The Project Gutenberg Etext of The Diary of Samuel Pepys, Jun/Jul 1664
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Title: Diary of Samuel Pepys, Jun/Jul 1664
Author: Samuel Pepys, Translator: Mynors Bright, Editor: Wheatley
Release Date: June, 2003 [Etext #4149]
[Yes, we are about one year ahead of schedule]
[The actual date this file first posted = 11/09/01]
Edition: 10
Language: English
The Project Gutenberg Etext of Diary of Samuel Pepys, Jun/Jul 1664
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THE DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS M.A. F.R.S.
CLERK OF THE ACTS AND SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY
TRANSCRIBED FROM THE SHORTHAND MANUSCRIPT IN THE PEPYSIAN LIBRARY
MAGDALENE COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE BY THE REV. MYNORS BRIGHT M.A. LATE FELLOW
AND PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE
(Unabridged)
WITH LORD BRAYBROOKE'S NOTES
EDITED WITH ADDITIONS BY
HENRY B. WHEATLEY F.S.A.
DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS.
JUNE & JULY
1664
June 1st. Up, having lain long, going to bed very late after the ending
of my accounts. Being up Mr. Hollyard came to me, and to my great
sorrow, after his great assuring me that I could not possibly have the
stone again, he tells me that he do verily fear that I have it again, and
has brought me something to dissolve it, which do make me very much
troubled, and pray to God to ease me. He gone, I down by water to
Woolwich and Deptford to look after the dispatch of the ships, all the
way reading Mr. Spencer's Book of Prodigys, which is most ingeniously
writ, both for matter and style. Home at noon, and my little girl got me
my dinner, and I presently out by water and landed at Somerset stairs,
and thence through Covent Garden, where I met with Mr. Southwell (Sir W.
Pen's friend), who tells me the very sad newes of my Lord Tiviott's and
nineteen more commission officers being killed at Tangier by the Moores,
by an ambush of the enemy upon them, while they were surveying their
lines; which is very sad, and, he says, afflicts the King much. Thence
to W. Joyce's, where by appointment I met my wife (but neither of them at
home), and she and I to the King's house, and saw "The Silent Woman;" but
methought not so well done or so good a play as I formerly thought it to
be, or else I am nowadays out of humour. Before the play was done, it
fell such a storm of hayle, that we in the middle of the pit were fain to
rise;
[The stage was covered in by a tiled roof, but the pit was open to
the sky. "The pit lay open to the weather for sake of light, but
was subsequently covered in with a glazed cupola, which, however,
only imperfectly protected the audience, so that in stormy weather
the house was thrown into disorder, and the people in the pit were
fain to rise" (Cunningham's "Story of Nell Gwyn," ed. 1893, p. 33).]
and all the house in a disorder, and so my wife and I out and got into a
little alehouse, and staid there an hour after the play was done before
we could get a coach, which at last we did (and by chance took up Joyce
Norton and Mrs. Bowles. and set them at home), and so home ourselves,
and I, after a little to my office, so home to supper and to bed.
2nd. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and then to the
'Change, where after some stay by coach with Sir J. Minnes and Mr.
Coventry to St. James's, and there dined with Mr. Coventry very finely,
and so over the Parke to White Hall to a Committee of Tangier about
providing provisions, money, and men for Tangier. At it all the
afternoon, but it is strange to see how poorly and brokenly things are
done of the greatest consequence, and how soon the memory of this great
man is gone, or, at least, out of mind by the thoughts of who goes next,
which is not yet knowne. My Lord of Oxford, Muskerry, and several others
are discoursed of. It seems my Lord Tiviott's design was to go a mile
and half out of the towne, to cut down a wood in which the enemy did use
to lie in ambush. He had sent several spyes; but all brought word that
the way was clear, and so might be for any body's discovery of an enemy
before you are upon them. There they were all snapt, he and all his
officers, and about 200 men, as they say; there being left now in the
garrison but four captains. This happened the 3d of May last, being not
before that day twelvemonth of his entering into his government there:
but at his going out in the morning he said to some of his officers,
"Gentlemen, let us look to ourselves, for it was this day three years
that so many brave Englishmen were knocked on the head by the Moores,
when Fines made his sally out." Here till almost night, and then home
with Sir J. Minnes by coach, and so to my office a while, and home to
supper and bed, being now in constant pain in my back, but whether it be
only wind or what it is the Lord knows, but I fear the worst.
3rd. Up, still in a constant pain in my back, which much afflicts me
with fear of the consequence of it. All the morning at the office, we
sat at the office extraordinary upon the business of our stores, but,
Lord! what a pitiful account the Surveyor makes of it grieves my heart.
This morning before I came out I made a bargain with Captain Taylor for a
ship for the Commissioners for Tangier, wherein I hope to get L40 or L50.
To the 'Change, and thence home and dined, and then by coach to White
Hall, sending my wife to Mrs. Hunt's. At the Committee for Tangier all
the afternoon, where a sad consideration to see things of so great weight
managed in so confused a manner as it is, so as I would not have the
buying of an acre of land bought by the Duke of York and Mr. Coventry,
for ought I see, being the only two that do anything like men; Prince
Rupert do nothing but swear and laugh a little, with an oathe or two, and
that's all he do. Thence called my wife and home, and I late at my
office, and so home to supper and to bed, pleased at my hopes of gains by
to-day's work, but very sad to think of the state of my health.
4th. Up and to St. James's by coach, after a good deal of talk before I
went forth with J. Noble, who tells me that he will secure us against
Cave, that though he knows, and can prove it, yet nobody else can prove
it, to be Tom's child; that the bond was made by one Hudson, a scrivener,
next to the Fountaine taverne, in the Old Bayly; that the children were
born, and christened, and entered in the parish-book of St. Sepulchre's,
by the name of Anne and Elizabeth Taylor and he will give us security
against Cave if we pay him the money. And then up to the Duke, and was
with him giving him an account how matters go, and of the necessity there
is of a power to presse seamen, without which we cannot really raise men
for this fleete of twelve sayle, besides that it will assert the King's
power of pressing, which at present is somewhat doubted, and will make
the Dutch believe that we are in earnest. Thence by water to the office,
where we sat till almost two o'clock. This morning Captain Ferrer came
to the office to tell me that my Lord hath given him a promise of Young's
place in the Wardrobe, and hearing that I pretend a promise to it he
comes to ask my consent, which I denied him, and told him my Lord may do
what he pleases with his promise to me, but my father's condition is not
so as that I should let it go if my Lord will stand to his word, and so I
sent him going, myself being troubled a little at it. After office I
with Mr. Coventry by water to St. James's and dined with him, and had
excellent discourse from him. So to the Committee for Tangier all
afternoon, where still the same confused doings, and my Lord Fitz-Harding
now added to the Committee; which will signify much. It grieves me to
see how brokenly things are ordered. So by coach home, and at my office
late, and so to supper and to bed, my body by plenty of breaking of wind
being just now pretty well again, having had a constant akeing in my back
these 5 or 6 days. Mr. Coventry discoursing this noon about Sir W.
Batten (what a sad fellow he is!) told me how the King told him the other
day how Sir W. Batten, being in the ship with him and Prince Rupert when
they expected to fight with Warwick, did walk up and down sweating with a
napkin under his throat to dry up his sweat; and that Prince Rupert being
a most jealous man, and particularly of Batten, do walk up and down
swearing bloodily to the King, that Batten had a mind to betray them
to-day, and that the napkin was a signal; "but, by God," says he, "if
things go ill, the first thing I will do is to shoot him." He discoursed
largely and bravely to me concerning the different sort of valours, the
active and passive valour. For the latter, he brought as an instance
General Blake; who, in the defending of Taunton and Lime for the
Parliament, did through his stubborn sort of valour defend it the most
'opiniastrement' that ever any man did any thing; and yet never was the
man that ever made any attaque by land or sea, but rather avoyded it on
all, even fair occasions. On the other side, Prince Rupert, the boldest
attaquer in the world for personal courage; and yet, in the defending of
Bristol, no man ever did anything worse, he wanting the patience and
seasoned head to consult and advise for defence, and to bear with the
evils of a siege. The like he says is said of my Lord Tiviott, who was
the boldest adventurer of his person in the world, and from a mean man in
few years was come to this greatness of command and repute only by the
death of all his officers, he many times having the luck of being the
only survivor of them all, by venturing upon services for the King of
France that nobody else would; and yet no man upon a defence, he being
all fury and no judgment in a fight. He tells me above all of the Duke
of Yorke, that he is more himself and more of judgement is at hand in him
in the middle of a desperate service, than at other times, as appeared in
the business of Dunkirke, wherein no man ever did braver things, or was
in hotter service in the close of that day, being surrounded with
enemies; and then, contrary to the advice of all about him, his counsel
carried himself and the rest through them safe, by advising that he might
make his passage with but a dozen with him; "For," says he, "the enemy
cannot move after me so fast with a great body, and with a small one we
shall be enough to deal with them;" and though he is a man naturally
martiall to the highest degree, yet a man that never in his life talks
one word of himself or service of his owne, but only that he saw such or
such a thing, and lays it down for a maxime that a Hector can have no
courage. He told me also, as a great instance of some men, that the
Prince of Condo's excellence is, that there not being a more furious man
in the world, danger in fight never disturbs him more than just to make
him civill, and to command in words of great obligation to his officers
and men; but without any the least disturbance in his judgment or spirit.
5th (Lord's day). About one in the morning I was knocked up by my mayds
to come to my wife who is very ill. I rose, and from some cold she got
to-day, or from something else, she is taken with great gripings, a
looseness, and vomiting. I lay a while by her upon the bed, she being in
great pain, poor wretch, but that being a little over I to bed again, and
lay, and then up and to my office all the morning, setting matters to
rights in some accounts and papers, and then to dinner, whither Mr.
Shepley, late come to town, came to me, and after dinner and some
pleasant discourse he went his way, being to go out of town to Huntington
again to-morrow. So all the afternoon with my wife discoursing and
talking, and in the evening to my office doing business, and then home to
supper and to bed.
6th. Up and found my wife very ill again, which troubles me, but I was
forced to go forth. So by water with Mr. Gauden and others to see a ship
hired by me for the Commissioners of Tangier, and to give order therein.
So back to the office, and by coach with Mr. Gauden to White Hall, and
there to my Lord Sandwich, and here I met Mr. Townsend very opportunely
and Captain Ferrer, and after some discourse we did accommodate the
business of the Wardrobe place, that he shall have the reversion if he
will take it out by giving a covenant that if Mr. Young' dyes before my
father my father shall have the benefit of it for his life. So home, and
thence by water to Deptford, and there found our Trinity Brethren come
from their election to church, where Dr. Britton made, methought, an
indifferent sermon touching the decency that we ought to observe in God's
house, the church, but yet to see how ridiculously some men will carry
themselves. Sir W. Batten did at open table anon in the name of the
whole Society desire him to print his sermon, as if the Doctor could
think that they were fit judges of a good sermon. Then by barge with Sir
W. Batten to Trinity House. It seems they have with much ado carried it
for Sir G. Carteret against Captain Harrison, poor man, who by succession
ought to have been it, and most hands were for him, but only they were
forced to fright the younger Brethren by requiring them to set their
hands (which is an ill course) and then Sir G. Carteret carryed it. Here
was at dinner my Lord Sandwich, Mr. Coventry, my Lord Craven, and others.
A great dinner, and good company. Mr. Prin also, who would not drink any
health, no, not the King's, but sat down with his hat on all the while;
[William Prynne had published in 1628 a small book against the
drinking of healths, entitled, "Healthes, Sicknesse; or a
compendious and briefe Discourse, prouing, the Drinking and Pledging
of Healthes to be sinfull and utterly unlawfull unto Christians . .
. . wherein all those ordinary objections, excuses or pretences,
which are made to justifie, extenuate, or excuse the drinking or
pledging of Healthes are likewise cleared and answered." The
pamphlet was dedicated to Charles I. as "more interessed in the
theame and subject of this compendious discourse then any other that
I know," and "because your Majestie of all other persons within your
owne dominions, are most dishonoured, prejudiced, and abused by
these Healthes."]
but nobody took notice of it to him at all; but in discourse with the
Doctor he did declare himself that he ever was, and has expressed himself
in all his books for mixt communion against the Presbyterian examination.
Thence after dinner by water, my Lord Sandwich and all us Tangier men,
where at the Committee busy till night with great confusion, and then by
coach home, with this content, however, that I find myself every day
become more and more known, and shall one day hope to have benefit by it.
I found my wife a little better. A little to my office, then home to
supper and to bed.
7th. Up and to the office (having by my going by water without any thing
upon my legs yesterday got some pain upon me again), where all the
morning. At noon a little to the 'Change, and thence home to dinner, my
wife being ill still in bed. Thence to the office, where busy all the
afternoon till 9 at night, and so home to my wife, to supper, and to bed.
8th. All day before dinner with Creed, talking of many things, among
others, of my Lord's going so often to Chelsy, and he, without my
speaking much, do tell me that his daughters do perceive all, and do hate
the place, and the young woman there, Mrs. Betty Becke; for my Lord, who
sent them thither only for a disguise for his going thither, will come
under pretence to see them, and pack them out of doors to the Parke, and
stay behind with her; but now the young ladies are gone to their mother
to Kensington. To dinner, and after dinner till 10 at night in my study
writing of my old broken office notes in shorthand all in one book, till
my eyes did ake ready to drop out. So home to supper and to bed.
9th. Up and at my office all the morning. At noon dined at home, Mr.
Hunt and his kinswoman (wife in the country), after dinner I to the
office, where we sat all the afternoon. Then at night by coach to attend
the Duke of Albemarle about the Tangier ship. Coming back my wife spied
me going home by coach from Mr. Hunt's, with whom she hath gained much in
discourse to-day concerning W. Howe's discourse of me to him. That he
was the man that got me to be secretary to my Lord; and all that I have
thereby, and that for all this I never did give him 6d. in my life.
Which makes me wonder that this rogue dare talk after this manner, and I
think all the world is grown false. But I hope I shall make good use of
it. So home to supper and to bed, my eyes aching mightily since last
night.
10th. Up and by water to White Hall, and there to a Committee of
Tangier, and had occasion to see how my Lord Ashworth--[Lord Ashworth is
probably a miswriting for Lord Ashley (afterwards Earl of Shaftesbury).]
--deports himself, which is very fine indeed, and it joys my heart to see
that there is any body looks so near into the King's business as I
perceive he do in this business of my Lord Peterborough's accounts.
Thence into the Parke, and met and walked with Captain Sylas Taylor, my
old acquaintance while I was of the Exchequer, and Dr. Whore, talking of
musique, and particularly of Mr. Berckenshaw's way, which Taylor
magnifies mightily, and perhaps but what it deserves, but not so easily
to be understood as he and others make of it. Thence home by water, and
after dinner abroad to buy several things, as a map, and powder, and
other small things, and so home to my office, and in the evening with
Captain Taylor by water to our Tangier ship, and so home, well pleased,
having received L26 profit to-day of my bargain for this ship, which
comforts me mightily, though I confess my heart, what with my being out
of order as to my health, and the fear I have of the money my Lord oweth
me and I stand indebted to him in, is much cast down of late. In the
evening home to supper and to bed.
11th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning, where some
discourse arose from Sir G. Carteret and Mr. Coventry, which gives me
occasion to think that something like a war is expected now indeed,
though upon the 'Change afterwards I hear too that an Embassador is
landed from Holland, and one from their East India Company, to treat with
ours about the wrongs we pretend to. Mr. Creed dined with me, and thence
after dinner by coach with my wife only to take the ayre, it being very
warm and pleasant, to Bowe and Old Ford; and thence to Hackney. There
'light, and played at shuffle-board, eat cream and good churies; and so
with good refreshment home. Then to my office vexed with Captain Taylor
about the delay of carrying down the ship hired by me for Tangier, and
late about that and other things at the office. So home to supper and to
bed.
12th (Lord's day). All the morning in my chamber consulting my lesson of
ship building, and at noon Mr. Creed by appointment came and dined with
us, and sat talking all the afternoon till, about church time, my wife
and I began our great dispute about going to Griffin's child's
christening, where I was to have been godfather, but Sir J. Minnes
refusing, he wanted an equal for me and my Lady Batten, and so sought for
other. Then the question was whether my wife should go, and she having
dressed herself on purpose, was very angry, and began to talk openly of
my keeping her within doors before Creed, which vexed me to the guts, but
I had the discretion to keep myself without passion, and so resolved at
last not to go, but to go down by water, which we did by H. Russell--
[a waterman]--to the Half-way house, and there eat and drank, and upon a
very small occasion had a difference again broke out, where without any
the least cause she had the cunning to cry a great while, and talk and
blubber, which made me mighty angry in mind, but said nothing to provoke
her because Creed was there, but walked home, being troubled in my mind
also about the knavery and neglect of Captain Fudge and Taylor, who were
to have had their ship for Tangier ready by Thursday last, and now the
men by a mistake are come on board, and not any master or man or boy of
the ship's company on board with them when we came by her side this
afternoon, and also received a letter from Mr. Coventry this day in
complaint of it. We came home, and after supper Creed went home, and I
to bed. My wife made great means to be friends, coming to my bedside and
doing all things to please me, and at last I could not hold out, but
seemed pleased, and so parted, and I with much ado to sleep, but was
easily wakened by extraordinary great rain, and my mind troubled the more
to think what the soldiers would do on board tonight in all this weather.
13th. So up at 5 o'clock, and with Captain Taylor on board her at
Deptford, and found all out of order, only the soldiers civil, and Sir
Arthur Bassett a civil person. I rated at Captain Taylor, whom, contrary
to my expectation, I found a lying and a very stupid blundering fellow,
good for nothing, and yet we talk of him in the Navy as if he had been an
excellent officer, but I find him a lying knave, and of no judgment or
dispatch at all. After finding the condition of the ship, no master, not
above four men, and many ship's provisions, sayls, and other things
wanting, I went back and called upon Fudge, whom I found like a lying
rogue unready to go on board, but I did so jeer him that I made him get
every thing ready, and left Taylor and H. Russell to quicken him, and so
away and I by water on to White Hall, where I met his Royal Highnesse at
a Tangier Committee about this very thing, and did there satisfy him how
things are, at which all was pacified without any trouble, and I hope may
end well, but I confess I am at a real trouble for fear the rogue should
not do his work, and I come to shame and losse of the money I did hope
justly to have got by it. Thence walked with Mr. Coventry to St.
James's, and there spent by his desire the whole morning reading of some
old Navy books given him of old Sir John Cooke's by the Archbishop of
Canterbury that now is; wherein the order that was observed in the Navy
then, above what it is now, is very observable, and fine things we did
observe in our reading. Anon to dinner, after dinner to discourse of the
business of the Dutch warr, wherein he tells me the Dutch do in every
particular, which are but few and small things that we can demand of
them, whatever cry we unjustly make, do seem to offer at an
accommodation, for they do owne that it is not for their profit to have
warr with England. We did also talk of a History of the Navy of England,
how fit it were to be writ; and he did say that it hath been in his mind
to propose to me the writing of the History of the late Dutch warr, which
I am glad to hear, it being a thing I much desire, and sorts mightily
with my genius; and, if well done, may recommend me much. So he says he
will get me an order for making of searches to all records, &c., in order
thereto, and I shall take great delight in doing of it. Thence by water
down to the Tower, and thither sent for Mr. Creed to my house, where he
promised to be, and he and I down to the ship, and find all things in
pretty good order, and I hope will end to my mind. Thence having a gaily
down to Greenwich, and there saw the King's works, which are great,
a-doing there, and so to the Cherry Garden, and so carried some cherries
home, and after supper to bed, my wife lying with me, which from my not
being thoroughly well, nor she, we have not done above once these two or
three weeks.
14th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and had great
conflict about the flags again, and am vexed methought to see my Lord
Berkely not satisfied with what I said, but however I stop the King's
being abused by the flag makers for the present. I do not know how it
may end, but I will do my best to preserve it. So home to dinner, and
after dinner by coach to Kensington. In the way overtaking Mr. Laxton,
the apothecary, with his wife and daughters, very fine young lasses, in a
coach; and so both of us to my Lady Sandwich, who hath lain this
fortnight here at Deane Hodges's. Much company came hither to-day, my
Lady Carteret, &c., Sir William Wheeler and his lady, and, above all, Mr.
Becke, of Chelsy, and wife and daughter, my Lord's mistress, and one that
hath not one good feature in her face, and yet is a fine lady, of a fine
taille, and very well carriaged, and mighty discreet. I took all the
occasion I could to discourse with the young ladies in her company to
give occasion to her to talk, which now and then she did, and that mighty
finely, and is, I perceive, a woman of such an ayre, as I wonder the less
at my Lord's favour to her, and I dare warrant him she hath brains enough
to entangle him. Two or three houres we were in her company, going into
Sir H. Finche's garden, and seeing the fountayne, and singing there with
the ladies, and a mighty fine cool place it is, with a great laver of
water in the middle and the bravest place for musique I ever heard.
After much mirthe, discoursing to the ladies in defence of the city
against the country or court, and giving them occasion to invite
themselves to-morrow to me to dinner, to my venison pasty, I got their
mother's leave, and so good night, very well pleased with my day's work,
and, above all, that I have seen my Lord's mistresse. So home to supper,
and a little at my office, and to bed.
15th. Up and by appointment with Captain Witham (the Captain that
brought the newes of the disaster at Tangier, where my Lord Tiviott was
slain) and Mr. Tooker to Beares Quay, and there saw and more afterward at
the several grannarys several parcels of oates, and strange it is to hear
how it will heat itself if laid up green and not often turned. We came
not to any agreement, but did cheapen several parcels, and thence away,
promising to send again to them. So to the Victualling office, and then
home. And in our garden I got Captain Witham to tell me the whole story
of my Lord Tiviott's misfortune; for he was upon the guard with his horse
neare the towne, when at a distance he saw the enemy appear upon a hill,
a mile and a half off, and made up to them, and with much ado escaped
himself; but what became of my Lord he neither knows nor thinks that any
body but the enemy can tell. Our losse was about four hundred. But he
tells me that the greater wonder is that my Lord Tiviott met no sooner
with such a disaster; for every day he did commit himself to more
probable danger than this, for now he had the assurance of all his scouts
that there was no enemy thereabouts; whereas he used every day to go out
with two or three with him, to make his discoveries, in greater danger,
and yet the man that could not endure to have anybody else to go a step
out of order to endanger himself. He concludes him to be the man of the
hardest fate to lose so much honour at one blow that ever was. His
relation being done he parted; and so I home to look after things for
dinner. And anon at noon comes Mr. Creed by chance, and by and by the
three young ladies:--[Lord Sandwich's daughters.]-- and very merry we
were with our pasty, very well baked; and a good dish of roasted
chickens; pease, lobsters, strawberries. And after dinner to cards: and
about five o'clock, by water down to Greenwich; and up to the top of the
hill, and there played upon the ground at cards. And so to the Cherry
Garden, and then by water singing finely to the Bridge, and there landed;
and so took boat again, and to Somersett House. And by this time, the
tide being against us, it was past ten of the clock; and such a
troublesome passage, in regard of my Lady Paulina's fearfullness, that in
all my life I never did see any poor wretch in that condition. Being
come hither, there waited for them their coach; but it being so late, I
doubted what to do how to get them home. After half an hour's stay in
the street, I sent my wife home by coach with Mr. Creed's boy; and myself
and Creed in the coach home with them. But, Lord! the fear that my Lady
Paulina was in every step of the way; and indeed at this time of the
night it was no safe thing to go that road; so that I was even afeard
myself, though I appeared otherwise.--We came safe, however, to their
house, where all were abed; we knocked them up, my Lady and all the
family being in bed. So put them into doors; and leaving them with the
mayds, bade them good night, and then into the towne, Creed and I, it
being about twelve o'clock and past; and to several houses, inns, but
could get no lodging, all being in bed. At the last house, at last, we
found some people drinking and roaring; and there got in, and after
drinking, got an ill bed, where
16th. I lay in my drawers and stockings and wastecoate till five of the
clock, and so up; and being well pleased with our frolique, walked to
Knightsbridge, and there eat a messe of creame, and so to St. James's,
and there walked a little, and so I to White Hall, and took coach, and
found my wife well got home last night, and now in bed. So I to the
office, where all the morning, and at noon to the 'Change, so home and to
my office, where Mr. Ackworth came to me (though he knows himself and I
know him to be a very knave), yet he came to me to discover the knavery
of other people like the most honest man in the world. However, good use
I shall make of his discourse, for in this he is much in the right. He
being gone I to the 'Change, Mr. Creed with me, after we had been by
water to see a vessell we have hired to carry more soldiers to Tangier,
and also visited a rope ground, wherein I learnt several useful things.
The talk upon the 'Change is, that De Ruyter is dead, with fifty men of
his own ship, of the plague, at Cales: that the Holland Embassador here
do endeavour to sweeten us with fair words; and things likely to be
peaceable. Home after I had spoke with my cozen Richard Pepys upon the
'Change, about supplying us with bewpers--[?? D.W.]--from Norwich,
which I should be glad of, if cheap. So home to supper and bed.
17th. Up, and to my office, where I dispatched much business, and then
down by water to Woolwich to make a discovery of a cheate providing for
us in the working of some of our own ground Tows into new cordage, to be
sold to us for Riga cordage. Thence to Mr. Falconer's, where I met Sir
W. Batten and Lady, and Captain Tinker, and there dined with them, and so
to the Dockyarde and to Deptford by water, and there very long informing
myself in the business of flags and bewpers and other things, and so home
late, being weary, and full of good information to-day, but I perceive
the corruptions of the Navy are of so many kinds that it is endless to
look after them, especially while such a one as Sir W. Batten discourages
every man that is honest. So home to my office, there very late, and
then to supper and to bed mightily troubled in my mind to hear how Sir W.
Batten and Sir J. Minnes do labour all they can to abuse or enable others
to abuse the King.
18th. From morning till 11 at night (only a little at dinner at home) at
my office very busy, setting many businesses in order to my great
trouble, but great content in the end. So home to supper and to bed.
Strange to see how pert Sir W. Pen is to-day newly come from Portsmouth
with his head full of great reports of his service and the state of the
ships there. When that is over he will be just as another man again or
worse. But I wonder whence Mr. Coventry should take all this care for
him, to send for him up only to look after his Irish business with my
Lord Ormond and to get the Duke's leave for him to come with so much
officiousness, when I am sure he knows him as well as I do as to his
little service he do.
19th (Lord's day). Up, and all the morning and afternoon (only at dinner
at home) at my office doing many businesses for want of time on the week
days. In the afternoon the greatest shower of rain of a sudden and the
greatest and most continued thunder that ever I heard I think in my life.
In the evening home to my wife, and there talked seriously of several of
our family concernments, and among others of bringing Pall out of the
country to us here to try to put her off, which I am very desirous, and
my wife also of. So to supper, prayers, which I have of late too much
omitted. So to bed.
20th. It having been a very cold night last night I had got some cold,
and so in pain by wind, and a sure precursor of pain is sudden letting
off farts, and when that stops, then my passages stop and my pain begins.
Up and did several businesses, and so with my wife by water to White
Hall, she to her father's, I to the Duke, where we did our usual
business. And among other discourse of the Dutch, he was merrily saying
how they print that Prince Rupert, Duke of Albemarle, and my Lord
Sandwich, are to be Generalls; and soon after is to follow them "Vieux
Pen;" and so the Duke called him in mirth Old Pen. They have, it seems,
lately wrote to the King, to assure him that their setting-out ships were
only to defend their fishing-trade, and to stay near home, not to annoy
the King's subjects; and to desire that he would do the like with his
ships: which the King laughs at, but yet is troubled they should think
him such a child, to suffer them to bring home their fish and East India
Company's ships, and then they will not care a fart for us. Thence to
Westminster Hall, it being term time, meeting Mr. Dickering, he tells me
how my Lady last week went to see Mrs. Becke, the mother; and by and by
the daughter came in, but that my Lady do say herself, as he says, that
she knew not for what reason, for she never knew they had a daughter,
which I do not believe. She was troubled, and her heart did rise as soon
as she appeared, and seems the most ugly woman that ever she saw. This
if true were strange, but I believe it is not. Thence to my Lord's
lodgings; and were merry with the young ladies, who make a great story of
their appearing before their mother the morning after we carried them,
the last week, home so late; and that their mother took it very well, at
least without any anger. Here I heard how the rich widow, my Lady Gold,
is married to one Neale, after he had received a box on the eare by her
brother (who was there a sentinel, in behalf of some courtier) at the
door; but made him draw, and wounded him. She called Neale up to her,
and sent for a priest, married presently, and went to bed. The brother
sent to the Court, and had a serjeant sent for Neale; but Neale sent for
him up to be seen in bed, and she owned him for her husband: and so all
is past. It seems Sir H. Bennet did look after her. My Lady very
pleasant. After dinner came in Sir Thomas Crew and Mr. Sidney, lately
come from France, who is growne a little, and a pretty youth he is; but
not so improved as they did give him out to be, but like a child still.
But yet I can perceive he hath good parts and good inclinations. Thence
with Creed, who dined here, to Westminster to find out Mr. Hawly, and
did, but he did not accept of my offer of his being steward to my Lord at
sea. Thence alone to several places about my law businesses, and with
good success; at last I to Mr. Townsend at the Wardrobe, and received
kind words from him to be true to me against Captain Ferrers his
endeavours to get the place from my father as my Lord hath promised him.
Here met Will. Howe, and he went forth with me; and by water back to
White Hall to wait on my Lord, who is come back from Hinchinbroke; where
he has been about 4 or 5 days. But I was never more vexed to see how an
over-officious visitt is received, for he received me with as little
concernment as in the middle of his discontent, and a fool I am to be of
so servile a humour, and vexed with that consideration I took coach home,
and could not get it off my mind all night. To supper and to bed, my
wife finding fault with Besse for her calling upon Jane that lived with
us, and there heard Mrs. Harper and her talk ill of us and not told us of
it. With which I was also vexed, and told her soundly of it till she
cried, poor wench, and I hope without dissimulation, and yet I cannot
tell; however, I was glad to see in what manner she received it, and so
to sleep.
21st. Being weary yesterday with walking I sleep long, and at last up
and to the office, where all the morning. At home to dinner, Mr. Deane
with me. After dinner I to White Hall (setting down my wife by the way)
to a Committee of Tangier, where the Duke of Yorke, I perceive, do attend
the business very well, much better than any man there or most of them,
and my [mind] eased of some trouble I lay under for fear of his thinking
ill of me from the bad successe in the setting forth of these crew men to
Tangier. Thence with Mr. Creed, and walked in the Parke, and so to the
New Exchange, meeting Mr. Moore, and he with us. I shewed him no
friendly look, but he took no notice to me of the Wardrobe business,
which vexes me. I perceive by him my Lord's business of his family and
estate goes very ill, and runs in debt mightily. I would to God I were
clear of it, both as to my owne money and the bond of L1000, which I
stand debtor for him in, to my cozen Thomas Pepys. Thence by coach home
and to my office a little, and so to supper and to bed.
22nd. Up and I found Mr. Creed below, who staid with me a while, and
then I to business all the morning. At noon to the 'Change and Coffee-
house, where great talke of the Dutch preparing of sixty sayle of ships.
The plague grows mightily among them, both at sea and land. From the
'Change to dinner to Trinity House with Sir W. Rider and Cutler, where a
very good dinner. Here Sir G. Ascue dined also, who I perceive desires
to make himself known among the seamen. Thence home, there coming to me
my Lord Peterborough's Sollicitor with a letter from him to desire
present dispatch in his business of freight, and promises me L50, which
is good newes, and I hope to do his business readily for him. This much
rejoiced me. All the afternoon at his business, and late at night comes
the Sollicitor again, and I with him at 9 o'clock to Mr. Povy's, and
there acquainted him with the business. The money he won't pay without
warrant, but that will be got done in a few days. So home by coach and
to bed.
23rd. Up, and to the office, and there we sat all the morning. So to
the 'Change, and then home to dinner and to my office, where till 10 at
night very busy, and so home to supper and to bed. My cozen, Thomas
Pepys, was with me yesterday and I took occasion to speak to him about
the bond I stand bound for my Lord Sandwich to him in L1000. I did very
plainly, obliging him to secrecy, tell him how the matter stands, yet
with all duty to my Lord my resolution to be bound for whatever he
desires me for him, yet that I would be glad he had any other security.
I perceive by Mr. Moore today that he hath been with my Lord, and my Lord
how he takes it I know not, but he is looking after other security and I
am mighty glad of it. W. Howe was with me this afternoon, to desire some
things to be got ready for my Lord against his going down to his ship,
which will be soon; for it seems the King and both the Queenes intend to
visit him. The Lord knows how my Lord will get out of this charge; for
Mr. Moore tells me to-day that he is L10,000 in debt and this will, with
many other things that daily will grow upon him (while he minds his
pleasure as he do), set him further backward. But it was pretty this
afternoon to hear W. Howe mince the matter, and say that he do believe
that my Lord is in debt L2000 or L3000, and then corrected himself and
said, No, not so, but I am afraid he is in debt L1000. I pray God gets
me well rid of his Lordship as to his debt, and I care not.
24th. Up and out with Captain Witham in several places again to look for
oats for Tangier, and among other places to the City granarys, where it
seems every company have their granary and obliged to keep such a
quantity of corne always there or at a time of scarcity to issue so much
at so much a bushell: and a fine thing it is to see their stores of all
sorts, for piles for the bridge, and for pipes, a thing I never saw
before.
[From the commencement of the reign of Henry VIII., or perhaps
earlier, it was the custom of the City of London to provide against
scarcity, by requiring each of the chartered Companies to keep in
store a certain quantity of corn, which was to be renewed from time
to time, and when required for that purpose, produced in the market
for sale, at such times and prices, and in such quantities, as the
Lord Mayor or Common Council should direct. See the report of a
case in the Court of Chancery, "Attorney-General v. Haberdashers'
Company" (Mylne and Keens "Reports," vol. i., p. 420).--B.]
Thence to the office, and there busy all the morning. At noon to my
uncle Wight's, and there dined, my wife being there all the morning.
After dinner to White Hall; and there met with Mr. Pierce, and he showed
me the Queene's bed-chamber, and her closett, where she had nothing but
some pretty pious pictures, and books of devotion; and her holy water at
her head as she sleeps, with her clock by her bed-side, wherein a lamp
burns that tells her the time of the night at any time. Thence with him
to the Parke, and there met the Queene coming from Chappell, with her
Mayds of Honour, all in silver-lace gowns again: which is new to me, and
that which I did not think would have been brought up again. Thence he
carried me to the King's closett: where such variety of pictures, and
other things of value and rarity, that I was properly confounded and
enjoyed no pleasure in the sight of them; which is the only time in my
life that ever I was so at a loss for pleasure, in the greatest plenty of
objects to give it me. Thence home, calling in many places and doing
abundance of errands to my great content, and at night weary home, where
Mr. Creed waited for me, and he and I walked in the garden, where he told
me he is now in a hurry fitting himself for sea, and that it remains that
he deals as an ingenuous man with me in the business I wot of, which he
will do before he goes. But I perceive he will have me do many good
turns for him first, both as to his bills coming to him in this office,
and also in his absence at the Committee of Tangier, which I promise, and
as he acquits himself to me I will willingly do. I would I knew the
worst of it, what it is he intends, that so I may either quit my hands of
him or continue my kindness still to him.
25th. We staid late, and he lay with me all night and rose very merry
talking, and excellent company he is, that is the truth of it, and a most
cunning man. He being gone I to the office, where we sat all the
morning. At noon to dinner, and then to my office busy, and by and by
home with Mr. Deane to a lesson upon raising a Bend of Timbers,
[This seems to refer to knee timber, of which there was not a
sufficient supply. A proposal was made to produce this bent wood
artificially: "June 22, 1664. Sir William Petty intimated that it
seemed by the scarcity and greater rate of knee timber that nature
did not furnish crooked wood enough for building: wherefore he
thought it would be fit to raise by art, so much of it in
proportion, as to reduce it to an equal rate with strait timber"
(Birch's "History of the Royal Society,")]
and he being gone I to the office, and there came Captain Taylor, and he
and I home, and I have done all very well with him as to the business of
the last trouble, so that come what will come my name will be clear of
any false dealing with him. So to my office again late, and then to bed.
26th (Lord's day). Up, and Sir J. Minnes set me down at my Lord
Sandwich's, where I waited till his coming down, when he came, too, could
find little to say to me but only a general question or two, and so good-
bye. Here his little daughter, my Lady Katharine was brought, who is
lately come from my father's at Brampton, to have her cheek looked after,
which is and hath long been sore. But my Lord will rather have it be as
it is, with a scarr in her face, than endanger it being worse by
tampering. He being gone, I went home, a little troubled to see he minds
me no more, and with Creed called at several churches, which, God knows,
are supplied with very young men, and the churches very empty; so home
and at our owne church looked in, and there heard one preach whom Sir W.
Pen brought, which he desired us yesterday to hear, that had been his
chaplin in Ireland, a very silly fellow. So home and to dinner, and
after dinner a frolique took us, we would go this afternoon to the Hope;
so my wife dressed herself, and, with good victuals and drink, we took
boat presently and the tide with us got down, but it was night, and the
tide spent by the time we got to Gravesend; so there we stopped, but went
not on shore, only Creed, to get some cherries,
[Pliny tells us that cherries were introduced into Britain by the
Romans, and Lydgate alludes to them as sold in the London streets.
Richard Haines, fruiterer to Henry VI IL, imported a number of
cherry trees from Flanders, and planted them at Tenham, in Kent.
Hence the fame of the Kentish cherries.]
and send a letter to the Hope, where the Fleete lies. And so, it being
rainy, and thundering mightily, and lightning, we returned. By and by
the evening turned mighty clear and moonshine; we got with great pleasure
home, about twelve o'clock, which did much please us, Creed telling
pretty stories in the boat. He lay with me all night.
27th. Up, and he and I walked to Paul's Church yard, and there saw Sir
Harry Spillman's book, and I bespoke it and others, and thence we took
coach, and he to my Lord's and I to St. James's, where we did our usual
business, and thence I home and dined, and then by water to Woolwich, and
there spent the afternoon till night under pretence of buying Captain
Blackman's house and grounds, and viewing the ground took notice of
Clothiers' cordage with which he, I believe, thinks to cheat the King.
That being done I by water home, it being night first, and there I find
our new mayd Jane come, a cook mayd. So to bed.
28th. Up, and this day put on a half shirt first this summer, it being
very hot; and yet so ill-tempered I am grown, that I am afeard I shall
catch cold, while all the world is ready to melt away. To the office all
the morning, at noon to dinner at home, then to my office till the
evening, then out about several businesses and then by appointment to the
'Change, and thence with my uncle Wight to the Mum house, and there
drinking, he do complain of his wife most cruel as the most troublesome
woman in the world, and how she will have her will, saying she brought
him a portion and God knows what. By which, with many instances more, I
perceive they do live a sad life together. Thence to the Mitre and there
comes Dr. Burnett to us and Mr. Maes, but the meeting was chiefly to
bring the Doctor and me together, and there I began to have his advice
about my disease, and then invited him to my house: and I am resolved to
put myself into his hands. Here very late, but I drank nothing, nor
will, though he do advise me to take care of cold drinks. So home and to
bed.
29th. Up, and Mr. Shepley came to me, who is lately come to town; among
other things I hear by him how the children are sent for away from my
father's, but he says without any great discontent. I am troubled there
should be this occasion of difference, and yet I am glad they are gone,
lest it should have come to worse. He tells me how my brave dogg I did
give him, going out betimes one morning to Huntington, was set upon by
five other doggs, and worried to pieces, of which I am a little, and he
the most sorry I ever saw man for such a thing. Forth with him and
walked a good way talking, then parted and I to the Temple, and to my
cozen Roger Pepys, and thence by water to Westminster to see Dean
Honiwood, whom I had not visited a great while. He is a good-natured,
but a very weak man, yet a Dean, and a man in great esteem. Thence
walked to my Lord Sandwich's, and there dined, my Lord there. He was
pleasant enough at table with me, but yet without any discourse of
business, or any regard to me when dinner was over, but fell to cards,
and my Lady and I sat two hours alone, talking of the condition of her
family's being greatly in debt, and many children now coming up to
provide for. I did give her my sense very plain of it, which she took
well and carried further than myself, to the bemoaning their condition,
and remembering how finely things were ordered about six years ago, when
I lived there and my Lord at sea every year. Thence home, doing several
errands by the way. So to my office, and there till late at night, Mr.
Comander coming to me for me to sign and seal the new draft of my will,
which I did do, I having altered something upon the death of my brother
Tom. So home to supper and to bed.
30th. Up, and to the office, where we sat all the morning. At noon home
to dinner, Mr. Wayth with me, and by and by comes in Mr. Falconer and his
wife and dined with us, the first time she was ever here. We had a
pretty good dinner, very merry in discourse, sat after dinner an hour or
two, then down by water to Deptford and Woolwich about getting of some
business done which I was bound to by my oath this month, and though in
some things I have not come to the height of my vow of doing all my
business in paying all my petty debts and receipt of all my petty monies
due to me, yet I bless God I am not conscious of any neglect in me that
they are not done, having not minded my pleasure at all, and so being
resolved to take no manner of pleasure till it be done, I doubt not God
will forgive me for not forfeiting the L10 promised. Walked back from
Woolwich to Greenwich all alone, save a man that had a cudgell in his
hand, and, though he told me he laboured in the King's yarde, and many
other good arguments that he is an honest man, yet, God forgive me! I
did doubt he might knock me on the head behind with his club. But I got
safe home. Then to the making up my month's accounts, and find myself
still a gainer and rose to L951, for which God be blessed. I end the
month with my mind full of business and some sorrow that I have not
exactly performed all my vowes, though my not doing is not my fault, and
shall be made good out of my first leisure. Great doubts yet whether the
Dutch wary go on or no. The Fleet ready in the Hope, of twelve sayle.
The King and Queenes go on board, they say, on Saturday next. Young
children of my Lord Sandwich gone with their mayds from my mother's,
which troubles me, it being, I hear from Mr. Shepley, with great
discontent, saying, that though they buy good meate, yet can never have
it before it stinks, which I am ashamed of.
DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS.
JULY
1664
July 1st. Up and within all the morning, first bringing down my Tryangle
to my chamber below, having a new frame made proper for it to stand on.
By and by comes Dr. Burnett, who assures me that I have an ulcer either
in the kidneys or bladder, for my water, which he saw yesterday, he is
sure the sediment is not slime gathered by heat, but is a direct pusse.
He did write me down some direction what to do for it, but not with the
satisfaction I expected.
Dr. Burnett's advice to mee.
The Originall is fyled among my letters.
Take of ye Rootes of Marsh-Mallows foure ounces, of Cumfry, of
Liquorish, of each two ounces, of ye Mowers of St. John's Wort two
Handsfull, of ye Leaves of Plantan, of Alehoofe, of each three
handfulls, of Selfeheale, of Red Roses, of each one Handfull, of
Cynament, of Nutmegg, of each halfe an ounce. Beate them well, then
powre upon them one Quart of old Rhenish wine, and about Six houres
after strayne it and clarify it with ye white of an Egge, and with a
sufficient quantity of sugar, boyle it to ye consistence of a Syrrup
and reserve it for use.
Dissolve one spoonefull of this Syrrup in every draught of Ale or
beere you drink.
Morning and evening swallow ye quantity of an hazle-nutt of Cyprus
Terebintine.
If you are bound or have a fit of ye Stone eate an ounce of Cassia
new drawne, from ye poynt of a knife.
Old Canary or Malaga wine you may drinke to three or 4 glasses, but
noe new wine, and what wine you drinke, lett it bee at meales.-[From
a slip of paper inserted in the Diary at this place.]
I did give him a piece, with good hopes, however, that his advice will be
of use to me, though it is strange that Mr. Hollyard should never say one
word of this ulcer in all his life to me. He being gone, I to the
'Change, and thence home to dinner, and so to my office, busy till the
evening, and then by agreement came Mr. Hill and Andrews and one
Cheswicke, a maister who plays very well upon the Spinette, and we sat
singing Psalms till 9 at night, and so broke up with great pleasure, and
very good company it is, and I hope I shall now and then have their
company. They being gone, I to my office till towards twelve o'clock,
and then home and to bed. Upon the 'Change, this day, I saw how
uncertain the temper of the people is, that, from our discharging of
about 200 that lay idle, having nothing to do, upon some of our ships,
which were ordered to be fitted for service, and their works are now
done, the towne do talk that the King discharges all his men, 200
yesterday and 800 to-day, and that now he hath got L100,000 in his hand,
he values not a Dutch warr. But I undeceived a great many, telling them
how it is.
2nd. Up and to the office, where all the morning. At noon to the
'Change, and there, which is strange, I could meet with nobody that I
could invite home to my venison pasty, but only Mr. Alsopp and Mr.
Lanyon, whom I invited last night, and a friend they brought along with
them. So home and with our venison pasty we had other good meat and good
discourse. After dinner sat close to discourse about our business of the
victualling of the garrison of Tangier, taking their prices of all
provisions, and I do hope to order it so that they and I also may get
something by it, which do much please me, for I hope I may get nobly and
honestly with profit to the King. They being gone came Sir W. Warren,
and he and I discoursed long about the business of masts, and then in the
evening to my office, where late writing letters, and then home to look
over some Brampton papers, which I am under an oathe to dispatch before I
spend one half houre in any pleasure or go to bed before 12 o'clock, to
which, by the grace of God, I will be true. Then to bed. When I came
home I found that to-morrow being Sunday I should gain nothing by doing
it to-night, and to-morrow I can do it very well and better than
to-night. I went to bed before my time, but with a resolution of doing
the thing to better purpose to-morrow.
3rd (Lord's day). Up and ready, and all the morning in my chamber
looking over and settling some Brampton businesses. At noon to dinner,
where the remains of yesterday's venison and a couple of brave green
geese, which we are fain to eat alone, because they will not keepe, which
troubled us. After dinner I close to my business, and before the evening
did end it with great content, and my mind eased by it. Then up and
spent the evening walking with my wife talking, and it thundering and
lightning all the evening, and this yeare have had the most of thunder
and lightning they say of any in man's memory, and so it is, it seems, in
France and everywhere else. So to prayers and to bed.
4th. Up, and many people with me about business, and then out to several
places, and so at noon to my Lord Crew's, and there dined and very much
made of there by him. He offered me the selling of some land of his in
Cambridgeshire, a purchase of about L1000, and if I can compass it I
will. After dinner I walked homeward, still doing business by the way,
and at home find my wife this day of her owne accord to have lain out
25s. upon a pair of pendantes for her eares, which did vex me and brought
both me and her to very high and very foule words from her to me, such as
trouble me to think she should have in her mouth, and reflecting upon our
old differences, which I hate to have remembered. I vowed to breake
them, or that she should go and get what she could for them again. I
went with that resolution out of doors; the poor wretch afterwards in a
little while did send out to change them for her money again. I followed
Besse her messenger at the 'Change, and there did consult and sent her
back; I would not have them changed, being satisfied that she yielded.
So went home, and friends again as to that business; but the words I
could not get out of my mind, and so went to bed at night discontented,
and she came to bed to me, but all would not make me friends, but sleep
and rise in the morning angry. This day the King and the Queene went to
visit my Lord Sandwich and the fleete, going forth in the Hope.
["Their Majesties were treated at Tilbury Hope by the Earl of
Sandwich, returning the same day, abundantly satisfied both with the
dutiful respects of that honourable person and with the excellent
condition of all matters committed to his charge" ("The Newes," July
7th, 1664).--B.]
5th. Up and to the office, where all the morning. At noon to the
'Change a little, then with W. Howe home and dined. So after dinner to
my office, and there busy till late at night, having had among other
things much discourse with young Gregory about the Chest business,
wherein Sir W. Batten is so great a knave, and also with Alsop and Lanyon
about the Tangier victualling, wherein I hope to get something for
myself. Late home to supper and to bed, being full of thoughts of a
sudden resolution this day taken upon the 'Change of going down to-morrow
to the Hope.
6th. Up very betimes, and my wife also, and got us ready; and about
eight o'clock, having got some bottles of wine and beer and neat's
tongues, we went to our barge at the Towre, where Mr. Pierce and his
wife, and a kinswoman and his sister, and Mrs. Clerke and her sister and
cozen were to expect us; and so set out for the Hope, all the way down
playing at cards and other sports, spending our time pretty merry. Come
to the Hope about one and there showed them all the ships, and had a
collacion of anchovies, gammon, &c., and after an houre's stay or more,
embarked again for home; and so to cards and other sports till we came to
Greenwich, and there Mrs. Clerke and my wife and I on shore to an
alehouse, for them to do their business, and so to the barge again,
having shown them the King's pleasure boat; and so home to the Bridge,
bringing night home with us; and it rained hard, but we got them on foot
to the Beare, and there put them into a boat, and I back to my wife in
the barge, and so to the Tower Wharf and home, being very well pleased
today with the company, especially Mrs. Pierce, who continues her
complexion as well as ever, and hath, at this day, I think, the best
complexion that ever I saw on any woman, young or old, or child either,
all days of my life. Also Mrs. Clerke's kinswoman sings very prettily,
but is very confident in it; Mrs. Clerke herself witty, but spoils all in
being so conceited and making so great a flutter with a few fine clothes
and some bad tawdry things worne with them. But the charge of the barge
lies heavy upon me, which troubles me, but it is but once, and I may make
Pierce do me some courtesy as great. Being come home, I weary to bed
with sitting. The reason of Dr. Clerke's not being here was the King's
being sicke last night and let blood, and so he durst not come away to-
day.
7th. Up, and this day begun, the first day this year, to put off my
linnen waistcoat, but it happening to be a cool day I was afraid of
taking cold, which troubles me, and is the greatest pain I have in the
world to think of my bad temper of my health. At the office all the
morning. Dined at home, to my office to prepare some things against a
Committee of Tangier this afternoon. So to White Hall, and there found
the Duke and twenty more reading their commission (of which I am, and was
also sent to, to come) for the Royall Fishery, which is very large, and a
very serious charter it is; but the company generally so ill fitted for
so serious a worke that I do much fear it will come to little. That
being done, and not being able to do any thing for lacke of an oathe for
the Governor and Assistants to take, we rose. Then our Committee for the
Tangier victualling met and did a little, and so up, and I and Mr.
Coventry walked in the garden half an hour, talking of the business of
our masts, and thence away and with Creed walked half an hour or more in
the Park, and thence to the New Exchange to drink some creame, but missed
it and so parted, and I home, calling by the way for my new bookes, viz.,
Sir H. Spillman's "Whole Glossary," "Scapula's Lexicon," and
Shakespeare's plays, which I have got money out of my stationer's bills
to pay for. So home and to my office a while, and then home and to bed,
finding myself pretty well for all my waistecoate being put off to-day.
The king is pretty well to-day, though let blood the night before
yesterday.
8th. Up and called out by my Lord Peterborough's gentleman to Mr. Povy's
to discourse about getting of his money, wherein I am concerned in hopes
of the L50 my Lord hath promised me, but I dare not reckon myself sure of
it till I have it in my main,--[hand.]--for these Lords are hard to be
trusted. Though I well deserve it. I staid at Povy's for his coming in,
and there looked over his stables and every thing, but notwithstanding
all the times I have been there I do yet find many fine things to look
on. Thence to White Hall a little, to hear how the King do, he not
having been well these three days. I find that he is pretty well again.
So to Paul's Churchyarde about my books, and to the binder's and directed
the doing of my Chaucer,
[This was Speght's edition of 1602, which is still in the Pepysian
Library. The book is bound in calf, with brass clasps and bosses.
It is not lettered.]
though they were not full neate enough for me, but pretty well it is; and
thence to the clasp-maker's to have it clasped and bossed. So to the
'Change and home to dinner, and so to my office till 5 o'clock, and then
came Mr. Hill and Andrews, and we sung an houre or two. Then broke up
and Mr. Alsop and his company came and consulted about our Tangier
victualling and brought it to a good head. So they parted, and I to
supper and to bed.
9th. Up, and at the office all the morning. In the afternoon by coach
with Sir J. Minnes to White Hall, and there to a Committee for Fishing;
but the first thing was swearing to be true to the Company, and we were
all sworne; but a great dispute we had, which, methought, is very ominous
to the Company; some, that we should swear to be true to the best of our
power, and others to the best of our understanding; and carried in the
last, though in that we are the least able to serve the Company, because
we would not be obliged to attend the business when we can, but when we
list. This consideration did displease me, but it was voted and so went.
We did nothing else, but broke up till a Committee of Guinny was set and
ended, and then met again for Tangier, and there I did my business about
my Lord Peterborough's order and my own for my expenses for the garrison
lately. So home, by the way calling for my Chaucer and other books, and
that is well done to my mind, which pleased me well. So to my office
till late writing letters, and so home to my wife to supper and bed,
where we have not lain together because of the heat of the weather a good
while, but now against her going into the country.
10th (Lord's day). Up and by water, towards noon, to Somersett House,
and walked to my Lord Sandwich's, and there dined with my Lady and the
children. And after some ordinary discourse with my Lady, after dinner
took our leaves and my wife hers, in order to her going to the country
to-morrow. But my Lord took not occasion to speak one word of my father
or mother about the children at all, which I wonder at, and begin I will
not. Here my Lady showed us my Lady Castlemayne's picture, finely done;
given my Lord; and a most beautiful picture it is. Thence with my Lady
Jemimah and Mr. Sidney to St. Gyles's Church, and there heard a long,
poore sermon. Thence set them down and in their coach to Kate Joyce's
christening, where much company, good service of sweetmeates; and after
an houre's stay, left them, and in my Lord's coach--his noble, rich
coach--home, and there my wife fell to putting things in order against
her going to-morrow, and I to read, and so to bed, where I not well, and
so had no pleasure at all with my poor wife.
11th. But betimes up this morning, and, getting ready, we by coach to
Holborne, where, at nine o'clock, they set out, and I and my man Will on
horseback, by my wife, to Barnett; a very pleasant day; and there dined
with her company, which was very good; a pretty gentlewoman with her,
that goes but to Huntington, and a neighbour to us in towne. Here we
staid two hours and then parted for all together, and my poor wife I
shall soon want I am sure. Thence I and Will to see the Wells, half a
mile off,
[The mineral springs at Barnet Common, nearly a mile to the west of
High Barnet. The discovery of the wells was announced in the
"Perfect Diurnall" of June 5th, 1652, and Fuller, writing in 1662,
says that there are hopes that the waters may "save as many lives as
were lost in the fatal battle at Barnet" ("Worthies," Herts). A
pamphlet on "The Barnet Well Water" was published by the Rev. W. M.
Trinder, M.D., as late as the year 1800, but in 1840 the old well-
house was pulled down.]
and there I drank three glasses, and went and walked and came back and
drunk two more; the woman would have had me drink three more; but I could
not, my belly being full, but this wrought very well, and so we rode
home, round by Kingsland, Hackney, and Mile End till we were quite weary,
and my water working at least 7 or 8 times upon the road, which pleased
me well, and so home weary, and not being very well, I betimes to bed,
and there fell into a most mighty sweat in the night, about eleven
o'clock, and there, knowing what money I have in the house and hearing a
noyse, I begun to sweat worse and worse, till I melted almost to water.
I rung, and could not in half an houre make either of the wenches hear
me, and this made me fear the more, lest they might be gaga; and then I
begun to think that there was some design in a stone being flung at the
window over our stayres this evening, by which the thiefes meant to try
what looking there would be after them and know our company. These
thoughts and fears I had, and do hence apprehend the fears of all rich
men that are covetous and have much money by them. At last Jane rose,
and then I understand it was only the dogg wants a lodging and so made a
noyse. So to bed, but hardly slept, at last did, and so till morning,
12th. And so rose, called up by my Lord Peterborough's gentleman about
getting his Lord's money to-day of Mr. Povy, wherein I took such order,
that it was paid, and I had my L50 brought me, which comforts my heart.
We sat at the office all the morning, then at home. Dined alone; sad for
want of company and not being very well, and know not how to eat alone.
After dinner down with Sir G. Carteret, Sir J. Minnes, and Sir W. Batten
to view, and did like a place by Deptford yard to lay masts in. By and
by comes Mr. Coventry, and after a little stay he and I down to
Blackwall, he having a mind to see the yarde, which we did, and fine
storehouses there are and good docks, but of no great profit to him that
oweth them for ought we see.
[For "owneth." This sense is very common in Shakespeare. In the
original edition of the authorized version of the Bible we read: "So
shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that oweth this girdle"
(Acts xxi. I i) Nares's Glossary.]
So home by water with him, having good discourse by the way, and so I to
the office a while, and late home to supper and to bed.
13th. Up and to my office, at noon (after having at an alehouse hard by
discoursed with one Mr. Tyler, a neighbour, and one Captain Sanders about
the discovery of some pursers that have sold their provisions) I to my
Lord Sandwich, thinking to have dined there, but they not dining at home,
I with Captain Ferrers to Mr. Barwell the King's Squire Sadler, where
about this time twelvemonths I dined before at a good venison pasty. The
like we had now, and very good company, Mr. Tresham and others. Thence
to White Hall to the Fishery, and there did little. So by water home,
and there met Lanyon, &c., about Tangier matters, and so late to my
office, and thence home and to bed. Mr. Moore was with me late to desire
me to come to my Lord Sandwich tomorrow morning, which I shall, but I
wonder what my business is.
14th. My mind being doubtful what the business should be, I rose a
little after four o'clock, and abroad. Walked to my Lord's, and nobody
up, but the porter rose out of bed to me so I back again to Fleete
Streete, and there bought a little book of law; and thence, hearing a
psalm sung, I went into St. Dunstan's, and there heard prayers read,
which, it seems, is done there every morning at six o'clock; a thing I
never did do at a chappell, but the College Chappell, in all my life.
Thence to my Lord's again, and my Lord being up, was sent for up, and he
and I alone. He did begin with a most solemn profession of the same
confidence in and love for me that he ever had, and then told me what a
misfortune was fallen upon me and him: in me, by a displeasure which my
Lord Chancellor did show to him last night against me, in the highest and
most passionate manner that ever any man did speak, even to the not
hearing of any thing to be said to him: but he told me, that he did say
all that could be said for a man as to my faithfullnesse and duty to his
Lordship, and did me the greatest right imaginable. And what should the
business be, but that I should be forward to have the trees in Clarendon
Park marked and cut down, which he, it seems, hath bought of my Lord
Albemarle; when, God knows! I am the most innocent man in the world in
it, and did nothing of myself, nor knew of his concernment therein, but
barely obeyed my Lord Treasurer's warrant for the doing thereof. And
said that I did most ungentlemanlike with him, and had justified the
rogues in cutting down a tree of his; and that I had sent the veriest
Fanatique [Deane] that is in England to mark them, on purpose to nose--
[provoke]--him. All which, I did assure my Lord, was most properly false,
and nothing like it true; and told my Lord the whole passage. My Lord do
seem most nearly affected; he is partly, I believe, for me, and partly
for himself. So he advised me to wait presently upon my Lord, and clear
myself in the most perfect manner I could, with all submission and
assurance that I am his creature both in this and all other things; and
that I do owne that all I have, is derived through my Lord Sandwich from
his Lordship. So, full of horror, I went, and found him busy in tryals
of law in his great room; and it being Sitting-day, durst not stay, but
went to my Lord and told him so: whereupon he directed me to take him
after dinner; and so away I home, leaving my Lord mightily concerned for
me. I to the office, and there sat busy all the morning. At noon to the
'Change, and from the 'Change over with Alsopp and the others to the
Pope's Head tavern, and there staid a quarter of an hour, and concluded
upon this, that in case I got them no more than 3s. per week per
man I should have of them but L150 per ann., but to have it without any
adventure or charge, but if I got them 3s. 2d., then they would give me
L300 in the like manner. So I directed them to draw up their tender in a
line or two against the afternoon, and to meet me at White Hall. So I
left them, and I to my Lord Chancellor's; and there coming out after
dinner I accosted him, telling him that I was the unhappy Pepys that had
fallen into his high displeasure, and come to desire him to give me leave
to make myself better understood to his Lordship, assuring him of my duty
and service. He answered me very pleasingly, that he was confident upon
the score of my Lord Sandwich's character of me, but that he had reason
to think what he did, and desired me to call upon him some evening: I
named to-night, and he accepted of it. So with my heart light I to White
Hall, and there after understanding by a stratagem, and yet appearing
wholly desirous not to understand Mr. Gauden's price when he desired to
show it me, I went down and ordered matters in our tender so well that at
the meeting by and by I was ready with Mr. Gauden's and his, both
directed him a letter to me to give the board their two tenders, but
there being none but the Generall Monk and Mr. Coventry and Povy and I,
I did not think fit to expose them to view now, but put it off till
Saturday, and so with good content rose. Thence I to the Half Moone,
against the 'Change, to acquaint Lanyon and his friends of our
proceedings, and thence to my Lord Chancellor's, and there heard several
tryals, wherein I perceive my Lord is a most able and ready man. After
all done, he himself called, "Come, Mr. Pepys, you and I will take a turn
in the garden." So he was led down stairs, having the goute, and there
walked with me, I think, above an houre, talking most friendly, yet
cunningly. I told him clearly how things were; how ignorant I was of his
Lordship's concernment in it; how I did not do nor say one word singly,
but what was done was the act of the whole Board. He told me by name
that he was more angry with Sir G. Carteret than with me, and also with
the whole body of the Board. But thinking who it was of the Board that
knew him least, he did place his fear upon me; but he finds that he is
indebted to none of his friends there. I think I did thoroughly appease
him, till he thanked me for my desire and pains to satisfy him; and upon
my desiring to be directed who I should of his servants advise with about
this business, he told me nobody, but would be glad to hear from me
himself. He told me he would not direct me in any thing, that it might
not be said that the Lord Chancellor did labour to abuse the King; or (as
I offered) direct the suspending the Report of the Purveyors but I see
what he means, and I will make it my worke to do him service in it. But,
Lord! to see how he is incensed against poor Deane, as a fanatique rogue,
and I know not what: and what he did was done in spite to his Lordship,
among all his friends and tenants. He did plainly say that he would not
direct me in any thing, for he would not put himself into the power of
any man to say that he did so and so; but plainly told me as if he would
be glad I did something. Lord! to see how we poor wretches dare not do
the King good service for fear of the greatness of these men. He named
Sir G. Carteret, and Sir J. Minnes, and the rest; and that he was as
angry with them all as me. But it was pleasant to think that, while he
was talking to me, comes into the garden Sir G. Carteret; and my Lord
avoided speaking with him, and made him and many others stay expecting
him, while I walked up and down above an houre, I think; and would have
me walk with my hat on. And yet, after all this, there has been so
little ground for this his jealousy of me, that I am sometimes afeard
that he do this only in policy to bring me to his side by scaring me; or
else, which is worse, to try how faithfull I would be to the King; but I
rather think the former of the two. I parted with great assurance how I
acknowledged all I had to come from his Lordship; which he did not seem
to refuse, but with great kindness and respect parted. So I by coach
home, calling at my Lord's, but he not within. At my office late, and so
home to eat something, being almost starved for want of eating my dinner
to-day, and so to bed, my head being full of great and many businesses of
import to me.
15th. Up, and to my Lord Sandwich's; where he sent for me up, and I did
give my Lord an account of what had passed with my Lord Chancellor
yesterday; with which he was well pleased, and advised me by all means to
study in the best manner I could to serve him in this business. After
this discourse ended, he begun to tell me that he had now pitched upon
his day of going to sea upon Monday next, and that he would now give me
an account how matters are with him. He told me that his work now in the
world is only to keep up his interest at Court, having little hopes to
get more considerably, he saying that he hath now about L8,000 per annum.
It is true, he says, he oweth about L10,000; but he hath been at great
charges in getting things to this pass in his estate; besides his
building and good goods that he hath bought. He says he hath now evened
his reckonings at the Wardrobe till Michaelmas last, and hopes to finish
it to Ladyday before he goes. He says now there is due, too, L7,000 to
him there, if he knew how to get it paid, besides L2000 that Mr. Montagu
do owe him. As to his interest, he says that he hath had all the injury
done him that ever man could have by another bosom friend that knows all
his secrets, by Mr. Montagu; but he says that the worst of it all is
past, and he gone out and hated, his very person by the King, and he
believes the more upon the score of his carriage to him; nay, that the
Duke of Yorke did say a little while since in his closett, that he did
hate him because of his ungratefull carriage to my Lord of Sandwich. He
says that he is as great with the Chancellor, or greater, than ever in
his life. That with the King he is the like; and told me an instance,
that whereas he formerly was of the private council to the King before he
was last sicke, and that by the sickness an interruption was made in his
attendance upon him; the King did not constantly call him, as he used to
do, to his private council, only in businesses of the sea and the like;
but of late the King did send a message to him by Sir Harry Bennet, to
excuse the King to my Lord that he had not of late sent for him as he
used to do to his private council, for it was not out of any distaste,
but to avoid giving offence to some others whom he did not name; but my
Lord supposes it might be Prince Rupert, or it may be only that the King
would rather pass it by an excuse, than be thought unkind: but that now
he did desire him to attend him constantly, which of late he hath done,
and the King never more kind to him in his life than now. The Duke of
Yorke, as much as is possible; and in the business of late, when I was to
speak to my Lord about his going to sea, he says that he finds the Duke
did it with the greatest ingenuity and love in the world; "and whereas,"
says my Lord, "here is a wise man hard by that thinks himself so, and
would be thought so, and it may be is in a degree so (naming by and by my
Lord Crew), would have had me condition with him that neither Prince
Rupert nor any body should come over his head, and I know not what." The
Duke himself hath caused in his commission, that he be made Admirall of
this and what other ships or fleets shall hereafter be put out after
these; which is very noble. He tells me in these cases, and that of Mr.
Montagu's, and all others, he finds that bearing of them patiently is his
best way, without noise or trouble, and things wear out of themselves and
come fair again. But, says he, take it from me, never to trust too much
to any man in the world, for you put yourself into his power; and the
best seeming friend and real friend as to the present may have or take
occasion to fall out with you, and then out comes all. Then he told me
of Sir Harry Bennet, though they were always kind, yet now it is become
to an acquaintance and familiarity above ordinary, that for these months
he hath done no business but with my Lord's advice in his chamber, and
promises all faithfull love to him and service upon all occasions. My
Lord says, that he hath the advantage of being able by his experience to
helpe and advise him; and he believes that that chiefly do invite Sir
Harry to this manner of treating him. "Now," says my Lord," the only and
the greatest embarras that I have in the world is, how to behave myself
to Sir H. Bennet and my Lord Chancellor, in case that there do lie any
thing under the embers about my Lord Bristoll, which nobody can tell; for
then," says he, "I must appear for one or other, and I will lose all I
have in the world rather than desert my Lord Chancellor: so that," says
he, "I know not for my life what to do in that case." For Sir H.
Bennet's love is come to the height, and his confidence, that he hath
given my Lord a character, and will oblige my Lord to correspond with
him. "This," says he, "is the whole condition of my estate and interest;
which I tell you, because I know not whether I shall see you again or
no." Then as to the voyage, he thinks it will be of charge to him, and
no profit; but that he must not now look after nor think to encrease, but
study to make good what he hath, that what is due to him from the
Wardrobe or elsewhere may be paid, which otherwise would fail, and all a
man hath be but small content to him. So we seemed to take leave one of
another; my Lord of me, desiring me that I would write to him and give
him information upon all occasions in matters that concern him; which,
put together with what he preambled with yesterday, makes me think that
my Lord do truly esteem me still, and desires to preserve my service to
him; which I do bless God for. In the middle of our discourse my Lady
Crew came in to bring my Lord word that he hath another son, my Lady
being brought to bed just now, I did not think her time had been so nigh,
but she's well brought to bed, for which God be praised! and send my
Lord to study the laying up of something the more! Then with Creed to
St. James's, and missing Mr. Coventry, to White Hall; where, staying for
him in one of the galleries, there comes out of the chayre-room Mrs.
Stewart, in a most lovely form, with her hair all about her eares, having
her picture taking there. There was the King and twenty more, I think,
standing by all the while, and a lovely creature she in this dress seemed
to be. Thence to the 'Change by coach, and so home to dinner and then to
my office. In the evening Mr. Hill, Andrews and I to my chamber to sing,
which we did very pleasantly, and then to my office again, where very
late and so home, with my mind I bless God in good state of ease and body
of health, only my head at this juncture very full of business, how to
get something. Among others what this rogue Creed will do before he goes
to sea, for I would fain be rid of him and see what he means to do, for I
will then declare myself his firm friend or enemy.
16th. Up in the morning, my head mightily confounded with the great
deale of business I have upon me to do. But to the office, and there
dispatched Mr. Creed's business pretty well about his bill; but then
there comes W. Howe for my Lord's bill of Imprest for L500 to carry with
him this voyage, and so I was at a loss how to carry myself in it, Creed
being there, but there being no help I delivered it to them both, and let
them contend, when I perceive they did both endeavour to have it, but W.
Howe took it, and the other had the discretion to suffer it. But I think
I cleared myself to Creed that it past not from any practice of mine. At
noon rose and did some necessary business at the 'Change. Thence to
Trinity House to a dinner which Sir G. Carteret makes there as Maister
this year. Thence to White Hall to the Tangier Committee, and there,
above my expectation, got the business of our contract for the
victualling carried for my people, viz., Alsopp, Lanyon, and Yeabsly; and
by their promise I do thereby get L300 per annum to myself, which do
overjoy me; and the matter is left to me to draw up. Mr. Lewes was in
the gallery and is mightily amazed at it, and I believe Mr. Gauden will
make some stir about it, for he wrote to Mr. Coventry to-day about it to
argue why he should for the King's convenience have it, but Mr. Coventry
most justly did argue freely for them that served cheapest. Thence
walked a while with Mr. Coventry in the gallery, and first find that he
is mighty cold in his present opinion of Mr. Peter Pett for his flagging
and doing things so lazily there, and he did also surprise me with a
question why Deane did not bring in their report of the timber of
Clarendon. What he means thereby I know not, but at present put him off;
nor do I know how to steer myself: but I must think of it, and advise
with my Lord Sandwich. Thence with Creed by coach to my Lord Sandwich's,
and there I got Mr. Moore to give me my Lord's hand for my receipt of
L109 more of my money of Sir G. Carteret, so that then his debt to me
will be under L500, I think. This do ease my mind also. Thence carried
him and W. Howe into London, and set them down at Sir G. Carteret's to
receive some money, and I home and there busy very late, and so home to
supper and to bed, with my mind in pretty good ease, my business being in
a pretty good condition every where.
17th (Lord's day). All the morning at my office doing business there, it
raining hard. So dined at home alone. After dinner walked to my Lord's,
and there found him and much other guests at table at dinner, and it
seems they have christened his young son to-day-called him James. I got
a piece of cake. I got my Lord to signe and seale my business about my
selling of Brampton land, which though not so full as I would, yet is as
full as I can at present. Walked home again, and there fell to read, and
by and by comes my uncle Wight, Dr. Burnett, and another gentleman, and
talked and drank, and the Doctor showed me the manner of eating,
turpentine, which pleases me well, for it is with great ease. So they
being gone, I to supper and to bed.
18th. Up, and walked to my Lord's, and there took my leave of him, he
seeming very friendly to me in as serious a manner as ever in his life,
and I believe he is very confident of me. He sets out this morning for
Deale. Thence to St. James's to the Duke, and there did our usual
business. He discourses very freely of a warr with Holland, to begin
about winter, so that I believe we shall come to it. Before we went up
to the Duke, Sir G. Carteret and I did talk together in the Parke about
my Lord Chancellor's business of the timber; he telling me freely that my
Lord Chancellor was never so angry with him in all his life, as he was
for this business, in great passion; and that when he saw me there, he
knew what it was about. And plots now with me how we may serve my Lord,
which I am mightily glad of; and I hope together we may do it. Thence to
Westminster to my barber's, to have my Periwigg he lately made me
cleansed of its nits, which vexed me cruelly that he should put such a
thing into my hands. Here meeting his mayd Jane, that has lived with
them so long, I talked with her, and sending her of an errand to Dr.
Clerk's, did meet her, and took her into a little alehouse in Brewers
Yard, and there did sport with her, without any knowledge of her though,
and a very pretty innocent girl she is. Thence to my Lord Chancellor's,
but he being busy I went away to the 'Change, and so home to dinner. By
and by comes Creed, and I out with him to Fleet Street, and he to Mr.
Povy's, I to my Lord Chancellor's, and missing him again walked to
Povy's, and there saw his new perspective in his closet. Povy, to my
great surprise and wonder, did here attacque me in his own and Mr.
Bland's behalf that I should do for them both for the new contractors for
the victualling of the garrison. Which I am ashamed that he should ask
of me, nor did I believe that he was a man that did seek benefit in such
poor things. Besides that he professed that he did not believe that I
would have any hand myself in the contract, and yet here declares that he
himself would have profit by it, and himself did move me that Sir W.
Rider might join, and Ford with Gauden. I told him I had no interest in
them, but I fear they must do something to him, for he told me that those
of the Mole did promise to consider him. Thence home and Creed with me,
and there he took occasion to owne his obligations to me, and did lay
down twenty pieces in gold upon my shelf in my closett, which I did not
refuse, but wish and expected should have been more. But, however, this
is better than nothing, and now I am out of expectation, and shall
henceforward know how to deal with him. After discourse of settling his
matters here, we went out by coach, and he 'light at the Temple, and
there took final leave of me, in order to his following my Lord
to-morrow. I to my Lord Chancellor, and discoursed his business with
him. I perceive, and he says plainly, that he will not have any man to
have it in his power to say that my Lord Chancellor did contrive the
wronging the King of his timber; but yet I perceive, he would be glad to
have service done him therein; and told me Sir G. Carteret hath told him
that he and I would look after his business to see it done in the best
manner for him. Of this I was glad, and so away. Thence home, and late
with my Tangier men about drawing up their agreement with us, wherein I
find much trouble, and after doing as much as we could to-night, broke up
and I to bed.
19th. Up, and to the office, where we sat all the morning. At noon
dined alone at home. After dinner Sir W. Batten and I down by water to
Woolwich, where coming to the ropeyarde we are told that Mr. Falconer,
who hath been ill of a relapse these two days, is just now dead. We went
up to his widow, who is sicke in bed also. The poor woman in great
sorrow, and entreats our friendship, which we shall, I think, in every
thing do for her. I am sure I will. Thence to the Docke, and there in
Sheldon's garden eat some fruit; so to Deptford a little, and thence
home, it raining mightily, and being cold I doubted my health after it.
At the office till 9 o'clock about Sir W. Warren's contract for masts,
and then at home with Lanyon and Yeabsly till 12 and past about their
contract for Tangier, wherein they and I differed, for I would have it
drawn to the King's advantage, as much as might be, which they did not
like, but parted good friends; however, when they were gone, I wished
that I had forborne any disagreement till I had had their promise to me
in writing. They being gone, I to bed.
20th. Up, and a while to my office, and then home with Mr. Deane till
dinner, discoursing upon the business of my Lord Chancellor's timber in
Clarendon Parke, and how to make a report therein without offending him;
which at last I drew up, and hope it will please him. But I would to God
neither I nor he ever had had any thing to have done with it! Dined
together with a good pig, and then out by coach to White Hall, to the
Committee for Fishing; but nothing done, it being a great day to-day
there upon drawing at the Lottery of Sir Arthur Slingsby. I got in and
stood by the two Queenes and the Duchesse of Yorke, and just behind my
Lady Castlemayne, whom I do heartily adore; and good sport it was to see
how most that did give their ten pounds did go away with a pair of globes
only for their lot, and one gentlewoman, one Mrs. Fish, with the only
blanke. And one I staid to see drew a suit of hangings valued at L430,
and they say are well worth the money, or near it. One other suit there
is better than that; but very many lots of three and fourscore pounds. I
observed the King and Queenes did get but as poor lots as any else. But
the wisest man I met with was Mr. Cholmley, who insured as many as would,
from drawing of the one blank for 12d.; in which case there was the whole
number of persons to one, which I think was three or four hundred. And
so he insured about 200 for 200 shillings, so that he could not have lost
if one of them had drawn it, for there was enough to pay the L10; but it
happened another drew it, and so he got all the money he took. I left
the lottery, and went to a play, only a piece of it, which was the Duke's
house, "Worse and Worse;" just the same manner of play, and writ, I
believe, by the same man as "The Adventures of Five Hours;" very pleasant
it was, and I begin to admire Harris more than ever. Thence to
Westminster to see Creed, and he and I took a walk in the Parke. He is
ill, and not able yet to set out after my Lord, but will do to-morrow.
So home, and late at my office, and so home to bed. This evening being
moonshine I played a little late upon my flageolette in the garden. But
being at Westminster Hall I met with great news that Mrs. Lane is married
to one Martin, one that serves Captain Marsh. She is gone abroad with
him to-day, very fine. I must have a bout with her very shortly to see
how she finds marriage.
21st. Up, and to the office, where we sat all the morning, among other
things making a contract with Sir W. Warren for almost 1000 Gottenburg
masts, the biggest that ever was made in the Navy, and wholly of my
compassing and a good one I hope it is for the King. Dined at Sir W.
Batten's, where I have not eat these many months. Sir G. Carteret, Mr.
Coventry, Sir J. Minnes, and myself there only, and my Lady. A good
venison pasty, and very merry, and pleasant I made myself with my Lady,
and she as much to me. This morning to the office comes Nicholas
Osborne, Mr. Gauden's clerke, to desire of me what piece of plate I would
choose to have a L100, or thereabouts, bestowed upon me in, he having
order to lay out so much; and, out of his freedom with me, do of himself
come to make this question. I a great while urged my unwillingnesse to
take any, not knowing how I could serve Mr. Gauden, but left it wholly to
himself; so at noon I find brought home in fine leather cases, a pair of
the noblest flaggons that ever I saw all the days of my life; whether I
shall keepe them or no I cannot tell; for it is to oblige me to him in
the business of the Tangier victualling, wherein I doubt I shall not; but
glad I am to see that I shall be sure to get something on one side or
other, have it which will: so, with a merry heart, I looked upon them,
and locked them up. After dinner to [give] my Lord Chancellor a good
account of his business, and he is very well pleased therewith, and
carries himself with great discretion to me, without seeming over glad or
beholding to me; and yet I know that he do think himself very well served
by me. Thence to Westminster and to Mrs. Lane's lodgings, to give her
joy, and there suffered me to deal with her as I hoped to do, and by and
by her husband comes, a sorry, simple fellow, and his letter to her which
she proudly showed me a simple, nonsensical thing. A man of no
discourse, and I fear married her to make a prize of, which he is
mistaken in, and a sad wife I believe she will prove to him, for she
urged me to appoint a time as soon as he is gone out of town to give her
a meeting next week. So by water with a couple of cozens of Mrs. Lane's,
and set them down at Queenhive, and I through Bridge home, and there late
at business, and so home to supper and to bed.
22nd. Up and to my office, where busy all the morning. At noon to the
'Change, and so home to dinner, and then down by water to Deptford, where
coming too soon, I spent an houre in looking round the yarde, and putting
Mr. Shish
[Jonas Shish, master-shipwright at Deptford. There are several
papers of his among the State Papers. "I was at the funeral of old
Mr. Shish, Master Shipwright of His Majesty's Yard here, an honest
and remarkable man, and his death a public loss, for his excellent
success in building ships (though altogether illiterate) and for
bringing up so many of his children to be able artists. I held up
the pall with three knights who did him that honour, and he was
worthy of it. It was the custom of this good man to rise in the
night and pray, kneeling in his own coffin, which he had lying by
him for many years. He was born that famous year, the Gunpowder-
plot, 1605" (Evelyn's "Diary," May 13th, 1680).]
to measure a piece or two of timber, which he did most cruelly
wrong, and to the King's losse 12 or 13s. in a piece of 28 feet in
contents. Thence to the Clerke of the Cheques, from whose house Mr.
Falconer was buried to-day; Sir J. Minnes and I the only principal
officers that were there. We walked to church with him, and then I left
them without staying the sermon and straight home by water, and there
find, as I expected, Mr. Hill, and Andrews, and one slovenly and ugly
fellow, Seignor Pedro, who sings Italian songs to the theorbo most
neatly, and they spent the whole evening in singing the best piece of
musique counted of all hands in the world, made by Seignor Charissimi,
the famous master in Rome. Fine it was, indeed, and too fine for me to
judge of. They have spoke to Pedro to meet us every weeke, and I fear it
will grow a trouble to me if we once come to bid judges to meet us,
especially idle Masters, which do a little displease me to consider.
They gone comes Mr. Lanyon, who tells me Mr. Alsopp is now become
dangerously ill, and fears his re covery, covery, which shakes my
expectation of;630o per annum by the business; and, therefore, bless God
for what Mr. Gauden hath sent me, which, from some discourse to-day with
Mr. Osborne, swearing that he knows not any thing of this business of
the victualling; but, the contrary, that it is not that moves Mr. Gauden
to send it me, for he hath had order for it any time these two months.
Whether this be true or no, I know not; but I shall hence with the more
confidence keepe it. To supper and to the office a little, and to walk
in the garden, the moon shining bright, and fine warm fair weather, and
so home to bed.
23rd. Up, and all the morning at the office. At noon to the 'Change,
where I took occasion to break the business of my Lord Chancellor's
timber to Mr. Coventry in the best manner I could. He professed to me,
that, till, Sir G. Carteret did speake of it at the table, after our
officers were gone to survey it, he did not know that my Lord Chancellor
had any thing to do with it; but now he says that he had been told by the
Duke that Sir G. Carteret had spoke to him about it, and that he had told
the Duke that, were he in my Lord Chancellor's case, if he were his
father, he would rather fling away the gains of two or L3,000, than have
it said that the timber, which should have been the King's, if it had
continued the Duke of Albemarle's, was concealed by us in favour of my
Lord Chancellor; for, says he, he is a great man, and all such as he, and
he himself particularly, have a great many enemies that would be glad of
such an advantage against him. When I told him it was strange that Sir
J. Minnes and Sir G. Carteret, that knew my Lord Chancellor's concernment
therein, should not at first inform us, he answered me that for Sir J.
Minnes, he is looked upon to be an old good companion, but by nobody at
the other end of the towne as any man of business, and that my Lord
Chancellor, he dares say, never did tell him of it, only Sir G. Carteret,
he do believe, must needs know it, for he and Sir J. Shaw are the
greatest confidants he hath in the world. So for himself, he said, he
would not mince the matter, but was resolved to do what was fit, and
stand upon his owne legs therein, and that he would speak to the Duke,
that he and Sir G. Carteret might be appointed to attend my Lord
Chancellor in it. All this disturbs me mightily. I know not what to say
to it, nor how to carry myself therein; for a compliance will discommend
me to Mr. Coventry, and a discompliance to my Lord Chancellor. But I
think to let it alone, or at least meddle in it as little more as I can.
From thence walked toward Westminster, and being in an idle and wanton
humour, walked through Fleet Alley, and there stood a most pretty wench
at one of the doors, so I took a turn or two, but what by sense of honour
and conscience I would not go in, but much against my will took coach and
away, and away to Westminster Hall, and there 'light of Mrs. Lane, and
plotted with her to go over the water. So met at White's stairs in
Chanel Row, and over to the old house at Lambeth Marsh, and there eat and
drank, and had my pleasure of her twice, she being the strangest woman in
talk of love to her husband sometimes, and sometimes again she do not
care for him, and yet willing enough to allow me a liberty of doing what
I would with her. So spending 5s. or 6s. upon her, I could do what I
would, and after an hour's stay and more back again and set her ashore
there again, and I forward to Fleet Street, and called at Fleet Alley,
not knowing how to command myself, and went in and there saw what
formerly I have been acquainted with, the wickedness of these houses, and
the forcing a man to present expense. The woman indeed is a most lovely
woman, but I had no courage to meddle with her for fear of her not being
wholesome, and so counterfeiting that I had not money enough, it was
pretty to see how cunning she was, would not suffer me to have to do in
any manner with her after she saw I had no money, but told me then I
would not come again, but she now was sure I would come again, but I hope
in God I shall not, for though she be one of the prettiest women I ever
saw, yet I fear her abusing me. So desiring God to forgive me for this
vanity, I went home, taking some books from my bookseller, and taking his
lad home with me, to whom I paid L10 for books I have laid up money for,
and laid out within these three weeks, and shall do no more a great while
I hope. So to my office writing letters, and then home and to bed, weary
of the pleasure I have had to-day, and ashamed to think of it.
24th (Lord's day). Up, in some pain all day from yesterday's passages,
having taken cold, I suppose. So staid within all day reading of two or
three good plays. At night to my office a little, and so home, after
supper to bed.
25th. Up, and with Sir J. Minnes and Sir W. Batten by coach to St.
James's, but there the Duke being gone out we to my Lord Berkeley's
chamber, Mr. Coventry being there, and among other things there met with
a printed copy of the King's commission for the repair of Paul's, which
is very large, and large power for collecting money, and recovering of
all people that had bought or sold formerly any thing belonging to the
Church. And here I find my Lord Mayor of the City set in order before
the Archbishopp or any nobleman, though all the greatest officers of
state are there. But yet I do not hear by my Lord Berkeley, who is one
of them, that any thing is like to come of it. Thence back again
homewards, and Sir W. Batten and I to the Coffee-house, but no newes,
only the plague is very hot still, and encreases among the Dutch. Home
to dinner, and after dinner walked forth, and do what I could I could not
keep myself from going through Fleet Lane, but had the sense of safety
and honour not to go in, and the rather being a holiday I feared I might
meet with some people that might know me. Thence to Charing Cross, and
there called at Unthanke's to see what I owed, but found nothing, and
here being a couple of pretty ladies, lodgers in the kitchen, I staid a
little there. Thence to my barber Gervas, who this day buries his child,
which it seems was born without a passage behind, so that it never voided
any thing in the week or fortnight that it has been born. Thence to Mr.
Reeves, it coming just now in my head to buy a microscope, but he was not
within, so I walked all round that end of the town among the loathsome
people and houses, but, God be thanked! had no desire to visit any of
them. So home, where I met Mr. Lanyon, who tells me Mr. Alsop is past
hopes, which will mightily disappoint me in my hopes there, and yet it
may be not. I shall think whether it will be safe for me to venture
myself or no, and come in as an adventurer. He gone, Mr. Cole (my
old Jack Cole) comes to see and speak with me, and his errand in short to
tell me that he is giving over his trade; he can do no good in it, and
will turn what he has into money and go to sea, his father being dead and
leaving him little, if any thing. This I was sorry to hear, he being a
man of good parts, but, I fear, debauched. I promised him all the
friendship I can do him, which will end in little, though I truly mean
it, and so I made him stay with me till 11 at night, talking of old
school stories, and very pleasing ones, and truly I find that we did
spend our time and thoughts then otherwise than I think boys do now, and
I think as well as methinks that the best are now. He supped with me,
and so away, and I to bed. And strange to see how we are all divided
that were bred so long at school together, and what various fortunes we
have run, some good, some bad.
26th. All the morning at the office, at noon to Anthony Joyce's, to our
gossip's dinner. I had sent a dozen and a half of bottles of wine
thither, and paid my double share besides, which is 18s. Very merry we
were, and when the women were merry and rose from table, I above with
them, ne'er a man but I, I began discourse of my not getting of children,
and prayed them to give me their opinions and advice, and they freely and
merrily did give me these ten, among them (1) Do not hug my wife too hard
nor too much; (2) eat no late suppers; (3) drink juyce of sage; (4) tent
and toast; (5) wear cool holland drawers; (6) keep stomach warm and back
cool; (7) upon query whether it was best to do at night or morn, they
answered me neither one nor other, but when we had most mind to it; (8)
wife not to go too straight laced; (9) myself to drink mum and sugar;
(10) Mrs. Ward did give me, to change my place. The 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th,
and 10th they all did seriously declare, and lay much stress upon them as
rules fit to be observed indeed, and especially the last, to lie with our
heads where our heels do, or at least to make the bed high at feet and
low at head. Very merry all, as much as I could be in such sorry
company. Great discourse of the fray yesterday in Moorefields, how the
butchers at first did beat the weavers (between whom there hath been ever
an old competition for mastery), but at last the weavers rallied and beat
them. At first the butchers knocked down all for weavers that had green
or blue aprons, till they were fain to pull them off and put them in
their breeches. At last the butchers were fain to pull off their
sleeves, that they might not be known, and were soundly beaten out of the
field, and some deeply wounded and bruised; till at last the weavers went
out tryumphing, calling L100 for a butcher. I to Mr. Reeves to see a
microscope, he having been with me to-day morning, and there chose one
which I will have. Thence back and took up young Mrs. Harman, a pretty
bred and pretty humoured woman whom I could love well, though not
handsome, yet for her person and carriage, and black. By the way met her
husband going for her, and set them both down at home, and so home to my
office a while, and so to supper and bed.
27th. Up, and after some discourse with Mr. Duke, who is to be Secretary
to the Fishery, and is now Secretary to the Committee for Trade, who I
find a very ingenious man, I went to Mr. Povy's, and there heard a little
of his empty discourse, and fain he would have Mr. Gauden been the
victualler for Tangier, which none but a fool would say to me when he
knows he hath made it his request to me to get him something of these men
that now do it. Thence to St. James's, but Mr. Coventry being ill and in
bed I did not stay, but to White Hall a little, walked up and down, and
so home to fit papers against this afternoon, and after dinner to the
'Change a little, and then to White Hall, where anon the Duke of Yorke
came, and a Committee we had of Tangier, where I read over my rough
draught of the contract for Tangier victualling, and acquainted them with
the death of Mr. Alsopp, which Mr. Lanyon had told me this morning, which
is a sad consideration to see how uncertain a thing our lives are, and
how little to be presumed of in our greatest undertakings. The words of
the contract approved of, and I home and there came Mr. Lanyon to me and
brought my neighbour, Mr. Andrews, to me, whom he proposes for his
partner in the room of Mr. Alsopp, and I like well enough of it. We read
over the contract together, and discoursed it well over and so parted,
and I am glad to see it once over in this condition again, for Mr. Lanyon
and I had some discourse to-day about my share in it, and I hope if it
goes on to have my first hopes of L300 per ann. They gone, I to supper
and to bed. This afternoon came my great store of Coles in, being to
Chaldron, so that I may see how long they will last me.
28th. At the office all the morning, dined, after 'Change, at home, and
then abroad, and seeing "The Bondman" upon the posts, I consulted my
oaths and find I may go safely this time without breaking it; I went
thither, notwithstanding my great desire to have gone to Fleet Alley,
God forgive me, again. There I saw it acted. It is true, for want of
practice, they had many of them forgot their parts a little; but
Betterton and my poor Ianthe outdo all the world. There is nothing more
taking in the world with me than that play. Thence to Westminster to my
barber's, and strange to think how when I find that Jervas himself did
intend to bring home my periwigg, and not Jane his maid, I did desire not
to have it at all, for I had a mind to have her bring it home. I also
went to Mr. Blagrave's about speaking to him for his kinswoman to come
live with my wife, but they are not come to town, and so I home by coach
and to my office, and then to supper and to bed. My present posture is
thus: my wife in the country and my mayde Besse with her and all quiett
there. I am endeavouring to find a woman for her to my mind, and above
all one that understands musique, especially singing. I am the willinger
to keepe one because I am in good hopes to get 2 or L300 per annum
extraordinary by the business of the victualling of Tangier, and yet Mr.
Alsopp, my chief hopes, is dead since my looking after it, and now Mr.
Lanyon, I fear, is, falling sicke too. I am pretty well in health, only
subject to wind upon any cold, and then immediate and great pains. All
our discourse is of a Dutch warr and I find it is likely to come to it,
for they are very high and desire not to compliment us at all, as far as
I hear, but to send a good fleete to Guinny to oppose us there. My Lord
Sandwich newly gone to sea, and I, I think, fallen into his very good
opinion again, at least he did before his going, and by his letter since,
show me all manner of respect and confidence. I am over-joyed in hopes
that upon this month's account I shall find myself worth L1000, besides
the rich present of two silver and gilt flaggons which Mr. Gauden did
give me the other day. I do now live very prettily at home, being most
seriously, quietly, and neatly served by my two mayds Jane and the girle
Su, with both of whom I am mightily well pleased. My greatest trouble is
the settling of Brampton Estate, that I may know what to expect, and how
to be able to leave it when I die, so as to be just to my promise to my
uncle Thomas and his son. The next thing is this cursed trouble my
brother Tom is likely to put us to by his death, forcing us to law with
his creditors, among others Dr. Tom Pepys, and that with some shame as
trouble, and the last how to know in what manner as to saving or spending
my father lives, lest they should run me in debt as one of my uncle's
executors, and I never the wiser nor better for it. But in all this I
hope shortly to be at leisure to consider and inform myself well.
29th. At the office all the morning dispatching of business, at noon to
the 'Change after dinner, and thence to Tom Trice about Dr. Pepys's
business, and thence it raining turned into Fleet Alley, and there was
with Cocke an hour or so. The jade, whether I would not give her money
or not enough; she would not offer to invite to do anything, but on the
contrary saying she had no time, which I was glad of, for I had no mind
to meddle with her, but had my end to see what a cunning jade she was, to
see her impudent tricks and ways of getting money and raising the
reckoning by still calling for things, that it come to 6 or 7 shillings
presently. So away home, glad I escaped without any inconvenience, and
there came Mr. Hill, Andrews and Seignor Pedro, and great store of
musique we had, but I begin to be weary of having a master with us, for
it spoils, methinks, the ingenuity of our practice. After they were gone
comes Mr. Bland to me, sat till 11 at night with me, talking of the
garrison of Tangier and serving them with pieces of eight. A mind he
hath to be employed there, but dares not desire any courtesy of me, and
yet would fain engage me to be for him, for I perceive they do all find
that I am the busy man to see the King have right done him by inquiring
out other bidders. Being quite tired with him, I got him gone, and so to
bed.
30th. All the morning at the office; at noon to the 'Change, where great
talke of a rich present brought by an East India ship from some of the
Princes of India, worth to the King L70,000 in two precious stones.
After dinner to the office, and there all the afternoon making an end of
several things against the end of the month, that I may clear all my
reckonings tomorrow; also this afternoon, with great content, I finished
the contracts for victualling of Tangier with Mr. Lanyon and the rest,
and to my comfort got him and Andrews to sign to the giving me L300 per
annum, by which, at least, I hope to be a L100 or two the better. Wrote
many letters by the post to ease my mind of business and to clear my
paper of minutes, as I did lately oblige myself to clear every thing
against the end of the month. So at night with my mind quiet and
contented to bed. This day I sent a side of venison and six bottles of
wine to Kate Joyce.
31st (Lord's day). Up, and to church, where I have not been these many
weeks. So home, and thither, inviting him yesterday, comes Mr. Hill, at
which I was a little troubled, but made up all very well, carrying him
with me to Sir J. Minnes, where I was invited and all our families to a
venison pasty. Here good cheer and good discourse. After dinner Mr.
Hill and I to my house, and there to musique all the afternoon. He being
gone, in the evening I to my accounts, and to my great joy and with great
thanks to Almighty God, I do find myself most clearly worth L1014, the
first time that ever I was worth L1000 before, which is the height of all
that ever I have for a long time pretended to. But by the blessing of
God upon my care I hope to lay up something more in a little time, if
this business of the victualling of Tangier goes on as I hope it will.
So with praise to God for this state of fortune that I am brought to as
to wealth, and my condition being as I have at large set it down two days
ago in this book, I home to supper and to bed, desiring God to give me
the grace to make good use of what I have and continue my care and
diligence to gain more.
ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
All divided that were bred so long at school together
Began discourse of my not getting of children
Came to bed to me, but all would not make me friends
Feared I might meet with some people that might know me
Had no mind to meddle with her
Her impudent tricks and ways of getting money
How little to be presumed of in our greatest undertakings
Mind to have her bring it home
My wife made great means to be friends, coming to my bedside
Never to trust too much to any man in the world
Not well, and so had no pleasure at all with my poor wife
Not when we can, but when we list
Now against her going into the country (lay together)
Periwigg he lately made me cleansed of its nits
Presse seamen, without which we cannot really raise men
Shakespeare's plays
She had the cunning to cry a great while, and talk and blubber
There eat and drank, and had my pleasure of her twice
These Lords are hard to be trusted
Things wear out of themselves and come fair again
To my Lord Sandwich, thinking to have dined there
Upon a very small occasion had a difference again broke out
Very high and very foule words from her to me
What wine you drinke, lett it bee at meales
End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Diary of Samuel Pepys, v33
by Samuel Pepys, Unabridged, transcribed by Bright, edited by Wheatley