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July 1660 July 1st
This morning came home my fine Camlett cloak, with gold buttons, and a silk suit, which
cost me much money, and I pray God to make me able to pay for it. I went to the cook’s
and got a good joint of meat, and my wife and I dined at home alone.
In the afternoon to the Abbey, where a good sermon by a stranger, but no Common Prayer
yet. After sermon called in at Mrs. Crisp’s,
where I saw Mynheer Roder, that is to marry Sam Hartlib’ssister, a great fortune for
her to light on, she being worth nothing in the world. Here I also saw Mrs. Greenlife,
who is come again to live in Axe Yard with her new husband Mr. Adams. Then to my Lord’s,
where I staid a while. So to see for Mr. Creed to speak about getting a copy of Barlow’s
patent. To my Lord’s, where late at night comes Mr. Morland, whom I left prating with
my Lord, and so home.
2nd Infinite of business that my heart and head
and all were full. Met with purser Washington, with whom and
a lady, a friend of his, I dined at the Bell Tavern in King Street, but the rogue had no
more manners than to invite me and to let me pay my club. All the afternoon with my
Lord, going up and down the town; at seven at night he went home, and there the principal
Officers of the Navy, among the rest myself was reckoned one. We had order to meet to-morrow,
to draw up such an order of the Council as would put us into action before our patents
were passed. At which my heart was glad. At night supped with my Lord, he and I together,
in the great dining-room alone by ourselves, the first time I ever did it in London. Home
to bed, my maid pretty well again.
3rd All the morning the Officers and Commissioners
of the Navy, we met at Sir G. Carteret’s chamber, and agreed upon orders for the Council
to supersede the old ones, and empower us to act.
Dined with Mr. Stephens, the Treasurer’s man of the Navy, and Mr. Turner, to whom I
offered 50 pounds out of my own purse for one year, and the benefit of a Clerk’s allowance
beside, which he thanked me for; but I find he hath some design yet in his head, which
I could not think of. In the afternoon my heart was quite pulled
down, by being told that Mr. Barlow was to enquire to-day for Mr. Coventry; but at night
I met with my Lord, who told me that I need not fear, for he would get me the place against
the world. And when I came to W. Howe, he told me that
Dr. Petty had been with my Lord, and did tell him that Barlow was a sickly man, and did
not intend to execute the place himself, which put me in great comfort again.
Till 2 in the morning writing letters and things for my Lord to send to sea. So home
to my wife to bed.
4th Up very early in the morning and landing my
wife at White Friars stairs, I went to the Bridge and so tot he Treasurer’s of the
Navy, with whom I spake about the business of my office, who put me into very good hopes
of my business. At his house comes Commissioner Pett, and he and I went to view the houses
in Seething Lane, belonging to the Navy, where I find the worst very good, and had great
fears in my mind that they will shuffle me out of them, which troubles me.
From thence to the Excise Office in Broad Street, where I received 500 pounds for my
Lord, by appointment of the Treasurer, and went afterwards down with Mr. Luddyard and
drank my morning draft with him and other officers. Thence to Mr. Backewell’s, the
goldsmith, where I took my Lord’s 100 pounds in plate for Mr. Secretary Nicholas, and my
own piece of plate, being a state dish and cup in chased work for Mr. Coventry, cost
me above 19 pounds Carried these and the money by coach to my Lord’s at White Hall, and
from thence carried Nicholas’s plate to his house and left it there, intending to
speak with him anon. So to Westminster Hall, where meeting with M. L’Impertinent and
W. Bowyer, I took them to the Sun Tavern, and gave them a lobster and some wine, and
sat talking like a fool till 4 o’clock. So to my Lord’s, and walking all the afternoon
in White Hall Court, in expectation of what shall be done in the Council as to our business.
It was strange to see how all the people flocked together bare, to see the King looking out
of the Council window. At night my Lord told me how my orders that
I drew last night about giving us power to act, are granted by the Council. At which
he and I were very glad. Home and to bed, my boy lying in my house this night the first
time.
5th This morning my brother Tom brought me my
jackanapes coat with silver buttons. It rained this morning, which makes us fear that the
glory of this great day will be lost; the King and Parliament being to be entertained
by the City to-day with great pomp. Mr. Hater was with me to-day, and I agreed
with him to be my clerk. Being at White Hall, I saw the King, the Dukes,
and all their attendants go forth in the rain to the City, and it bedraggled many a fine
suit of clothes. I was forced to walk all the morning in White Hall, not knowing how
to get out because of the rain. Met with Mr. Cooling, my Lord Chamberlain’s
secretary, who took me to dinner among the gentlemen waiters, and after dinner into the
wine-cellar. He told me how he had a project for all us Secretaries to join together, and
get money by bringing all business into our hands.
Thence to the Admiralty, where Mr. Blackburne and I (it beginning to hold up) went and walked
an hour or two in the Park, he giving of me light in many things in my way in this office
that I go about. And in the evening I got my present of plate carried to Mr. Coventry’s.
At my Lord’s at night comes Dr. Petty to me, to tell me that Barlow had come to town,
and other things, which put me into a despair, and I went to bed very sad.
6th In the morning with my Lord at Whitehall,
got the order of the Council for us to act. From thence to Westminster Hall, and there
met with the Doctor that shewed us so much kindness at the Hague, and took him to the
Sun tavern, and drank with him. So to my Lord’s and dined with W. Howe and
Sarah, thinking it might be the last time that I might dine with them together.
In the afternoon my Lord and I, and Mr. Coventry and Sir G. Carteret, went and took possession
of the Navy Office, whereby my mind was a little cheered, but my hopes not great.
From thence Sir G. Carteret and I to the Treasurer’s Office, where he set some things in order.
And so home, calling upon Sir Geoffry Palmer, who did give me advice about my patent, which
put me to some doubt to know what to do, Barlow being alive.
Afterwards called at Mr. Pim’s, about getting me a coat of velvet, and he took me to the
Half Moon, and the house so full that we staid above half an hour before we could get anything.
So to my Lord’s, where in the dark W. Howe and I did sing extemporys, and I find by use
that we are able to sing a bass and a treble pretty well. So home, and to bed.
7th To my Lord, one with me to buy a Clerk’s
place, and I did demand 100 pounds To the Council Chamber, where I took an order for
the advance of the salaries of the officers of the Navy, and I find mine to be raised
to 350 pounds per annum. Thence to the Change, where I bought two fine prints of Ragotts
from Rubens, and afterwards dined with my Uncle and Aunt Wight, where her sister ***
and her husband were. After that to Mr. Rawlinson’s with my uncle, and thence to the Navy Office,
where I began to take an inventory of the papers, and goods, and books of the office.
To my Lord’s, late writing letters. So home to bed.
8th (Lord’s day). To White Hall chapel, where
I got in with ease by going before the Lord Chancellor with Mr. Kipps. Here I heard very
good music, the first time that ever I remember to have heard the organs and singing-men in
surplices in my life. The Bishop of Chichester preached before the King, and made a great
flattering sermon, which I did not like that Clergy should meddle with matters of state.
Dined with Mr. Luellin and Salisbury at a cook’s shop. Home, and staid all the afternoon
with my wife till after sermon. There till Mr. Fairebrother came to call us out to my
father’s to supper. He told me how he had perfectly procured me to be made Master in
Arts by proxy, which did somewhat please me, though I remember my cousin Roger Pepys was
the other day persuading me from it. While we were at supper came Wm. Howe to supper
to us, and after supper went home to bed.
9th All the morning at Sir G. Palmer’s advising
about getting my bill drawn. From thence to the Navy office, where in the afternoon we
met and sat, and there I begun to sign bills in the Office the first time. From thence
Captain Holland and Mr. Browne of Harwich took me to a tavern and did give me a collation.
From thence to the Temple to further my bills being done, and so home to my Lord, and thence
to bed.
10th This day I put on first my new silk suit,
the first that ever I wore in my life. This morning came Nan Pepys’ husband Mr. Hall
to see me being lately come to town. I had never seen him before. I took him to the Swan
tavern with Mr. Eglin and there drank our morning draft. Home, and called my wife, and
took her to Dr. Clodius’s to a great wedding of Nan Hartlib to Mynheer Roder, which was
kept at Goring House with very great state, cost, and noble company. But, among all the
beauties there, my wife was thought the greatest. After dinner I left the company, and carried
my wife to Mrs. Turner’s. I went to the Attorney-General’s, and had my bill which
cost me seven pieces. I called my wife, and set her home. And finding my Lord in White
Hall garden, I got him to go to the Secretary’s, which he did, and desired the dispatch of
his and my bills to be signed by the King. His bill is to be Earl of Sandwich, Viscount
Hinchingbroke, and Baron of St. Neot’s. Home, with my mind pretty quiet: not returning,
as I said I would, to see the bride put to bed.
11th With Sir W. Pen by water to the Navy office,
where we met, and dispatched business. And that being done, we went all to dinner to
the Dolphin, upon Major Brown’s invitation. After that to the office again, where I was
vexed, and so was Commissioner Pett, to see a busy fellow come to look out the best lodgings
for my Lord Barkley, and the combining between him and Sir W. Pen; and, indeed, was troubled
much at it. Home to White Hall, and took out my bill signed
by the King, and carried it to Mr. Watkins of the Privy Seal to be despatched there,
and going home to take a cap, I borrowed a pair of sheets of Mr. Howe, and by coach went
to the Navy office, and lay (Mr. Hater, my clerk, with me) at Commissioner Willoughby’s
house, where I was received by him very civilly and slept well.
12th Up early and by coach to White Hall with Commissioner
Pett, where, after we had talked with my Lord, I went to the Privy Seal and got my bill perfected
there, and at the Signet: and then to the House of Lords, and met with Mr. Kipps, who
directed me to Mr. Beale to get my patent engrossed.
But he not having time to get it done in Chancery-hand, I was forced to run all up and down Chancery-lane,
and the Six Clerks’ Office but could find none that could write the hand, that were
at leisure. And so in a despair went to the Admiralty, where we met the first time there,
my Lord Montagu, my Lord Barkley, Mr. Coventry, and all the rest of the principal Officers
and Commissioners, [except] only the Controller, who is not yet chosen. At night to Mr. Kipps’s
lodgings, but not finding him, I went to Mr. Spong’s and there I found him and got him
to come to me to my Lord’s lodgings at 11 o’clock of night, when I got him to take
my bill to write it himself (which was a great providence that he could do it) against to-morrow
morning. I late writing letters to sea by the post,
and so home to bed. In great trouble because I heard at Mr. Beale’s to-day that Barlow
had been there and said that he would make a stop in the business.
13th Up early, the first day that I put on my black
camlett coat with silver buttons. To Mr. Spong, whom I found in his night-down writing of
my patent, and he had done as far as he could “for that &c.” by 8 o’clock.
It being done, we carried it to Worcester House to the Chancellor, where Mr. Kipps (a
strange providence that he should now be in a condition to do me a kindness, which I never
thought him capable of doing for me), got me the Chancellor’s recepi to my bill; and
so carried it to Mr. Beale for a dockett; but he was very angry, and unwilling to do
it, because he said it was ill writ (because I had got it writ by another hand, and not
by him); but by much importunity I got Mr. Spong to go to his office and make an end
of my patent; and in the mean time Mr. Beale to be preparing my dockett, which being done,
I did give him two pieces, after which it was strange how civil and tractable he was
to me. From thence I went to the Navy office, where
we despatched much business, and resolved of the houses for the Officers and Commissioners,
which I was glad of, and I got leave to have a door made me into the leads. From thence,
much troubled in mind about my patent, I went to Mr. Beale again, who had now finished my
patent and made it ready for the Seal, about an hour after I went to meet him at the Chancellor’s.
So I went away towards Westminster, and in my way met with Mr. Spong, and went with him
to Mr. Lilly and ate some bread and cheese, and drank with him, who still would be giving
me council of getting my patent out, for fear of another change, and my Lord Montagu’s
fall. After that to Worcester House, where by Mr.
Kipps’s means, and my pressing in General Montagu’s name to the Chancellor, I did,
beyond all expectation, get my seal passed; and while it was doing in one room, I was
forced to keep Sir G. Carteret (who by chance met me there, ignorant of my business) in
talk, while it was a doing. Went home and brought my wife with me into London, and some
money, with which I paid Mr. Beale 9 pounds in all, and took my patent of him and went
to my wife again, whom I had left in a coach at the door of Hinde Court, and presented
her with my patent at which she was overjoyed. So to the Navy office, and showed her my house,
and were both mightily pleased at all things there, and so to my business.
So home with her, leaving her at her mother’s door. I to my Lord’s, where I dispatched
an order for a ship to fetch Sir R. Honywood home, for which I got two pieces of my Lady
Honywood by young Mr. Powell. Late writing letters; and great doings of music at the
next house, which was Whally’s; the King and Dukes there with Madame Palmer, a pretty
woman that they have a fancy to, to make her husband a cuckold. Here at the old door that
did go into his lodgings, my Lord, I, and W. Howe, did stand listening a great while
to the music. After that home to bed. This day I should have been at Guildhall to
have borne witness for my brother Hawly against Black Collar, but I could not, at which I
was troubled. To bed with the greatest quiet of mind that
I have had a great while, having ate nothing but a bit of bread and cheese at Lilly’s
to-day, and a bit of bread and butter after I was a-bed.
14th Up early and advised with my wife for the
putting of all our things in a readiness to be sent to our new house. To my Lord’s,
where he was in bed very late. So with Major Tollhurst and others to Harper’s, and I
sent for my barrel of pickled oysters and there ate them; while we were doing so, comes
in Mr. Pagan Fisher; the poet, and promises me what he had long ago done, a book in praise
of the King of France, with my armes, and a dedication to me very handsome. After him
comes Mr. Sheply come from sea yesterday, whom I was glad to see that he may ease me
of the trouble of my Lord’s business. So to my Lord’s, where I staid doing his
business and taking his commands. After that to Westminster Hall, where I paid all my debts
in order to my going away from hence. Here I met with Mr. Eglin, who would needs take
me to the Leg in King Street and gave me a dish of meat to dinner; and so I sent forMons.
L’Impertinent, where we sat long and were merry.
After that parted, and I took Mr. Butler [Mons. L’Impertinent] with me into London by coach
and shewed him my house at the Navy Office. And did give order for the laying in coals.
So into Fenchurch Street, and did give him a glass of wine at Rawlinson’s, and was
trimmed [?? D.W.] in the street. So to my Lord’s late writing letters, and so home,
where I found my wife had packed up all her goods in the house fit for a removal. So to
bed.
15th Lay long in bed to recover my rest. Going
forth met with Mr. Sheply, and went and drank my morning draft with him at Wilkinson’s,
and my brother Spicer. After that to Westminster Abbey, and in Henry the Seventh’s Chappell
heard part of a sermon, the first that ever I heard there. To my Lord’s and dined all
alone at the table with him. After dinner he and I alone fell to discourse,
and I find him plainly to be a sceptic in all things of religion, and to make no great
matter of anything therein, but to be a perfect Stoic. In the afternoon to Henry the Seventh’s
Chappell, where I heard service and a sermon there, and after that meeting W. Bowyer there,
he and I to the Park, and walked a good while till night.
So to Harper’s and drank together, and Captain Stokes came to us and so I fell into discourse
of buying paper at the first hand in my office, and the Captain promised me to buy it for
me in France. After that to my Lord’s lodgings, where I wrote some business and so home. My
wife at home all the day, she having no clothes out, all being packed up yesterday. For this
month I have wholly neglected anything of news, and so have beyond belief been ignorant
how things go, but now by my patent my mind is in some quiet, which God keep. I was not
at my father’s to-day, I being afraid to go for fear he should still solicit me to
speak to my Lord for a place in the Wardrobe, which I dare not do, because of my own business
yet. My wife and I mightily pleased with our new house that we hope to have.
My patent has cost me a great deal of money, about 40 pounds, which is the only thing at
present which do trouble me much. In the afternoon to Henry the Seventh’s chapel, where I heard
a sermon and spent (God forgive me) most of my time in looking upon Mrs. Butler. After
that with W. Bowyer to walk in the Park. Afterwards to my Lord’s lodgings, and so home to bed,
having not been at my father’s to-day.
16th This morning it proved very rainy weather
so that I could not remove my goods to my house. I to my office and did business there,
and so home, it being then sunrise, but by the time that I got to my house it began to
rain again, so that I could not carry my goods by cart as I would have done. After that to
my Lord’s and so home and to bed.
17th This morning (as indeed all the mornings nowadays)
much business at my Lord’s. There came to my house before I went out Mr.
Barlow, an old consumptive man, and fair conditioned, with whom I did discourse a great while, and
after much talk I did grant him what he asked, viz., 50 pounds per annum, if my salary be
not increased, and (100 pounds per annum, in case it be to 350 pounds), at which he
was very well pleased to be paid as I received my money and not otherwise.
Going to my Lord’s I found my Lord had got a great cold and kept his bed, and so I brought
him to my Lord’s bedside, and he and I did agree together to this purpose what I should
allow him. That done and the day proving fair I went
home and got all my goods packed up and sent away, and my wife and I and Mrs. Hunt went
by coach, overtaking the carts a-drinking in the Strand. Being come to my house and
set in the goods, and at night sent my wife and Mrs. Hunt to buy something for supper;
they bought a Quarter of Lamb, and so we ate it, but it was not half roasted.
Will, Mr. Blackburne’s nephew, is so obedient, that I am greatly glad of him. At night he
and I and Mrs. Hunt home by water to Westminster. I to my Lord, and after having done some business
with him in his chamber in the Nursery, which has been now his chamber since he came from
sea, I went on foot with a linkboy to my home, where I found my wife in bed and Jane washing
the house, and Will the boy sleeping, and a great deal of sport I had before I could
wake him. I to bed the first night that I ever lay here with my wife.
18th This morning the carpenter made an end of
my door out of my chamber upon the leads. This morning we met at the office: I dined
at my house in Seething Lane, and after that, going about 4 o’clock to Westminster, I
met with Mr. Carter and Mr. Cooke coming to see me in a coach, and so I returned home.
I did also meet with Mr. Pierce, the surgeon, with a porter with him, with a barrel of Lemons,
which my man Burr sends me from sea. I took all these people home to my house and
did give them some drink, and after them comes Mr. Sheply, and after a little stay we all
went by water to Westminster as far as the New Exchange.
Thence to my Lord about business, and being in talk in comes one with half a buck from
Hinchinbroke, and it smelling a little strong my Lord did give it me (though it was as good
as any could be). I did carry it to my mother, where I had not
been a great while, and indeed had no great mind to go, because my father did lay upon
me continually to do him a kindness at the Wardrobe, which I could not do because of
my own business being so fresh with my Lord. But my father was not at home, and so I did
leave the venison with her to dispose of as she pleased. After that home, where W. Hewer
now was, and did lie this night with us, the first night.
My mind very quiet, only a little trouble I have for the great debts which I have still
upon me to the Secretary, Mr. Kipps, and Mr. Spong for my patent.
19th I did lie late a-bed. I and my wife by water,
landed her at Whitefriars with her boy with an iron of our new range which is already
broke and my wife will have changed, and many other things she has to buy with the help
of my father to-day. I to my Lord and found him in bed. This day
I received my commission to swear people the oath of allegiance and supremacy delivered
me by my Lord. After talk with my Lord I went to Westminster
Hall, where I took Mr. Michell and his wife, and Mrs. Murford we sent for afterwards, to
the Dog Tavern, where I did give them a dish of anchovies and olives and paid for all,
and did talk of our old discourse when we did use to talk of the King, in the time of
the Rump, privately; after that to the Admiralty Office, in White Hall, where I staid and writ
my last observations for these four days last past.
Great talk of the difference between the Episcopal and Presbyterian Clergy, but I believe it
will come to nothing. So home and to bed.
20th We sat at the office this morning, Sir W.
Batten and Mr. Pett being upon a survey to Chatham. This morning I sent my wife to my
father’s and he is to give me 5 pounds worth of pewter. After we rose at the office, I
went to my father’s, where my Uncle Fenner and all his crew and Captain Holland and his
wife and my wife were at dinner at a venison pasty of the venison that I did give my mother
the other day. I did this time show so much coldness to W.
Joyce that I believe all the table took notice of it.
After that to Westminster about my Lord’s business and so home, my Lord having not been
well these two or three days, and I hear that Mr. Barnwell at Hinchinbroke is fallen sick
again. Home and to bed.
21st This morning Mr. Barlow had appointed for
me to bring him what form I would have the agreement between him and me to pass, which
I did to his lodgings at the Golden Eagle in the new street between Fetter Lane and
Shoe Lane, where he liked it very well, and I from him went to get Mr. Spong to engross
it in duplicates. To my Lord and spoke to him about the business
of the Privy Seal for me to be sworn, though I got nothing by it, but to do Mr. Moore a
kindness, which he did give me a good answer to. Went to the Six Clerks’ office to Mr.
Spong for the writings, and dined with him at a club at the next door, where we had three
voices to sing catches. So to my house to write letters and so to Whitehall about business
of my Lord’s concerning his creation, and so home and to bed.
22nd Lord’s day. All this last night it had rained
hard. My brother Tom came this morning the first time to see me, and I paid him all that
I owe my father to this day. Afterwards I went out and looked into several churches,
and so to my uncle Fenner’s, whither my wife was got before me, and we, my father
and mother, and all the Joyces, and my aunt Bell, whom I had not seen many a year before.
After dinner to White Hall (my wife to church with K. Joyce), where I find my Lord at home,
and walked in the garden with him, he showing me all the respect that can be. I left him
and went to walk in the Park, where great endeavouring to get into the inward Park,
but could not get in; one man was basted by the keeper, for carrying some people over
on his back through the water. Afterwards to my Lord’s, where I staid and
drank with Mr. Sheply, having first sent to get a pair of oars. It was the first time
that ever I went by water on the Lord’s day. Home, and at night had a chapter read;
and I read prayers out of the Common Prayer Book, the first time that ever I read prayers
in this house. So to bed.
23rd This morning Mr. Barlow comes to me, and he
and I went forth to a scrivener in Fenchurch Street, whom we found sick of the gout in
bed, and signed and sealed our agreement before him.
He urged to have these words (in consideration whereof) to be interlined, which I granted,
though against my will. Met this morning at the office, and afterwards
Mr. Barlow by appointment came and dined with me, and both of us very pleasant and pleased.
After dinner to my Lord, who took me to Secretary Nicholas, and there before him and Secretary
Morris, my Lord and I upon our knees together took our oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy;
and the Oath of the Privy Seal, of which I was much glad, though I am not likely to get
anything by it at present; but I do desire it, for fear of a turn-out of our office.
That done and my Lord gone from me, I went with Mr. Cooling and his brother, and Sam
Hartlibb, little Jennings and some others to the King’s Head Tavern at Charing Cross,
where after drinking I took boat and sohome, where we supped merrily among ourselves (our
little boy proving a droll) and so after prayers to bed.
This day my Lord had heard that Mr. Barnwell was dead, but it is not so yet, though he
be very ill. I was troubled all this day with Mr. Cooke,
being willing to do him good, but my mind is so taken up with my own business that I
cannot.
24th To White Hall, where I did acquaint Mr. Watkins
with my being sworn into the Privy Seal, at which he was much troubled, but put it up
and did offer me a kinsman of his to be my clerk, which I did give him some hope of,
though I never intend it. In the afternoon I spent much time in walking in White Hall
Court with Mr. Bickerstaffe, who was very glad of my Lord’s being sworn, because of
his business with his brother Baron, which is referred to my Lord Chancellor, and to
be ended to-morrow. Baron had got a grant beyond sea, to come in before the reversionary
of the Privy Seal. This afternoon Mr. Mathewscame to me, to get a certificate of my Lord’s
and my being sworn, which I put in some forwardness, and so home and to bed.
25th In the morning at the office, and after that
down to Whitehall, where I met with Mr. Creed, and with him and a Welsh schoolmaster, a good
scholar but a very pedagogue, to the ordinary at the Leg in King Street. I got my certificate
of my Lord’s and my being sworn. This morning my Lord took leave of the House of Commons,
and had the thanks of the House for his great services to his country.
In the afternoon (but this is a mistake, for it was yesterday in the afternoon) Monsieur
L’Impertinent and I met and I took him to the Sun and drank with him, and in the evening
going away we met his mother and sisters and father coming from the Gatehouse; where they
lodge, where I did the first time salute them all, and very pretty Madame Frances is indeed.
After that very late home and called in Tower Street, and there at a barber’s was trimmed
the first time. Home and to bed.
26th Early to White Hall, thinking to have a meeting
of my Lord and the principal officers, but my Lord could not, it being the day that he
was to go and be admitted in the House of Lords, his patent being done, which he presented
upon his knees to the Speaker; and so it was read in the House, and he took his place.
I at the Privy Seal Office with Mr. ***, who brought me acquainted with Mr. Crofts
of the Signet, and I invited them to a dish of meat at the Leg in King Street, and so
we dined there and I paid for all and had very good light given me as to my employment
there. Afterwards to Mr. Pierces, where I should have dined but I could not, but found
Mr. Sheply and W. Howe there. After we had drunk hard we parted, and I went away and
met Dr. Castle, who is one of the Clerks of the Privy Seal, and told him how things were
with my Lord and me, which he received very gladly. I was this day told how Baron against
all expectation and law has got the place of Bickerstaffe, and so I question whether
he will not lay claim to wait the next month, but my Lord tells me that he will stand for
it. In the evening I met with T. Doling, who carried
me to St. James’s Fair, and there meeting with W. Symons and his wife, and Luellin,
and D. Scobell’s wife and cousin, we went to Wood’s at the Pell Mell (our old house
for clubbing), and there we spent till 10 at night, at which time I sent to my Lord’s
for my clerk Will to come to me, and so by link home to bed. Where I found Commissioner
Willoughby had sent for all his things away out of my bedchamber, which is a little disappointment,
but it is better than pay too dear for them.
27th The last night Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen
came to their houses at the office. Met this morning and did business till noon. Dined
at home and from thence to my Lord’s where Will, my clerk, and I were all the afternoon
making up my accounts, which we had done by night, and I find myself worth about 100 pounds
after all my expenses. At night I sent to W. Bowyer to bring me 100
pounds, being that he had in his hands of my Lord’s. in keeping, out of which I paid
Mr. Sheply all that remained due to my Lord upon my balance, and took the rest home with
me late at night. We got a coach, but the horses were tired and could not carry us farther
than St. Dunstan’s. So we ‘light and took a link and so home weary to bed.
28th Early in the morning rose, and a boy brought
me a letter from Poet Fisher, who tells me that he is upon a panegyrique of the King,
and desired to borrow a piece of me; and I sent him half a piece.
To Westminster, and there dined with Mr. Sheply and W. Howe, afterwards meeting with Mr. Henson,
who had formerly had the brave clock that went with bullets (which is now taken away
from him by the King, it being his goods). I went with him to the Swan Tavern and sent
for Mr. Butler, who was now all full of his high discourse in praise of Ireland, whither
he and his whole family are going by Coll. Dillon’s persuasion, but so many lies I
never heard in praise of anything as he told of Ireland. So home late at night and to bed.
29th Lord’s day. I and my boy Will to Whitehall,
and I with my Lord to White Hall Chappell, where I heard a cold sermon of the Bishop
of Salisbury’s, and the ceremonies did not please me, they do so overdo them.
My Lord went to dinner at Kensington with my Lord Camden. So I dined and took Mr. Birfett,
my Lord’s chaplain, and his friend along with me, with Mr. Sheply at my Lord’s.
In the afternoon with *** Vines and his brother Payton, we walked to Lisson Green and Marybone
and back again, and finding my Lord at home I got him to look over my accounts, which
he did approve of and signed them, and so we are even to this day. Of this I was glad,
and do think myself worth clear money about 120 pounds Home late, calling in at my father’s
without stay. To bed.
30th Sat at our office to-day, and my father came
this day the first time to see us at my new office. And Mrs. Crisp by chance came in and
sat with us, looked over our house and advised about the furnishing of it. This afternoon
I got my 50 pounds, due to me for my first quarter’s salary as Secretary to my Lord,
paid to Tho. Hater for me, which he received and brought home to me, of which I am full
glad. To Westminster and among other things met
with Mr. Moore, and took him and his friend, a bookseller of Paul’s Churchyard, to the
Rhenish Winehouse, and drinking there the sword-bearer of London (Mr. Man) came to ask
for us, with whom we sat late, discoursing about the worth of my office of Clerk of the
Acts, which he hath a mind to buy, and I asked four years’ purchase. We are to speak more
of it to-morrow. Home on foot, and seeing him at home at Butler’s merry, he lent me
a torch, which Will carried, and so home.
31st To White Hall, where my Lord and the principal
officers met, and had a great discourse about raising of money for the Navy, which is in
very sad condition, and money must be raised for it. Mr. Blackburne, Dr. Clerke, and I
to the Quaker’s and dined there. I back to the Admiralty, and there was doing things
in order to the calculating of the debts of the Navy and other business, all the afternoon.
At night I went to the Privy Seal, where I found Mr. Crofts and Mathews making up all
their things to leave the office tomorrow, to those that come to wait the next month.
I took them to the Sun Tavern and there made them drink, and discoursed concerning the
office, and what I was to expect tomorrow about Baron, who pretends to the next month.
Late home by coach so far as Ludgate with Mr. Mathews, and thence home on foot with
W. Hewer with me, and so to bed. End of July
August 1660 August 1
Up very early, and by water to Whitehall to my Lord’s, and there up to my Lord’s lodging
(Wm. Howe being now ill of the gout at Mr. Pierce’s), and there talked with him about
the affairs of the Navy, and how I was now to wait today at the Privy Seal. Commissioner
Pett went with me, whom I desired to make my excuse at the office for my absence this
day. Hence to the Privy Seal Office, where I got
(by Mr. Mathews’ means) possession of the books and table, but with some expectation
of Baron’s bringing of a warrant from the King to have this month.
Nothing done this morning, Baron having spoke to Mr. Woodson and Groome (clerks to Mr. Trumbull
of the Signet) to keep all work in their hands till the afternoon, at which time he expected
to have his warrant from the King for this month.
I took at noon Mr. Harper to the Leg in King Street, and did give him his dinner, who did
still advise me much to act wholly myself at the Privy Seal, but I told him that I could
not, because I had other business to take up my time.
In the afternoon at, the office again, where we had many things to sign; and I went to
the Council Chamber, and there got my Lord to sign the first bill, and the rest all myself;
but received no money today. After I had signed all, I went with *** Scobell and Luellin
to drink at a bottle beer house in the Strand, and after staying there a while (had sent
W. Hewer home before), I took boat and homewards went, and in Fish Street bought a Lobster,
and as I had bought it I met with Winter and Mr. Delabarr, and there with a piece of sturgeon
of theirs we went to the Sun Tavern in the street and ate them. Late home and to bed.
2nd To Westminster by water with Sir W. Batten
and Sir W. Pen (our servants in another boat) to the Admiralty; and from thence I went to
my Lord’s to fetch him thither, where we stayed in the morning about ordering of money
for the victuallers, and advising how to get a sum of money to carry on the business of
the Navy. From thence dined with Mr. Blackburne at his house with his friends (his wife being
in the country and just upon her return to London), where we were very well treated and
merry. From thence W. Hewer and I to the office of
Privy Seal, where I stayed all the afternoon, and received about 40 pounds for yesterday
and to-day, at which my heart rejoiced for God’s blessing to me, to give me this advantage
by chance, there being of this 40 pounds about 10 pounds due to me for this day’s work.
So great is the present profit of this office, above what it was in the King’s time; there
being the last month about 300 bills; whereas in the late King’s time it was much to have
40. With my money home by coach. It being the first time that I could get home
before our gates were shut since I came to the Navy office.
When I came home I found my wife not very well of her old pain … which she had when
we were married first. I went and cast up the expense that I laid
out upon my former house (because there are so many that are desirous of it, and I am,
in my mind, loth to let it go out of my hands, for fear of a turn). I find my layings-out
to come to about 20 pounds, which with my fine will come to about 22 pounds to him that
shall hire my house of me. To bed.
3rd Up betimes this morning, and after the barber
had done with me, then to the office, where I and Sir William Pen only did meet and despatch
business. At noon my wife and I by coach to Dr. Clerke’s to dinner: I was very much
taken with his lady, a comely, proper woman, though not handsome; but a woman of the best
language I ever heard. Here dined Mrs. Pierce and her husband.
After dinner I took leave to go to Westminster, where I was at the Privy Seal Office all day,
signing things and taking money, so that I could not do as I had intended, that is to
return to them and go to the Red Bull Playhouse, but I took coach and went to see whether it
was done so or no, and I found it done. So I returned to Dr. Clerke’s, where I found
them and my wife, and by and by took leave and went away home.
4th To White Hall, where I found my Lord gone
with the King by water to dine at the Tower with Sir J. Robinson, Lieutenant. I found
my Lady Jemimah at my Lord’s, with whom I staid and dined, all alone; after dinner
to the Privy Seal Office, where I did business. So to a Committee of Parliament (Sir Hen[eage]
Finch, Chairman), to give them an answer to an order of theirs, “that we could not give
them any account of the Accounts of the Navy in the years 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, as they desire.”
After that I went and bespoke some linen of Betty Lane in the Hall, and after that to
the Trumpet, where I sat and talked with her, &c.
At night, it being very rainy, and it thundering and lightning exceedingly, I took coach at
the Trumpet door, taking Monsieur L’Impertinent along with me as far as the Savoy, where he
said he went to lie with Cary Dillon, and is still upon the mind of going (he and his
whole family) to Ireland. Having set him down I made haste home, and in the courtyard, it
being very dark, I heard a man inquire for my house, and having asked his business, he
told me that my man William (who went this morning — out of town to meet his aunt Blackburne)
was come home not very well to his mother, and so could not come home to-night. At which
I was very sorry. I found my wife still in pain. To bed, having not time to write letters,
and indeed having so many to write to all places that I have no heart to go about them.
Mrs. Shaw did die yesterday and her husband so sick that he is not like to live.
5th Lord’s day. My wife being much in pain,
I went this morning to Dr. Williams (who had cured her once before of this business), in
Holborn, and he did give me an ointment which I sent home by my boy, and a plaister which
I took with me to Westminster (having called and seen my mother in the morning as I went
to the doctor), where I dined with Mr. Sheply (my Lord dining at Kensington).
After dinner to St. Margaret’s, where the first time I ever heard Common Prayer in that
Church. I sat with Mr. Hill in his pew; Mr. Hill that married in Axe Yard and that was
aboard us in the Hope. Church done I went and Mr. Sheply to see W. Howe at Mr. Pierces,
where I staid singing of songs and psalms an hour or two, and were very pleasant with
Mrs. Pierce and him. Thence to my Lord’s, where I staid and talked and drank with Mr.
Sheply. After that to Westminster stairs, where I saw a fray between Mynheer Clinke,
a Dutchman, that was at Hartlibb’s wedding, and a waterman, which made good sport. After
that I got a Gravesend boat, that was come up to fetch some bread on this side the bridge,
and got them to carry me to the bridge, and so home, where I found my wife.
After prayers I to bed to her, she having had a very bad night of it. This morning before
I was up Willcame home pretty well again, he having been only weary with riding, which
he is not used to.
6th This morning at the office, and, that being
done, home to dinner all alone, my wife being ill in pain a-bed, which I was troubled at,
and not a little impatient. After dinner to Whitehall at the Privy Seal all the afternoon,
and at night with Mr. Man to Mr. Rawlinson’s in Fenchurch Street, where we staid till eleven
o’clock at night. So home and to bed, my wife being all this day in great pain.
This night Mr. Man offered me 1000 pounds for my office of Clerk of the Acts, which
made my mouth water; but yet I dare not take it till I speak with my Lord to have his consent.
7th This morning to Whitehall to the Privy Seal,
and took Mr. Moore and myself and dined at my Lord’s with Mr. Sheply. While I was at
dinner in come Sam. Hartlibb and his brother-in-law, now knighted by the King, to request my promise
of a ship for them to Holland, which I had promised to get for them. After dinner to
the Privy Seal all the afternoon. At night, meeting Sam. Hartlibb, he took me by coach
to Kensington, to my Lord of Holland’s; I staid in the coach while he went in about
his business. He staying long I left the coach and walked back again before on foot (a very
pleasant walk) to Kensington, where I drank and staid very long waiting for him. At last
he came, and after drinking at the inn we went towards Westminster.
Here I endeavoured to have looked out Jane that formerly lived at Dr. Williams’ at
Cambridge, whom I had long thought to live at present here, but I found myself in an
error, meeting one in the place where I expected to have found her, but she proved not she
though very like her. We went to the Bullhead, where he and I sat
and drank till 11 at night, and so home on foot. Found my wife pretty well again, and
so to bed.
8th We met at the office, and after that to dinner
at home, and from thence with my wife by water to Catan Sterpin, with whom and her mistress
Pye we sat discoursing of Kate’s marriage to Mons. Petit, her mistress and I giving
the best advice we could for her to suspend her marriage till Mons. Petit had got some
place that may be able to maintain her, and not for him to live upon the portion that
she shall bring him. From thence to Mr. Butler’s to see his daughters, the first time that
ever we made a visit to them. We found them very pretty, and Coll. Dillon there, a very
merry and witty companion, but methinks they live in a gaudy but very poor condition. From
thence, my wife and I intending to see Mrs. Blackburne, who had been a day or two again
to see my wife, but my wife was not in condition to be seen, but she not being at home my wife
went to her mother’s and I to the Privy Seal. At night from the Privy Seal, Mr. Woodson
and Mr. Jennings and I to the Sun Tavern till it was late, and from thence to my Lord’s,
where my wife was come from Mrs. Blackburne’s to me, and after I had done some business
with my Lord, she and I went to Mrs. Hunt’s, who would needs have us to lie at her house
to-night, she being with my wife so late at my Lord’s with us, and would not let us
go home to-night. We lay there all night very pleasantly and
at ease … [One is curious as to Pepy’s remarks, here and in many other places, that
9th Left my wife at Mrs. Hunt’s and I to my
Lord’s, and from thence with judge Advocate Fowler, Mr. Creed, and Mr. Sheply to the Rhenish
Wine-house, and Captain Hayward of the Plymouth, who is now ordered to carry my Lord Winchelsea,
Embassador to Constantinople. We were very merry, and judge Advocate did give Captain
Hayward his Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy. Thence to my office of Privy Seal, and, having
signed some things there, with Mr. Moore and Dean Fuller to the Leg in King Street, and,
sending for my wife, we dined there very merry, and after dinner, parted. After dinner with
my wife to Mrs. Blackburne to visit her. She being within I left my wife there, and I to
the Privy Seal, where I despatch some business, and from thence to Mrs. Blackburne again,
who did treat my wife and me with a great deal of civility, and did give us a fine collation
of collar of beef, &c. Thence I, having my head full of drink from
having drunk so much Rhenish wine in the morning, and more in the afternoon at Mrs. Blackburne’s,
came home and so to bed, not well, and very ill all night.
10th I had a great deal of pain all night, and
a great loosing upon me so that I could not sleep. In the morning I rose with much pain
and to the office. I went and dined at home, and after dinner with great pain in my back
I went by water to Whitehall to the Privy Seal, and that done with Mr. Moore and Creed
to Hide Park by coach, and saw a fine foot-race three times round the Park between an Irishman
and Crow, that was once my Lord Claypoole’s footman. (By the way I cannot forget that
my Lord Claypoole did the other day make enquiry of Mrs. Hunt, concerning my House in Axe-yard,
and did set her on work to get it of me for him, which methinks is a very great change.)
Crow beat the other by above two miles. Returned from Hide Park, I went to my Lord’s,
and took Will (who waited for me there) by coach and went home, taking my lute home with
me. It had been all this while since I came from sea at my Lord’s for him to play on.
To bed in some pain still. For this month or two it is not imaginable
how busy my head has been, so that I have neglected to write letters to my uncle Robert
in answer to many of his, and to other friends, nor indeed have I done anything as to my own
family, and especially this month my waiting at the Privy Seal makes me much more unable
to think of anything, because of my constant attendance there after I have done at the
Navy Office. But blessed be God for my good chance of the Privy Seal, where I get every
day I believe about 3 pounds. This place I got by chance, and my Lord did give it me
by chance, neither he nor I thinking it to be of the worth that he and I find it to be.
Never since I was a man in the world was I ever so great a stranger to public affairs
as now I am, having not read a new book or anything like it, or enquiring after any news,
or what the Parliament do, or in any wise how things go. Many people look after my house
in Axe-yard to hire it, so that I am troubled with them, and I have a mind to get the money
to buy goods for my house at the Navy Office, and yet I am loth to put it off because that
Mr. Man bids me 1000 pounds for my office, which is so great a sum that I am loth to
settle myself at my new house, lest I should take Mr. Man’s offer in case I found my
Lord willing to it.
11th I rose to-day without any pain, which makes
me think that my pain yesterday was nothing but from my drinking too much the day before.
To my Lord this morning, who did give me order to get some things ready against the afternoon
for the Admiralty where he would meet. To the Privy Seal, and from thence going to my
own house in Axeyard, I went in to Mrs. Crisp’s, where I met with Mr. Hartlibb; for whom I
wrote a letter for my Lord to sign for a ship for his brother and sister, who went away
hence this day to Gravesend, and from thence to Holland. I found by discourse with Mrs.
Crisp that he is very jealous of her, for that she is yet very kind to her old servant
Meade. Hence to my Lord’s to dinner with Mr. Sheply, so to the Privy Seal; and at night
home, and then sent for the barber, and was trimmed in the kitchen, the first time that
ever I was so. I was vexed this night that W. Hewer was out of doors till ten at night
but was pretty well satisfied again when my wife told me that he wept because I was angry,
though indeed he did give me a good reason for his being out; but I thought it a good
occasion to let him know that I do expect his being at home. So to bed.
12th Lord’s day. To my Lord, and with him to
White Hall Chappell, where Mr. Calamy preached, and made a good sermon upon these words “To
whom much is given, of him much is required.” He was very officious with his three reverences
to the King, as others do. After sermon a brave anthem of Captain Cooke’s, which he
himself sung, and the King was well pleased with it. My Lord dined at my Lord Chamberlain’s,
and I at his house with Mr. Sheply. After dinner I did give Mr. Donne; who is going
to sea, the key of my cabin and direction for the putting up of my things. After, that
I went to walk, and meeting Mrs. Lane of Westminster Hall, I took her to my Lord’s, and did give
her a bottle of wine in the garden, where Mr. Fairbrother, of Cambridge, did come and
found us, and drank with us. After that I took her to my house, where I
was exceeding free in dallying with her, and she not unfree to take it.
At night home and called at my father’s, where I found Mr. Fairbrother, but I did not
stay but went homewards and called in at Mr. Rawlinson’s, whither my uncle Wight was
coming and did come, but was exceeding angry (he being a little fuddled, and I think it
was that I should see him in that case) as I never saw him in my life, which I was somewhat
troubled at. Home and to bed.
13th A sitting day at our office. After dinner
to Whitehall; to the Privy Seal, whither my father came to me, and staid talking with
me a great while, telling me that he had propounded Mr. John Pickering for Sir Thomas Honywood’s
daughter, which I think he do not deserve for his own merit: I know not what he may
do for his estate. My father and Creed and I to the old Rhenish
Winehouse, and talked and drank till night. Then my father home, and I to my Lord’s;
where he told me that he would suddenly go into the country, and so did commend the business
of his sea commission to me in his absence. After that home by coach, and took my 100
pounds that I had formerly left at Mr. Rawlinson’s, home with me, which is the first that ever
I was master of at once. To prayers, and to bed.
14th To the Privy Seal, and thence to my Lord’s,
where Mr. Pim, the tailor, and I agreed upon making me a velvet coat. From thence to the
Privy Seal again, where Sir Samuel Morland came in with a Baronet’s grant to pass,
which the King had given him to make money of. Here he staid with me a great while; and
told me the whole manner of his serving the King in the time of the Protector; and how
Thurloe’s bad usage made him to do it; how he discovered Sir R. Willis, and how he hath
sunk his fortune for the King; and that now the King hath given him a pension of 500 pounds
per annum out of the Post Office for life, and the benefit of two Baronets; all which
do make me begin to think that he is not so much a fool as I took him to be.
Home by water to the Tower, where my father, Mr. Fairbrother, and Cooke dined with me.
After dinner in comes young Captain Cuttance of the Speedwell, who is sent up for the gratuity
given the *** that brought the King over. He brought me a firkin of butter for my wife,
which is very welcome. My father, after dinner, takes leave, after I had given him 40s. for
the last half year for my brother John at Cambridge.
I did also make even with Mr. Fairbrother for my degree of Master of Arts, which cost
me about 9 pounds 16s.To White Hall, and my wife with me by water, where at the Privy
Seal and elsewhere all the afternoon. At night home with her by water, where I made good
sport with having the girl and the boy to comb my head, before I went to bed, in the
kitchen.
15th To the office, and after dinner by water to
White Hall, where I found the King gone this morning by 5 of the clock to see a Dutch pleasure-boat
below bridge, where he dines, and my Lord with him. The King do tire all his people
that are about him with early rising since he came.
To the office, all the afternoon I staid there, and in the evening went to Westminster Hall,
where I staid at Mrs. Michell’s, and with her and her husband sent for some drink, and
drank with them. By the same token she and Mrs. Murford and another old woman of the
Hall were going a gossiping tonight. From thence to my Lord’s, where I found him within,
and he did give me direction about his business in his absence, he intending to go into the
country to-morrow morning. Here I lay all night in the old chamber which I had now given
up to W. Howe, with whom I did intend to lie, but he and I fell to play with one another,
so that I made him to go lie with Mr. Sheply. So I lay alone all night.
16th This morning my Lord (all things being ready)
carried me by coach to Mr. Crew’s, (in the way talking how good he did hope my place
would be to me, and in general speaking that it was not the salary of any place that did
make a man rich, but the opportunity of getting money while he is in the place) where he took
leave, and went into the coach, and so for Hinchinbroke. My Lady Jemimah and Mr. Thomas
Crew in the coach with him. Hence to Whitehall about noon, where I met
with Mr. Madge, who took me along with him and Captain Cooke (the famous singer) and
other masters of music to dinner at an ordinary about Charing Cross where we dined, all paying
their club. Hence to the Privy Seal, where there has been but little work these two days.
In the evening home.
17th To the office, and that done home to dinner
where Mr. Unthanke, my wife’s tailor, dined with us, we having nothing but a dish of sheep’s
trotters. After dinner by water to Whitehall, where a great deal of business at the Privy
Seal. At night I and Creed and the judge-Advocate went to Mr. Pim, the tailor’s, who took
us to the Half Moon, and there did give us great store of wine and anchovies, and would
pay for them all. This night I saw Mr. Creed show many the strangest
emotions to shift off his drink I ever saw in my life.
By coach home and to bed.
18th This morning I took my wife towards Westminster
by water, and landed her at Whitefriars, with 5 pounds to buy her a petticoat, and I to
the Privy Seal. By and by comes my wife to tell me that my father has persuaded her to
buy a most fine cloth of 26 shillings a yard, and a rich lace, that the petticoat will come
to 5 pounds, at which I was somewhat troubled, but she doing it very innocently, I could
not be angry. I did give her more money, and sent her away,
and I and Creed and Captain Hayward (who is now unkindly put out of the Plymouth to make
way for Captain Allen to go to Constantinople, and put into his ship the Dover, which I know
will trouble my Lord) went and dined at the Leg in King Street, where Captain Ferrers,
my Lord’s Cornet, comes to us, who after dinner took me and Creed to the Cockpitt play,
the first that I have had time to see since my coming from sea, “The Loyall Subject,”
where one Kinaston, a boy, acted the Duke’s sister, but made the loveliest lady that ever
I saw in my life, only her voice not very good. After the play done, we three went to
drink, and by Captain Ferrers’ means, Kinaston and another that acted Archas, the General,
came and drank with us. Hence home by coach, and after being trimmed, leaving my wife to
look after her little ***, which was just now a-whelping, I to bed.
19th (Lord’s day). In the morning my wife tells
me that the *** has whelped four young ones and is very well after it, my wife having
had a great fear that she would die thereof, the dog that got them being very big.
This morning Sir W. Batten, Pen, and myself, went to church to the churchwardens, to demand
a pew, which at present could not be given us, but we are resolved to have one built.
So we staid and heard Mr. Mills, a very, good minister.
Home to dinner, where my wife had on her new petticoat that she bought yesterday, which
indeed is a very fine cloth and a fine lace; but that being of a light colour, and the
lace all silver, it makes no great show. Mr. Creed and my brother Tom dined with me.
After dinner my wife went and fetched the little puppies to us, which are very pretty
ones. After they were gone, I went up to put my papers in order, and finding my wife’s
clothes lie carelessly laid up, I was angry with her, which I was troubled for. After
that my wife and I went and walked in the garden, and so home to bed.
20th (Office day). As Sir W. Pen and I were walking
in the garden, a messenger came to me from the Duke of York to fetch me to the Lord Chancellor.
So (Mrs. Turner with her daughter The. being come to my house to speak with me about a
friend of hers to send to sea) I went with her in her coach as far as Worcester House,
but my Lord Chancellor being gone to the House of Lords, I went thither, and (there being
a law case before them this day) got in, and there staid all the morning, seeing their
manner of sitting on woolpacks, &c., which I never did before.
After the House was up, I spoke to my Lord, and had order from him to come to him at night.
This morning Mr. Creed did give me the Papers that concern my Lord’s sea commission, which
he left in my hands and went to sea this day to look after the gratuity money. This afternoon
at the Privy Seal, where reckoning with Mr. Moore, he had got 100 pounds for me together,
which I was glad of, guessing that the profits of this month would come to 100l.
In the evening I went all alone to drink at Mr. Harper’s, where I found Mrs. Crisp’s
daughter, with whom and her friends I staid and drank, and so with W. Hewer by coach to
Worcester House, where I light, sending him home with the 100 pounds that I received to-day.
Here I staid, and saw my Lord Chancellor come into his Great Hall, where wonderful how much
company there was to expect him at a Seal. Before he would begin any business, he took
my papers of the state of the debts of the Fleet, and there viewed them before all the
people, and did give me his advice privately how to order things, to get as much money
as we can of the Parliament. That being done, I went home, where I found
all my things come home from sea (sent by desire by Mr. Dun), of which I was glad, though
many of my things are quite spoilt with mould by reason of lying so long a shipboard, and
my cabin being not tight. I spent much time to dispose of them tonight, and so to bed.
21st This morning I went to White Hall with Sir
W. Pen by water, who in our passage told me how he was bred up under Sir W. Batten. We
went to Mr. Coventry’s chamber, and consulted of drawing my papers of debts of the Navy
against the afternoon for the Committee. So to the Admiralty, where W. Hewer and I did
them, and after that he went to his Aunt’s Blackburn (who has a kinswoman dead at her
house to-day, and was to be buried to-night, by which means he staid very late out). I
to Westminster Hall, where I met Mr. Crew and dined with him, where there dined one
Mr. Hickeman, an Oxford man, who spoke very much against the height of the now old clergy,
for putting out many of the religious fellows of Colleges, and inveighing against them for
their being drunk, which, if true, I am sorry to hear.
After that towards Westminster, where I called on Mr. Pim, and there found my velvet coat
(the first that ever I had) done, and a velvet mantle, which I took to the Privy Seal Office,
and there locked them up, and went to the Queen’s Court, and there, after much waiting,
spoke with Colonel Birch, who read my papers, and desired some addition, which done I returned
to the Privy Seal, where little to do, and with Mr. Moore towards London, and in our
way meeting Monsieur Eschar (Mr. Montagu’s man), about the Savoy, he took us to the Brazennose
Tavern, and there drank and so parted, and I home by coach, and there, it being post-night,
I wrote to my Lord to give him notice that all things are well; thatGeneral Monk is made
Lieutenant of Ireland, which my Lord Roberts (made Deputy) do not like of, to be Deputy
to any man but the King himself. After that to bed.
22nd Office, which done, Sir W. Pen took me into
the garden, and there told me how Mr. Turner do intend to petition the Duke for an allowance
extra as one of the Clerks of the Navy, which he desired me to join with him in the furthering
of, which I promised to do so that it did not reflect upon me or to my damage to have
any other added, as if I was not able to perform my place; which he did wholly disown to be
any of his intention, but far from it. I took Mr. Hater home with me to dinner, with
whom I did advise, who did give me the same counsel.
After dinner he and I to the office about doing something more as to the debts of the
Navy than I had done yesterday, and so to Whitehall to the Privy Seal, and having done
there, with my father (who came to see me) to Westminster Hall and the Parliament House
to look for Col. Birch, but found him not. In the House, after the Committee was up,
I met with Mr. G. Montagu, and joyed him in his entrance (this being his 3d day) for Dover.
Here he made me sit all alone in the House, none but he and I, half an hour, discoursing
how things stand, and in short he told me how there was like to be many factions at
Court between Marquis Ormond, General Monk, and the Lord Roberts, about the business of
Ireland; as there is already between the two Houses about the Act of Indemnity; and in
the House of Commons, between the Episcopalian and Presbyterian men.
Hence to my father’s (walking with Mr. Herring, the minister of St. Bride’s), and took them
to the Sun Tavern, where I found George, my old drawer, come again. From thence by water,
landed them at Blackfriars, and so home and to bed.
23rd By water to Doctors’ Commons to Dr. Walker,
to give him my Lord’s papers to view over concerning his being empowered to be Vice-Admiral
under the Duke of York. There meeting with Mr. Pinkney, he and I to a morning draft,
and thence by water to White Hall, to the Parliament House, where I spoke with Colonel
Birch, and so to the Admiralty chamber, where we and Mr. Coventry had a meeting about several
businesses. Amongst others, it was moved that Phineas Pett (kinsman to the Commissioner)
of Chatham, should be suspended his employment till he had answered some articles put in
against him, as that he should formerly say that the King was a *** and his mother
a ***. Hence to Westminster Hall, where I met with
my father Bowyer, and Mr. Spicer, and them I took to the Leg in King Street, and did
give them a dish or two of meat, and so away to the Privy Seal, where, the King being out
of town, we have had nothing to do these two days. To Westminster Hall, where I met with
W. Symons, T. Doling, and Mr. Booth, and with them to the Dogg, where we eat a musk melon
(the first that I have eat this year), and were very merry with W. Symons, calling him
Mr. Dean, because of the Dean’s lands that his uncle had left him, which are like to
be lost all. Hence home by water, and very late at night
writing letters to my Lord to Hinchinbroke, and also to the Vice-Admiral in the Downs,
and so to bed.
24th Office, and thence with Sir William Batten
and Sir William Pen to the parish church to find out a place where to build a seat or
a gallery to sit in, and did find one which is to be done speedily. Hence with them to
dinner at a tavern in Thames Street, where they were invited to a roasted haunch of venison
and other very good victuals and company Hence to Whitehall to the Privy Seal, but
nothing to do. At night by land to my father’s, where I found my mother not very well. I did
give her a pint of sack. My father came in, and Dr. T. Pepys, who talked with me in French
about looking out for a place for him. But I found him a weak man, and speaks the worst
French that ever I heard of one that had been so long beyond sea. Hence into Paul’s Churchyardand
bought Barkley’s Argenis in Latin, and so home and to bed. I found at home that Captain
Bun had sent me 4 dozen bottles of wine today. The King came back to Whitehall to-night.
25th This morning Mr. Turner and I by coach from
our office to Whitehall (in our way I calling on Dr. Walker for the papers I did give him
the other day, which he had perused and found that the Duke’s counsel had abated something
of the former draught which Dr. Walker drew for my Lord) to Sir G. Carteret, where we
there made up an estimate of the debts of the Navy for the Council.
At noon I took Mr. Turner and Mr. Moore to the Leg in King Street, and did give them
a dinner, and afterward to the Sun Tavern, and did give Mr. Turner a glass of wine, there
coming to us Mr. Fowler the apothecary (the judge’s son) with a book of lute lessons
which his father had left there for me, such as he formerly did use to play when a young
man, and had the use of his hand. To the Privy Seal, and found some business
now again to do there. To Westminster Hall for a new half-shirt of
Mrs. Lane, and so home by water. Wrote letters by the post to my Lord and to sea. This night
W. Hewer brought me home from Mr. Pim’s my velvet coat and cap, the first that ever
I had. So to bed.
26th (Lord’s day). With Sir W. Pen to the parish
church, where we are placed in the highest pew of all, where a stranger preached a dry
and tedious long sermon. Dined at home. To church again in the afternoon with my wife;
in the garden and on the leads at night, and so to supper and to bed.
27th This morning comes one with a vessel of Northdown
ale from Mr. Pierce, the purser, to me, and after him another with a brave Turkey carpet
and a jar of olives from Captain Cuttance, and a pair of fine turtle-doves from John
Burr to my wife. These things came up to-day in our smack, and my boy Ely came along with
them, and came after office was done to see me. I did give him half a crown because I
saw that he was ready to cry to see that he could not be entertained by me here.
In the afternoon to the Privy Seal, where good store of work now toward the end of the
month. From thence with Mr. Mount, Luellin, and others to the Bull head till late, and
so home, where about 10 o’clock Major Hart came to me, whom I did receive with wine and
anchovies, which made me so dry that I was ill with them all night, and was fain to have
the girle rise and fetch me some drink.
28th At home looking over my papers and books and
house as to the fitting of it to my mind till two in the afternoon. Some time I spent this
morning beginning to teach my wife some scale in music, and found her apt beyond imagination.
To the Privy Seal, where great store of work to-day. Colonel Scroope is this day excepted
out of the Act of Indemnity, which has been now long in coming out, but it is expected
to-morrow. I carried home 80 pounds from the Privy Seal, by coach, and at night spent a
little more time with my wife about her music with great content.
This day I heard my poor mother had then two days been very ill, and I fear she will not
last long. To bed, a little troubled that I fear my boy
Will is a thief and has stole some money of mine, particularly a letter that Mr. Jenkins
did leave the last week with me with half a crown in it to send to his son.
29th (Office day). Before I went to the office
my wife and I examined my boy Will about his stealing of things, but he denied all with
the greatest subtlety and confidence in the world. To the office, and after office then
to the Church, where we took another view of the place where we had resolved to build
a gallery, and have set men about doing it. Home to dinner, and there I found my wife
had discovered my boy Will’s theft and a great deal more than we imagined, at which
I was vexed and intend to put him away. To my office at the Privy Seal in the afternoon,
and from thence at night to the Bull Head, with Mount, Luellin, and others, and hence
to my father’s, and he being at my uncle Fenner’s, I went thither to him, and there
sent for my boy’s father and talked with him about his son, and had his promise that
if I will send home his boy, he will take him notwithstanding his indenture.
Home at night, and find that my wife had found out more of the boy’s stealing 6s. out of
W. Hewer’s closet, and hid it in the house of office, at which my heart was troubled.
To bed, and caused the boy’s clothes to be brought up to my chamber. But after we
were all a-bed, the *** (which lies in our chamber) called us to listen of a sudden,
which put my wife into such a fright that she shook every joint of her, and a long time
that I could not get her out of it. The noise was the boy, we did believe, got in a desperate
mood out of his bed to do himself or William [Hewer] some mischief. But the *** went
down and got a candle lighted, and finding the boy in bed, and locking the doors fast,
with a candle burning all night, we slept well, but with a great deal of fear.
30th We found all well in the morning below stairs,
but the boy in a sad plight of seeming sorrow; but he is the most cunning rogue that ever
I met with of his age. To White Hall, where I met with the Act of
Indemnity (so long talked of and hoped for), with the Act of Rate for Pole-money, and for
judicial proceedings. At Westminster Hall I met with Mr. Paget the
lawyer, and dined with him at Heaven. This afternoon my wife went to Mr. Pierce’s wife’s
child’s christening, and was urged to be godmother, but I advised her before-hand not
to do it, so she did not, but as proxy for my Lady Jemimah. This the first day that ever
I saw my wife wear black patches since we were married! My Lord came to town to-day,
but coming not home till very late I staid till 10 at night, and so home on foot. Mr.
Sheply and Mr. Childe this night at the tavern.
31st Early to wait upon my Lord at White Hall,
and with him to the Duke’s chamber. So to my office in Seething Lane. Dined at home,
and after dinner to my Lord again, who told me that he is ordered to go suddenly to sea,
and did give me some orders to be drawing up against his going. This afternoon I agreed
to let my house quite out of my hands to Mr. Dalton (one of the wine sellers to the King,
with whom I had drunk in the old wine cellar two or three times) for 41 pounds At night
made even at Privy Seal for this month against tomorrow to give up possession, but we know
not to whom, though we most favour Mr. Bickerstaffe, with whom and Mr. Matthews we drank late after
office was done at the Sun, discoursing what to do about it tomorrow against Baron, and
so home and to bed. Blessed be God all things continue well with and for me. I pray God
fit me for a change of my fortune. End of August
September 1660 September 1
This morning I took care to get a vessel to carry my Lord’s things to the Downs on Monday
next, and so to White Hall to my Lord, where he and I did look over the Commission drawn
for him by the Duke’s Council, which I do not find my Lord displeased with, though short
of what Dr. Walker did formerly draw for him. Thence to the Privy Seal to see how things
went there, and I find that Mr. Baron had by a severe warrant from the King got possession
of the office from his brother Bickerstaffe, which is very strange, and much to our admiration,
it being against all open justice. Mr. Moore and I and several others being invited
to-day by Mr. Goodman, a friend of his, we dined at the Bullhead upon the best venison
pasty that ever I eat of in my life, and with one dish more, it was the best dinner I ever
was at. Here rose in discourse at table a dispute between Mr. Moore and Dr. Clerke,
the former affirming that it was essential to a tragedy to have the argument of it true,
which the Doctor denied, and left it to me to be judge, and the cause to be determined
next Tuesday morning at the same place, upon the eating of the remains of the pasty, and
the loser to spend 10s. All this afternoon sending express to the
fleet, to order things against my Lord’s coming and taking direction of my Lord about
some rich furniture to take along with him for the Princess.
And talking of this, I hear by Mr. Townsend, that there is the greatest preparation against
the Prince de Ligne’s a coming over from the King of Spain, that ever was in England
for their Embassador. Late home, and what with business and my boy’s
roguery my mind being unquiet, I went to bed.
2nd (Sunday).
To Westminster, my Lord being gone before my coming to chapel. I and Mr. Sheply told
out my money, and made even for my Privy Seal fees and gratuity money, &c., to this day
between my Lord and me. After that to chappell, where Dr. Fern, a
good honest sermon upon “The Lord is my shield.” After sermon a dull anthem, and
so to my Lord’s (he dining abroad) and dined with Mr. Sheply. So, to St. Margarett’s,
and heard a good sermon upon the text “Teach us the old way,” or something like it, wherein
he ran over all the new tenets in policy and religion, which have brought us into all our
late divisions. From church to Mrs. Crisp’s (having sent
Will Hewer home to tell my wife that I could not come home to-night because of my Lord’s
going out early to-morrow morning), where I sat late, and did give them a great deal
of wine, it being a farewell cup to Laud Crisp. I drank till the daughter began to be very
loving to me and kind, and I fear is not so good as she should be.
To my Lord’s, and to bed with Mr. Sheply.
3rd Up and to Mr. –—, the goldsmith near the
new Exchange, where I bought my wedding ring, and there, with much ado, got him to put a
gold ring to the jewell, which the King of Sweden did give my Lord: out of which my Lord
had now taken the King’s picture, and intends to make a George of it.
This morning at my Lord’s I had an opportunity to speak with Sir George Downing, who has
promised me to give me up my bond, and to pay me for my last quarter while I was at
sea, that so I may pay Mr. Moore and Hawly. About noon my Lord, having taken leave of
the King in the Shield Gallery (where I saw with what kindness the King did hug my Lord
at his parting), I went over with him and saw him in his coach at Lambeth, and there
took leave of him, he going to the Downs, which put me in mind of his first voyage that
ever he made, which he did begin like this from Lambeth. In the afternoon with Mr. Moore
to my house to cast up our Privy Seal accounts, where I found that my Lord’s comes to 400
and odd pounds, and mine to 132 pounds, out of which I do give him as good as 25 pounds
for his pains, with which I doubt he is not satisfied, but my heart is full glad. Thence
with him to Mr. Crew’s, and did fetch as much money as did make even our accounts between
him and me. Home, and there found Mr. Cooke come back
from my Lord for me to get him some things bought for him to be brought after them, a
toilet cap and comb case of silk, to make use of in Holland, for he goes to the Hague,
which I can do to-morrow morning. This day my father and my uncle Fenner, and
both his sons, have been at my house to see it, and my wife did treat them nobly with
wine and anchovies. By reason of my Lord’s going to-day I could
not get the office to meet to-day.
4th I did many things this morning at home before
I went out, as looking over the joiners, who are flooring my diningroom, and doing business
with Sir Williams both at the office, and so to Whitehall, and so to the Bullhead, where
we had the remains of our pasty, where I did give my verdict against Mr. Mooreupon last
Saturday’s wager, where Dr. Fuller coming in do confirm me in my verdict.
From thence to my Lord’s and despatched Mr. Cooke away with the things to my Lord.
From thence to Axe Yard to my house, where standing at the door Mrs. Diana comes by,
whom I took into my house upstairs, and there did dally with her a great while, and found
that in Latin “Nulla puella negat.” So home by water, and there sat up late setting
my papers in order, and my money also, and teaching my wife her music lesson, in which
I take great pleasure. So to bed.
5th To the office.
From thence by coach upon the desire of the principal officers to a Master of Chancery
to give Mr. Stowell his oath, whereby he do answer that he did hear Phineas Pett say very
high words against the King a great while ago.
Coming back our coach broke, and so Stowell and I to Mr. Rawlinson’s, and after a glass
of wine parted, and I to the office, home to dinner, where (having put away my boy in
the morning) his father brought him again, but I did so clear up my boy’s roguery to
his father, that he could not speak against my putting him away, and so I did give him
10s. for the boy’s clothes that I made him, and so parted and tore his indenture.
All the afternoon with the principal officers at Sir W. Batten’s about Pett’s business
(where I first saw Col. Slingsby, who has now his appointment for Comptroller), but
did bring it to no issue. This day I saw our Dedimus to be sworn in the peace by, which
will be shortly. In the evening my wife being a little impatient
I went along with her to buy her a necklace of pearl, which will cost 4 pounds 10s., which
I am willing to comply with her in for her encouragement, and because I have lately got
money, having now above 200 pounds in cash beforehand in the world.
Home, and having in our way bought a rabbit and two little lobsters, my wife and I did
sup late, and so to bed. Great news now-a-day of the Duke d’Anjou’s
desire to marry the Princesse Henrietta. Hugh Peters is said to be taken, and the Duke
of Gloucester is ill, and it is said it will prove the small-pox.
6th To Whitehall by water with Sir W. Batten,
and in our passage told me how Commissioner Pett did pay himself for the entertainment
that he did give the King at Chatham at his coming in, and 20 shillings a day all the
time he was in Holland, which I wonder at, and so I see there is a great deal of envy
between the two. At Whitehall I met with Commissioner Pett,
who told me how Mr. Coventry and Fairbank his solicitor are falling out, one complaining
of the other for taking too great fees, which is too true.
I find that Commissioner Pett is under great discontent, and is loth to give too much money
for his place, and so do greatly desire me to go along with him in what we shall agree
to give Mr. Coventry, which I have promised him, but am unwilling to mix my fortune with
him that is going down the wind. We all met this morning and afterwards at
the Admiralty, where our business is to ask provision of victuals ready for the ships
in the Downs, which we did, Mr. Gauden promising to go himself thither and see it done. Dined
Will and I at my Lord’s upon a joint of meat that I sent Mrs. Sarah for.
Afterwards to my office and sent all my books to my Lord’s, in order to send them to my
house that I now dwell in. Home and to bed.
7th Not office day, and in the afternoon at home
all the day, it being the first that I have been at home all day since I came hither.
Putting my papers, books and other things in order, and writing of letters. This day
my Lord set sail from the Downs for Holland.
8th All day also at home. At night sent for by
Sir W. Pen, with whom I sat late drinking a glass of wine and discoursing, and I find
him to be a very sociable man, and an able man, and very cunning.
9th (Sunday). In the morning with Sir W. Pen to
church, and a very good sermon of Mr. Mills. Home to dinner, and Sir W. Pen with me to
such as I had, and it was very handsome, it being the first time that he ever saw my wife
or house since we came hither. Afternoon to church with my wife, and after
that home, and there walked with Major Hart, who came to see me, in the garden, who tells
me that we are all like to be speedily disbanded;1 and then I lose the benefit of a muster. After
supper to bed.
10th (Office day). News of the Duke’s intention
to go tomorrow to the fleet for a day or two to meet his sister. Col. Slingsby and I to
Whitehall, thinking to proffer our service to the Duke to wait upon him, but meeting
with Sir G. Carteret he sent us in all haste back again to hire two Catches for the present
use of the Duke. So we returned and landed at the Bear at the Bridge foot, where we saw
Southwark Fair (I having not at all seen Bartholomew Fair), and so to the Tower wharf, where we
did hire two catches. So to the office and found Sir W. Batten at dinner with some friends
upon a good chine of beef, on which I ate heartily, I being very hungry.
Home, where Mr. Snow (whom afterwards we called one another cozen) came to me to see me, and
with him and one Shelston, a simple fellow that looks after an employment (that was with
me just upon my going to sea last), to a tavern, where till late with them. So home, having
drunk too much, and so to bed.
11th At Sir W. Batten’s with Sir W. Pen we drank
our morning draft, and from thence for an hour in the office and dispatch a little business.
Dined at Sir W. Batten’s, and by this time I see that we are like to have a very good
correspondence and neighbourhood, but chargeable. All the afternoon at home looking over my
carpenters. At night I called Thos. Hater out of the office to my house to sit and talk
with me. After he was gone I caused the girl to wash the wainscot of our parlour, which
she did very well, which caused my wife and I good sport. Up to my chamber to read a little,
and wrote my Diary for three or four days past.
The Duke of York did go to-day by break of day to the Downs. The Duke of Gloucester ill.
The House of Parliament was to adjourn to-day. I know not yet whether it be done or no.
To bed.
12th (Office day). This noon I expected to have
had my cousin Snow and my father come to dine with me, but it being very rainy they did
not come. My brother Tom came to my house with a letter
from my brother John, wherein he desires some books: Barthol. Anatom., Rosin. Rom. Antiq.,
and Gassend. Astronom., the last of which I did give him, and an angel against my father
buying of the others. At home all the afternoon looking after my
workmen, whose laziness do much trouble me. This day the Parliament adjourned.
13th Old East comes to me in the morning with letters,
and I did give him a bottle of Northdown ale, which made the poor man almost drunk.
In the afternoon my wife went to the burial of a child of my cozen Scott’s, and it is
observable that within this month my Aunt Wight was brought to bed of two girls, my
cozen Stradwick of a girl and a boy, and my cozen Scott of a boy, and all died.
In the afternoon to Westminster, where Mr. Dalton was ready with his money to pay me
for my house, but our writings not being drawn it could not be done to-day. I met with Mr.
Hawly, who was removing his things from Mr. Bowyer’s, where he has lodged a great while,
and I took him and W. Bowyer to the Swan and drank, and Mr. Hawly did give me a little
black rattoon, painted and gilt. Home by water.
This day the Duke of Gloucester died of the small-pox, by the great negligence of the
doctors.
14th (Office day). I got 42 pounds 15 shillings
appointed me by bill for my employment of Secretary to the 4th of this month, it being
the last money I shall receive upon that score. My wife went this afternoon to see my mother,
who I hear is very ill, at which my heart is very sad.
In the afternoon Luellin comes to my house, and takes me out to the Mitre in Wood Street,
where Mr. Samford, W. Symons and his wife, and Mrs. Scobell, Mr. Mount and Chetwind,
where they were very merry, Luellin being drunk, and I being to defend the ladies from
his kissing them, I kissed them myself very often with a great deal of mirth. Parted very
late, they by coach to Westminster, and I on foot.
15th Met very early at our office this morning
to pick out the twenty-five ships which are to be first paid off.
After that to Westminster and dined with Mr. Dalton at his office, where we had one great
court dish, but our papers not being done we could [not] make an end of our business
till Monday next. Mr. Dalton and I over the water to our landlord
Vanly, with whom we agree as to Dalton becoming a tenant. Back to Westminster, where I met
with Dr. Castles, who chidd me for some errors in our Privy-Seal business; among the rest,
for letting the fees of the six judges pass unpaid, which I know not what to say to, till
I speak to Mr. Moore. I was much troubled, for fear of being forced to pay the money
myself. Called at my father’s going home, and bespoke mourning for myself, for the death
of the Duke of Gloucester. I found my mother pretty well. So home and to bed.
16th (Sunday). To Dr. Hardy’s church, and sat
with Mr. Rawlinson and heard a good sermon upon the occasion of the Duke’s death. His
text was, “And is there any evil in the city and the Lord hath not done it?”
Home to dinner, having some sport with Wm. [Hewer], who never had been at Common Prayer
before. After dinner I alone to Westminster, where
I spent my time walking up and down in Westminster Abbey till sermon time with Ben. Palmer and
Fetters the watchmaker, who told me that my Lord of Oxford is also dead of the small-pox;
in whom his family dies, after 600 years having that honour in their family and name. From
thence to the Park, where I saw how far they had proceeded in the Pell-mell, and in making
a river through the Park, which I had never seen before since it was begun. Thence to
White Hall garden, where I saw the King in purple mourning for his brother.
So home, and in my way met with Dinah, who spoke to me and told me she had a desire to
speak too about some business when I came to Westminster again. Which she spoke in such
a manner that I was afraid she might tell me something that I would not hear of our
last meeting at my house at Westminster. Home late, being very dark. A gentleman in
the Poultry had a great and dirty fall over a waterpipe that lay along the channel.
17th Office very early about casting up the debts
of those twenty-five ships which are to be paid off, which we are to present to the Committee
of Parliament. I did give my wife 15 pounds this morning
to go to buy mourning things for her and me, which she did. Dined at home and Mr. Moore
with me, and afterwards to Whitehall to Mr. Dalton and drank in the Cellar, where Mr.
Vanly according to appointment was. Thence forth to see the Prince de Ligne, Spanish
Embassador, come in to his audience, which was done in very great state.
That being done, Dalton, Vanly, Scrivener and some friends of theirs and I to the Axe,
and signed and sealed our writings, and hence to the Wine cellar again, where I received
41 pounds for my interest in my house, out of which I paid my Landlord to Michaelmas
next, and so all is even between him and me, and I freed of my poor little house. Home
by link with my money under my arm. So to bed after I had looked over the things my
wife had bought to-day, with which being not very well pleased, they costing too much,
I went to bed in a discontent. Nothing yet from sea, where my Lord and the
Princess are.
18th At home all the morning looking over my workmen
in my house. After dinner Sir W. Batten, Pen, and myself by coach to Westminster Hall, where
we met Mr. Wayte the lawyer to the Treasurer, and so we went up to the Committee of Parliament,
which are to consider of the debts of the Army and Navy, and did give in our account
of the twenty-five ships. Col. Birch was very impertinent and troublesome. But at last we
did agree to fit the accounts of our ships more perfectly for their view within a few
days, that they might see what a trouble it is to do what they desire. From thence Sir
Williams both going by water home, I took Mr. Wayte to the Rhenish winehouse, and drank
with him and so parted. Thence to Mr. Crew’s and spoke with Mr.
Moore about the business of paying off Baron our share of the dividend. So on foot home,
by the way buying a hat band and other things for my mourning to-morrow. So home and to
bed. This day I heard that the Duke of York, upon the news of the death of his brother
yesterday, came hither by post last night.
19th (Office day). I put on my mourning and went
to the office. At noon thinking to have found my wife in hers, I found that the tailor had
failed her, at which I was vexed because of an invitation that we have to a dinner this
day, but after having waited till past one o’clock I went, and left her to put on some
other clothes and come after me to the Mitre tavern in Wood-street (a house of the greatest
note in London), where I met W. Symons, and D. Scobell, and their wives, Mr. Samford,
Luellin, Chetwind, one Mr. Vivion, and Mr. White, formerly chaplin to the Lady Protectresse
(and still so, and one they say that is likely to get my Lady Francess for his wife).
Here we were very merry and had a very good dinner, my wife coming after me hither to
us. Among other pleasures some of us fell to handycapp, a sport that I never knew before,
which was very good. We staid till it was very late; it rained sadly, but we made shift
to get coaches. So home and to bed.
20th At home, and at the office, and in the garden
walking with both Sir Williams all the morning. After dinner to Whitehall to Mr. Dalton, and
with him to my house and took away all my papers that were left in my closet, and so
I have now nothing more in the house or to do with it. We called to speak with my Landlord
Beale, but he was not within but spoke with the old woman, who takes it very ill that
I did not let her have it, but I did give her an answer. From thence to Sir G. Downing
and staid late there (he having sent for me to come to him), which was to tell me how
my Lord Sandwich had disappointed him of a ship to bring over his child and goods, and
made great complaint thereof; but I got him to write a letter to Lawson, which it may
be may do the business for him, I writing another also about it. While he was writing,
and his Lady and I had a great deal of discourse in praise of Holland.
By water to the Bridge, and so to Major Hart’s lodgings in Cannon-street, who used me very
kindly with wine and good discourse, particularly upon the ill method which Colonel Birch and
the Committee use in defending of the army and the navy; promising the Parliament to
save them a great deal of money, when we judge that it will cost the King more than if they
had nothing to do with it, by reason of their delays and scrupulous enquirys into the account
of both. So home and to bed.
21st (Office day). There all the morning and afternoon
till 4 o’clock. Hence to Whitehall, thinking to have put up my books at my Lord’s, but
am disappointed from want of a chest which I had at Mr. Bowyer’s. Back by water about
8 o’clock, and upon the water saw the corpse of the Duke of Gloucester brought down Somerset
House stairs, to go by water to Westminster, to be buried to-night. I landed at the old
Swan and went to the Hoop Tavern, and (by a former agreement) sent for Mr. Chaplin,
who with Nicholas Osborne and one Daniel came to us and we drank off two or three quarts
of wine, which was very good; the drawing of our wine causing a great quarrel in the
house between the two drawers which should draw us the best, which caused a great deal
of noise and falling out till the master parted them, and came up to us and did give us a
large account of the liberty that he gives his servants, all alike, to draw what wine
they will to please his customers; and we did eat above 200 walnuts. About 10 o’clock
we broke up and so home, and in my way I called in with them at Mr. Chaplin’s, where Nicholas
Osborne did give me a barrel of samphire, and showed me the keys of Mardyke Fort, which
he that was commander of the fort sent him as a token when the fort was demolished, which
I was mightily pleased to see, and will get them of him if I can.
Home, where I found my boy (my maid’s brother) come out of the country to-day, but was gone
to bed and so I could not see him to-night. To bed.
22nd This morning I called up my boy, and found
him a pretty, well-looked boy, and one that I think will please me.
I went this morning by land to Westminster along with Luellin, who came to my house this
morning to get me to go with him to Capt. Allen to speak with him for his brother to
go with him to Constantinople, but could not find him. We walked on to Fleet street, where
at Mr. Standing’s in Salsbury Court we drank our morning draft and had a pickled herring.
Among other discourse here he told me how the pretty woman that I always loved at the
beginning of Cheapside that sells child’s coats was served by the Lady Bennett (a famous
strumpet), who by counterfeiting to fall into a swoon upon the sight of her in her shop,
became acquainted with her, and at last got her ends of her to lie with a gentleman that
had hired her to procure this poor soul for him. To Westminster to my Lord’s, and there
in the house of office vomited up all my breakfast, my stomach being ill all this day by reason
of the last night’s debauch. Here I sent to Mr. Bowyer’s for my chest and put up
my books and sent them home. I staid here all day in my Lord’s chamber and upon the
leads gazing upon Diana, who looked out of a window upon me. At last I went out to Mr.
Harper’s, and she standing over the way at the gate, I went over to her and appointed
to meet to-morrow in the afternoon at my Lord’s. Here I bought a hanging jack. From thence
by coach home (by the way at the New Exchange I bought a pair of short black stockings,
to wear over a pair of silk ones for mourning; and here I met with The. Turner and Joyce,
buying of things to go into mourning too for the Duke, which is now the mode of all the
ladies in town), where I wrote some letters by the post to Hinchinbroke to let them know
that this day Mr. Edw. Pickering is come from my Lord, and says that he left him well in
Holland, and that he will be here within three or four days.
To-day not well of my last night’s drinking yet. I had the boy up to-night for his sister
to teach him to put me to bed, and I heard him read, which he did pretty well.
23rd (Lord’s day). My wife got up to put on her
mourning to-day and to go to Church this morning. I up and set down my journall for these 5
days past. This morning came one from my father’s with a black cloth coat, made of my short
cloak, to walk up and down in. To church my wife and I, with Sir W. Batten, where we heard
of Mr. Mills a very good sermon upon these words, “So run that ye may obtain.”
After dinner all alone to Westminster. At Whitehall I met with Mr. Pierce and his wife
(she newly come forth after childbirth) both in mourning for the Duke of Gloucester. She
went with Mr. Child to Whitehall chapel and Mr. Pierce with me to the Abbey, where I expected
to hear Mr. Baxter or Mr. Rowe preach their farewell sermon, and in Mr. Symons’s pew
I sat and heard Mr. Rowe. Before sermon I laughed at the reader, who in his prayer desires
of God that He would imprint his word on the thumbs of our right hands and on the right
great toes of our right feet. In the midst of the sermon some plaster fell from the top
of the Abbey, that made me and all the rest in our pew afeard, and I wished myself out.
After sermon with Mr. Pierce to Whitehall, and from thence to my Lord, but Diana did
not come according to our agreement. So calling at my father’s (where my wife had been this
afternoon but was gone home) I went home. This afternoon, the King having news of the
Princess being come to Margate, he and the Duke of York went down thither in barges to
her.
24th (Office day). From thence to dinner by coach
with my wife to my Cozen Scott’s, and the company not being come, I went over the way
to the Barber’s. So thither again to dinner, where was my uncle Fenner and my aunt, my
father and mother, and others. Among the rest my Cozen Rich. Pepys, their elder brother,
whom I had not seen these fourteen years, ever since he came from New England. It was
strange for us to go a gossiping to her, she having newly buried her child that she was
brought to bed of. I rose from table and went to the Temple church,
where I had appointed Sir W. Batten to meet him; and there at Sir Heneage Finch Sollicitor
General’s chambers, before him and Sir W. Wilde, Recorder of London (whom we sent for
from his chamber) we were sworn justices of peace for Middlesex, Essex, Kent, and Southampton;
with which honour I did find myself mightily pleased, though I am wholly ignorant in the
duty of a justice of peace. From thence with Sir William to Whitehall by water (old Mr.
Smith with us) intending to speak with Secretary Nicholas about the augmentation of our salaries,
but being forth we went to the Three Tuns tavern, where we drank awhile, and then came
in Col. Slingsby and another gentleman and sat with us. From thence to my Lord’s to
enquire whether they have had any thing from my Lord or no.
Knocking at the door, there passed me Mons. L’Impertinent [Mr. Butler] for whom I took
a coach and went with him to a dancing meeting in Broad Street, at the house that was formerly
the glass-house, Luke Channel, Master of the School, where I saw good dancing, but it growing
late, and the room very full of people and so very hot, I went home.
25th To the office, where Sir W. Batten, Colonel
Slingsby, and I sat awhile, and Sir R. Ford coming to us about some business, we talked
together of the interest of this kingdom to have a peace with Spain and a war with France
and Holland; where Sir R. Ford talked like a man of great reason and experience. And
afterwards I did send for a cup of tee (a China drink) of which I never had drank before,
and went away. Then came Col. Birch and Sir R. Browne by
a former appointment, and with them from Tower wharf in the barge belonging to our office
we went to Deptford to pay off the ship Success, which (Sir G. Carteret and Sir W. Pen coming
afterwards to us) we did, Col. Birch being a mighty busy man and one that is the most
indefatigable and forward to make himself work of any man that ever I knew in my life.
At the Globe we had a very good dinner, and after that to the pay again, which being finished
we returned by water again, and I from our office with Col. Slingsby by coach to Westminster
(I setting him down at his lodgings by the way) to inquire for my Lord’s coming thither
(the King and the Princess coming up the river this afternoon as we were at our pay), and
I found him gone to Mr. Crew’s, where I found him well, only had got some corns upon
his foot which was not well yet. My Lord told me how the ship that brought the Princess
and him (The Tredagh) did knock six times upon the Kentish Knock, which put them in
great fear for the ship; but got off well. He told me also how the King had knighted
Vice-Admiral Lawson and Sir Richard Stayner. From him late and by coach home, where the
plasterers being at work in all the rooms in my house, my wife was fain to make a bed
upon the ground for her and me, and so there we lay all night.
26th Office day. That done to the church, to consult
about our gallery. So home to dinner, where I found Mrs. Hunt, who brought me a letter
for me to get my Lord to sign for her husband, which I shall do for her.
At home with the workmen all the afternoon, our house being in a most sad pickle.
In the evening to the office, where I fell a-reading of Speed’s Geography for a while.
So home thinking to have found Will at home, but he not being come home but gone somewhere
else I was very angry, and when he came did give him a very great check for it, and so
I went to bed.
27th To my Lord at Mr. Crew’s, and there took
order about some business of his, and from thence home to my workmen all the afternoon.
In the evening to my Lord’s, and there did read over with him and Dr. Walker my lord’s
new commission for sea, and advised thereupon how to have it drawn. So home and to bed.
28th (Office day). This morning Sir W. Batten and
Col. Slingsby went with Col. Birch and Sir Wm. Doyly to Chatham to pay off a ship there.
So only Sir W. Pen and I left here in town. All the afternoon among my workmen till 10
or 11 at night, and did give them drink and very merry with them, it being my luck to
meet with a sort of drolling workmen on all occasions. To bed.
29th All day at home to make an end of our dirty
work of the plasterers, and indeed my kitchen is now so handsome that I did not repent of
all the trouble that I have been put to, to have it done.
This day or yesterday, I hear, Prince Rupert is come to Court; but welcome to nobody.
30th (Lord’s day). To our Parish church both
forenoon and afternoon all alone. At night went to bed without prayers, my house
being every where foul above stairs. End of September