sings Italian songs to the theorbo most neatly, and they spent the
whole evening in singing the best piece of musique counted of all hands
in the world, made by Seignor Charissimi, the famous master in Rome. Fine
it was, indeed, and too fine for me to judge of. They have spoke to Pedro
to meet us every weeke, and I fear it will grow a trouble to me if we
once come to bid judges to meet us, especially idle Masters, which do
a little displease me to consider. They gone comes Mr. Lanyon, who tells
me Mr. Alsopp is now become dangerously ill, and fears his re covery,
covery, which shakes my expectation of;630o per annum by the business;
and, therefore, bless God for what Mr. Gauden hath sent me, which, from
some discourse to-day with Mr. Osborne, swearing that he knows not any
thing of this business of the victualling; but, the contrary, that it
is not that moves Mr. Gauden to send it me, for he hath had order for
it any time these two months. Whether this be true or no, I know not;
but I shall hence with the more confidence keepe it. To supper and to
the office a little, and to walk in the garden, the moon shining bright,
and fine warm fair weather, and so home to bed.
23rd. Up, and all the morning
at the office. At noon to the 'Change, where I took occasion to break
the business of my Lord Chancellor's timber to Mr. Coventry in the best
manner I could. He professed to me, that, till, Sir G. Carteret did speake
of it at the table, after our officers were gone to survey it, he did
not know that my Lord Chancellor had any thing to do with it; but now
he says that he had been told by the Duke that Sir G. Carteret had spoke
to him about it, and that he had told the Duke that, were he in my Lord
Chancellor's case, if he were his father, he would rather fling away the
gains of two or L3,000, than have it said that the timber, which should
have been the King's, if it had continued the Duke of Albemarle's, was
concealed by us in favour of my Lord Chancellor; for, says he, he is a
great man, and all such as he, and he himself particularly, have a great
many enemies that would be glad of such an advantage against him. When
I told him it was strange that Sir J. Minnes and Sir G. Carteret, that
knew my Lord Chancellor's concernment therein, should not at first inform
us, he answered me that for Sir J. Minnes, he is looked upon to be an
old good companion, but by nobody at the other end of the towne as any
man of business, and that my Lord Chancellor, he dares say, never did
tell him of it, only Sir G. Carteret, he do believe, must needs know it,
for he and Sir J. Shaw are the greatest confidants he hath in the world.
So for himself, he said, he would not mince the matter, but was resolved
to do what was fit, and stand upon his owne legs therein, and that he
would speak to the Duke, that he and Sir G. Carteret might be appointed
to attend my Lord Chancellor in it. All this disturbs me mightily. I know
not what to say to it, nor how to carry myself therein; for a compliance
will discommend me to Mr. Coventry, and a discompliance to my Lord Chancellor.
But I think to let it alone, or at least meddle in it as little more as
I can.
From thence walked toward Westminster, and being in
an idle and wanton humour, walked through Fleet Alley, and there stood
a most pretty wench at one of the doors, so I took a turn or two, but
what by sense of honour and conscience I would not go in, but much against
my will took coach and away, and away to Westminster Hall, and there 'light
of Mrs. Lane, and plotted with her to go over the water. So met at White's
stairs in Chanel Row, and over to the old house at Lambeth Marsh, and
there eat and drank, and had my pleasure of her twice, she being the strangest
woman in talk of love to her husband sometimes, and sometimes again she
do not care for him, and yet willing enough to allow me a liberty of doing
what I would with her. So spending 5s. or 6s. upon her, I could do what
I would, and after an hour's stay and more back again and set her ashore
there again, and I forward to Fleet Street, and called at Fleet Alley,
not knowing how to command myself, and went in and there saw what formerly
I have been acquainted with, the wickedness of these houses, and the forcing
a man to present expense. The woman indeed is a most lovely woman, but
I had no courage to meddle with her for fear of her not being wholesome,
and so counterfeiting that I had not money enough, it was pretty to see
how cunning she was, would not suffer me to have to do in any manner with
her after she saw I had no money, but told me then I would not come again,
but she now was sure I would come again, but I hope in God I shall not,
for though she be one of the prettiest women I ever saw, yet I fear her
abusing me. So desiring God to forgive me for this vanity, I went home,
taking some books from my bookseller, and taking his lad home with me,
to whom I paid L10 for books I have laid up money for, and laid out within
these three weeks, and shall do no more a great while I hope. So to my
office writing letters, and then home and to bed, weary of the pleasure
I have had to-day, and ashamed to think of it.
24th (Lord's day). Up,
in some pain all day from yesterday's passages, having taken cold, I suppose.
So staid within all day reading of two or three good plays. At night to
my office a little, and so home, after supper to bed.
25th. Up, and with Sir
J. Minnes and Sir W. Batten by coach to St. James's, but there the Duke
being gone out we to my Lord Berkeley's chamber, Mr. Coventry being there,
and among other things there met with a printed copy of the King's commission
for the repair of Paul's, which is very large, and large power for collecting
money, and recovering of all people that had bought or sold formerly any
thing belonging to the Church. And here I find my Lord Mayor of the City
set in order before the Archbishopp or any nobleman, though all the greatest
officers of state are there. But yet I do not hear by my Lord Berkeley,
who is one of them, that any thing is like to come of it. Thence back
again homewards, and Sir W. Batten and I to the Coffee-house, but no newes,
only the plague is very hot still, and encreases among the Dutch. Home
to dinner, and after dinner walked forth, and do what I could I could
not keep myself from going through Fleet Lane, but had the sense of safety
and honour not to go in, and the rather being a holiday I feared I might
meet with some people that might know me. Thence to Charing Cross, and
there called at Unthanke's to see what I owed, but found nothing, and
here being a couple of pretty ladies, lodgers in the kitchen, I staid
a little there. Thence to my barber Gervas, who this day buries his child,
which it seems was born without a passage behind, so that it never voided
any thing in the week or fortnight that it has been born. Thence to Mr.
Reeves, it coming just now in my head to buy a microscope, but he was
not within, so I walked all round that end of the town among the loathsome
people and houses, but, God be thanked! had no desire to visit any of
them. So home, where I met Mr. Lanyon, who tells me Mr. Alsop is past
hopes, which will mightily disappoint me in my hopes there, and yet it
may be not. I shall think whether it will be safe for me to venture myself
or no, and come in as an adventurer. He gone, Mr. Cole (my old Jack Cole)
comes to see and speak with me, and his errand in short to tell me that
he is giving over his trade; he can do no good in it, and will turn what
he has into money and go to sea, his father being dead and leaving him
little, if any thing. This I was sorry to hear, he being a man of good
parts, but, I fear, debauched. I promised him all the friendship I can
do him, which will end in little, though I truly mean it, and so I made
him stay with me till 11 at night, talking of old school stories, and
very pleasing ones, and truly I find that we did spend our time and thoughts
then otherwise than I think boys do now, and I think as well as methinks
that the best are now. He supped with me, and so away, and I to bed. And
strange to see how we are all divided that were bred so long at school
together, and what various fortunes we have run, some good, some bad.
26th. All the morning at
the office, at noon to Anthony Joyce's, to our gossip's dinner. I had
sent a dozen and a half of bottles of wine thither, and paid my double
share besides, which is 18s. Very merry we were, and when the women were
merry and rose from table, I above with them, ne'er a man but I, I began
discourse of my not getting of children, and prayed them to give me their
opinions and advice, and they freely and merrily did give me these ten,
among them
(1) Do not hug my wife too hard nor too much;
(2) eat no late suppers;
(3) drink juyce of sage;
(4) tent and toast;
(5) wear cool holland drawers;
(6) keep stomach warm and back cool;
(7) upon query whether it was best to do at night or morn, they answered
me neither one nor other, but when we had most mind to it;
(8) wife not to go too straight laced;
(9) myself to drink mum and sugar;
(10) Mrs. Ward did give me, to change my place.
The 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 10th they all did seriously declare, and
lay much stress upon them as rules fit to be observed indeed, and especially
the last, to lie with our heads where our heels do, or at least to make
the bed high at feet and low at head.
Very merry all, as much as I could be in such sorry
company. Great discourse of the fray yesterday in Moorefields, how the
butchers at first did beat the weavers (between whom there hath been ever
an old competition for mastery), but at last the weavers rallied and beat
them. At first the butchers knocked down all for weavers that had green
or blue aprons, till they were fain to pull them off and put them in their
breeches. At last the butchers were fain to pull off their sleeves, that
they might not be known, and were soundly beaten out of the field, and
some deeply wounded and bruised; till at last the weavers went out tryumphing,
calling L100 for a butcher. I to Mr. Reeves to see a microscope, he having
been with me to-day morning, and there chose one which I will have. Thence
back and took up young Mrs. Harman, a pretty bred and pretty humoured
woman whom I could love well, though not handsome, yet for her person
and carriage, and black. By the way met her husband going for her, and
set them both down at home, and so home to my office a while, and so to
supper and bed.
27th. Up, and after some
discourse with Mr. Duke, who is to be Secretary to the Fishery, and is
now Secretary to the Committee for Trade, who I find a very ingenious
man, I went to Mr. Povy's, and there heard a little of his empty discourse,
and fain he would have Mr. Gauden been the victualler for Tangier, which
none but a fool would say to me when he knows he hath made it his request
to me to get him something of these men that now do it. Thence to St.
James's, but Mr. Coventry being ill and in bed I did not stay, but to
White Hall a little, walked up and down, and so home to fit papers against
this afternoon, and after dinner to the 'Change a little, and then to
White Hall, where anon the Duke of Yorke came, and a Committee we had
of Tangier, where I read over my rough draught of the contract for Tangier
victualling, and acquainted them with the death of Mr. Alsopp, which Mr.
Lanyon had told me this morning, which is a sad consideration to see how
uncertain a thing our lives are, and how little to be presumed of in our
greatest undertakings. The words of the contract approved of, and I home
and there came Mr. Lanyon to me and brought my neighbour, Mr. Andrews,
to me, whom he proposes for his partner in the room of Mr. Alsopp, and
I like well enough of it. We read over the contract together, and discoursed
it well over and so parted, and I am glad to see it once over in this
condition again, for Mr. Lanyon and I had some discourse to-day about
my share in it, and I hope if it goes on to have my first hopes of L300
per ann. They gone, I to supper and to bed. This afternoon came my great
store of Coles in, being to Chaldron, so that I may see how long they
will last me.
28th. At the office all
the morning, dined, after 'Change, at home, and then abroad, and seeing
"The Bondman" upon the posts, I consulted my oaths and find
I may go safely this time without breaking it; I went thither, notwithstanding
my great desire to have gone to Fleet Alley, God forgive me, again. There
I saw it acted. It is true, for want of practice, they had many of them
forgot their parts a little; but Betterton and my poor Ianthe outdo all
the world. There is nothing more taking in the world with me than that
play. Thence to Westminster to my barber's, and strange to think how when
I find that Jervas himself did intend to bring home my periwigg, and not
Jane his maid, I did desire not to have it at all, for I had a mind to
have her bring it home. I also went to Mr. Blagrave's about speaking to
him for his kinswoman to come live with my wife, but they are not come
to town, and so I home by coach and to my office, and then to supper and
to bed. My present posture is thus: my wife in the country and my mayde
Besse with her and all quiett there. I am endeavouring to find a woman
for her to my mind, and above all one that understands musique, especially
singing. I am the willinger to keepe one because I am in good hopes to
get 2 or L300 per annum extraordinary by the business of the victualling
of Tangier, and yet Mr. Alsopp, my chief hopes, is dead since my looking
after it, and now Mr. Lanyon, I fear, is, falling sicke too. I am pretty
well in health, only subject to wind upon any cold, and then immediate
and great pains. All our discourse is of a Dutch warr and I find it is
likely to come to it, for they are very high and desire not to compliment
us at all, as far as I hear, but to send a good fleete to Guinny to oppose
us there. My Lord Sandwich newly gone to sea, and I, I think, fallen into
his very good opinion again, at least he did before his going, and by
his letter since, show me all manner of respect and confidence. I am over-joyed
in hopes that upon this month's account I shall find myself worth L1000,
besides the rich present of two silver and gilt flaggons which Mr. Gauden
did give me the other day. I do now live very prettily at home, being
most seriously, quietly, and neatly served by my two mayds Jane and the
girle Su, with both of whom I am mightily well pleased. My greatest trouble
is the settling of Brampton Estate, that I may know what to expect, and
how to be able to leave it when I die, so as to be just to my promise
to my uncle Thomas and his son. The next thing is this cursed trouble
my brother Tom is likely to put us to by his death, forcing us to law
with his creditors, among others Dr. Tom Pepys, and that with some shame
as trouble, and the last how to know in what manner as to saving or spending
my father lives, lest they should run me in debt as one of my uncle's
executors, and I never the wiser nor better for it. But in all this I
hope shortly to be at leisure to consider and inform myself well.
29th. At the office all
the morning dispatching of business, at noon to the 'Change after dinner,
and thence to Tom Trice about Dr. Pepys's business, and thence it raining
turned into Fleet Alley, and there was with Cocke an hour or so. The jade,
whether I would not give her money or not enough; she would not offer
to invite to do anything, but on the contrary saying she had no time,
which I was glad of, for I had no mind to meddle with her, but had my
end to see what a cunning jade she was, to see her impudent tricks and
ways of getting money and raising the reckoning by still calling for things,
that it come to 6 or 7 shillings presently. So away home, glad I escaped
without any inconvenience, and there came Mr. Hill, Andrews and Seignor
Pedro, and great store of musique we had, but I begin to be weary of having
a master with us, for it spoils, methinks, the ingenuity of our practice.
After they were gone comes Mr. Bland to me, sat till 11 at night with
me, talking of the garrison of Tangier and serving them with pieces of
eight. A mind he hath to be employed there, but dares not desire any courtesy
of me, and yet would fain engage me to be for him, for I perceive they
do all find that I am the busy man to see the King have right done him
by inquiring out other bidders. Being quite tired with him, I got him
gone, and so to bed.
30th. All the morning at
the office; at noon to the 'Change, where great talke of a rich present
brought by an East India ship from some of the Princes of India, worth
to the King L70,000 in two precious stones. After dinner to the office,
and there all the afternoon making an end of several things against the
end of the month, that I may clear all my reckonings tomorrow; also this
afternoon, with great content, I finished the contracts for victualling
of Tangier with Mr. Lanyon and the rest, and to my comfort got him and
Andrews to sign to the giving me L300 per annum, by which, at least, I
hope to be a L100 or two the better. Wrote many letters by the post to
ease my mind of business and to clear my paper of minutes, as I did lately
oblige myself to clear every thing against the end of the month. So at
night with my mind quiet and contented to bed. This day I sent a side
of venison and six bottles of wine to Kate Joyce.
31st (Lord's day). Up,
and to church, where I have not been these many weeks. So home, and thither,
inviting him yesterday, comes Mr. Hill, at which I was a little troubled,
but made up all very well, carrying him with me to Sir J. Minnes, where
I was invited and all our families to a venison pasty. Here good cheer
and good discourse. After dinner Mr. Hill and I to my house, and there
to musique all the afternoon. He being gone, in the evening I to my accounts,
and to my great joy and with great thanks to Almighty God, I do find myself
most clearly worth L1014, the first time that ever I was worth L1000 before,
which is the height of all that ever I have for a long time pretended
to. But by the blessing of God upon my care I hope to lay up something
more in a little time, if this business of the victualling of Tangier
goes on as I hope it will. So with praise to God for this state of fortune
that I am brought to as to wealth, and my condition being as I have at
large set it down two days ago in this book, I home to supper and to bed,
desiring God to give me the grace to make good use of what I have and
continue my care and diligence to gain more.
August
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