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Title: Diary of Samuel Pepys, 1664 N.S. Complete
Author: Samuel Pepys, Translator: Mynors Bright, Editor: Wheatley
Release Date: June, 2003 [Etext #4153]
[Yes, we are about one year ahead of schedule]
[The actual date this file first posted = 11/09/01]
Edition: 10
Language: English
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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.
1664 N.S.
January 1st, 1663-64.
Went to bed between 4 and 5 in the morning with my mind in good temper of
satisfaction and slept till about 8, that many people came to speak with
me. Among others one came with the best New Year's gift that ever I had,
namely from Mr. Deering, with a bill of exchange drawn upon himself for
the payment of L50 to Mr. Luellin. It being for my use with a letter of
compliment. I am not resolved what or how to do in this business, but I
conclude it is an extraordinary good new year's gift, though I do not
take the whole, or if I do then give some of it to Luellin. By and by
comes Captain Allen and his son Jowles and his wife, who continues pretty
still. They would have had me set my hand to a certificate for his
loyalty, and I know not what his ability for any employment. But I did
not think it fit, but did give them a pleasing denial, and after sitting
with me an hour they went away. Several others came to me about
business, and then being to dine at my uncle Wight's I went to the
Coffee-house, sending my wife by Will, and there staid talking an hour
with Coll. Middleton, and others, and among other things about a very
rich widow, young and handsome, of one Sir Nicholas Gold's, a merchant,
lately fallen, and of great courtiers that already look after her: her
husband not dead a week yet. She is reckoned worth L80,000. Thence to
my uncle Wight's, where Dr. of -----, among others, dined, and his wife,
a seeming proud conceited woman, I know not what to make of her, but the
Dr's. discourse did please me very well about the disease of the stone,
above all things extolling Turpentine, which he told me how it may be
taken in pills with great ease. There was brought to table a hot pie
made of a swan I sent them yesterday, given me by Mr. Howe, but we did
not eat any of it. But my wife and I rose from table, pretending
business, and went to the Duke's house, the first play I have been at
these six months, according to my last vowe, and here saw the so much
cried-up play of "Henry the Eighth;" which, though I went with resolution
to like it, is so simple a thing made up of a great many patches, that,
besides the shows and processions in it, there is nothing in the world
good or well done. Thence mightily dissatisfied back at night to my
uncle Wight's, and supped with them, but against my stomach out of the
offence the sight of my aunt's hands gives me, and ending supper with a
mighty laugh, the greatest I have had these many months, at my uncle's
being out in his grace after meat, we rose and broke up, and my wife and
I home and to bed, being sleepy since last night.
2nd. Up and to the office, and there sitting all the morning, and at
noon to the 'Change, in my going met with Luellin and told him how I had
received a letter and bill for L50 from Mr. Deering, and delivered it to
him, which he told me he would receive for me. To which I consented,
though professed not to desire it if he do not consider himself
sufficiently able by the service I have done, and that it is rather my
desire to have nothing till he be further sensible of my service. From
the 'Change I brought him home and dined with us, and after dinner I took
my wife out, for I do find that I am not able to conquer myself as to
going to plays till I come to some new vowe concerning it, and that I am
now come, that is to say, that I will not see above one in a month at any
of the publique theatres till the sum of 50s. be spent, and then none
before New Year's Day next, unless that I do become worth L1000 sooner
than then, and then am free to come to some other terms, and so leaving
him in Lombard Street I took her to the King's house, and there met Mr.
Nicholson, my old colleague, and saw "The Usurper," which is no good
play, though better than what I saw yesterday. However, we rose
unsatisfied, and took coach and home, and I to the office late writing
letters, and so to supper and to bed.
3rd (Lord's day). Lay long in bed, and then rose and with a fire in my
chamber staid within all day, looking over and settling my accounts in
good order, by examining all my books, and the kitchen books, and I find
that though the proper profit of my last year was but L305, yet I did by
other gain make it up L444., which in every part of it was unforeseen of
me, and therefore it was a strange oversight for lack of examining my
expenses that I should spend L690 this year, but for the time to come I
have so distinctly settled all my accounts in writing and the particulars
of all my several layings out, that I do hope I shall hereafter make a
better judgment of my spendings than ever. I dined with my wife in her
chamber, she in bed, and then down again and till 11 at night, and broke
up and to bed with great content, but could not make an end of writing
over my vows as I purposed, but I am agreed in every thing how to order
myself for the year to come, which I trust in God will be much for my
good. So up to prayers and to bed. This evening Sir W. Pen came to
invite me against next Wednesday, being Twelfth day, to his usual feast,
his wedding day.
4th. Up betimes, and my wife being ready, and her mayd Besse and the
girl, I carried them by coach and set them all down in Covent Garden and
there left them, and I to my Lord Sandwich's lodgings, but he not being
up, I to the Duke's chamber, and there by and by to his closett, where
since his lady was ill, a little red bed of velvet is brought for him to
lie alone, which is a very pretty one. After doing business here, I to
my Lord's again, and there spoke with him, and he seems now almost
friends again as he used to be. Here meeting Mr. Pierce, the chyrurgeon,
he told me among other Court newes, how the Queene is very well again,
and the King lay with her on Saturday night last; and that she speaks now
very pretty English, and makes her sense out now and then with pretty
phrazes: as among others this is mightily cried up; that, meaning to say
that she did not like such a horse so well as the rest, he being too
prancing and full of tricks, she said he did make too much vanity.
Thence to the Tennis Court, after I had spent a little time in
Westminster Hall, thinking to have met with Mrs. Lane, but I could not
and am glad of it, and there saw the King play at Tennis and others: but
to see how the King's play was extolled without any cause at all, was a
loathsome sight, though sometimes, indeed, he did play very well and
deserved to be commended; but such open flattery is beastly. Afterwards
to St. James's Parke, being unwilling to go to spend money at the
ordinary, and there spent an hour or two, it being a pleasant day, seeing
people play at Pell Mell; where it pleased me mightily to hear a gallant,
lately come from France, swear at one of his companions for suffering his
man (a spruce blade) to be so saucy as to strike a ball while his master
was playing on the Mall.
[When Egerton was Bishop of Durham, he often played at bowls with
his guests on the public days. On an occasion of this sort, a
visitor happening to cross the lawn, one of the chaplains exclaimed,
"You must not shake the green, for the bishop is going to bowl."-B.]
Thence took coach at White Hall and took up my wife, who is mighty sad to
think of her father, who is going into Germany against the Turkes; but
what will become of her brother I know not. He is so idle, and out of
all capacity, I think, to earn his bread. Home and at my office till is
at night making my solemn vowes for the next year, which I trust in the
Lord I shall keep, but I fear I have a little too severely bound myself
in some things and in too many, for I fear I may forget some. But
however, I know the worst, and shall by the blessing of God observe to
perform or pay my forfeits punctually. So home and to bed with my mind
at rest.
5th. Up and to our office, where we sat all the morning, where my head
being willing to take in all business whatever, I am afraid I shall over
clogg myself with it. But however, it is my desire to do my duty and
shall the willinger bear it. At noon home and to the 'Change, where I
met with Luellin, who went off with me and parted to meet again at the
Coffeehouse, but missed. So home and found him there, and Mr. Barrow
came to speak with me, so they both dined with me alone, my wife not
being ready, and after dinner I up in my chamber with Barrow to discourse
about matters of the yard with him, and his design of leaving the place,
which I am sorry for, and will prevent if I can. He being gone then
Luellin did give me the L50 from Mr. Deering, which he do give me for my
pains in his business and what I may hereafter take for him, though there
is not the least word or deed I have yet been guilty of in his behalf but
what I am sure has been to the King's advantage and the profit of the
service, nor ever will. And for this money I never did condition with
him or expected a farthing at the time when I did do him the service, nor
have given any receipt for it, it being brought me by Luellin, nor do
purpose to give him any thanks for it, but will wherein I can faithfully
endeavour to see him have the privilege of his Patent as the King's
merchant. I did give Luellin two pieces in gold for a pair of gloves for
his kindness herein. Then he being gone, I to my office, where busy till
late at night, that through my room being over confounded in business I
could stay there no longer, but went home, and after a little supper to
bed.
6th (Twelfth day). Up and to my office, where very busy all the morning,
being indeed over loaded with it through my own desire of doing all I
can. At noon to the 'Change, but did little, and so home to dinner with
my poor wife, and after dinner read a lecture to her in Geography, which
she takes very prettily and with great pleasure to her and me to teach
her, and so to the office again, where as busy as ever in my life, one
thing after another, and answering people's business, particularly
drawing up things about Mr. Wood's masts, which I expect to have a
quarrel about with Sir W. Batten before it be ended, but I care not.
At night home to my wife, to supper, discourse, prayers, and to bed.
This morning I began a practice which I find by the ease I do it with
that I shall continue, it saving me money and time; that is, to trimme
myself with a razer: which pleases me mightily.
7th. Up, putting on my best clothes and to the office, where all the
morning we sat busy, among other things upon Mr. Wood's performance of
his contract for masts, wherein I was mightily concerned, but I think was
found all along in the right, and shall have my desire in it to the
King's advantage. At noon, all of us to dinner to Sir W. Pen's, where a
very handsome dinner, Sir J. Lawson among others, and his lady and his
daughter, a very pretty lady and of good deportment, with looking upon
whom I was greatly pleased, the rest of the company of the women were all
of our own house, of no satisfaction or pleasure at all. My wife was not
there, being not well enough, nor had any great mind. But to see how Sir
W. Pen imitates me in everything, even in his having his chimney piece in
his dining room the same with that in my wife's closett, and in every
thing else I perceive wherein he can. But to see again how he was out
in one compliment: he lets alone drinking any of the ladies' healths that
were there, my Lady Batten and Lawson, till he had begun with my Lady
Carteret, who was absent, and that was well enough, and then Mr.
Coventry's mistresse, at which he was ashamed, and would not have had him
have drunk it, at least before the ladies present, but his policy, as he
thought, was such that he would do it. After dinner by coach with Sir G.
Carteret and Sir J. Minnes by appointment to Auditor Beale's in Salisbury
Court, and there we did with great content look over some old ledgers to
see in what manner they were kept, and indeed it was in an extraordinary
good method, and such as (at least out of design to keep them employed) I
do persuade Sir J. Minnes to go upon, which will at least do as much good
it may be to keep them for want of something to do from envying those
that do something. Thence calling to see whether Mrs. Turner was
returned, which she is, and I spoke one word only to her, and away again
by coach home and to my office, where late, and then home to supper and
bed.
8th. Up and all the morning at my office and with Sir J. Minnes,
directing him and Mr. Turner about keeping of their books according to
yesterday's work, wherein I shall make them work enough. At noon to the
'Change, and there long, and from thence by appointment took Luellin,
Mount, and W. Symons, and Mr. Pierce, the chirurgeon, home to dinner with
me and were merry. But, Lord! to hear how W. Symons do commend and look
sadly and then talk bawdily and merrily, though his wife was dead but the
other day, would make a dogg laugh. After dinner I did go in further
part of kindness to Luellin for his kindness about Deering's L50 which he
procured me the other day of him. We spent all the afternoon together
and then they to cards with my wife, who this day put on her Indian blue
gowne which is very pretty, where I left them for an hour, and to my
office, and then to them again, and by and by they went away at night,
and so I again to my office to perfect a letter to Mr. Coventry about
Department Treasurers, wherein I please myself and hope to give him
content and do the King service therein. So having done, I home and to
teach my wife a new lesson in the globes, and to supper, and to bed. We
had great pleasure this afternoon; among other things, to talk of our old
passages together in Cromwell's time; and how W. Symons did make me laugh
and wonder to-day when he told me how he had made shift to keep in, in
good esteem and employment, through eight governments in one year (the
dear 1659, which were indeed, and he did name them all), and then failed
unhappy in the ninth, viz. that of the King's coming in. He made good to
me the story which Luellin did tell me the other day, of his wife upon
her death-bed; how she dreamt of her uncle Scobell, and did foretell,
from some discourse she had with him, that she should die four days
thence, and not sooner, and did all along say so, and did so. Upon the
'Change a great talke there was of one Mr. Tryan, an old man, a merchant
in Lyme-Streete, robbed last night (his man and mayde being gone out
after he was a-bed), and gagged and robbed of L1050 in money and about
L4000 in jewells, which he had in his house as security for money. It is
believed by many circumstances that his man is guilty of confederacy, by
their ready going to his secret till in his desk, wherein the key of his
cash-chest lay.
9th. Up (my underlip being mightily swelled, I know not how but by
overrubbing it, it itching) and to the office, where we sat all the
morning, and at noon I home to dinner, and by discourse with my wife
thought upon inviting my Lord Sandwich to a dinner shortly. It will cost
me at least ten or twelve pounds; but, however, some arguments of
prudence I have, which however I shall think again upon before I proceed
to that expence. After dinner by coach I carried my wife and Jane to
Westminster, leaving her at Mr. Hunt's, and I to Westminster Hall, and
there visited Mrs. Lane, and by appointment went out and met her at the
Trumpet, Mrs. Hare's, but the room being damp we went to the Bell tavern,
and there I had her company, but could not do as I used to do (yet
nothing but what was honest) . . . . . So I to talk about her having
Hawley, she told me flatly no, she could not love him. I took occasion
to enquire of Howlett's daughter, with whom I have a mind to meet a
little to see what mettle the young wench is made of, being very pretty,
but she tells me she is already betrothed to Mrs. Michell's son, and she
in discourse tells me more, that Mrs. Michell herself had a daughter
before marriage, which is now near thirty years old, a thing I could not
have believed. Thence leading her to the Hall, I took coach and called
my wife and her mayd, and so to the New Exchange, where we bought several
things of our pretty Mrs. Dorothy Stacy, a pretty woman, and has the
modestest look that ever I saw in my life and manner of speech. Thence
called at Tom's and saw him pretty well again, but has not been currant.
So homeward, and called at Ludgate, at Ashwell's uncle's, but she was not
within, to have spoke to her to have come to dress my wife at the time my
Lord dines here. So straight home, calling for Walsingham's Manuals at
my bookseller's to read but not to buy, recommended for a pretty book by
Sir W. Warren, whose warrant however I do not much take till I do read
it. So home to supper and to bed, my wife not being very well since she
came home, being troubled with a fainting fit, which she never yet had
before since she was my wife.
10th (Lord's day). Lay in bed with my wife till 10 or 11 o'clock, having
been very sleepy all night. So up, and my brother Tom being come to see
me, we to dinner, he telling me how Mrs. Turner found herself
discontented with her late bad journey, and not well taken by them in the
country, they not desiring her coming down, nor the burials of Mr. Edward
Pepys's corps there. After dinner I to the office, where all the
afternoon, and at night my wife and I to my uncle Wight's, and there eat
some of their swan pie, which was good, and I invited them to my house to
eat a roasted swan on Tuesday next, which after I was come home did make
a quarrels between my wife and I, because she had appointed a wish
to-morrow. But, however, we were friends again quickly. So to bed.
All our discourse to-night was Mr. Tryan's late being robbed; and that
Collonell Turner (a mad, swearing, confident fellow, well known by all,
and by me), one much indebted to this man for his very livelihood, was
the man that either did or plotted it; and the money and things are found
in his hand, and he and his wife now in Newgate for it; of which we are
all glad, so very a known rogue he was.
11th. Waked this morning by 4 o'clock by my wife to call the mayds to
their wash, and what through my sleeping so long last night and vexation
for the lazy sluts lying so long again and their great wash, neither my
wife nor I could sleep one winke after that time till day, and then I
rose and by coach (taking Captain Grove with me and three bottles of
Tent, which I sent to Mrs. Lane by my promise on Saturday night last) to
White Hall, and there with the rest of our company to the Duke and did
our business, and thence to the Tennis Court till noon, and there saw
several great matches played, and so by invitation to St. James's; where,
at Mr. Coventry's chamber, I dined with my Lord Barkeley, Sir G.
Carteret, Sir Edward Turner, Sir Ellis Layton, and one Mr. Seymour, a
fine gentleman; were admirable good discourse of all sorts, pleasant and
serious. Thence after dinner to White Hall, where the Duke being busy at
the Guinny business, the Duke of Albemarle, Sir W. Rider, Povy, Sir J.
Lawson and I to the Duke of Albemarle's lodgings, and there did some
business, and so to the Court again, and I to the Duke of York's
lodgings, where the Guinny company are choosing their assistants for the
next year by ballotting. Thence by coach with Sir J. Robinson,
Lieutenant of the Tower, he set me down at Cornhill, but, Lord! the
simple discourse that all the way we had, he magnifying his great
undertakings and cares that have been upon him for these last two years,
and how he commanded the city to the content of all parties, when the
loggerhead knows nothing almost that is sense. Thence to the Coffee-
house, whither comes Sir W. Petty and Captain Grant, and we fell in talke
(besides a young gentleman, I suppose a merchant, his name Mr. Hill, that
has travelled and I perceive is a master in most sorts of musique and
other things) of musique; the universal character; art of memory;
Granger's counterfeiting of hands and other most excellent discourses to
my great content, having not been in so good company a great while, and
had I time I should covet the acquaintance of that Mr. Hill. This
morning I stood by the King arguing with a pretty Quaker woman, that
delivered to him a desire of hers in writing. The King showed her Sir
J. Minnes, as a man the fittest for her quaking religion, saying that his
beard was the stiffest thing about him, and again merrily said, looking
upon the length of her paper, that if all she desired was of that length
she might lose her desires; she modestly saying nothing till he begun
seriously to discourse with her, arguing the truth of his spirit against
hers; she replying still with these words, "O King!" and thou'd him all
along. The general talke of the towne still is of Collonell Turner,
about the robbery; who, it is thought, will be hanged. I heard the Duke
of York tell to-night, how letters are come that fifteen are condemned
for the late plot by the judges at York; and, among others, Captain
Oates, against whom it was proved that he drew his sword at his going
out, and flinging away the scabbard, said that he would either return
victor or be hanged. So home, where I found the house full of the
washing and my wife mighty angry about Will's being here to-day talking
with her mayds, which she overheard, idling of their time, and he telling
what a good mayd my old Jane was, and that she would never have her like
again. At which I was angry, and after directing her to beat at least
the little girl, I went to the office and there reproved Will, who told
me that he went thither by my wife's order, she having commanded him to
come thither on Monday morning. Now God forgive me! how apt I am to be
jealous of her as to this fellow, and that she must needs take this time,
when she knows I must be gone out to the Duke, though methinks had she
that mind she would never think it discretion to tell me this story of
him, to let me know that he was there, much less to make me offended with
him, to forbid him coming again. But this cursed humour I cannot cool in
myself by all the reason I have, which God forgive me for, and convince
me of the folly of it, and the disquiet it brings me. So home, where,
God be thanked, when I came to speak to my wife my trouble of mind soon
vanished, and to bed. The house foul with the washing and quite out of
order against to-morrow's dinner.
12th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and at noon to
the 'Change awhile, and so home, getting things against dinner ready, and
anon comes my uncle Wight and my aunt, with their cozens Mary and Robert,
and by chance my uncle Thomas Pepys. We had a good dinner, the chief
dish a swan roasted, and that excellent meate. At, dinner and all day
very merry. After dinner to cards, where till evening, then to the
office a little, and to cards again with them, and lost half-a-crowne.
They being gone, my wife did tell me how my uncle did this day accost her
alone, and spoke of his hoping she was with child, and kissing her
earnestly told her he should be very glad of it, and from all
circumstances methinks he do seem to have some intention of good to us,
which I shall endeavour to continue more than ever I did yet. So to my
office till late, and then home to bed, after being at prayers, which is
the first time after my late vowe to say prayers in my family twice in
every week.
13th. Up and to my office a little, and then abroad to many several
places about business, among others to the geometrical instrument makers,
and through Bedlam (calling by the way at an old bookseller's and there
fell into looking over Spanish books and pitched upon some, till I
thought of my oathe when I was going to agree for them, and so with much
ado got myself out of the shop glad at my heart and so away) to the
African House to look upon their book of contracts for several
commodities for my information in the prices we give in the Navy. So to
the Coffee [house] where extraordinary good discourse of Dr. Whistler's'
upon my question concerning the keeping of masts, he arguing against
keeping them dry, by showing the nature of corruption in bodies and the
several ways thereof. So to the 'Change, and thence with Sir W. Rider to
the Trinity House to dinner, and then home and to my office till night,
and then with Mr. Bland to Sir T. Viner's about pieces of eight for Sir
J. Lawson, and so back to my office, and there late upon business, and so
home to supper and to bed.
14th. Up and to the office, where all the morning, and at noon all of
us, viz., Sir G. Carteret and Sir W. Batten at one end, and Mr. Coventry,
Sir J. Minnes and I (in the middle at the other end, being taught how to
sit there all three by my sitting so much the backwarder) at the other
end, to Sir G. Carteret's, and there dined well. Here I saw Mr. Scott,
the bastard that married his youngest daughter. Much pleasant talk at
table, and then up and to the office, where we sat long upon our design
of dividing the Controller's work into some of the rest of our hands for
the better doing of it, but he would not yield to it, though the simple
man knows in his heart that he do not do one part of it. So he taking
upon him to do it all we rose, I vexed at the heart to see the King's
service run after this manner, but it cannot be helped. Thence to the
Old James to the reference about Mr. Bland's business. Sir W. Rider
being now added to us, and I believe we shall soon come to some
determination in it. So home and to my office, did business, and then up
to Sir W. Pen and did express my trouble about this day's business, he
not being there, and plainly told him what I thought of it, and though I
know him a false fellow yet I adventured, as I have done often, to tell
him clearly my opinion of Sir W. Batten and his design in this business,
which is very bad. Hence home, and after a lecture to my wife in her
globes, to prayers and to bed.
15th. Up and to my office, where all the morning, and among other things
Mr. Turner with me, and I did tell him my mind about the Controller his
master and all the office, and my mind touching himself too, as he did
carry himself either well or ill to me and my clerks, which I doubt not
but it will operate well. Thence to the 'Change, and there met my uncle
Wight, who was very kind to me, and would have had me home with him, and
so kind that I begin to wonder and think something of it of good to me.
Thence home to dinner, and after dinner with Mr. Hater by water, and
walked thither and back again from Deptford, where I did do something
checking the iron business, but my chief business was my discourse with
Mr. Hater about what had passed last night and to-day about the office
business, and my resolution to do him all the good I can therein. So
home, and my wife tells me that my uncle Wight hath been with her, and
played at cards with her, and is mighty inquisitive to know whether she
is with child or no, which makes me wonder what his meaning is, and after
all my thoughts, I cannot think, unless it be in order to the making his
will, that he might know how to do by me, and I would to God my wife had
told him that she was.
16th. Up, and having paid some money in the morning to my uncle Thomas
on his yearly annuity, to the office, where we sat all the morning. At
noon I to the 'Change about some pieces of eight for Sir J. Lawson.
There I hear that Collonell Turner is found guilty of felony at the
Sessions in Mr. Tryan's business, which will save his life. So home and
met there J. Hasper come to see his kinswoman our Jane. I made much of
him and made him dine with us, he talking after the old simple manner
that he used to do. He being gone, I by water to Westminster Hall, and
there did see Mrs. Lane. . . . . So by coach home and to my office,
where Browne of the Minerys brought me an Instrument made of a Spyral
line very pretty for all questions in Arithmetique almost, but it must be
some use that must make me perfect in it. So home to supper and to bed,
with my mind 'un peu troubled pour ce que fait' to-day, but I hope it
will be 'la dernier de toute ma vie.'
17th (Lord's day). Up, and I and my wife to church, where Pembleton
appeared, which, God forgive me, did vex me, but I made nothing of it.
So home to dinner, and betimes my wife and I to the French church and
there heard a good sermon, the first time my wife and I were there ever
together. We sat by three sisters, all pretty women. It was pleasant to
hear the reader give notice to them, that the children to be catechized
next Sunday were them of Hounsditch and Blanche Chapiton. Thence home,
and there found Ashwell come to see my wife (we having called at her
lodging the other, day to speak with her about dressing my wife when my
Lord Sandwich dines here), and is as merry as ever, and speaks as
disconcerned for any difference between us on her going away as ever.
She being gone, my wife and I to see Sir W. Pen and there supped with him
much against my stomach, for the dishes were so deadly foule that I could
not endure to look upon them. So after supper home to prayers and to
bed.
18th. Up, being troubled to find my wife so ready to have me go out of
doors. God forgive me for my jealousy! but I cannot forbear, though God
knows I have no reason to do so, or to expect her being so true to me as
I would have her. I abroad to White Hall, where the Court all in
mourning for the Duchesse of Savoy. We did our business with the Duke,
and so I to W. Howe at my Lord's lodgings, not seeing my Lord, he being
abroad, and there I advised with W. Howe about my having my Lord to
dinner at my house, who likes it well, though it troubles me that I
should come to need the advice of such a boy, but for the present it is
necessary. Here I found Mr. Mallard, and had from him a common tune set
by my desire to the Lyra Vyall, which goes most admirably. Thence home
by coach to the 'Change, after having been at the Coffee-house, where I
hear Turner is found guilty of felony and burglary; and strange stories
of his confidence at the barr, but yet great indiscretion in his
argueing. All desirous of his being hanged. So home and found that Will
had been with my wife. But, Lord! why should I think any evil of that;
and yet I cannot forbear it. But upon enquiry, though I found no reason
of doubtfulness, yet I could not bring my nature to any quiet or content
in my wife all day and night, nor though I went with her to divert myself
at my uncle Wight's, and there we played at cards till 12 at night and
went home in a great shower of rain, it having not rained a great while
before. Here was one Mr. Benson, a Dutchman, played and supped with us,
that pretends to sing well, and I expected great matters but found
nothing to be pleased with at all. So home and to bed, yet troubled in
my mind.
19th. Up, without any kindness to my wife, and so to the office, where
we sat all the morning, and at noon I to the 'Change, and thence to Mr.
Cutler's with Sir W. Rider to dinner, and after dinner with him to the
Old James upon our reference of Mr. Bland's, and, having sat there upon
the business half an hour, broke up, and I home and there found Madame
Turner and her sister Dike come to see us, and staid chatting till night,
and so away, and I to my office till very late, and my eyes began to fail
me, and be in pain which I never felt to now-a-days, which I impute to
sitting up late writing and reading by candle-light. So home to supper
and to bed.
20th. Up and by coach to my Lord Sandwich's, and after long staying till
his coming down (he not sending for me up, but it may be he did not know
I was there), he came down, and I walked with him to the Tennis Court,
and there left him, seeing the King play. At his lodgings this morning
there came to him Mr. W. Montague's fine lady, which occasioned my Lord's
calling me to her about some business for a friend of hers preferred to
be a midshipman at sea. My Lord recommended the whole matter to me.
She is a fine confident lady, I think, but not so pretty as I once
thought her. My Lord did also seal a lease for the house he is now
taking in Lincoln's Inn Fields, which stands him in 250 per annum rent.
Thence by water to my brother's, whom I find not well in bed, sicke,
they think, of a consumption, and I fear he is not well, but do not
complain, nor desire to take anything. From him I visited Mr. Honiwood,
who is lame, and to thank him for his visit to me the other day, but we
were both abroad. So to Mr. Commander's in Warwicke Lane, to speak to
him about drawing up my will, which he will meet me about in a day or
two. So to the 'Change and walked home, thence with Sir Richard Ford,
who told me that Turner is to be hanged to-morrow, and with what
impudence he hath carried out his trial; but that last night, when he
brought him newes of his death, he began to be sober and shed some tears,
and he hopes will die a penitent; he having already confessed all the
thing, but says it was partly done for a joke, and partly to get an
occasion of obliging the old man by his care in getting him his things
again, he having some hopes of being the better by him in his estate at
his death. Home to dinner, and after dinner my wife and I by water,
which we have not done together many a day, that is not since last
summer, but the weather is now very warm, and left her at Axe Yard, and I
to White Hall, and meeting Mr. Pierce walked with him an hour in the
Matted Gallery; among other things he tells me that my Lady Castlemaine
is not at all set by by the King, but that he do doat upon Mrs. Stewart
only; and that to the leaving of all business in the world, and to the
open slighting of the Queene; that he values not who sees him or stands
by him while he dallies with her openly; and then privately in her
chamber below, where the very sentrys observe his going in and out; and
that so commonly, that the Duke or any of the nobles, when they would ask
where the King is, they will ordinarily say, "Is the King above, or
below?" meaning with Mrs. Stewart: that the King do not openly disown my
Lady Castlemaine, but that she comes to Court; but that my Lord
FitzHarding and the Hambletons,
[The three brothers, George Hamilton, James Hamilton, and the Count
Antoine Hamilton, author of the "Memoires de Grammont."]
and sometimes my Lord Sandwich, they say, have their snaps at her. But
he says my Lord Sandwich will lead her from her lodgings in the darkest
and obscurest manner, and leave her at the entrance into the Queene's
lodgings, that he might be the least observed; that the Duke of Monmouth
the King do still doat on beyond measure, insomuch that the King only,
the Duke of York, and Prince Rupert, and the Duke of Monmouth, do now
wear deep mourning, that is, long cloaks, for the Duchesse of Savoy; so
that he mourns as a Prince of the Blood, while the Duke of York do no
more, and all the nobles of the land not so much; which gives great
offence, and he says the Duke of York do consider. But that the Duke of
York do give himself up to business, and is like to prove a noble Prince;
and so indeed I do from my heart think he will. He says that it is
believed, as well as hoped, that care is taken to lay up a hidden
treasure of money by the King against a bad day. pray God it be so! but
I should be more glad that the King himself would look after business,
which it seems he do not in the least. By and by came by Mr. Coventry,
and so we broke off; and he and I took a turn or two and so parted, and
then my Lord Sandwich came upon me, to speak with whom my business of
coming again to-night to this ende of the town chiefly was, in order to
the seeing in what manner he received me, in order to my inviting him to
dinner to my house, but as well in the morning as now, though I did wait
upon him home and there offered occasion of talk with him, yet he treated
me, though with respect, yet as a stranger, without any of the intimacy
or friendship which he used to do, and which I fear he will never,
through his consciousness of his faults, ever do again. Which I must
confess do trouble me above anything in the world almost, though I
neither do need at present nor fear to need to be so troubled, nay, and
more, though I do not think that he would deny me any friendship now if I
did need it, but only that he has not the face to be free with me, but do
look upon me as a remembrancer of his former vanity, and an espy upon his
present practices, for I perceive that Pickering to-day is great with him
again, and that he has done a great courtesy for Mr. Pierce, the
chirurgeon, to a good value, though both these and none but these did I
mention by name to my Lord in the business which has caused all this
difference between my Lord and me. However, I am resolved to forbear my
laying out my money upon a dinner till I see him in a better posture, and
by grave and humble, though high deportment, to make him think I do not
want him, and that will make him the readier to admit me to his
friendship again, I believe the soonest of anything but downright
impudence, and thrusting myself, as others do, upon him, which yet I
cannot do, not [nor] will not endeavour. So home, calling with my wife to
see my brother again, who was up, and walks up and down the house pretty
well, but I do think he is in a consumption. Home, troubled in mind for
these passages with my Lord, but am resolved to better my case in my
business to make my stand upon my owne legs the better and to lay up as
well as to get money, and among other ways I will have a good fleece out
of Creed's coat ere it be long, or I will have a fall. So to my office
and did some business, and then home to supper and to bed, after I had by
candlelight shaved myself and cut off all my beard clear, which will make
my worke a great deal the less in shaving.
21st. Up, and after sending my wife to my aunt Wight's to get a place to
see Turner hanged, I to the office, where we sat all the morning, and at
noon going to the 'Change; and seeing people flock in the City, I
enquired, and found that Turner was not yet hanged. And so I went among
them to Leadenhall Street, at the end of Lyme Street, near where the
robbery was done; and to St. Mary Axe, where he lived. And there I got
for a shilling to stand upon the wheel of a cart, in great pain, above an
houre before the execution was done; he delaying the time by long
discourses and prayers one after another, in hopes of a reprieve; but
none came, and at last was flung off the ladder in his cloake. A comely-
looked man he was, and kept his countenance to the end: I was sorry to
see him. It was believed there were at least 12 or 14,000 people in the
street. So I home all in a sweat, and dined by myself, and after dinner
to the Old James, and there found Sir W. Rider and Mr. Cutler at dinner,
and made a second dinner with them, and anon came Mr. Bland and Custos,
and Clerke, and so we fell to the business of reference, and upon a
letter from Mr. Povy to Sir W. Rider and I telling us that the King is
concerned in it, we took occasion to fling off the business from off our
shoulders and would have nothing to do with it, unless we had power from
the King or Commissioners of Tangier, and I think it will be best for us
to continue of that mind, and to have no hand, it being likely to go
against the King. Thence to the Coffee-house, and heard the full of
Turner's discourse on the cart, which was chiefly to clear himself of all
things laid to his charge but this fault, for which he now suffers, which
he confesses. He deplored the condition of his family, but his chief
design was to lengthen time, believing still a reprieve would come,
though the sheriff advised him to expect no such thing, for the King was
resolved to grant none. After that I had good discourse with a pretty
young merchant with mighty content. So to my office and did a little
business, and then to my aunt Wight's to fetch my wife home, where Dr.
Burnett did tell me how poorly the sheriffs did endeavour to get one
jewell returned by Turner, after he was convicted, as a due to them, and
not to give it to Mr. Tryan, the true owner, but ruled against them, to
their great dishonour. Though they plead it might be another jewell for
ought they know and not Tryan's. After supper home, and my wife tells me
mighty stories of my uncle's fond and kind discourses to her to-day,
which makes me confident that he has thoughts of kindness for us, he
repeating his desire for her to be with child, for it cannot enter into
my head that he should have any unworthy thoughts concerning her. After
doing some business at my office, I home to supper, prayers, and to bed.
22nd. Up, and it being a brave morning, with a gaily to Woolwich, and
there both at the Ropeyarde and the other yarde did much business, and
thence to Greenwich to see Mr. Pett and others value the carved work of
the "Henrietta" (God knows in an ill manner for the King), and so to
Deptford, and there viewed Sir W. Petty's vessel; which hath an odd
appearance, but not such as people do make of it, for I am of the opinion
that he would never have discoursed so much of it, if it were not better
than other vessels, and so I believe that he was abused the other day, as
he is now, by tongues that I am sure speak before they know anything good
or bad of her. I am sorry to find his ingenuity discouraged so. So
home, reading all the way a good book, and so home to dinner, and after
dinner a lesson on the globes to my wife, and so to my office till 10 or
11 o'clock at night, and so home to supper and to bed.
23rd. Up, and to the office, where we sat all the morning. At noon home
to dinner, where Mr. Hawly came to see us and dined with us, and after we
had dined came Mr. Mallard, and after he had eat something, I brought
down my vyall which he played on, the first maister that ever touched her
yet, and she proves very well and will be, I think, an admirable
instrument. He played some very fine things of his owne, but I was
afeard to enter too far in their commendation for fear he should offer to
copy them for me out, and so I be forced to give or lend him something.
So to the office in the evening, whither Mr. Commander came to me, and we
discoursed about my will, which I am resolved to perfect the next week by
the grace of God. He being gone, I to write letters and other business
late, and so home to supper and to bed.
24th (Lord's day). Lay long in bed, and then up, and being desirous to
perform my vowes that I lately made, among others, to be performed this
month, I did go to my office, and there fell on entering, out of a bye-
book, part of my second journall-book, which hath lain these two years
and more unentered. Upon this work till dinner, and after dinner to it
again till night, and then home to supper, and after supper to read a
lecture to my wife upon the globes, and so to prayers and to bed. This
evening also I drew up a rough draught of my last will to my mind.
25th. Up and by coach to Whitehall to my Lord's lodgings, and seeing
that knowing that I was in the house, my Lord did not nevertheless send
for me up, I did go to the Duke's lodgings, and there staid while he was
making ready, in which time my Lord Sandwich came, and so all into his
closet and did our common business, and so broke up, and I homeward by
coach with Sir W. Batten, and staid at Warwicke Lane and there called
upon Mr. Commander and did give him my last will and testament to write
over in form, and so to the 'Change, where I did several businesses. So
home to dinner, and after I had dined Luellin came and we set him
something to eat, and I left him there with my wife, and to the office
upon a particular meeting of the East India Company, where I think I did
the King good service against the Company in the business of their
sending our ships home empty from the Indies contrary to their contract,
and yet, God forgive me! I found that I could be willing to receive a
bribe if it were offered me to conceal my arguments that I found against
them, in consideration that none of my fellow officers, whose duty it is
more than mine, had ever studied the case, or at this hour do understand
it, and myself alone must do it. That being done Mr. Povy and Bland came
to speak with me about their business of the reference, wherein I shall
have some more trouble, but cannot help it, besides I hope to make some
good use of Mr. Povy to my advantage. So home after business done at my
office, to supper, and then to the globes with my wife, and so to bed.
Troubled a little in mind that my Lord Sandwich should continue this
strangeness to me that methinks he shows me now a days more than while
the thing was fresh.
26th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning. At noon to
the 'Change, after being at the Coffee-house, where I sat by Tom
Killigrew, who told us of a fire last night in my Lady Castlemaine's
lodging, where she bid L40 for one to adventure the fetching of a cabinet
out, which at last was got to be done; and the fire at last quenched
without doing much wrong. To 'Change and there did much business, so
home to dinner, and then to the office all the afternoon. And so at
night my aunt Wight and Mrs. Buggin came to sit with my wife, and I in to
them all the evening, my uncle coming afterward, and after him Mr. Benson
the Dutchman, a frank, merry man. We were very merry and played at cards
till late and so broke up and to bed in good hopes that this my
friendship with my uncle and aunt will end well.
27th. Up and to the office, and at noon to the Coffeehouse, where I sat
with Sir G. Ascue
[Sir George Ayscue or Askew. After his return from his imprisonment
he declined to go to sea again, although he was twice afterwards
formally appointed. He sat on the court-martial on the loss of the
"Defiance" in 1668.]
and Sir William Petty, who in discourse is, methinks, one of the most
rational men that ever I heard speak with a tongue, having all his
notions the most distinct and clear, and, among other things (saying,
that in all his life these three books were the most esteemed and
generally cried up for wit in the world "Religio Medici," "Osborne's
Advice to a Son,"
[Francis Osborne, an English writer of considerable abilities and
popularity, was the author of "Advice to a Son," in two parts,
Oxford, 1656-8, 8vo. He died in 1659. He is the same person
mentioned as "My Father Osborne," October 19th, 1661.--B.]
and "Hudibras "), did say that in these--in the two first principally--the
wit lies, and confirming some pretty sayings, which are generally like
paradoxes, by some argument smartly and pleasantly urged, which takes
with people who do not trouble themselves to examine the force of an
argument, which pleases them in the delivery, upon a subject which they
like; whereas, as by many particular instances of mine, and others, out
of Osborne, he did really find fault and weaken the strength of many of
Osborne's arguments, so as that in downright disputation they would not
bear weight; at least, so far, but that they might be weakened, and
better found in their rooms to confirm what is there said. He shewed
finely whence it happens that good writers are not admired by the present
age; because there are but few in any age that do mind anything that is
abstruse and curious; and so longer before any body do put the true
praise, and set it on foot in the world, the generality of mankind
pleasing themselves in the easy delights of the world, as eating,
drinking, dancing, hunting, fencing, which we see the meanest men do the
best, those that profess it. A gentleman never dances so well as the
dancing master, and an ordinary fiddler makes better musique for a
shilling than a gentleman will do after spending forty, and so in all the
delights of the world almost. Thence to the 'Change, and after doing
much business, home, taking Commissioner Pett with me, and all alone
dined together. He told me many stories of the yard, but I do know him
so well, and had his character given me this morning by Hempson, as well
as my own too of him before, that I shall know how to value any thing he
says either of friendship or other business. He was mighty serious with
me in discourse about the consequence of Sir W. Petty's boat, as the most
dangerous thing in the world, if it should be practised by endangering
our losse of the command of the seas and our trade, while the Turkes and
others shall get the use of them, which, without doubt, by bearing more
sayle will go faster than any other ships, and, not being of burden, our
merchants cannot have the use of them and so will be at the mercy of
their enemies. So that I perceive he is afeard that the honour of his
trade will down, though (which is a truth) he pretends this consideration
to hinder the growth of this invention. He being gone my wife and I took
coach and to Covent Garden, to buy a maske at the French House, Madame
Charett's, for my wife; in the way observing the streete full of coaches
at the new play, "The Indian Queene;" which for show, they say, exceeds
"Henry the Eighth." Thence back to Mrs. Turner's and sat a while with
them talking of plays and I know not what, and so called to see Tom, but
not at home, though they say he is in a deep consumption, and Mrs. Turner
and Dike and they say he will not live two months to an end. So home and
to the office, and then to supper and to bed.
28th. Up and to the office, where all the morning sitting, and at noon
upon several things to the 'Change, and thence to Sir G. Carteret's to
dinner of my own accord, and after dinner with Mr. Wayth down to Deptford
doing several businesses, and by land back again, it being very cold, the
boat meeting me after my staying a while for him at an alehouse by
Redriffe stairs. So home, and took Will coming out of my doors, at which
I was a little moved, and told my wife of her keeping him from the office
(though God knows my base jealous head was the cause of it), which she
seemed troubled at, and that it was only to discourse with her about
finding a place for her brother. So I to my office late, Mr. Commander
coming to read over my will in order to the engrossing it, and so he
being gone I to other business, among others chiefly upon preparing
matters against Creed for my profit, and so home to supper and bed, being
mightily troubled with my left eye all this evening from some dirt that
is got into it.
29th. Up, and after shaving myself (wherein twice now, one after
another, I have cut myself much, but I think it is from the bluntness of
the razor) there came Mr. Deane to me and staid with me a while talking
about masts, wherein he prepared me in several things against Mr. Wood,
and also about Sir W. Petty's boat, which he says must needs prove a
folly, though I do not think so unless it be that the King will not have
it encouraged. At noon, by appointment, comes Mr. Hartlibb and his wife,
and a little before them Messrs. Langley and Bostocke (old acquaintances
of mine at Westminster, clerks), and after shewing them my house and
drinking they set out by water, my wife and I with them down to Wapping
on board the "Crowne," a merchantman, Captain Floyd, a civil person.
Here was Vice-Admiral Goodson, whom the more I know the more I value for
a serious man and staunch. Here was Whistler the flagmaker, which vexed
me, but it mattered not. Here was other sorry company and the discourse
poor, so that we had no pleasure there at all, but only to see and bless
God to find the difference that is now between our condition and that
heretofore, when we were not only much below Hartlibb in all respects,
but even these two fellows above named, of whom I am now quite ashamed
that ever my education should lead me to such low company, but it is
God's goodness only, for which let him be praised. After dinner I. broke
up and with my wife home, and thence to the Fleece in Cornhill, by
appointment, to meet my Lord Marlborough, a serious and worthy gentleman,
who, after doing our business, about the company, he and they began to
talk of the state of the Dutch in India, which is like to be in a little
time without any controll; for we are lost there, and the Portuguese as.
bad. Thence to the Coffee-house, where good discourse, specially of Lt.-
Coll. Baron touching the manners of the Turkes' Government, among whom he
lived long. So to my uncle Wight's, where late playing at cards, and so
home.
30th. Up, and a sorry sermon of a young fellow I knew at Cambridge; but
the day kept solemnly for the King's murder, and all day within doors
making up my Brampton papers, and in the evening Mr. Commander came and
we made perfect and signed and sealed my last will and testament, which
is so to my mind, and I hope to the liking of God Almighty, that I take
great joy in myself that it is done, and by that means my mind in a good
condition of quiett. At night to supper and to bed. This evening, being
in a humour of making all things even and clear in the world, I tore some
old papers; among others, a romance which (under the title of "Love a
Cheate ") I begun ten years ago at Cambridge; and at this time reading it
over to-night I liked it very well, and wondered a little at myself at my
vein at that time when I wrote it, doubting that I cannot do so well now
if I would try.
31st (Lord's day). Up, and in my chamber all day long (but a little at
dinner) settling all my Brampton accounts to this day in very good order,
I having obliged myself by oathe to do that and some other things within
this month, and did also perfectly prepare a state of my estate and
annexed it to my last will and testament, which now is perfect, and,
lastly, I did make up my monthly accounts, and find that I have gained
above L50 this month clear, and so am worth L858 clear, which is the
greatest sum I ever yet was master of, and also read over my usual vowes,
as I do every Lord's day, but with greater seriousness than ordinary, and
I do hope that every day I shall see more and more the pleasure of
looking after my business and laying up of money, and blessed be God for
what I have already been enabled by his grace to do. So to supper and to
bed with my mind in mighty great ease and content, but my head very full
of thoughts and business to dispatch this next month also, and among
others to provide for answering to the Exchequer for my uncle's being
Generall-Receiver in the year 1647, which I am at present wholly unable
to do, but I must find time to look over all his papers.
DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS.
FEBRUARY
1663-1664
February 1st. Up (my maids rising early this morning to washing), and
being ready I found Mr. Strutt the purser below with 12 bottles of sacke,
and tells me (which from Sir W. Batten I had heard before) how young Jack
Davis has railed against Sir W. Batten for his endeavouring to turn him
out of his place, at which for the fellow's sake, because it will likely
prove his ruin, I am sorry, though I do believe he is a very arch rogue.
I took Strutt by coach with me to White Hall, where I set him down, and I
to my Lord's, but found him gone out betimes to the Wardrobe, which I am
glad to see that he so attends his business, though it troubles me that
my counsel to my prejudice must be the cause of it. They tell me that he
goes into the country next week, and that the young ladies come up this
week before the old lady.[?? D.W.] Here I hear how two men last night,
justling for the wall about the New Exchange, did kill one another, each
thrusting the other through; one of them of the King's Chappell, one
Cave, and the other a retayner of my Lord Generall Middleton's. Thence
to White Hall; where, in the Duke's chamber, the King came and stayed an
hour or two laughing at Sir W. Petty, who was there about his boat; and
at Gresham College in general; at which poor Petty was, I perceive, at
some loss; but did argue discreetly, and bear the unreasonable follies of
the King's objections and other bystanders with great discretion; and
offered to take oddes against the King's best boates; but the King would
not lay, but cried him down with words only. Gresham College he mightily
laughed at, for spending time only in weighing of ayre, and doing nothing
else since they sat. Thence to Westminster Hall, and there met with
diverse people, it being terme time. Among others I spoke with Mrs.
Lane, of whom I doubted to hear something of the effects of our last
meeting about a fortnight or three weeks ago, but to my content did not.
Here I met with Mr. Pierce, who tells me of several passages at Court,
among others how the King, coming the other day to his Theatre to see
"The Indian Queene" (which he commends for a very fine thing), my Lady
Castlemaine was in the next box before he came; and leaning over other
ladies awhile to whisper to the King, she rose out of the box and went
into the King's, and set herself on the King's right hand, between the
King and the Duke of York; which, he swears, put the King himself, as
well as every body else, out of countenance; and believes that she did it
only to show the world that she is not out of favour yet, as was
believed. Thence with Alderman Maynell by his coach to the 'Change, and
there with several people busy, and so home to dinner, and took my wife
out immediately to the King's Theatre, it being a new month, and once a
month I may go, and there saw "The Indian Queene" acted; which indeed is
a most pleasant show, and beyond my expectation; the play good, but
spoiled with the ryme, which breaks the sense. But above my expectation
most, the eldest Marshall did do her part most excellently well as I ever
heard woman in my life; but her voice not so sweet as Ianthe's; but,
however, we came home mightily contented. Here we met Mr. Pickering and
his mistress, Mrs. Doll Wilde; he tells me that the business runs high
between the Chancellor and my Lord Bristoll against the Parliament; and
that my Lord Lauderdale and Cooper open high against the Chancellor;
which I am sorry for. In my way home I 'light and to the Coffee-house,
where I heard Lt. Coll. Baron tell very good stories of his travels over
the high hills in Asia above the clouds, how clear the heaven is above
them, how thicke like a mist the way is through the cloud that wets like
a sponge one's clothes, the ground above the clouds all dry and parched,
nothing in the world growing, it being only a dry earth, yet not so hot
above as below the clouds. The stars at night most delicate bright and a
fine clear blue sky, but cannot see the earth at any time through the
clouds, but the clouds look like a world below you. Thence home and to
supper, being hungry, and so to the office, did business, specially about
Creed, for whom I am now pretty well fitted, and so home to bed. This
day in Westminster Hall W. Bowyer told me that his father is dead lately,
and died by being drowned in the river, coming over in the night; but he
says he had not been drinking. He was taken with his stick in his hand
and cloake over his shoulder, as ruddy as before he died. His horse was
taken overnight in the water, hampered in the bridle, but they were so
silly as not to look for his master till the next morning, that he was
found drowned.
2nd. Up and to the office, where, though Candlemas day, Mr. Coventry and
Sir W. Pen and I all the morning, the others being at a survey at
Deptford. At noon by coach to the 'Change with Mr. Coventry, thence to
the Coffee-house with Captain Coeke, who discoursed well of the good
effects in some kind of a Dutch warr and conquest (which I did not
consider before, but the contrary) that is, that the trade of the world
is too little for us two, therefore one must down: 2ndly, that though our
merchants will not be the better husbands by all this, yet our wool will
bear a better price by vaunting of our cloths, and by that our tenants
will be better able to pay rents, and our lands will be more worth, and
all our owne manufactures, which now the Dutch outvie us in; that he
thinks the Dutch are not in so good a condition as heretofore because of
want of men always, and now from the warrs against the Turke more than
ever. Then to the 'Change again, and thence off to the Sun Taverne with
Sir W. Warren, and with him discoursed long, and had good advice, and
hints from him, and among other things he did give me a payre of gloves
for my wife wrapt up in paper, which I would not open, feeling it hard;
but did tell him that my wife should thank him, and so went on in
discourse. When I came home, Lord! in what pain I was to get my wife out
of the room without bidding her go, that I might see what these gloves
were; and, by and by, she being gone, it proves a payre of white gloves
for her and forty pieces in good gold, which did so cheer my heart, that
I could eat no victuals almost for dinner for joy to think how God do
bless us every day more and more, and more yet I hope he will upon the
increase of my duty and endeavours. I was at great losse what to do,
whether tell my wife of it or no, which I could hardly forbear, but yet I
did and will think of it first before I do, for fear of making her think
me to be in a better condition, or in a better way of getting money, than
yet I am. After dinner to the office, where doing infinite of business
till past to at night to the comfort of my mind, and so home with joy to
supper and to bed. This evening Mr. Hempson came and told me how Sir W,
Batten his master will not hear of continuing him in his employment as
Clerk of the Survey at Chatham, from whence of a sudden he has removed
him without any new or extraordinary cause, and I believe (as he himself
do in part write, and J. Norman do confess) for nothing but for that he
was twice with me the other day and did not wait upon him. So much he
fears me and all that have to do with me. Of this more in the Mem. Book
of my office upon this day, there I shall find it.
3rd. Up, and after a long discourse with my cozen Thomas Pepys, the
executor, I with my wife by coach to Holborn, where I 'light, and she to
her father's, I to the Temple and several places, and so to the 'Change,
where much business, and then home to dinner alone; and so to the Mitre
Taverne by appointment (and there met by chance with W. Howe come to buy
wine for my Lord against his going down to Hinchingbroke, and I private
with him a great while discoursing of my Lord's strangeness to me; but he
answers that I have no reason to think any such thing, but that my Lord
is only in general a more reserved man than he was before) to meet Sir W.
Rider and Mr. Clerke, and there after much ado made an end, giving Mr.
Custos L202 against Mr. Bland, which I endeavoured to bring down but
could not, and think it is well enough ended for Mr. Bland for all that.
Thence by coach to fetch my wife from her brother's, and found her gone
home. Called at Sir Robert Bernard's about surrendering my estate in
reversion to the use of my life, which will be done, and at Roger Pepys,
who was gone to bed in pain of a boyle that he could not sit or stand.
So home, where my wife is full of sad stories of her good-natured father
and roguish brother, who is going for Holland and his wife, to be a
soldier. And so after a little at the office to bed. This night late
coming in my coach, coming up Ludgate Hill, I saw two gallants and their
footmen taking a pretty wench, which I have much eyed, lately set up shop
upon the hill, a seller of riband and gloves. They seek to drag her by
some force, but the wench went, and I believe had her turn served, but,
God forgive me! what thoughts and wishes I had of being in their place.
In Covent Garden to-night, going to fetch home my wife, I stopped at the
great Coffee-house' there, where I never was before; where Dryden the
poet (I knew at Cambridge), and all the wits of the town, and Harris the
player, and Mr. Hoole of our College. And had I had time then, or could
at ether times, it will be good coming thither, for there, I perceive, is
very witty and pleasant discourse. But I could not tarry, and as it was
late, they were all ready to go away.
4th. Up and to the office, where after a while sitting, I left the board
upon pretence of serious business, and by coach to Paul's School, where I
heard some good speeches of the boys that were to be elected this year.
Thence by and by with Mr. Pullen and Barnes (a great Non-Conformist) with
several others of my old acquaintance to the Nag's Head Taverne, and
there did give them a bottle of sacke, and away again and I to the
School, and up to hear the upper form examined; and there was kept by
very many of the Mercers, Clutterbucke, a Barker, Harrington, and others;
and with great respect used by them all, and had a noble dinner. Here
they tell me, that in Dr. Colett's will he says that he would have a
Master found for the School that hath good skill in Latin, and (if it
could be) one that had some knowledge of the Greeke; so little was Greeke
known here at that time. Dr. Wilkins and one Mr. Smallwood, Posers.
After great pleasure there, and specially to Mr. Crumlum, so often to
tell of my being a benefactor to the School, I to my bookseller's and
there spent an hour looking over Theatrum Urbium and Flandria illustrata,
with excellent cuts, with great content. So homeward, and called at my
little milliner's, where I chatted with her, her husband out of the way,
and a mad merry slut she is. So home to the office, and by and by comes
my wife home from the burial of Captain Grove's wife at Wapping (she
telling me a story how her mayd Jane going into the boat did fall down
and show her arse in the boat), and alone comes my uncle Wight and Mr.
Maes with the state of their case, which he told me very discreetly, and
I believe is a very hard one, and so after drinking a bottle of ale or
two they gone, and I a little more to the office, and so home to prayers
and to bed. This evening I made an end of my letter to Creed about his
pieces of eight, and sent it away to him. I pray God give good end to it
to bring me some money, and that duly as from him.
5th. Up, and down by water, a brave morning, to Woolwich, and there
spent an houre or two to good purpose, and so walked to Greenwich and
thence to Deptford, where I found (with Sir W. Batten upon a survey) Sir
J. Minnes, Sir W. Pen, and my Lady Batten come down and going to dinner.
I dined with them, and so after dinner by water home, all the way going
and coming reading" Faber Fortunae," which I can never read too often.
At home a while with my wife, and so to my office, where till 8 o'clock,
and then home to look over some Brampton papers, and my uncle's accounts
as Generall-Receiver of the County for 1647 of our monthly assessment,
which, contrary to my expectation, I found in such good order and so,
thoroughly that I did not expect, nor could have thought, and that being
done, having seen discharges for every farthing of money he received, I
went to bed late with great quiett.
6th. Up, and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and so at noon
to the 'Change, where I met Mr. Coventry, the first time I ever saw him
there, and after a little talke with him and other merchants, I up and
down about several businesses, and so home, whither came one Father
Fogourdy, an Irish priest, of my wife's and her mother's acquaintance in
France, a sober, discreet person, but one that I would not have converse
with my wife for fear of meddling with her religion, but I like the man
well. Thence with my wife abroad, and left her at Tom's, while I abroad
about several businesses and so back to her, myself being vexed to find
at my first coming Tom abroad, and all his books, papers, and bills loose
upon the open table in the parlour, and he abroad, which I ranted at him
for when he came in. Then by coach home, calling at my cozen Scott's,
who (she) lies dying, they say, upon a miscarriage. My wife could not be
admitted to see her, nor anybody. At home to the office late writing
letters, and then home to supper and to bed. Father Fogourdy confirms to
me the newes that for certain there is peace between the Pope and King of
France.
7th (Lord's day). Up and to church, and thence home, my wife being ill .
. . . kept her bed all day, and I up and dined by her bedside, and
then all the afternoon till late at night writing some letters of
business to my father stating of matters to him in general of great
import, and other letters to ease my mind in the week days that I have
not time to think of, and so up to my wife, and with great mirth read Sir
W. Davenant's two speeches in dispraise of London and Paris, by way of
reproach one to another, and so to prayers and to bed.
8th. Up, and by coach called upon Mr. Phillips, and after a little talk
with him away to my Lord Sandwich's, but he being gone abroad, I staid a
little and talked with Mr. Howe, and so to Westminster in term time, and
there met Mr. Pierce, who told me largely how the King still do doat upon
his women, even beyond all shame; and that the good Queen will of herself
stop before she goes sometimes into her dressing-room, till she knows
whether the King be there, for fear he should be, as she hath sometimes
taken him, with Mrs. Stewart; and that some of the best parts of the
Queen's joynture are, contrary to faith, and against the opinion of my
Lord Treasurer and his Council, bestowed or rented, I know not how, to my
Lord Fitz-Harding and Mrs. Stewart, and others of that crew that the King
do doat infinitely upon the Duke of Monmouth, apparently as one that he
intends to have succeed him. God knows what will be the end of it!
After he was gone I went and talked with Mrs. Lane about persuading her
to Hawly, and think she will come on, which I wish were done, and so to
Mr. Howlett and his wife, and talked about the same, and they are
mightily for it, and I bid them promote it, for I think it will be for
both their goods and my content. But I was much pleased to look upon
their pretty daughter, which is grown a pretty mayd, and will make a fine
modest woman. Thence to the 'Change by coach, and after some business
done, home to dinner, and thence to Guildhall, thinking to have heard
some pleading, but there were no Courts, and so to Cade's, the stationer,
and there did look upon some pictures which he promised to give me the
buying of, but I found he would have played the Jacke with me, but at
last he did proffer me what I expected, and I have laid aside L10 or L12
worth, and will think of it, but I am loth to lay out so much money upon
them. So home a little vexed in my mind to think how to-day I was forced
to compliment W. Howe and admit myself to an equality with Mr. Moore,
which is come to challenge in his discourse with me, but I will admit it
no more, but let me stand or fall, I will show myself as strange to them
as my Lord do himself to me. After at the office till 9 o'clock, I home
in fear of some pain by taking cold, and so to supper and to bed.
9th. Up and to the office, where sat all the morning. At noon by coach
with Mr. Coventry to the 'Change, where busy with several people. Great
talke of the Dutch proclaiming themselves in India, Lords of the Southern
Seas, and deny traffick there to all ships but their owne, upon pain of
confiscation; which makes our merchants mad. Great doubt of two ships of
ours, the "Greyhound" and another, very rich, coming from the Streights,
for fear of the Turkes. Matters are made up between the Pope and the
King of France; so that now all the doubt is, what the French will do
with their armies. Thence home, and there found Captain Grove in
mourning for his wife, and Hawly, and they dined with me. After dinner,
and Grove gone, Hawly and I talked of his mistress, Mrs. Lane, and I
seriously advising him and inquiring his condition, and do believe that I
shall bring them together. By and by comes Mr. Moore, with whom much
good discourse of my Lord, and among other things told me that my Lord is
mightily altered, that is, grown very high and stately, and do not admit
of any to come into his chamber to him, as heretofore, and that I must
not think much of his strangeness to me, for it was the same he do to
every body, and that he would not have me be solicitous in the matter,
but keep off and give him now and then a visit and no more, for he says
he himself do not go to him now a days but when he sends for him, nor
then do not stay for him if he be not there at the hour appointed, for,
says he, I do find that I can stand upon my own legs and I will not by
any over submission make myself cheap to any body and contemptible,
which was the doctrine of the world that I lacked most, and shall follow
it. I discoursed with him about my money that my Lord hath, and the
L1000 that I stand bound with him in, to my cozen Thomas Pepys, in both
which I will get myself at liberty as soon as I can; for I do not like
his being angry and in debt both together to me; and besides, I do not
perceive he looks after paying his debts, but runs farther and farther
in. He being gone, my wife and I did walk an houre or two above in our
chamber, seriously talking of businesses. I told her my Lord owed me
L700, and shewed her the bond, and how I intended to carry myself to my
Lord. She and I did cast about how to get Captain Grove for my sister,
in which we are mighty earnest at present, and I think it would be a good
match, and will endeavour it. So to my office a while, then home to
supper and to bed.
10th. Up, and by coach to my Lord Sandwich, to his new house, a fine
house, but deadly dear, in Lincoln's Inne Fields, where I found and spoke
a little to him. He is high and strange still, but did ask me how my
wife did, and at parting remembered him to his cozen, which I thought was
pretty well, being willing to flatter myself that in time he will be well
again. Thence home straight and busy all the forenoon, and at noon with
Mr. Bland to Mr. Povy's, but he being at dinner and full of company we
retreated and went into Fleet Street to a friend of his, and after a
long stay, he telling me the long and most perplexed story of Coronell
and Bushell's business of sugars, wherein Parke and Green and Mr. Bland
and 40 more have been so concerned about the King of Portugal's duties,
wherein every party has laboured to cheat another, a most pleasant and
profitable story to hear, and in the close made me understand Mr. Maes'
business better than I did before. By and by dinner came, and after
dinner and good discourse that and such as I was willing for improvement
sake to hear, I went away too to White Hall to a Committee of Tangier,
where I took occasion to demand of Creed whether he had received my
letter, and he told me yes, and that he would answer it, which makes me
much wonder what he means to do with me, but I will be even with him
before I have done, let him make as light of it as he will. Thence to
the Temple, where my cozen Roger Pepys did show me a letter my Father
wrote to him last Terme to shew me, proposing such things about Sturtlow
and a portion for Pall, and I know not what, that vexes me to see him
plotting how to put me to trouble and charge, and not thinking to pay our
debts and legacys, but I will write him a letter will persuade him to be
wiser. So home, and finding my wife abroad (after her coming home from
being with my aunt Wight to-day to buy Lent provisions) gone with Will to
my brother's, I followed them by coach, but found them not, for they were
newly gone home from thence, which troubled me. I to Sir Robert
Bernard's chamber, and there did surrender my reversion in Brampton lands
to the use of my will, which I was glad to have done, my will being now
good in all parts. Thence homewards, calling a little at the Coffee-
house, where a little merry discourse, and so home, where I found my
wife, who says she went to her father's to be satisfied about her
brother, who I found at my house with her. He is going this next tide
with his wife into Holland to seek his fortune. He had taken his leave
of us this morning. I did give my wife 10s. to give him, and a coat that
I had by me, a close-bodied light-coloured cloth coat, with a gold
edgeing in each seam, that was the lace of my wife's best pettycoat that
she had when I married her. I staid not there, but to my office, where
Stanes the glazier was with me till to at night making up his contract,
and, poor man, I made him almost mad through a mistake of mine, but did
afterwards reconcile all, for I would not have the man that labours to
serve the King so cheap above others suffer too much. He gone I did a
little business more, and so home to supper and to bed, being now pretty
well again, the weather being warm. My pain do leave me without coming
to any great excesse, but my cold that I had got I suppose was not very
great, it being only the leaving of my wastecoat unbuttoned one morning.
11th. Up, after much pleasant discourse with my wife, and to the office,
where we sat all the morning, and did much business, and some much to my
content by prevailing against Sir W. Batten for the King's profit. At
noon home to dinner, my wife and I hand to fist to a very fine pig. This
noon Mr. Falconer came and visited my wife, and brought her a present, a
silver state-cup and cover, value about L3 or L4, for the courtesy I did
him the other day. He did not stay dinner with me. I am almost sorry
for this present, because I would have reserved him for a place to go in
summer a-visiting at Woolwich with my wife.
12th. Up, and ready, did find below Mr. Creed's boy with a letter from
his master for me. So I fell to reading it, and it is by way of stating
the case between S. Pepys and J. Creed most excellently writ, both
showing his stoutness and yet willingness to peace, reproaching me yet
flattering me again, and in a word in as good a manner as I think the
world could have wrote, and indeed put me to a greater stand than ever I
thought I could have been in this matter. All the morning thinking how
to behave myself in the business, and at noon to the Coffee-house; thence
by his appointment met him upon the 'Change, and with him back to the
Coffee-house, where with great seriousness and strangeness on both sides
he said his part and I mine, he sometimes owning my favour and
assistance, yet endeavouring to lessen it, as that the success of his
business was not wholly or very much to be imputed to that assistance: I
to alledge the contrary, and plainly to tell him that from the beginning
I never had it in my mind to do him all that kindnesse for nothing, but
he gaining 5 or L600, I did expect a share of it, at least a real and not
a complimentary acknowledgment of it. In fine I said nothing all the
while that I need fear he can do me more hurt with them than before I
spoke them. The most I told him was after we were come to a peace, which
he asked me whether he should answer the Board's letter or no. I told
him he might forbear it a while and no more. Then he asked how the
letter could be signed by them without their much enquiry. I told him it
was as I worded it and nothing at all else of any moment, whether my
words be ever hereafter spoken of again or no. So that I have the same
neither better nor worse force over him that I had before, if he should
not do his part. And the peace between us was this: Says he after all,
well, says he, I know you will expect, since there must be some
condescension, that it do become me to begin it, and therefore, says he,
I do propose (just like the interstice between the death of the old and
the coming in of the present king, all the time is swallowed up as if it
had never been) so our breach of friendship may be as if it had never
been, that I should lay aside all misapprehensions of him or his first
letter, and that he would reckon himself obliged to show the same
ingenuous acknowledgment of my love and service to him as at the
beginning he ought to have done, before by my first letter I did (as he
well observed) put him out of a capacity of doing it, without seeming to
do it servilely, and so it rests, and I shall expect how he will deal
with me. After that I began to be free, and both of us to discourse of
other things, and he went home with me and dined with me and my wife and
very pleasant, having a good dinner and the opening of my lampry (cutting
a notch on one side), which proved very good. After dinner he and I to
Deptford, walking all the way, where we met Sir W. Petty and I took him
back, and I got him to go with me to his vessel and discourse it over to
me, which he did very well, and then walked back together to the
waterside at Redriffe, with good discourse all the way. So Creed and I
by boat to my house, and thence to coach with my wife and called at
Alderman Backewell's and there changed Mr. Falconer's state-cup, that he
did give us the other day, for a fair tankard. The cup weighed with the
fashion L5 16s., and another little cup that Joyce Norton did give us
17s., both L6 13s.; for which we had the tankard, which came to L6 10s.,
at 5s. 7d. per oz., and 3s. in money, and with great content away thence
to my brother's, Creed going away there, and my brother bringing me the
old silk standard that I lodged there long ago, and then back again home,
and thence, hearing that my uncle Wight had been at my house, I went to
him to the Miter, and there with him and Maes, Norbury, and Mr. Rawlinson
till late eating some pot venison (where the Crowne earthen pot pleased
me mightily), and then homewards and met Mr. Barrow, so back with him to
the Miter and sat talking about his business of his discontent in the
yard, wherein sometimes he was very foolish and pettish, till 12 at
night, and so went away, and I home and up to my wife a-bed, with my mind
ill at ease whether I should think that I had by this made myself a bad
end by missing the certainty of L100 which I proposed to myself so much,
or a good one by easing myself of the uncertain good effect but the
certain trouble and reflection which must have fallen on me if we had
proceeded to a public dispute, ended besides embarking myself against my
Lord, who (which I had forgot) had given him his hand for the value of
the pieces of eight at his rates which were all false, which by the way I
shall take heed to the giving of my Lord notice of it hereafter whenever
he goes out again.
13th. Up, and after I had told my wife in the morning in bed the
passages yesterday with Creed my head and heart was mightily lighter than
they were before, and so up and to the office, and thence, after sitting,
at 11 o'clock with Mr. Coventry to the African House, and there with Sir
W. Ryder by agreement we looked over part of my Lord Peterborough's
accounts, these being by Creed and Vernaty. Anon down to dinner to a
table which Mr. Coventry keeps here, out of his L300 per annum as one of
the Assistants to the Royall Company, a very pretty dinner, and good
company, and excellent discourse, and so up again to our work for an hour
till the Company came to having a meeting of their own, and so we broke
up and Creed and I took coach and to Reeves, the perspective glass maker,
and there did indeed see very excellent microscopes, which did discover a
louse or mite or sand most perfectly and largely. Being sated with that
we went away (yet with a good will were it not for my obligation to have
bought one) and walked to the New Exchange, and after a turn or two and
talked I took coach and home, and so to my office, after I had been with
my wife and saw her day's work in ripping the silke standard, which we
brought home last night, and it will serve to line a bed, or for twenty
uses, to our great content. And there wrote fair my angry letter to my
father upon that that he wrote to my cozen Roger Pepys, which I hope will
make him the more carefull to trust to my advice for the time to come
without so many needless complaints and jealousys, which are troublesome
to me because without reason.
14th (Lord's day). Up and to church alone, where a lazy sermon of Mr.
Mills, upon a text to introduce catechizing in his parish, which I
perceive he intends to begin. So home and very pleasant with my wife at
dinner. All the afternoon at my office alone doing business, and then in
the evening after a walk with my wife in the garden, she and I to my
uncle Wight's to supper, where Mr. Norbury, but my uncle out of tune, and
after supper he seemed displeased mightily at my aunt's desiring [to] put
off a copper kettle, which it seems with great study he had provided to
boil meat in, and now she is put in the head that it is not wholesome,
which vexed him, but we were very merry about it, and by and by home, and
after prayers to bed.
15th. Up, and carrying my wife to my Lord's lodgings left her, and I to
White Hall, to the Duke; where he first put on a periwigg to-day; but
methought his hair cut short in order thereto did look very prettily of
itself, before he put on his periwigg.
[Charles II. followed his brother in the use of the periwig in the
following April.]
Thence to his closet and there did our business, and thence Mr. Coventry
and I down to his chamber and spent a little time, and so parted, and I
took my wife homeward, I stopping at the Coffee-house, and thence a while
to the 'Change, where great newes of the arrivall of two rich ships, the
Greyhound and another, which they were mightily afeard of, and great
insurance given, and so home to dinner, and after an houre with my wife
at her globes, I to the office, where very busy till 11 at night, and so
home to supper and to bed. This afternoon Sir Thomas Chamberlin came to
the office to me, and showed me several letters from the East Indys,
showing the height that the Dutch are come to there, showing scorn to all
the English, even in our only Factory there of Surat, beating several
men, and hanging the English Standard St. George under the Dutch flagg in
scorn; saying, that whatever their masters do or say at home, they will
do what they list, and will be masters of all the world there; and have
so proclaimed themselves Soveraigne of all the South Seas; which
certainly our King cannot endure, if the Parliament will give him money.
But I doubt and yet do hope they will not yet, till we are more ready for
it.
16th. Up and to the office, where very busy all the morning, and most
with Mr. Wood, I vexing him about his masts. At noon to the 'Change a
little and thence brought Mr. Barrow to dinner with me, where I had a
haunch of venison roasted, given me yesterday, and so had a pretty
dinner, full of discourse of his business, wherein the poor man is
mightily troubled, and I pity him in it, but hope to get him some ease.
He being gone I to the office, where very busy till night, that my uncle
Wight and Mr. Maes came to me, and after discourse about Maes' business
to supper very merry, but my mind upon my business, and so they being
gone I to my Vyall a little, which I have not done some months, I think,
before, and then a little to my office, at 11 at night, and so home and
to bed.
17th. Up, and with my wife, setting her down by her father's in Long
Acre, in so ill looked a place, among all the whore houses, that I was
troubled at it, to see her go thither. Thence I to White Hall and there
walked up and down talking with Mr. Pierce, who tells me of the King's
giving of my Lord Fitz-Harding two leases which belong indeed to the
Queene, worth L20,000 to him; and how people do talk of it, and other
things of that nature which I am sorry to hear. He and I walked round
the Park with great pleasure, and back again, and finding no time to
speak with my Lord of Albemarle, I walked to the 'Change and there met my
wife at our pretty Doll's, and so took her home, and Creed also whom I
met there, and sent her hose, while Creed and I staid on the 'Change, and
by and by home and dined, where I found an excellent mastiffe, his name
Towser, sent me by a chyrurgeon. After dinner I took my wife again by
coach (leaving Creed by the way going to Gresham College, of which he is
now become one of the virtuosos) and to White Hall, where I delivered a
paper about Tangier to my Lord Duke of Albemarle in the council chamber,
and so to Mrs. Hunt's to call my wife, and so by coach straight home, and
at my office till 3 o'clock in the morning, having spent much time this
evening in discourse with Mr. Cutler, who tells me how the Dutch deal
with us abroad and do not value us any where, and how he and Sir W. Rider
have found reason to lay aside Captain Cocke in their company, he having
played some indiscreet and unfair tricks with them, and has lost himself
every where by his imposing upon all the world with the conceit he has of
his own wit, and so has, he tells me, Sir R. Ford also, both of whom are
very witty men. He being gone Sir W. Rider came and staid with me till
about 12 at night, having found ourselves work till that time, about
understanding the measuring of Mr. Wood's masts, which though I did so
well before as to be thought to deal very hardly against Wood, yet I am
ashamed I understand it no better, and do hope yet, whatever be thought
of me, to save the King some more money, and out of an impatience to
breake up with my head full of confused confounded notions, but nothing
brought to a clear comprehension, I was resolved to sit up and did till
now it is ready to strike 4 o'clock, all alone, cold, and my candle not
enough left to light me to my owne house, and so, with my business
however brought to some good understanding, and set it down pretty clear,
I went home to bed with my mind at good quiet, and the girl sitting up
for me (the rest all a-bed). I eat and drank a little, and to bed,
weary, sleepy, cold, and my head akeing.
18th. Called up to the office and much against my will I rose, my head
aching mightily, and to the office, where I did argue to good purpose for
the King, which I have been fitting myself for the last night against Mr.
Wood about his masts, but brought it to no issue. Very full of business
till noon, and then with Mr. Coventry to the African House, and there
fell to my Lord Peterborough's accounts, and by and by to dinner, where
excellent discourse, Sir G. Carteret and others of the African Company
with us, and then up to the accounts again, which were by and by done,
and then I straight home, my head in great pain, and drowsy, so after
doing a little business at the office I wrote to my father about sending
him the mastiff was given me yesterday. I home and by daylight to bed
about 6 o'clock and fell to sleep, wakened about 12 when my wife came to
bed, and then to sleep again and so till morning, and then:
19th. Up in good order in my head again and shaved myself, and then to
the office, whither Mr. Cutler came, and walked and talked with me a
great while; and then to the 'Change together; and it being early, did
tell me several excellent examples of men raised upon the 'Change by
their great diligence and saving; as also his owne fortune, and how
credit grew upon him; that when he was not really worth L1100, he had
credit for L100,000 of Sir W. Rider how he rose; and others. By and by
joyned with us Sir John Bankes; who told us several passages of the East
India Company; and how in his very case, when there was due to him and
Alderman Mico L64,000 from the Dutch for injury done to them in the East
Indys, Oliver presently after the peace, they delaying to pay them the
money, sent them word, that if they did not pay them by such a day, he
would grant letters of mark to those merchants against them; by which
they were so fearful of him, they did presently pay the money every
farthing. By and by, the 'Change filling, I did many businesses, and
about 2 o'clock went off with my uncle Wight to his house, thence by
appointment we took our wives (they by coach with Mr. Mawes) and we on
foot to Mr. Jaggard, a salter, in Thames Street, for whom I did a
courtesy among the poor victuallers, his wife, whom long ago I had seen,
being daughter to old Day, my uncle Wight's master, is a very plain
woman, but pretty children they have. They live methought at first in
but a plain way, but afterward I saw their dinner, all fish, brought in
very neatly, but the company being but bad I had no great pleasure in it.
After dinner I to the office, where we should have met upon business
extraordinary, but business not coming we broke up, and I thither again
and took my wife; and taking a coach, went to visit my Ladys Jemimah and
Paulina Montagu, and Mrs. Elizabeth Dickering, whom we find at their
father's new house
[The Earl of Sandwich had just moved to a house in Lincoln's Inn
Fields. Elizabeth Dickering, who afterwards married John Creed, was
niece to Lord Sandwich.]
in Lincolne's Inn Fields; but the house all in dirt. They received us
well enough; but I did not endeavour to carry myself over familiarly with
them; and so after a little stay, there coming in presently after us my
Lady Aberguenny and other ladies, we back again by coach, and visited, my
wife did, my she cozen Scott, who is very ill still, and thence to
Jaggard's again, where a very good supper and great store of plate; and
above all after supper Mrs. Jaggard did at my entreaty play on the Vyall,
but so well as I did not think any woman in England could and but few
Maisters, I must confess it did mightily surprise me, though I knew
heretofore that she could play, but little thought so well. After her I
set Maes to singing, but he did it so like a coxcomb that I was sick of
him. About 11 at night I carried my aunt home by coach, and then home
myself, having set my wife down at home by the way. My aunt tells me
they are counted very rich people, worth at least 10 or L12,000, and
their country house all the yeare long and all things liveable, which
mightily surprises me to think for how poore a man I took him when I did
him the courtesy at our office. So after prayers to bed, pleased at
nothing all the day but Mrs. Jaggard playing on the Vyall, and that was
enough to make me bear with all the rest that did not content me.
20th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and at noon to
the 'Change with Mr. Coventry and thence home to dinner, after dinner by
a gaily down to Woolwich, where with Mr. Falconer, and then at the other
yard doing some business to my content, and so walked to Greenwich, it
being a very fine evening and brought right home with me by water, and so
to my office, where late doing business, and then home to supper and to
bed.
21st. (Lord's day). Up, and having many businesses at the office to-day
I spent all the morning there drawing up a letter to Mr. Coventry about
preserving of masts, being collections of my own, and at noon home to
dinner, whither my brother Tom comes, and after dinner I took him up and
read my letter lately of discontent to my father, and he is seemingly
pleased at it, and cries out of my sister's ill nature and lazy life
there. He being gone I to my office again, and there made an end of my
morning's work, and then, after reading my vows of course, home and back
again with Mr. Maes and walked with him talking of his business in the
garden, and he being gone my wife and I walked a turn or two also, and
then my uncle Wight fetching of us, she and I to his house to supper,
and by the way calling on Sir G. Carteret to desire his consent to my
bringing Maes to him, which he agreed to. So I to my uncle's, but staid
a great while vexed both of us for Maes not coming in, and soon he came,
and I with him from supper to Sir G. Carteret, and there did largely
discourse of the business, and I believe he may expect as much favour as
he can do him, though I fear that will not be much. So back, and after
sitting there a good while, we home, and going my wife told me how my
uncle when he had her alone did tell her that he did love her as well as
ever he did, though he did not find it convenient to show it publicly for
reasons on both sides, seeming to mean as well to prevent my jealousy as
his wife's, but I am apt to think that he do mean us well, and to give us
something if he should die without children. So home to prayers and to
bed. My wife called up the people to washing by four o'clock in the
morning; and our little girl Susan is a most admirable Slut and pleases
us mightily, doing more service than both the others and deserves wages
better.
22nd. Up and shaved myself, and then my wife and I by coach out, and I
set her down by her father's, being vexed in my mind and angry with her
for the ill-favoured place, among or near the whore houses, that she is
forced to come to him. So left her there, and I to Sir Th. Warwick's but
did not speak with him. Thence to take a turn in St. James's Park, and
meeting with Anth. Joyce walked with him a turn in the Pell Mell and so
parted, he St. James's ward and I out to Whitehall ward, and so to a
picture-sellers by the Half Moone in the street over against the
Exchange, and there looked over the maps of several cities and did buy
two books of cities stitched together cost me 9s. 6d., and when I came
home thought of my vowe, and paid 5s. into my poor box for it, hoping in
God that I shall forfeit no more in that kind. Thence, meeting Mr.
Moore, and to the Exchange and there found my wife at pretty Doll's, and
thence by coach set her at my uncle Wight's, to go with my aunt to market
once more against Lent, and I to the Coffee-house, and thence to the
'Change, my chief business being to enquire about the manner of other
countries keeping of their masts wet or dry, and got good advice about
it, and so home, and alone ate a bad, cold dinner, my people being at
their washing all day, and so to the office and all the afternoon upon my
letter to Mr. Coventry about keeping of masts, and ended it very well at
night and wrote it fair over. This evening came Mr. Alsopp the King's
brewer, with whom I spent an houre talking and bewailing the posture of
things at present; the King led away by half-a-dozen men, that none of
his serious servants and friends can come at him. These are Lauderdale,
Buckingham, Hamilton, Fitz-Harding (to whom he hath, it seems, given
L2,000 per annum in the best part of the King's estate); and that that
the old Duke of Buckingham could never get of the King. Progers is
another, and Sir H. Bennett. He loves not the Queen at all, but is
rather sullen to her; and she, by all reports, incapable of children.
He is so fond of the Duke of Monmouth, that every body admires it; and he
says the Duke hath said, that he would be the death of any man that says
the King was not married to his mother: though Alsopp says, it is well
known that she was a common whore before the King lay with her. But it
seems, he says, that the King is mighty kind to these his bastard
children; and at this day will go at midnight to my Lady Castlemaine's
nurses, and take the child and dance it in his arms: that he is not
likely to have his tables up again in his house,--[The tables at which
the king dined in public.-B.]--for the crew that are about him will not
have him come to common view again, but keep him obscurely among
themselves. He hath this night, it seems, ordered that the Hall (which
there is a ball to be in to-night before the King) be guarded, as the
Queen-Mother's is, by his Horse Guards; whereas heretofore they were by
the Lord Chamberlain or Steward, and their people. But it is feared they
will reduce all to the soldiery, and all other places taken away; and
what is worst of all, that he will alter the present militia, and bring
all to a flying army. That my Lord Lauderdale, being Middleton's enemy,
and one that scorns the Chancellor even to open affronts before the King,
hath got the whole power of Scotland into his hand; whereas the other day
he was in a fair way to have had his whole estate, and honour, and life,
voted away from him. That the King hath done himself all imaginable
wrong in the business of my Lord Antrim, in Ireland; who, though he was
the head of rebels, yet he by his letter owns to have acted by his
father's and mother's, and his commissions; but it seems the truth is, he
hath obliged himself, upon the clearing of his estate, to settle it upon
a daughter of the Queene-Mother's (by my Lord Germin, I suppose,) in
marriage, be it to whom the Queene pleases; which is a sad story. It
seems a daughter of the Duke of Lenox's was, by force, going to be
married the other day at Somerset House, to Harry Germin; but she got
away and run to the King, and he says he will protect her. She is, it
seems, very near akin to the King: Such mad doings there are every day
among them! The rape upon a woman at Turnstile the other day, her
husband being bound in his shirt, they both being in bed together, it
being night, by two Frenchmen, who did not only lye with her but abused
her with a linke, is hushed up for L300, being the Queen Mother's
servants. There was a French book in verse, the other day, translated
and presented to the Duke of Monmouth in such a high stile, that the Duke
of York, he tells me, was mightily offended at it. The Duke of
Monmouth's mother's brother hath a place at Court; and being a Welchman
(I think he told me) will talk very broad of the King's being married to
his sister. The King did the other day, at the Council, commit my Lord
Digby's' chaplin, and steward, and another servant, who went upon the
process begun there against their lord, to swear that they saw him at
church, end receive the Sacrament as a Protestant, (which, the judges
said, was sufficient to prove him such in the eye of the law); the King,
I say, did commit them all to the Gate-house, notwithstanding their
pleading their dependance upon him, and the faith they owed him as their
lord, whose bread they eat. And that the King should say, that he would
soon see whether he was King, or Digby. That the Queene-Mother hath
outrun herself in her expences, and is now come to pay very ill, or run
in debt; the money being spent that she received for leases. He believes
there is not any money laid up in bank, as I told him some did hope; but
he says, from the best informers he can assure me there is no such thing,
nor any body that should look after such a thing; and that there is not
now above L80,000 of the Dunkirke money left in stock. That Oliver in
the year when he spent L1,400,000 in the Navy, did spend in the whole
expence of the kingdom L2,600,000. That all the Court are mad for a
Dutch war; but both he and I did concur, that it was a thing rather to be
dreaded than hoped for; unless by the French King's falling upon
Flanders, they and the Dutch should be divided. That our Embassador had,
it is true, an audience; but in the most dishonourable way that could be;
for the Princes of the Blood (though invited by our Embassador, which was
the greatest absurdity that ever Embassador committed these 400 years)
were not there; and so were not said to give place to our King's
Embassador. And that our King did openly say, the other day in the Privy
Chamber, that he would not be hectored out of his right and preeminencys
by the King of France, as great as he was. That the Pope is glad to
yield to a peace with the French (as the newes-book says), upon the
basest terms that ever was. That the talke which these people about our
King, that I named before, have, is to tell him how neither privilege of
Parliament nor City is any thing; but his will is all, and ought to be
so: and their discourse, it seems, when they are alone, is so base and
sordid, that it makes the eares of the very gentlemen of the back-stairs
(I think he called them) to tingle to hear it spoke in the King's
hearing; and that must be very bad indeed. That my Lord Digby did send
to Lisbon a couple of priests, to search out what they could against the
Chancellor concerning the match, as to the point of his knowing before-
hand that the Queene was not capable of bearing children; and that
something was given her to make her so. But as private as they were,
when they came thither they were clapped up prisoners. That my Lord
Digby endeavours what he can to bring the business into the House of
Commons, hoping there to master the Chancellor, there being many enemies
of his there; but I hope the contrary. That whereas the late King did
mortgage 'Clarendon' to somebody for L20,000, and this to have given it
to the Duke of Albemarle, and he sold it to my Lord Chancellor, whose
title of Earldome is fetched from thence; the King hath this day sent his
order to the Privy Seale for the payment of this L20,000 to my Lord
Chancellor, to clear the mortgage! Ireland in a very distracted
condition about the hard usage which the Protestants meet with, and the
too good which the Catholiques. And from altogether, God knows my heart,
I expect nothing but ruine can follow, unless things are better ordered
in a little time. He being gone my wife came and told me how kind my
uncle Wight had been to her to-day, and that though she says that all his
kindness comes from respect to her she discovers nothing but great
civility from him, yet but what she says he otherwise will tell me, but
to-day he told her plainly that had she a child it should be his heir,
and that should I or she want he would be a good friend to us, and did
give my wife instructions to consent to all his wife says at any time,
she being a pettish woman, which argues a design I think he has of
keeping us in with his wife in order to our good sure, and he declaring
her jealous of him that so he dares not come to see my wife as otherwise
he would do and will endeavour to do. It looks strange putting all
together, but yet I am in hopes he means well. My aunt also is mighty
open to my wife and tells her mighty plain how her husband did intend to
double her portion to her at his death as a jointure. That he will give
presently L100 to her niece Mary and a good legacy at his death, and it
seems did as much to the other sister, which vexed [me] to think that he
should bestow so much upon his wife's friends daily as he do, but it
cannot be helped for the time past, and I will endeavour to remedy it for
the time to come. After all this discourse with my wife at my office
alone, she home to see how the wash goes on and I to make an end of my
work, and so home to supper and to bed.
23rd. Up, it being Shrove Tuesday, and at the office sat all the
morning, at noon to the 'Change and there met with Sir W. Rider, and of a
sudden knowing what I had at home, brought him and Mr. Cutler and Mr.
Cooke, clerk to Mr. Secretary Morrice, a sober and pleasant man, and one
that I knew heretofore, when he was my Lord 's secretary at Dunkirke. I
made much of them and had a pretty dinner for a sudden. We talked very
pleasantly, and they many good discourses of their travels abroad. After
dinner they gone, I to my office, where doing many businesses very late,
but to my good content to see how I grow in estimation every day more and
more, and have things given more oftener than I used to have formerly, as
to have a case of very pretty knives with agate shafts by Mrs. Russell.
So home and to bed. This day, by the blessing of God, I have lived
thirty-one years in the world; and, by the grace of God, I find myself
not only in good health in every thing, and particularly as to the stone,
but only pain upon taking cold, and also in a fair way of coming to a
better esteem and estate in the world, than ever I expected. But I pray
God give me a heart to fear a fall, and to prepare for it!
24th (Ash-Wednesday). Up and by water, it being a very fine morning, to
White Hall, and there to speak with Sir Ph. Warwicke, but he was gone out
to chappell, so I spent much of the morning walking in the Park, and
going to the Queene's chappell, where I staid and saw their masse, till a
man came and bid me go out or kneel down: so I did go out. And thence to
Somerset House; and there into the chappell, where Monsieur d'Espagne
used to preach. But now it is made very fine, and was ten times more
crouded than the Queene's chappell at St. James's; which I wonder at.
Thence down to the garden of Somerset House, and up and down the new
building, which in every respect will be mighty magnificent and costly.
I staid a great while talking with a man in the garden that was sawing of
a piece of marble, and did give him 6d. to drink. He told me much of the
nature and labour of the worke, how he could not saw above 4 inches of
the stone in a day, and of a greater not above one or two, and after it
is sawed, then it is rubbed with coarse and then with finer and finer
sand till they come to putty, and so polish it as smooth as glass. Their
saws have no teeth, but it is the sand only which the saw rubs up and
down that do the thing. Thence by water to the Coffee-house, and there
sat with Alderman Barker talking of hempe and the trade, and thence to
the 'Change a little, and so home and dined with my wife, and then to the
office till the evening, and then walked a while merrily with my wife in
the garden, and so she gone, I to work again till late, and so home to
supper and to bed.
25th. Up and to the office, where we sat, and thence with Mr. Coventry
by coach to the glasshouse and there dined, and both before and after did
my Lord Peterborough's accounts. Thence home to the office, and there
did business till called by Creed, and with him by coach (setting my wife
at my brother's) to my Lord's, and saw the young ladies, and talked a
little with them, and thence to White Hall, a while talking but doing no
business, but resolved of going to meet my Lord tomorrow, having got a
horse of Mr. Coventry to-day. So home, taking up my wife, and after
doing something at my office home, God forgive me, disturbed in my mind
out of my jealousy of my wife tomorrow when I am out of town, which is a
hell to my mind, and yet without all reason. God forgive me for it, and
mend me.--[Sam measures his wife's morals by his own yardstick. D.W.]--
So home, and getting my things ready for me, weary to bed.
26th. Up, and after dressing myself handsomely for riding, I out, and by
water to Westminster, to Mr. Creed's chamber, and after drinking some
chocolate, and playing on the vyall, Mr. Mallard being there, upon
Creed's new vyall, which proves, methinks, much worse than mine, and,
looking upon his new contrivance of a desk and shelves for books, we set
out from an inne hard by, whither Mr. Coventry's horse was carried, and
round about the bush through bad ways to Highgate. Good discourse in the
way had between us, and it being all day a most admirable pleasant day,
we, upon consultation, had stopped at the Cocke, a mile on this side
Barnett, being unwilling to put ourselves to the charge or doubtful
acceptance of any provision against my Lord's coming by, and there got
something and dined, setting a boy to look towards Barnett Hill, against
their coming; and after two or three false alarms, they come, and we met
the coach very gracefully, and I had a kind receipt from both Lord and
Lady as I could wish, and some kind discourse, and then rode by the coach
a good way, and so fell to discoursing with several of the people, there
being a dozen attending the coach, and another for the mayds and parson.
Among others talking with W. Howe, he told me how my Lord in his hearing
the other day did largely tell my Lord Peterborough and Povy (who went
with them down to Hinchinbrooke) how and when he discarded Creed, and
took me to him, and that since the Duke of York has several times thanked
him for me, which did not a little please me, and anon I desiring Mr.
Howe to tell me upon [what] occasion this discourse happened, he desired
me to say nothing of it now, for he would not have my Lord to take notice
of our being together, but he would tell me another time, which put me
into some trouble to think what he meant by it. But when we came to my
Lord's house, I went in; and whether it was my Lord's neglect, or general
indifference, I know not, but he made me no kind of compliment there;
and, methinks, the young ladies look somewhat highly upon me. So I went
away without bidding adieu to anybody, being desirous not to be thought
too servile. But I do hope and believe that my Lord do yet value me as
high as ever, though he dare not admit me to the freedom he once did, and
that my Lady is still the same woman. So rode home and there found my
uncle Wight. 'Tis an odd thing as my wife tells me his caressing her and
coming on purpose to give her visits, but I do not trouble myself for him
at all, but hope the best and very good effects of it. He being gone I
eat something and my wife. I told all this day's passages, and she to
give me very good and rational advice how to behave myself to my Lord and
his family, by slighting every body but my Lord and Lady, and not to seem
to have the least society or fellowship with them, which I am resolved to
do, knowing that it is my high carriage that must do me good there, and
to appear in good clothes and garbe. To the office, and being weary,
early home to bed.
27th. Up, but weary, and to the office, where we sat all the morning.
Before I went to the office there came Bagwell's wife to me to speak for
her husband. I liked the woman very well and stroked her under the chin,
but could not find in my heart to offer anything uncivil to her, she
being, I believe, a very modest woman. At noon with Mr. Coventry to the
African house, and to my Lord Peterborough's business again, and then to
dinner, where, before dinner, we had the best oysters I have seen this
year, and I think as good in all respects as ever I eat in my life. I
eat a great many. Great, good company at dinner, among others Sir Martin
Noell, who told us the dispute between him, as farmer of the Additional
Duty, and the East India Company, whether callicos be linnen or no; which
he says it is, having been ever esteemed so: they say it is made of
cotton woole, and grows upon trees, not like flax or hempe. But it was
carried against the Company, though they stand out against the verdict.
Thence home and to the office, where late, and so home to supper and to
bed, and had a very pleasing and condescending answer from my poor father
to-day in answer to my angry discontentful letter to him the other day,
which pleases me mightily.
28th (Lord's day). Up and walked to Paul's; and by chance it was an
extraordinary day for the Readers of the Inns of Court and all the
Students to come to church, it being an old ceremony not used these
twenty-five years, upon the first Sunday in Lent. Abundance there was of
Students, more than there was room to seat but upon forms, and the Church
mighty full. One Hawkins preached, an Oxford man. A good sermon upon
these words: "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable."
Both before and after sermon I was most impatiently troubled at the
Quire, the worst that ever I heard. But what was extraordinary, the
Bishop of London, who sat there in a pew, made a purpose for him by the
pulpitt, do give the last blessing to the congregation; which was, he
being a comely old man, a very decent thing, methought. The Lieutenant
of the Tower, Sir J. Robinson, would needs have me by coach home with
him, and sending word home to my house I did go and dine with him, his
ordinary table being very good, and his lady a very high-carriaged but
comely big woman; I was mightily pleased with her. His officers of his
regiment dined with him. No discourse at table to any purpose, only
after dinner my Lady would needs see a boy which was represented to her
to be an innocent country boy brought up to towne a day or two ago, and
left here to the wide world, and he losing his way fell into the Tower,
which my Lady believes, and takes pity on him, and will keep him; but
though a little boy and but young, yet he tells his tale so readily and
answers all questions so wittily, that for certain he is an arch rogue,
and bred in this towne; but my Lady will not believe it, but ordered
victuals to be given him, and I think will keep him as a footboy for
their eldest son. After dinner to chappell in the Tower with the
Lieutenant, with the keyes carried before us, and the Warders and
Gentleman-porter going before us. And I sat with the Lieutenant in his
pew, in great state, but slept all the sermon. None, it seems, of the
prisoners in the Tower that are there now, though they may, will come to
prayers there. Church being done, I back to Sir John's house and there
left him and home, and by and by to Sir W. Pen, and staid a while talking
with him about Sir J. Minnes his folly in his office, of which I am sicke
and weary to speak of it, and how the King is abused in it, though Pen, I
know, offers the discourse only like a rogue to get it out of me, but I
am very free to tell my mind to him, in that case being not unwilling he
should tell him again if he will or any body else. Thence home, and
walked in the garden by brave moonshine with my wife above two hours,
till past 8 o'clock, then to supper, and after prayers to bed.
29th. Up and by coach with Sir W. Pen to Charing Cross, and there I
'light, and to Sir Phillip Warwick to visit him and discourse with him
about navy business, which I did at large and he most largely with me,
not only about the navy but about the general Revenue of England, above
two hours, I think, many staying all the while without, but he seemed to
take pains to let me either understand the affairs of the Revenue or else
to be a witness of his pains and care in stating it. He showed me indeed
many excellent collections of the State of the Revenue in former Kings
and the late times, and the present. He showed me how the very
Assessments between 1643 and 1659, which were taxes (besides Excise,
Customes, Sequestrations, Decimations, King and Queene's and Church
Lands, or any thing else but just the Assessments), come to above fifteen
millions. He showed me a discourse of his concerning the Revenues of
this and foreign States. How that of Spayne was great, but divided with
his kingdoms, and so came to little. How that of France did, and do much
exceed ours before for quantity; and that it is at the will of the Prince
to tax what he will upon his people; which is not here. That the
Hollanders have the best manner of tax, which is only upon the expence of
provisions, by an excise; and do conclude that no other tax is proper for
England but a pound-rate, or excise upon the expence of provisions. He
showed me every particular sort of payment away of money, since the
King's coming in, to this day; and told me, from one to one, how little
he hath received of profit from most of them; and I believe him truly.
That the L1,200,000 which the Parliament with so much ado did first vote
to give the King, and since hath been reexamined by several committees of
the present Parliament, is yet above L300,000 short of making up really
to the King the L1,200,000, as by particulars he showed me.
[A committee was appointed in September, 1660, to consider the
subject of the King's revenue, and they "reported to the Commons that
the average revenue of Charles I., from 1637 to 1641 inclusive, had
been L895,819, and the average expenditure about L1,110,000. At
that time prices were lower and the country less burthened with navy
and garrisons, among which latter Dunkirk alone now cost more than
L100,000 a year. It appeared, therefore, that the least sum to
which the King could be expected to 'conform his expense' was
L1,200,000." Burnet writes, "It was believed that if two millions
had been asked he could have carried it. But he (Clarendon) had no
mind to put the King out of the necessity of having recourse to his
Parliament."--Lister's Life of Clarendon, vol. ii., pp. 22, 23.]
And in my Lord Treasurer's excellent letter to the King upon this
subject, he tells the King how it was the spending more than the revenue
that did give the first occasion of his father's ruine, and did since to
the rebels; who, he says, just like Henry the Eighth, had great and
sudden increase of wealth, but yet, by overspending, both died poor; and
further tells the King how much of this L1,200,000 depends upon the life
of the Prince, and so must be renewed by Parliament again to his
successor; which is seldom done without parting with some of the
prerogatives of the Crowne; or if denied and he persists to take it of
the people, it gives occasion to a civill war, which may, as it did in
the late business of tonnage and poundage, prove fatal to the Crowne.
He showed me how many ways the Lord Treasurer did take before he moved
the King to farme the Customes in the manner he do, and the reasons that
moved him to do it. He showed the a very excellent argument to prove,
that our importing lesse than we export, do not impoverish the kingdom,
according to the received opinion: which, though it be a paradox, and
that I do not remember the argument, yet methought there was a great
deale in what he said. And upon the whole I find him a most exact and
methodicall man, and of great industry: and very glad that he thought fit
to show me all this; though I cannot easily guess the reason why he
should do it to me, unless from the plainness that he sees I use to him
in telling him how much the King may suffer for our want of understanding
the case of our Treasury. Thence to White Hall (where my Lord Sandwich
was, and gave me a good countenance, I thought), and before the Duke did
our usual business, and so I about several businesses in the house, and
then out to the Mewes with Sir W. Pen. But in my way first did meet with
W. Howe, who did of himself advise me to appear more free with my Lord
and to come to him, for my own strangeness he tells me he thinks do make
my Lord the worse. At the Mewes Sir W. Pen and Mr. Baxter did shew me
several good horses, but Pen, which Sir W. Pen did give the Duke of York,
was given away by the Duke the other day to a Frenchman, which Baxter is
cruelly vexed at, saying that he was the best horse that he expects a
great while to have to do with. Thence I to the 'Change, and thence to a
Coffee-house with Sir W. Warren, and did talk much about his and Wood's
business, and thence homewards, and in my way did stay to look upon a
fire in an Inneyard in Lumbard Streete. But, Lord! how the mercers and
merchants who had warehouses there did carry away their cloths and silks.
But at last it was quenched, and I home to dinner, and after dinner
carried my wife and set her and her two mayds in Fleete Streete to buy
things, and I to White Hall to little purpose, and so to Westminster
Hall, and there talked with Mrs. Lane and Howlett, but the match with
Hawly I perceive will not take, and so I am resolved wholly to avoid
occasion of further ill with her. Thence by water to Salsbury Court, and
found my wife, by agreement, at Mrs. Turner's, and after a little stay
and chat set her and young Armiger down in Cheapside, and so my wife and
I home. Got home before our mayds, who by and by came with a great cry
and fright that they had like to have been killed by a coach; but, Lord!
to see how Jane did tell the story like a foole and a dissembling
fanatique, like her grandmother, but so like a changeling, would make a
man laugh to death almost, and yet be vexed to hear her. By and by to
the office to make up my monthly accounts, which I make up to-night, and
to my great content find myself worth eight hundred and ninety and odd
pounds, the greatest sum I ever yet knew, and so with a heart at great
case to bed.
ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
A mad merry slut she is
A real and not a complimentary acknowledgment
At least 12 or 14,000 people in the street (to see the hanging)
Bearing more sayle will go faster than any other ships(multihull)
But the wench went, and I believe had her turn served
Chatted with her, her husband out of the way
Could not saw above 4 inches of the stone in a day
Do look upon me as a remembrancer of his former vanity
Fear of making her think me to be in a better condition
Few in any age that do mind anything that is abstruse
God forgive me! what thoughts and wishes I had
Good writers are not admired by the present
Hear something of the effects of our last meeting (pregnancy?)
I do not like his being angry and in debt both together to me
I will not by any over submission make myself cheap
Ireland in a very distracted condition
Jane going into the boat did fall down and show her arse
King is mighty kind to these his bastard children
King still do doat upon his women, even beyond all shame
Mankind pleasing themselves in the easy delights of the world
Play good, but spoiled with the ryme, which breaks the sense
Pleased to look upon their pretty daughter
Pray God give me a heart to fear a fall, and to prepare for it!
Pretty sayings, which are generally like paradoxes
Ryme, which breaks the sense
Sent my wife to get a place to see Turner hanged
Sheriffs did endeavour to get one jewell
So home to prayers and to bed
Such open flattery is beastly
Talked with Mrs. Lane about persuading her to Hawly
Their saws have no teeth, but it is the sand only
There did see Mrs. Lane. . . . .
Travels over the high hills in Asia above the clouds
Wherein every party has laboured to cheat another
Willing to receive a bribe if it were offered me
Would make a dogg laugh
End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Diary of Samuel Pepys, v30
by Samuel Pepys, Unabridged, transcribed by Bright, edited by Wheatley
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.
MARCH
1663-1664
March 1st. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and at
noon to the 'Change, and after much business and meeting my uncle Wight,
who told me how Mr. Maes had like to have been trapanned yesterday, but
was forced to run for it; so with Creed and Mr. Hunt home to dinner, and
after a good and pleasant dinner, Mr. Hunt parted, and I took Mr. Creed
and my wife and down to Deptford, it being most pleasant weather, and
there till night discoursing with the officers there about several
things, and so walked home by moonshine, it being mighty pleasant, and so
home, and I to my office, where late about getting myself a thorough
understanding in the business of masts, and so home to bed, my left eye
being mightily troubled with rheum.
2nd. Up, my eye mightily out of order with the rheum that is fallen down
into it, however, I by coach endeavoured to have waited on my Lord
Sandwich, but meeting him in Chancery Lane going towards the City I
stopped and so fairly walked home again, calling at St. Paul's
Churchyarde, and there looked upon a pretty burlesque poem, called
"Scarronides, or Virgile Travesty;" extraordinary good. At home to the
office till dinner, and after dinner my wife cut my hair short, which is
growne pretty long again, and then to the office, and there till 9 at
night doing business. This afternoon we had a good present of tongues
and bacon from Mr. Shales, of Portsmouth. So at night home to supper,
and, being troubled with my eye, to bed. This morning Mr. Burgby, one of
the writing clerks belonging to the Council, was with me about business,
a knowing man, he complains how most of the Lords of the Council do look
after themselves and their own ends, and none the publique, unless Sir
Edward Nicholas. Sir G. Carteret is diligent, but all for his own ends
and profit. My Lord Privy Scale, a destroyer of every body's business,
and do no good at all to the publique. The Archbishop of Canterbury
speaks very little, nor do much, being now come to the highest pitch that
he can expect. He tells me, he believes that things will go very high
against the Chancellor by Digby, and that bad things will be proved.
Talks much of his neglecting the King; and making the King to trot every
day to him, when he is well enough to go to visit his cozen Chief-Justice
Hide, but not to the Council or King. He commends my Lord of Ormond
mightily in Ireland; but cries out cruelly of Sir G. Lane for his
corruption; and that he hath done my Lord great dishonour by selling of
places here, which are now all taken away, and the poor wretches ready to
starve. That nobody almost understands or judges of business better than
the King, if he would not be guilty of his father's fault to be doubtfull
of himself, and easily be removed from his own opinion. That my Lord
Lauderdale is never from the King's care nor council, and that he is a
most cunning fellow. Upon the whole, that he finds things go very bad
every where; and even in the Council nobody minds the publique.
3rd. Up pretty early and so to the office, where we sat all the morning
making a very great contract with Sir W. Warren for provisions for the
yeare coming, and so home to dinner, and there was W. Howe come to dine
with me, and before dinner he and I walked in the garden, and we did
discourse together, he assuring me of what he told me the other day of my
Lord's speaking so highly in my commendation to my Lord Peterborough and
Povy, which speaks my Lord having yet a good opinion of me, and also how
well my Lord and Lady both are pleased with their children's being at my
father's, and when the bigger ladies were there a little while ago, at
which I am very glad. After dinner he went away, I having discoursed
with him about his own proceedings in his studies, and I observe him to
be very considerate and to mind his book in order to preferring himself
by my Lord's favour to something, and I hope to the outing of Creed in
his Secretaryship. For he tells me that he is confident my Lord do not
love him nor will trust him in any secret matter, he is so cunning and
crafty in all he do. So my wife and I out of doors thinking to have gone
to have seen a play, but when we came to take coach, they tell us there
are none this week, being the first of Lent. But, Lord! to see how
impatient I found myself within to see a play, I being at liberty once a
month to see one, and I think it is the best method I could have taken.
But to my office, did very much business with several people till night,
and so home, being unwilling to stay late because of my eye which is not
yet well of the rheum that is fallen down into it, but to supper and to
bed.
4th. Up, my eye being pretty well, and then by coach to my Lord
Sandwich, with whom I spoke, walking a good while with him in his garden,
which and the house is very fine, talking of my Lord Peterborough's
accounts, wherein he is concerned both for the foolery as also
inconvenience which may happen upon my Lord Peterborough's ill-stating of
his matters, so as to have his gaine discovered unnecessarily. We did
talk long and freely that I hope the worst is past and all will be well.
There were several people by trying a new-fashion gun
[Many attempts to produce a satisfactory revolver were made in
former centuries, but it was not till the present one that Colt's
revolver was invented. On February 18th, 1661, Edward, Marquis of
Worcester, obtained Letters Patent for "an invencon to make certeyne
guns or pistolls which in the tenth parte of one minute of an houre
may, with a flaske contrived to that purpose, be re-charged the
fourth part of one turne of the barrell which remaines still fixt,
fastening it as forceably and effectually as a dozen thrids of any
scrue, which in the ordinary and usual way require as many turnes."
On March 3rd, 1664, Abraham Hill obtained Letters Patent for a "gun
or pistoll for small shott, carrying seaven or eight charges of the
same in the stocke of the gun."]
brought my Lord this morning, to shoot off often, one after another,
without trouble or danger, very pretty. Thence to the Temple, and there
taking White's boat down to Woolwich, taking Mr. Shish at Deptford in my
way, with whom I had some good discourse of the Navy business. At
Woolwich discoursed with him and Mr. Pett about iron worke and other
businesses, and then walked home, and at Greenwich did observe the
foundation laying of a very great house for the King, which will cost a
great deale of money.
[Building by John Webb; now a part of Greenwich Hospital. Evelyn
wrote in his Diary, October 19th, 1661: "I went to London to visite
my Lord of Bristoll, having been with Sir John Denham (his Mates
surveyor) to consult with him about the placing of his palace at
Greenwich, which I would have had built between the river and the
Queene's house, so as a large cutt should have let in ye Thames like
a bay; but Sir John was for setting it in piles at the very brink of
the water, which I did not assent to and so came away, knowing Sir
John to be a better poet than architect, tho' he had Mr. Webb (Inigo
Jones's man) to assist him."]
So home to dinner, and my uncle Wight coming in he along with my wife and
I by coach, and setting him down by the way going to Mr. Maes we two to
my Lord Sandwich's to visit my Lady, with whom I left my wife
discoursing, and I to White Hall, and there being met by the Duke of
Yorke, he called me to him and discoursed a pretty while with me about
the new ship's dispatch building at Woolwich, and talking of the charge
did say that he finds always the best the most cheape, instancing in
French guns, which in France you may buy for 4 pistoles, as good to look
to as others of 16, but not the service. I never had so much discourse
with the Duke before, and till now did ever fear to meet him. He found
me and Mr. Prin together talking of the Chest money, which we are to
blame not to look after. Thence to my Lord's, and took up my wife, whom
my Lady hath received with her old good nature and kindnesse, and so
homewards, and she home, I 'lighting by the way, and upon the 'Change met
my uncle Wight and told him my discourse this afternoon with Sir G.
Carteret in Maes' business, but much to his discomfort, and after a dish
of coffee home, and at my office a good while with Sir W. Warren talking
with great pleasure of many businesses, and then home to supper, my wife
and I had a good fowle to supper, and then I to the office again and so
home, my mind in great ease to think of our coming to so good a respect
with my Lord again, and my Lady, and that my Lady do so much cry up my
father's usage of her children, and the goodness of the ayre there, found
in the young ladies' faces at their return thence, as she says, as also
my being put into the commission of the Fishery,
[There had been recently established, under the Great Seal of
England, a Corporation for the Royal Fishing, of which the Duke of
York was Governor, Lord Craven Deputy-Governor, and the Lord Mayor
and Chamberlain of London, for the time being, Treasurers, in which
body was vested the sole power of licensing lotteries ("The Newes,"
October 6th, 1664). The original charter (dated April 8th, 1664),
incorporating James, Duke of York, and thirty-six assistants as
Governor and Company of the Royal Fishing of Great Britain and
Ireland, is among the State Papers. The duke was to be Governor
till February 26th, 1665]
for which I must give my Lord thanks, and so home to bed, having a great
cold in my head and throat tonight from my late cutting my hair so close
to my head, but I hope it will be soon gone again.
5th. Up and to the office, where, though I had a great cold, I was
forced to speak much upon a publique meeting of the East India Company,
at our office; where our own company was full, and there was also my Lord
George Barkeley, in behalfe of the company of merchants (I suppose he is
on that company), who, hearing my name, took notice of me, and condoled
my cozen Edward Pepys's death, not knowing whose son I was, nor did
demand it of me. We broke up without coming to any conclusion, for want
of my Lord Marlborough. We broke up and I to the 'Change, where with
several people and my uncle Wight to drink a dish of coffee, and so home
to dinner, and then to the office all the afternoon, my eye and my throat
being very bad, and my cold increasing so as I could not speak almost at
all at night. So at night home to supper, that is a posset, and to bed.
6th (Lord's day). Up, and my cold continuing in great extremity I could
not go out to church, but sat all day (a little time at dinner excepted)
in my closet at the office till night drawing up a second letter to Mr.
Coventry about the measure of masts to my great satisfaction, and so in
the evening home, and my uncle and aunt Wight came to us and supped with
us, where pretty merry, but that my cold put me out of humour. At night
with my cold, and my eye also sore still, to bed.
7th. Up betimes, and the Duke being gone abroad to-day, as we heard by a
messenger, I spent the morning at my office writing fair my yesterday's
work till almost 2 o'clock (only Sir G. Carteret coming I went down a
little way by water towards Deptford, but having more mind to have my
business done I pretended business at the 'Change, and so went into
another boat), and then, eating a bit, my wife and I by coach to the
Duke's house, where we saw "The Unfortunate Lovers;" but I know not
whether I am grown more curious than I was or no, but I was not much
pleased with it, though I know not where to lay the fault, unless it was
that the house was very empty, by reason of a new play at the other
house. Yet here was my Lady Castlemayne in a box, and it was pleasant to
hear an ordinary lady hard by us, that it seems did not know her before,
say, being told who she was, that "she was well enough." Thence home,
and I ended and sent away my letter to Mr. Coventry (having first read it
and had the opinion of Sir W. Warren in the case), and so home to supper
and to bed, my cold being pretty well gone, but my eye remaining still
snare and rhumey, which I wonder at, my right eye ayling nothing.
8th. Up with some little discontent with my wife upon her saying that
she had got and used some puppy-dog water, being put upon it by a desire
of my aunt Wight to get some for her, who hath a mind, unknown to her
husband, to get some for her ugly face. I to the office, where we sat
all the morning, doing not much business through the multitude of
counsellors, one hindering another. It was Mr. Coventry's own saying to
me in his coach going to the 'Change, but I wonder that he did give me no
thanks for my letter last night, but I believe he did only forget it.
Thence home, whither Luellin came and dined with me, but we made no long
stay at dinner; for "Heraclius" being acted, which my wife and I have a
mighty mind to see, we do resolve, though not exactly agreeing with the
letter of my vowe, yet altogether with the sense, to see another this
month, by going hither instead of that at Court, there having been none
conveniently since I made my vowe for us to see there, nor like to be
this Lent, and besides we did walk home on purpose to make this going as
cheap as that would have been, to have seen one at Court, and my
conscience knows that it is only the saving of money and the time also
that I intend by my oaths, and this has cost no more of either, so that
my conscience before God do after good consultation and resolution of
paying my forfeit, did my conscience accuse me of breaking my vowe, I do
not find myself in the least apprehensive that I have done any violence
to my oaths. The play hath one very good passage well managed in it,
about two persons pretending, and yet denying themselves, to be son to
the tyrant Phocas, and yet heire of Mauritius to the crowne. The
garments like Romans very well. The little girle is come to act very
prettily, and spoke the epilogue most admirably. But at the beginning,
at the drawing up of the curtaine, there was the finest scene of the
Emperor and his people about him, standing in their fixed and different
pastures in their Roman habitts, above all that ever I yet saw at any of
the theatres. Walked home, calling to see my brother Tom, who is in bed,
and I doubt very ill of a consumption. To the office awhile, and so home
to supper and to bed.
9th. Up pretty betimes to my office, where all day long, but a little at
home at dinner, at my office finishing all things about Mr. Wood's
contract for masts, wherein I am sure I shall save the King L400 before I
have done. At night home to supper and to bed.
10th. Up and to the office, where all the morning doing business, and at
noon to the 'Change and there very busy, and so home to dinner with my
wife, to a good hog's harslet,
[Harslet or haslet, the entrails of an animal, especially of a hog,
as the heart, liver, &c.]
a piece of meat I love, but have not eat of I think these seven years,
and after dinner abroad by coach set her at Mrs. Hunt's and I to White
Hall, and at the Privy Seale I enquired, and found the Bill come for the
Corporation of the Royall Fishery; whereof the Duke of Yorke is made
present Governor, and several other very great persons, to the number of
thirty-two, made his assistants for their lives: whereof, by my Lord
Sandwich's favour, I am one; and take it not only as a matter of honour,
but that, that may come to be of profit to me, and so with great content
went and called my wife, and so home and to the office, where busy late,
and so home to supper and to bed.
11th. Up and by coach to my Lord Sandwich's, who not being up I staid
talking with Mr. Moore till my Lord was ready and come down, and went
directly out without calling for me or seeing any body. I know not
whether he knew I was there, but I am apt to think not, because if he
would have given me that slighting yet he would not have done it to
others that were there. So I went back again doing nothing but
discoursing with Mr. Moore, who I find by discourse to be grown rich, and
indeed not to use me at all with the respect he used to do, but as his
equal. He made me known to their Chaplin, who is a worthy, able man.
Thence home, and by and by to the Coffee-house, and thence to the
'Change, and so home to dinner, and after a little chat with my wife to
the office, where all the afternoon till very late at the office busy,
and so home to supper and to bed, hoping in God that my diligence, as it
is really very useful for the King, so it will end in profit to myself.
In the meantime I have good content in mind to see myself improve every
day in knowledge and being known.
12th. Lay long pleasantly entertaining myself with my wife, and then up
and to the office, where busy till noon, vexed to see how Sir J. Minnes
deserves rather to be pitied for his dotage and folly than employed at a
great salary to ruin the King's business. At noon to the 'Change, and
thence home to dinner, and then down to Deptford, where busy a while, and
then walking home it fell hard a raining. So at Halfway house put in,
and there meeting Mr. Stacy with some company of pretty women, I took him
aside to a room by ourselves, and there talked with him about the several
sorts of tarrs, and so by and by parted, and I walked home and there late
at the office, and so home to supper and to bed.
13th (Lord's day). Lay long in bed talking with my wife, and then up in
great doubt whether I should not go see Mr. Coventry or no, who hath not
been well these two or three days, but it being foul weather I staid
within, and so to my office, and there all the morning reading some
Common Law, to which I will allot a little time now and then, for I much
want it. At noon home to dinner, and then after some discourse with my
wife, to the office again, and by and by Sir W. Pen came to me after
sermon and walked with me in the garden and then one comes to tell me
that Anthony and Will Joyce were come to see me, so I in to them and made
mighty much of them, and very pleasant we were, and most of their
business I find to be to advise about getting some woman to attend my
brother Tom, whom they say is very ill and seems much to want one. To
which I agreed, and desired them to get their wives to enquire out one.
By and by they bid me good night, but immediately as they were gone out
of doors comes Mrs. Turner's boy with a note to me to tell me that my
brother Tom was so ill as they feared he would not long live, and that it
would be fit I should come and see him. So I sent for them back, and
they came, and Will Joyce desiring to speak with me alone I took him up,
and there he did plainly tell me to my great astonishment that my brother
is deadly ill, and that their chief business of coming was to tell me so,
and what is worst that his disease is the pox, which he hath heretofore
got, and hath not been cured, but is come to this, and that this is
certain, though a secret told his father Fenner by the Doctor which he
helped my brother to. This troubled me mightily, but however I thought
fit to go see him for speech of people's sake, and so walked along with
them, and in our way called on my uncle Fenner (where I have not been
these 12 months and more) and advised with him, and then to my brother,
who lies in bed talking idle. He could only say that he knew me, and
then fell to other discourse, and his face like a dying man, which Mrs.
Turner, who was here, and others conclude he is. The company being gone,
I took the mayde, which seems a very grave and serious woman, and in W.
Joyce's company' did inquire how things are with her master. She told me
many things very discreetly, and said she had all his papers and books,
and key of his cutting house, and showed me a bag which I and Wm. Joyce
told, coming to L5 14s. 0d., which we left with her again, after giving
her good counsel, and the boys, and seeing a nurse there of Mrs. Holden's
choosing, I left them, and so walked home greatly troubled to think of my
brother's condition, and the trouble that would arise to me by his death
or continuing sick. So at home, my mind troubled, to bed.
14th. Up, and walked to my brother's, where I find he hath continued
talking idly all night, and now knows me not; which troubles me mightily.
So I walked down and discoursed a great while alone with the mayde, who
tells me many passages of her master's practices, and how she concludes
that he has run behind hand a great while and owes money, and has been
dunned by several people, among others by one Cave, both husband and
wife, but whether it was for--[See April 6th]-- money or something worse
she knows not, but there is one Cranburne, I think she called him, in
Fleete Lane with whom he hath many times been mighty private, but what
their dealings have been she knows not, but believes these were naught,
and then his sitting up two Saturday nights one after another when all
were abed doing something to himself, which she now suspects what it was,
but did not before, but tells me that he hath been a very bad husband as
to spending his time, and hath often told him of it, so that upon the
whole I do find he is, whether he lives or dies, a ruined man, and what
trouble will befall me by it I know not. Thence to White Hall; and in
the Duke's chamber, while he was dressing, two persons of quality that
were there did tell his Royal Highness how the other night, in Holborne,
about midnight, being at cards, a link-boy come by and run into the
house, and told the people the house was a-falling. Upon this the whole
family was frighted, concluding that the boy had said that the house was
a-fire: so they deft their cards above, and one would have got out of the
balcone, but it was not open; the other went up to fetch down his
children, that were in bed; so all got clear out of the house. And no
sooner so, but the house fell down indeed, from top to bottom. It seems
my Lord Southampton's canaille--[sewer]--did come too near their
foundation, and so weakened the house, and down it came; which, in every
respect, is a most extraordinary passage. By and by into his closet and
did our business with him. But I did not speed as I expected in a
business about the manner of buying hemp for this year, which troubled
me, but it proceeds only from my pride, that I must needs expect every
thing to be ordered just as I apprehend, though it was not I think from
my errour, but their not being willing to hear and consider all that I
had to propose. Being broke up I followed my Lord Sandwich and thanked
him for his putting me into the Fishery, which I perceive he expected,
and cried "Oh!" says he, "in the Fishery you mean. I told you I would
remember you in it," but offered no other discourse. But demanding
whether he had any commands for me, methought he cried "No!" as if he had
no more mind to discourse with me, which still troubles me and hath done
all the day, though I think I am a fool for it, in not pursuing my
resolution of going handsome in clothes and looking high, for that must
do it when all is done with my Lord. Thence by coach with Sir W. Batten
to the city, and his son Castle, who talks mighty highly against Captain
Tayler, calling him knave, and I find that the old Boating father is led
and talks just as the son do, or the son as the father would have him.
'Light and to Mr. Moxon's, and there saw our office globes in doing,
which will be very handsome but cost money. So to the Coffee-house, and
there very fine discourse with Mr. Hill the merchant, a pretty, gentile,
young, and sober man. So to the 'Change, and thence home, where my wife
and I fell out about my not being willing to have her have her gowne
laced, but would lay out the same money and more on a plain new one. At
this she flounced away in a manner I never saw her, nor which I could
ever endure. So I away to the office, though she had dressed herself to
go see my Lady Sandwich. She by and by in a rage follows me, and coming
to me tells me in spitefull manner like a vixen and with a look full of
rancour that she would go buy a new one and lace it and make me pay for
it, and then let me burn it if I would after she had done it, and so went
away in a fury. This vexed me cruelly, but being very busy I had, not
hand to give myself up to consult what to do in it, but anon, I suppose
after she saw that I did not follow her, she came again to the office,
where I made her stay, being busy with another, half an houre, and her
stomach coming down we were presently friends, and so after my business
being over at the office we out and by coach to my Lady Sandwich's,.
with whom I left my wife, and I to White Hall, where I met Mr. Delsety,
and after an hour's discourse with him met with nobody to do other
business with, but back again to my Lady, and after half an hour's
discourse with her to my brother's, who I find in the same or worse
condition. The doctors give him over and so do all that see him.
He talks no sense two, words together now; and I confess it made me weepe
to see that he should not be able, when I asked him, to say who I was.
I went to Mrs. Turner's, and by her discourse with my brother's Doctor,
Mr. Powell, I find that she is full now of the disease which my brother
is troubled with, and talks of it mightily, which I am sorry for, there
being other company, but methinks it should be for her honour to forbear
talking of it, the shame of this very thing I confess troubles me as much
as anything. Back to my brother's and took my wife, and carried her to
my uncle Fenner's and there had much private discourse with him. He
tells me of the Doctor's thoughts of my brother's little hopes of
recovery, and from that to tell me his thoughts long of my brother's bad
husbandry, and from that to say that he believes he owes a great deal of
money, as to my cozen Scott I know not how much, and Dr. Thos. Pepys L30,
but that the Doctor confesses that he is paid L20 of it, and what with
that and what he owes my father and me I doubt he is in a very sad
condition, that if he lives he will not be able to show his head, which
will be a very great shame to me. After this I went in to my aunt and my
wife and Anthony Joyce and his wife, who were by chance there, and drank
and so home, my mind and head troubled, but I hope it will [be] over in a
little time one way or other. After doing a little at my office of
business I home to supper and to bed. From notice that my uncle Fenner
did give my father the last week of my brother's condition, my mother is
coming up to towne, which also do trouble me. The business between my
Lords Chancellor and Bristoll, they say, is hushed up; and the latter
gone or going, by the King's licence, to France.
15th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and at noon
comes Madam Turner and her daughter The., her chief errand to tell me
that she had got Dr. Wiverly, her Doctor, to search my brother's mouth,
where Mr. Powell says there is an ulcer, from thence he concludes that he
hath had the pox. But the Doctor swears that there is not, nor ever was
any, and my brother being very sensible, which I was glad to hear, he did
talk with him about it, and he did wholly disclaim that ever he had the
disease, or that ever he said to Powell that he had it. All which did
put me into great comfort as to the reproach which was spread against
him. So I sent for a barrel of oysters, and they dined, and we were very
merry, I being willing to be so upon this news. After dinner we took
coach and to my brother's, where contrary to my expectation he continues
as bad or worse, talking idle, and now not at all knowing any of us as
before. Here we staid a great while, I going up and down the house
looking after things. In the evening Dr. Wiverley came again, and I sent
for Mr. Powell (the Doctor and I having first by ourselves searched my
brother again at his privities, where he was as clear as ever he was
born, and in the Doctor's opinion had been ever so), and we three alone
discoursed the business, where the coxcomb did give us his simple reasons
for what he had said, which the Doctor fully confuted, and left the
fellow only saying that he should cease to report any such thing, and
that what he had said was the best of his judgment from my brother's
words and a ulcer, as he supposed, in his mouth. I threatened him that I
would have satisfaction if I heard any more such discourse, and so good
night to them two, giving the Doctor a piece for his fee, but the other
nothing. I to my brother again, where Madam Turner and her company, and
Mrs. Croxton, my wife, and Mrs. Holding. About 8 o'clock my brother
began to fetch his spittle with more pain, and to speak as much but not
so distinctly, till at last the phlegm getting the mastery of him, and he
beginning as we thought to rattle, I had no mind to see him die, as we
thought he presently would, and so withdrew and led Mrs. Turner home, but
before I came back, which was in half a quarter of an hour, my brother
was dead. I went up and found the nurse holding his eyes shut, and he
poor wretch lying with his chops fallen, a most sad sight, and that which
put me into a present very great transport of grief and cries, and indeed
it was a most sad sight to see the poor wretch lie now still and dead,
and pale like a stone. I staid till he was almost cold, while Mrs.
Croxton, Holden, and the rest did strip and lay him out, they observing
his corpse, as they told me afterwards, to be as clear as any they ever
saw, and so this was the end of my poor brother, continuing talking idle
and his lips working even to his last that his phlegm hindered his
breathing, and at last his breath broke out bringing a flood of phlegm
and stuff out with it, and so he died. This evening he talked among
other talk a great deal of French very plain and good, as, among others:
'quand un homme boit quand il n'a poynt d'inclination a boire il ne luy
fait jamais de bien.' I once begun to tell him something of his
condition, and asked him whither he thought he should go. He in
distracted manner answered me--"Why, whither should I go? there are but
two ways: If I go, to the bad way I must give God thanks for it, and if I
go the other way I must give God the more thanks for it; and I hope I
have not been so undutifull and unthankfull in my life but I hope I shall
go that way." This was all the sense, good or bad, that I could get of
him this day. I left my wife to see him laid out, and I by coach home
carrying my brother's papers, all I could find, with me, and having wrote
a letter to, my father telling him what hath been said I returned by
coach, it being very late, and dark, to my brother's, but all being gone,
the corpse laid out, and my wife at Mrs. Turner's, I thither, and there
after an hour's talk, we up to bed, my wife and I in the little blue
chamber, and I lay close to my wife, being full of disorder and grief for
my brother that I could not sleep nor wake with satisfaction, at last I
slept till 5 or 6 o'clock.
16th. And then I rose and up, leaving my wife in bed, and to my
brother's, where I set them on cleaning the house, and my wife coming
anon to look after things, I up and down to my cozen Stradwicke's and
uncle Fenner's about discoursing for the funeral, which I am resolved to
put off till Friday next. Thence home and trimmed myself, and then to
the 'Change, and told my uncle Wight of my brother's death, and so by
coach to my cozen Turner's and there dined very well, but my wife . . .
. in great pain we were forced to rise in some disorder, and in Mrs.
Turner's coach carried her home and put her to bed. Then back again with
my cozen Norton to Mrs. Turner's, and there staid a while talking with
Dr. Pepys, the puppy, whom I had no patience to hear. So I left them and
to my brother's to look after things, and saw the coffin brought; and by
and by Mrs. Holden came and saw him nailed up. Then came W. Joyce to me
half drunk, and much ado I had to tell him the story of my brother's
being found clear of what was said, but he would interrupt me by some
idle discourse or other, of his crying what a good man, and a good
speaker my brother was, and God knows what. At last weary of him I got
him away, and I to Mrs. Turner's, and there, though my heart is still
heavy to think of my poor brother, yet I could give way to my fancy to
hear Mrs. The. play upon the Harpsicon, though the musique did not please
me neither. Thence to my brother's and found them with my mayd Elizabeth
taking an inventory of the goods of the house, which I was well pleased
at, and am much beholden to Mr. Honeywood's man in doing of it. His name
is Herbert, one that says he knew me when he lived with Sir Samuel
Morland, but I have forgot him. So I left them at it, and by coach home
and to my office, there to do a little business, but God knows my heart
and head is so full of my brother's death, and the consequences of it,
that I can do very little or understand it. So home to supper, and after
looking over some business in my chamber I to bed to my wife, who
continues in bed in some pain still. This day I have a great barrel of
oysters given me by Mr. Barrow, as big as 16 of others, and I took it in
the coach with me to Mrs. Turner's, and give them to her. This day the
Parliament met again, after a long prorogation, but what they have done I
have not been in the way to hear.
17th. Up and to my brother's, where all the morning doing business
against to-morrow, and so to my cozen Stradwicke's about the same
business, and to the 'Change, and thence home to dinner, where my wife in
bed sick still, but not so bad as yesterday. I dined by her, and so to
the office, where we sat this afternoon, having changed this day our
sittings from morning to afternoons, because of the Parliament which
returned yesterday; but was adjourned till Monday next; upon pretence
that many of the members were said to be upon the road; and also the King
had other affairs, and so desired them to adjourn till then. But the
truth is, the King is offended at my Lord of Bristol, as they say, whom
he hath found to have been all this while (pretending a desire of leave
to go into France, and to have all the difference between him and the
Chancellor made up,) endeavouring to make factions in both Houses to the
Chancellor. So the King did this to keep the Houses from meeting; and in
the meanwhile sent a guard and a herald last night to have taken him at
Wimbleton, where he was in the morning, but could not find him: at which
the King was and is still mightily concerned, and runs up and down to and
from the Chancellor's like a boy: and it seems would make Digby's
articles against the Chancellor to be treasonable reflections against his
Majesty. So that the King is very high, as they say; and God knows what
will follow upon it! After office I to my brother's again, and thence to
Madam Turner's, in both places preparing things against to-morrow; and
this night I have altered my resolution of burying him in the church
yarde among my young brothers and sisters, and bury him in the church, in
the middle isle, as near as I can to my mother's pew. This costs me 20s.
more. This being all, home by coach, bringing my brother's silver
tankard for safety along with me, and so to supper, after writing to my
father, and so to bed.
18th. Up betimes, and walked to my brother's, where a great while
putting things in order against anon; then to Madam Turner's and eat a
breakfast there, and so to Wotton, my shoemaker, and there got a pair of
shoes blacked on the soles against anon for me; so to my brother's and to
church, and with the grave-maker chose a place for my brother to lie in,
just under my mother's pew. But to see how a man's tombes are at the
mercy of such a fellow, that for sixpence he would, (as his owne words
were,) "I will justle them together but I will make room for him;"
speaking of the fulness of the middle isle, where he was to lie; and that
he would, for my father's sake, do my brother that is dead all the
civility he can; which was to disturb other corps that are not quite
rotten, to make room for him; and methought his manner of speaking it was
very remarkable; as of a thing that now was in his power to do a man a
courtesy or not. At noon my wife, though in pain, comes, but I being
forced to go home, she went back with me, where I dressed myself, and so
did Besse; and so to my brother's again: whither, though invited, as the
custom is, at one or two o'clock, they came not till four or five. But
at last one after another they come, many more than I bid: and my
reckoning that I bid was one hundred and twenty; but I believe there was
nearer one hundred and fifty. Their service was six biscuits apiece, and
what they pleased of burnt claret. My cosen Joyce Norton kept the wine
and cakes above; and did give out to them that served, who had white
gloves given them. But above all, I am beholden to Mrs. Holden, who was
most kind, and did take mighty pains not only in getting the house and
every thing else ready, but this day in going up and down to see, the
house filled and served, in order to mine, and their great content, I
think; the men sitting by themselves in some rooms, and women by
themselves in others, very close, but yet room enough. Anon to church,
walking out into the streete to the Conduit, and so across the streete,
and had a very good company along with the corps. And being come to the
grave as above, Dr. Pierson, the minister of the parish, did read the
service for buriall: and so I saw my poor brother laid into the grave;
and so all broke up; and I and my wife and Madam Turner and her family to
my brother's, and by and by fell to a barrell of oysters, cake, and
cheese, of Mr. Honiwood's, with him, in his chamber and below, being too
merry for so late a sad work. But, Lord! to see how the world makes
nothing of the memory of a man, an houre after he is dead! And, indeed,
I must blame myself; for though at the sight of him dead and dying, I had
real grief for a while, while he was in my sight, yet presently after,
and ever since, I have had very little grief indeed for him. By and by,
it beginning to be late, I put things in some order in the house, and so
took my wife and Besse (who hath done me very good service in cleaning
and getting ready every thing and serving the wine and things to-day, and
is indeed a most excellent good-natured and faithful wench, and I love
her mightily), by coach home, and so after being at the office to set
down the day's work home to supper and to bed.
19th. Up and to the office, where all the morning, and at noon my wife
and I alone, having a good hen, with eggs, to dinner, with great content.
Then by coach to my brother's, where I spent the afternoon in paying some
of the charges of the buriall, and in looking over his papers, among
which I find several letters of my brother John's to him speaking very
foale words of me and my deportment to him here, and very crafty designs
about Sturtlow land and God knows what, which I am very glad to know, and
shall make him repent them. Anon my father and my brother John came to
towne by coach. I sat till night with him, giving him an account of
things. He, poor man, very sad and sickly. I in great pain by a simple
compressing of my cods to-day by putting one leg over another as I have
formerly done, which made me hasten home, and after a little at the
office in great disorder home to bed.
20th (Lord's day). Kept my bed all the morning, having laid a poultice
to my cods last night to take down the tumour there which I got
yesterday, which it did do, being applied pretty warm, and soon after the
beginning of the swelling, and the pain was gone also. We lay talking
all the while, among other things of religion, wherein I am sorry so
often to hear my wife talk of her being and resolving to die a
Catholique,
[Mrs. Pepys's leaning towards Roman Catholicism was a constant
trouble to her husband; but, in spite of his fears, she died a
Protestant (Dr. Milles's certificate.)]
and indeed a small matter, I believe, would absolutely turn her, which I
am sorry for. Up at noon to dinner, and then to my chamber with a fire
till late at night looking over my brother Thomas's papers, sorting of
them, among which I find many base letters of my brother John's to him
against me, and carrying on plots against me to promote Tom's having of
his Banbury' Mistress, in base slighting terms, and in worse of my sister
Pall, such as I shall take a convenient time to make my father know, and
him also to his sorrow. So after supper to bed, our people rising to
wash to-morrow.
21st. Up, and it snowing this morning a little, which from the mildness
of the winter and the weather beginning to be hot and the summer to come
on apace, is a little strange to us. I did not go abroad for fear of my
tumour, for fear it shall rise again, but staid within, and by and by my,
father came, poor man, to me, and my brother John. After much talke and
taking them up to my chamber, I did there after some discourse bring in
any business of anger--with John, and did before my father read all his
roguish letters, which troubled my father mightily, especially to hear me
say what I did, against my allowing any thing for the time to come to him
out of my owne purse, and other words very severe, while he, like a
simple rogue, made very silly and churlish answers to me, not like a man
of any goodness or witt, at which I was as much disturbed as the other,
and will be as good as my word in making him to his cost know that I will
remember his carriage to me in this particular the longest day I live.
It troubled me to see my poor father so troubled, whose good nature did
make him, poor wretch, to yield, I believe, to comply with my brother Tom
and him in part of their designs, but without any ill intent to me, or
doubt of me or my good intentions to him or them, though it do trouble me
a little that he should in any manner do it. They dined with me, and
after dinner abroad with my wife to buy some things for her, and I to the
office, where we sat till night, and then, after doing some business at
my closet, I home and to supper and to bed. This day the Houses of
Parliament met; and the King met them, with the Queene with him. And he
made a speech to them:
[March 16th, 1663-64. This day both Houses met, and on the gist the
king opened the session with a speech from the throne, in which
occurs this Passage: "I pray, Mr. Speaker, and you, gentlemen of the
House of Commons, give that Triennial Bill once a reading in your
house, and then, in God's name, do what you think fit for me and
yourselves and the whole kingdom. I need not tell you how much I
love parliaments. Never king was so much beholden to parliaments as
I have been, nor do I think the crown can ever be happy without
frequent parliaments" (Cobbett's "Parliamentary History," vol. iv.,
cc. 290, 291).]
among other things, discoursing largely of the plots abroad against him
and the peace of the kingdom; and, among other things, that the
dissatisfied party had great hopes upon the effect of the Act for a
Triennial Parliament granted by his father, which he desired them to
peruse, and, I think, repeal. So the Houses did retire to their own
House, and did order the Act to be read to-morrow before them; and I
suppose it will be repealed, though I believe much against the will of a
good many that sit there.
22nd. Up, and spent the whole morning and afternoon at my office, only
in the evening, my wife being at my aunt Wight's, I went thither, calling
at my own house, going out found the parlour curtains drawn, and
inquiring the reason of it, they told me that their mistress had got Mrs.
Buggin's fine little dog and our little bitch, which is proud at this
time, and I am apt to think that she was helping him to line her, for
going afterwards to my uncle Wight's, and supping there with her, where
very merry with Mr. Woolly's drollery, and going home I found the little
dog so little that of himself he could not reach our bitch, which I am
sorry for, for it is the finest dog that ever I saw in my life, as if he
were painted the colours are so finely mixed and shaded. God forgive me,
it went against me to have my wife and servants look upon them while they
endeavoured to do something . . . .
23rd. Up, and going out saw Mrs. Buggin's dog, which proves as I thought
last night so pretty that I took him and the bitch into my closet below,
and by holding down the bitch helped him to line her, which he did very
stoutly, so as I hope it will take, for it is the prettiest dog that ever
I saw. So to the office, where very busy all the morning, and so to the
'Change, and off hence with Sir W. Rider to the Trinity House, and there
dined very well: and good discourse among the old men of Islands now and
then rising and falling again in the Sea, and that there is many dangers
of grounds and rocks that come just up to the edge almost of the sea,
that is never discovered and ships perish without the world's knowing the
reason of it. Among other things, they observed, that there are but two
seamen in the Parliament house, viz., Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen, and
not above twenty or thirty merchants; which is a strange thing in an
island, and no wonder that things of trade go no better nor are better
understood. Thence home, and all the afternoon at the office, only for
an hour in the evening my Lady Jemimah, Paulina, and Madam Pickering come
to see us, but my wife would not be seen, being unready. Very merry with
them; they mightily talking of their thrifty living for a fortnight
before their mother came to town, and other such simple talk, and of
their merry life at Brampton, at my father's, this winter. So they being
gone, to the office again till late, and so home and to supper and to
bed.
24th. Called up by my father, poor man, coming to advise with me about
Tom's house and other matters, and he being gone I down by water to
Greenwich, it being very-foggy, and I walked very finely to Woolwich,
and there did very much business at both yards, and thence walked back,
Captain Grove with me talking, and so to Deptford and did the like-
there, and then walked to Redriffe (calling and eating a bit of collops
and eggs at Half-way house), and so home to the office, where we sat
late, and home weary to supper and to bed.
25th (Lady-day). Up and by water to White Hall, and there to chappell;
where it was most infinite full to hear Dr. Critton. Being not knowne,
some great persons in the pew I pretended to, and went in, did question
my coming in. I told them my pretence; so they turned to the orders of
the chappell, which hung behind upon the wall, and read it; and were
satisfied; but they did not demand whether I was in waiting or no; and so
I was in some fear lest he that was in waiting might come and betray me.
The Doctor preached upon the thirty-first of Jeremy, and the twenty-first
and twenty-second verses, about a woman compassing a man; meaning the
Virgin conceiving and bearing our Saviour. It was the worst sermon I
ever heard him make, I must confess; and yet it was good, and in two
places very bitter, advising the King to do as the Emperor Severus did,
to hang up a Presbyter John (a short coat and a long gowne
interchangeably) in all the Courts of England. But the story of Severus
was pretty, that he hanged up forty senators before the Senate house, and
then made a speech presently to the Senate in praise of his owne lenity;
and then decreed that never any senator after that time should suffer in
the same manner without consent of the Senate: which he compared to the
proceeding of the Long Parliament against my Lord Strafford. He said the
greatest part of the lay magistrates in England were Puritans, and would
not do justice; and the Bishopps, their powers were so taken away and
lessened, that they could not exercise the power they ought. He told the
King and the ladies plainly, speaking of death and of the skulls and
bones of dead men and women,
[The preacher appears to have had the grave scene in "Hamlet" in
his mind, as he gives the same illustration of Alexander as Hamlet
does.]
how there is no difference; that nobody could tell that of the great
Marius or Alexander from a pyoneer; nor, for all the pains the ladies
take with their faces, he that should look in a charnels-house could not
distinguish which was Cleopatra's, or fair Rosamond's, or Jane Shoare's.
Thence by water home. After dinner to the office, thence with my wife to
see my father and discourse how he finds Tom's matters, which he do very
ill, and that he finds him to have been so negligent, that he used to
trust his servants with cutting out of clothes, never hardly cutting out
anything himself; and, by the abstract of his accounts, we find him to
owe above L290, and to be coming to him under L200. Thence home with my
wife, it being very dirty on foot, and bought some fowl in Gracious.
Streets and some oysters against our feast to-morrow. So home, and after
at the office a while, home to supper and to bed.
26th. Up very betimes and to my office, and there read over some papers
against a meeting by and by at this office of Mr. Povy, Sir W. Rider,
Creed, and Vernaty, and Mr. Gauden about my Lord Peterborough's accounts
for Tangier, wherein we proceeded a good way; but, Lord! to see how
ridiculous Mr. Povy is in all he says or do; like a man not more fit for
to be in such employments as he is, and particularly that of Treasurer
(paying many and very great sums without the least written order) as he
is to be King of England, and seems but this day, after much discourse of
mine, to be sensible of that part of his folly, besides a great deal more
in other things. This morning in discourse Sir W. Rider [said], that he
hath kept a journals of his life for almost these forty years, even to
this day and still do, which pleases me mightily. That being done Sir J.
Minnes and I sat all the morning, and then I to the 'Change, and there
got away by pretence of business with my uncle Wight to put off Creed,
whom I had invited to dinner, and so home, and there found Madam Turner,
her daughter The., Joyce Norton, my father and Mr. Honywood, and by and
by come my uncle Wight and aunt. This being my solemn feast for my
cutting of the stone, it being now, blessed be God! this day six years
since the time; and I bless God I do in all respects find myself free
from that disease or any signs of it, more than that upon the least cold
I continue to have pain in making water, by gathering of wind and growing
costive, till which be removed I am at no ease, but without that I am
very well. One evil more I have, which is that upon the least squeeze
almost my cods begin to swell and come to great pain, which is very
strange and troublesome to me, though upon the speedy applying of a
poultice it goes down again, and in two days I am well again. Dinner not
being presently ready I spent some time myself and shewed them a map of
Tangier left this morning at my house by Creed, cut by our order, the
Commissioners, and drawn by Jonas Moore, which is very pleasant, and I
purpose to have it finely set out and hung up. Mrs. Hunt coming to see
my wife by chance dined here with us. After dinner Sir W. Batten sent to
speak with me, and told me that he had proffered our bill today in the
House, and that it was read without any dissenters, and he fears not but
will pass very well, which I shall be glad of. He told me also how Sir
[Richard] Temple hath spoke very discontentfull words in the House about
the Tryennial Bill; but it hath been read the second time to-day, and
committed; and, he believes, will go on without more ado, though there
are many in the House are displeased at it, though they dare not say
much. But above all expectation, Mr. Prin is the man against it,
comparing it to the idoll whose head was of gold, and his body and legs
and feet of different metal. So this Bill had several degrees of calling
of Parliaments, in case the King, and then the Council, and then the Lord
Chancellor, and then the Sheriffes, should fail to do it. He tells me
also, how, upon occasion of some 'prentices being put in the pillory
to-day for beating of their masters, or some such like thing, in
Cheapside, a company of 'prentices came and rescued them, and pulled down
the pillory; and they being set up again, did the like again. So that
the Lord Mayor and Major Generall Browne was fain to come and stay there,
to keep the peace; and drums, all up and down the city, was beat to raise
the trained bands, for to quiett the towne, and by and by, going out with
my uncle and aunt Wight by coach with my wife through Cheapside (the rest
of the company after much content and mirth being broke up), we saw a
trained band stand in Cheapside upon their guard. We went, much against
my uncle's will, as far almost as Hyde Park, he and my aunt falling out
all the way about it, which vexed me, but by this I understand my uncle
more than ever I did, for he was mighty soon angry, and wished a pox take
her, which I was sorry to hear. The weather I confess turning on a
sudden to rain did make it very unpleasant, but yet there was no occasion
in the world for his being so angry, but she bore herself very
discreetly, and I must confess she proves to me much another woman than I
thought her, but all was peace again presently, and so it raining very
fast, we met many brave coaches coming from the Parke and so we turned
and set them down at home, and so we home ourselves, and ended the day
with great content to think how it hath pleased the Lord in six years
time to raise me from a condition of constant and dangerous and most
painfull sicknesse and low condition and poverty to a state of constant
health almost, great honour and plenty, for which the Lord God of heaven
make me truly thankfull. My wife found her gowne come home laced, which
is indeed very handsome, but will cost me a great deal of money, more
than ever I intended, but it is but for once. So to the office and did
business, and then home and to bed.
27th (Lord's day). Lay long in bed wrangling with my wife about the
charge she puts me to at this time for clothes more than I intended, and
very angry we were, but quickly friends again. And so rising and ready I
to my office, and there fell upon business, and then to dinner, and then
to my office again to my business, and by and by in the afternoon walked
forth towards my father's, but it being church time, walked to St.
James's, to try if I could see the belle Butler, but could not; only
saw her sister, who indeed is pretty, with a fine Roman nose. Thence
walked through the ducking-pond fields; but they are so altered since
my father used to carry us to Islington, to the old man's, at the King's
Head, to eat cakes and ale (his name was Pitts) that I did not know
which was the ducking-pond nor where I was. So through F[l]ee[t] lane
to my father's, and there met Mr. Moore, and discoursed with him and my
father about who should administer for my brother Tom, and I find we
shall have trouble in it, but I will clear my hands of it, and what vexed
me, my father seemed troubled that I should seem to rely so wholly upon
the advice of Mr. Moore, and take nobody else, but I satisfied him, and
so home; and in Cheapside, both coming and going, it was full of
apprentices, who have been here all this day, and have done violence, I
think, to the master of the boys that were put in the pillory yesterday.
But, Lord! to see how the train-bands are raised upon this: the drums
beating every where as if an enemy were upon them; so much is this city
subject to be put into a disarray upon very small occasions. But it was
pleasant to hear the boys, and particularly one little one, that I
demanded the business. He told me that that had never been done in the
city since it was a city, two prentices put in the pillory, and that it
ought not to be so. So I walked home, and then it being fine moonshine
with my wife an houre in the garden, talking of her clothes against
Easter and about her mayds, Jane being to be gone, and the great dispute
whether Besse, whom we both love, should be raised to be chamber-mayde or
no. We have both a mind to it, but know not whether we should venture
the making her proud and so make a bad chamber-mayde of a very good
natured and sufficient cook-mayde. So to my office a little, and then to
supper, prayers and to bed.
28th. This is the first morning that I have begun, and I hope shall
continue to rise betimes in the morning, and so up and to my office, and
thence about 7 o'clock to T. Trice, and advised with him about our
administering to my brother Tom, and I went to my father and told him
what to do; which was to administer and to let my cozen Scott have a
letter of Atturny to follow the business here in his absence for him, who
by that means will have the power of paying himself (which we cannot
however hinder) and do us a kindness we think too. But, Lord! what a
shame, methinks, to me, that, in this condition, and at this age, I
should know no better the laws of my owne country! Thence to Westminster
Hall, and spent till noon, it being Parliament time, and at noon walked
with Creed into St. James's Parke, talking of many things, particularly
of the poor parts and great unfitness for business of Mr. Povy, and yet
what a show he makes in the world. Mr. Coventry not being come to his
chamber, I walked through the house with him for an hour in St. James's
fields' talking of the same subject, and then parted, and back and with
great impatience, sometimes reading, sometimes walking, sometimes
thinking that Mr. Coventry, though he invited us to dinner with him, was
gone with the rest of the office without a dinner. At last, at past 4
o'clock I heard that the Parliament was not up yet, and so walked to
Westminster Hall, and there found it so, and meeting with Sir J. Minnes,
and being very hungry, went over with him to the Leg, and before we had
cut a bit, the House rises, however we eat a bit and away to St. James's
and there eat a second part of our dinner with Mr. Coventry and his
brother Harry, Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen. The great matter today in
the House hath been, that Mr. Vaughan, the great speaker, is this day
come to towne, and hath declared himself in a speech of an houre and a
half, with great reason and eloquence, against the repealing of the Bill
for Triennial Parliaments; but with no successe: but the House have
carried it that there shall be such Parliaments, but without any coercive
power upon the King, if he will bring this Act. But, Lord! to see how
the best things are not done without some design; for I perceive all
these gentlemen that I was with to-day were against it (though there was
reason enough on their side); yet purely, I could perceive, because it
was the King's mind to have it; and should he demand any thing else, I
believe they would give it him. But this the discontented Presbyters,
and the faction of the House will be highly displeased with; but it was
carried clearly against them in the House. We had excellent good table-
talke, some of which I have entered in my book of stories. So with them
by coach home, and there find (bye my wife), that Father Fogourdy hath
been with her to-day, and she is mightily for our going to hear a famous
Reule preach at the French Embassador's house: I pray God he do not tempt
her in any matters of religion, which troubles me; and also, she had
messages from her mother to-day, who sent for her old morning-gown, which
was almost past wearing; and I used to call it her kingdom, from the ease
and content she used to have in the wearing of it. I am glad I do not
hear of her begging any thing of more value, but I do not like that these
messages should now come all upon Monday morning, when my wife expects of
course I should be abroad at the Duke's. To the office, where Mr. Norman
came and showed me a design of his for the storekeeper's books, for the
keeping of them regular in order to a balance, which I am mightily
satisfied to see, and shall love the fellow the better, as he is in all
things sober, so particularly for his endeavour to do something in this
thing so much wanted. So late home to supper and to bed, weary-with
walking so long to no purpose in the Park to-day.
29th. Was called up this morning by a messenger from Sir G. Carteret to
come to him to Sir W. Batten's, and so I rose and thither to him, and
with him and Sir J. Minnes to, Sir G. Carteret's to examine his accounts,
and there we sat at it all the morning. About noon Sir W. Batten came
from the House of Parliament and told us our Bill for our office was read
the second time to-day, with great applause, and is committed. By and by
to dinner, where good cheere, and Sir G. Carteret in his humour a very
good man, and the most kind father and pleased father in his children
that ever I saw. Here is now hung up a picture of my Lady Carteret,
drawn by Lilly, a very fine picture, but yet not so good as I have seen
of his doing. After dinner to the business again without any
intermission till almost night, and then home, and took coach to my
father to see and discourse with him, and so home again and to my office,
where late, and then home to bed.
30th. Up very betimes to my office, and thence at 7 o'clock to Sir G.
Carteret, and there with Sir J. Minnes made an end of his accounts, but
staid not dinner, my Lady having made us drink our morning draft there of
several wines, but I drank: nothing but some of her coffee, which was
poorly made, with a little sugar in it. Thence to the 'Change a great
while, and had good discourse with Captain Cocke at the Coffee-house
about a Dutch warr, and it seems the King's design is by getting
underhand the merchants to bring in their complaints to the Parliament,
to make them in honour begin a warr, which he cannot in honour declare
first, for fear they should not second him with money. Thence homewards,
staying a pretty while with my little she milliner at the end of Birchin
Lane, talking and buying gloves of her, and then home to dinner, and in
the afternoon had a meeting upon the Chest business, but I fear unless I
have time to look after it nothing will be done,, and that I fear I shall
not. In the evening comes Sir W. Batten, who tells us that the Committee
have approved of our bill with very few amendments in words, not in
matter. So to my office, where late with Sir W. Warren, and so home to
supper and to bed.
31st. Up betimes, and to my office, where by and by comes Povy, Sir W.
Rider, Mr. Bland, Creed, and Vernatty, about my Lord Peterborough's
accounts, which we now went through, but with great difficulty, and many
high words between Mr. Povy and I; for I could not endure to see so many
things extraordinary put in, against truthe and reason. He was very
angry, but I endeavoured all I could to profess my satisfaction in my
Lord's part of the accounts, but not in those foolish idle things, they
say I said, that others had put in. Anon we rose and parted, both of us
angry, but I contented, because I knew all of them must know I was in the
right. Then with Creed to Deptford, where I did a great deal of business
enquiring into the business of canvas and other things with great
content, and so walked back again, good discourse between Creed and I by
the way, but most upon the folly of Povy, and at home found Luellin, and
so we to dinner, and thence I to the office, where we sat all the
afternoon late, and being up and my head mightily crowded with business,
I took my wife by coach to see my father. I left her at his house and
went to him to an alehouse hard by, where my cozen Scott was, and my
father's new tenant, Langford, a tailor, to whom I have promised my
custom, and he seems a very modest, carefull young man. Thence my wife
coming with the coach to the alley end I home, and after supper to the
making up my monthly accounts, and to my great content find myself worth
above L900, the greatest sum I ever yet had. Having done my accounts,
late to bed. My head of late mighty full of business, and with good
content to myself in it, though sometimes it troubles me that nobody else
but I should bend themselves to serve the King with that diligence,
whereby much of my pains proves ineffectual.
ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
Doubtfull of himself, and easily be removed from his own opinion
Drink a dish of coffee
Ill from my late cutting my hair so close to my head
Nothing of the memory of a man, an houre after he is dead!
She had got and used some puppy-dog water
Subject to be put into a disarray upon very small occasions
Very angry we were, but quickly friends again
Went against me to have my wife and servants look upon them
End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Diary of Samuel Pepys, v31
by Samuel Pepys, Unabridged, transcribed by Bright, edited by Wheatley
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.
APRIL & MAY
1664
April 1st. Up and to my office, where busy till noon, and then to the
'Change, where I found all the merchants concerned with the presenting
their complaints to the Committee of Parliament appointed to receive them
this afternoon against the Dutch. So home to dinner, and thence by
coach, setting my wife down at the New Exchange, I to White Hall; and
coming too soon for the Tangier Committee walked to Mr. Blagrave for a
song. I left long ago there, and here I spoke with his kinswoman, he not
being within, but did not hear her sing, being not enough acquainted with
her, but would be glad to have her, to come and be at my house a week now
and then. Back to White Hall, and in the Gallery met the Duke of Yorke
(I also saw the Queene going to the Parke, and her Mayds of Honour: she
herself looks ill, and methinks Mrs. Stewart is grown fatter, and not so
fair as she was); and he called me to him, and discoursed a good while
with me; and after he was gone, twice or thrice staid and called me again
to him, the whole length of the house: and at last talked of the Dutch;
and I perceive do much wish that the Parliament will find reason to fall
out with them. He gone, I by and by found that the Committee of Tangier
met at the Duke of Albemarle's, and so I have lost my labour. So with
Creed to the 'Change, and there took up my wife and left him, and we two
home, and I to walk in the garden with W. Howe, whom we took up, he
having been to see us, he tells me how Creed has been questioned before
the Council about a letter that has been met with, wherein he is
mentioned by some fanatiques as a serviceable friend to them, but he says
he acquitted himself well in it, but, however, something sticks against
him, he says, with my Lord, at which I am not very sorry, for I believe
he is a false fellow. I walked with him to Paul's, he telling me how my
Lord is little at home, minds his carding and little else, takes little
notice of any body; but that he do not think he is displeased, as I fear,
with me, but is strange to all, which makes me the less troubled. So
walked back home, and late at the office. So home and to bed. This day
Mrs. Turner did lend me, as a rarity, a manuscript of one Mr. Wells, writ
long ago, teaching the method of building a ship, which pleases me
mightily. I was at it to-night, but durst not stay long at it, I being
come to have a great pain and water in my eyes after candle-light.
2nd. Up and to my office, and afterwards sat, where great contest with
Sir W. Batten and Mr. Wood, and that doating fool Sir J. Minnes, that
says whatever Sir W. Batten says, though never minding whether to the
King's profit or not. At noon to the Coffee-house, where excellent
discourse with Sir W. Petty, who proposed it as a thing that is truly
questionable, whether there really be any difference between waking and
dreaming, that it is hard not only to tell how we know when we do a thing
really or in a dream, but also to know what the difference [is] between
one and the other. Thence to the 'Change, but having at this discourse
long afterwards with Sir Thomas Chamberlin, who tells me what I heard
from others, that the complaints of most Companies were yesterday
presented to the Committee of Parliament against the Dutch, excepting
that of the East India, which he tells me was because they would not be
said to be the first and only cause of a warr with Holland, and that it
is very probable, as well as most necessary, that we fall out with that
people. I went to the 'Change, and there found most people gone, and so
home to dinner, and thence to Sir W. Warren's, and with him past the
whole afternoon, first looking over two ships' of Captain Taylor's and
Phin. Pett's now in building, and am resolved to learn something of the
art, for I find it is not hard and very usefull, and thence to Woolwich,
and after seeing Mr. Falconer, who is very ill, I to the yard, and there
heard Mr. Pett tell me several things of Sir W. Batten's ill managements,
and so with Sir W. Warren walked to Greenwich, having good discourse, and
thence by water, it being now moonshine and 9 or 10 o'clock at night, and
landed at Wapping, and by him and his man safely brought to my door, and
so he home, having spent the day with him very well. So home and eat
something, and then to my office a while, and so home to prayers and to
bed.
3rd (Lord's day). Being weary last night lay long, and called up by W.
Joyce. So I rose, and his business was to ask advice of me, he being
summonsed to the House of Lords to-morrow, for endeavouring to arrest my
Lady Peters
[Elizabeth, daughter of John Savage, second Earl Rivers, and first
wife to William, fourth Lord Petre, who was, in 1678, impeached by
the Commons of high treason, and died under confinement in the
Tower, January 5th, 1683, s. p.--B.]
for a debt. I did give him advice, and will assist him. He staid all
the morning, but would not dine with me. So to my office and did
business. At noon home to dinner, and being set with my wife in the
kitchen my father comes and sat down there and dined with us. After
dinner gives me an account of what he had done in his business of his
house and goods, which is almost finished, and he the next week expects
to be going down to Brampton again, which I am glad of because I fear the
children of my Lord that are there for fear of any discontent. He being
gone I to my office, and there very busy setting papers in order till
late at night, only in the afternoon my wife sent for me home, to see her
new laced gowne, that is her gown that is new laced; and indeed it
becomes her very nobly, and is well made. I am much pleased with it. At
night to supper, prayers, and to bed.
4th. Up, and walked to my Lord Sandwich's; and there spoke with him
about W. Joyce, who told me he would do what was fit in so tender a
point. I can yet discern a coldness in him to admit me to any discourse
with him. Thence to Westminster, to the Painted Chamber, and there met
the two Joyces. Will in a very melancholy taking. After a little
discourse I to the Lords' House before they sat; and stood within it a
good while, while the Duke of York came to me and spoke to me a good
while about the new ship' at Woolwich. Afterwards I spoke with my Lord
Barkeley and my Lord Peterborough about it. And so staid without a good
while, and saw my Lady Peters, an impudent jade, soliciting all the Lords
on her behalf. And at last W. Joyce was called in; and by the
consequences, and what my Lord Peterborough told me, I find that he did
speak all he said to his disadvantage, and so was committed to the Black
Rod: which is very hard, he doing what he did by the advice of my Lord
Peters' own steward. But the Sergeant of the Black Rod did direct one of
his messengers to take him in custody, and so he was peaceably conducted
to the Swan with two Necks, in Tuttle Street, to a handsome dining-room;
and there was most civilly used, my uncle Fenner, and his brother
Anthony, and some other friends being with him. But who would have
thought that the fellow that I should have sworn could have spoken before
all the world should in this be so daunted, as not to know what he said,
and now to cry like a child. I protest, it is very strange to observe.
I left them providing for his stay there to-night and getting a petition
against tomorrow, and so away to Westminster Hall, and meeting Mr.
Coventry, he took me to his chamber, with Sir William Hickeman, a member
of their House, and a very civill gentleman. Here we dined very
plentifully, and thence to White Hall to the Duke's, where we all met,
and after some discourse of the condition of the Fleete, in order to a
Dutch warr, for that, I perceive, the Duke hath a mind it should come to,
we away to the office, where we sat, and I took care to rise betimes, and
so by water to Halfway House, talking all the way good discourse with Mr.
Wayth, and there found my wife, who was gone with her mayd Besse to have
a walk. But, Lord! how my jealous mind did make me suspect that she
might have some appointment to meet somebody. But I found the poor souls
coming away thence, so I took them back, and eat and drank, and then
home, and after at the office a while, I home to supper and to bed. It
was a sad sight, me thought, to-day to see my Lord Peters coming out of
the House fall out with his lady (from whom he is parted) about this
business; saying that she disgraced him. But she hath been a handsome
woman, and is, it seems, not only a lewd woman, but very high-spirited.
5th. Up very betimes, and walked to my cozen Anthony Joyce's, and thence
with him to his brother Will, in Tuttle Street, where I find him pretty
cheery over [what] he was yesterday (like a coxcomb), his wife being come
to him, and having had his boy with him last night. Here I staid an hour
or two and wrote over a fresh petition, that which was drawn by their
solicitor not pleasing me, and thence to the Painted chamber, and by and
by away by coach to my Lord Peterborough's, and there delivered the
petition into his hand, which he promised most readily to deliver to the
House today. Thence back, and there spoke to several Lords, and so did
his solicitor (one that W. Joyce hath promised L5 to if he be released).
Lord Peterborough presented a petition to the House from W. Joyce: and a
great dispute, we hear, there was in the House for and against it. At
last it was carried that he should be bayled till the House meets again
after Easter, he giving bond for his appearance. This was not so good as
we hoped, but as good as we could well expect. Anon comes the King and
passed the Bill for repealing the Triennial Act, and another about Writs
of Errour. I crowded in and heard the King's speech to them; but he
speaks the worst that ever I heard man in my life worse than if he read
it all, and he had it in writing in his hand. Thence, after the House
was up, and I inquired what the order of the House was, I to W. Joyce,'
with his brother, and told them all. Here was Kate come, and is a comely
fat woman. I would not stay dinner, thinking to go home to dinner, and
did go by water as far as the bridge, but thinking that they would take
it kindly my being there, to be bayled for him if there was need, I
returned, but finding them gone out to look after it, only Will and his
wife and sister left and some friends that came to visit him, I to
Westminster Hall, and by and by by agreement to Mrs. Lane's lodging,
whither I sent for a lobster, and with Mr. Swayne and his wife eat it,
and argued before them mightily for Hawly, but all would not do, although
I made her angry by calling her old, and making her know what herself is.
Her body was out of temper for any dalliance, and so after staying there
3 or 4 hours, but yet taking care to have my oath safe of not staying a
quarter of an hour together with her, I went to W. Joyce, where I find
the order come, and bayle (his father and brother) given; and he paying
his fees, which come to above L2, besides L5 he is to give one man, and
his charges of eating and drinking here, and 10s. a-day as many days as
he stands under bayle: which, I hope, will teach him hereafter to hold
his tongue better than he used to do. Thence with Anth. Joyce's wife
alone home talking of Will's folly, and having set her down, home myself,
where I find my wife dressed as if she had been abroad, but I think she
was not, but she answering me some way that I did not like I pulled her
by the nose, indeed to offend her, though afterwards to appease her I
denied it, but only it was done in haste. The poor wretch took it mighty
ill, and I believe besides wringing her nose she did feel pain, and so
cried a great while, but by and by I made her friends, and so after
supper to my office a while, and then home to bed. This day great
numbers of merchants came to a Grand Committee of the House to bring in
their claims against the Dutch. I pray God guide the issue to our good!
6th. Up and to my office, whither by and by came John Noble, my father's
old servant, to speake with me. I smelling the business, took him home;
and there, all alone, he told me how he had been serviceable to my
brother Tom, in the business of his getting his servant, an ugly jade,
Margaret, with child. She was brought to bed in St. Sepulchre's parish
of two children; one is dead, the other is alive; her name Elizabeth, and
goes by the name of Taylor, daughter to John Taylor. It seems Tom did a
great while trust one Crawly with the business, who daily got money of
him; and at last, finding himself abused, he broke the matter to J.
Noble, upon a vowe of secresy. Tom's first plott was to go on the other
side the water and give a beggar woman something to take the child. They
did once go, but did nothing, J. Noble saying that seven years hence the
mother might come to demand the child and force him to produce it, or to
be suspected of murder. Then I think it was that they consulted, and got
one Cave, a poor pensioner in St. Bride's parish to take it, giving him
L5, he thereby promising to keepe it for ever without more charge to
them. The parish hereupon indite the man Cave for bringing this child
upon the parish, and by Sir Richard Browne he is sent to the Counter.
Cave thence writes to Tom to get him out. Tom answers him in a letter of
his owne hand, which J. Noble shewed me, but not signed by him, wherein
he speaks of freeing him and getting security for him, but nothing as to
the business of the child, or anything like it: so that forasmuch as I
could guess, there is nothing therein to my brother's prejudice as to the
main point, and therefore I did not labour to tear or take away the
paper. Cave being released, demands L5 more to secure my brother for
ever against the child; and he was forced to give it him and took bond of
Cave in L100, made at a scrivener's, one Hudson, I think, in the Old
Bayly, to secure John Taylor, and his assigns, &c. (in consideration of
L10 paid him), from all trouble, or charge of meat, drink, clothes, and
breeding of Elizabeth Taylor; and it seems, in the doing of it, J. Noble
was looked upon as the assignee of this John Taylor. Noble says that he
furnished Tom with this money, and is also bound by another bond to pay
him 20s. more this next Easter Monday; but nothing for either sum appears
under Tom's hand. I told him how I am like to lose a great sum by his
death, and would not pay any more myself, but I would speake to my father
about it against the afternoon. So away he went, and I all the morning
in my office busy, and at noon home to dinner mightily oppressed with
wind, and after dinner took coach and to Paternoster Row, and there
bought a pretty silke for a petticoate for my wife, and thence set her
down at the New Exchange, and I leaving the coat at Unthanke's, went to
White Hall, but the Councell meeting at Worcester House I went thither,
and there delivered to the Duke of Albemarle a paper touching some
Tangier business, and thence to the 'Change for my wife, and walked to my
father's, who was packing up some things for the country. I took him up
and told him this business of Tom, at which the poor wretch was much
troubled, and desired me that I would speak with J. Noble, and do what I
could and thought fit in it without concerning him in it. So I went to
Noble, and saw the bond that Cave did give and also Tom's letter that I
mentioned above, and upon the whole I think some shame may come, but that
it will be hard from any thing I see there to prove the child to be his.
Thence to my father and told what I had done, and how I had quieted Noble
by telling him that, though we are resolved to part with no more money
out of our own purses, yet if he can make it appear a true debt that it
may be justifiable for us to pay it, we will do our part to get it paid,
and said that I would have it paid before my own debt. So my father and
I both a little satisfied, though vexed to think what a rogue my brother
was in all respects. I took my wife by coach home, and to my office,
where late with Sir W. Warren, and so home to supper and to bed. I heard
to-day that the Dutch have begun with us by granting letters of marke
against us; but I believe it not.
7th. Up and to my office, where busy, and by and by comes Sir W. Warren
and old Mr. Bond in order to the resolving me some questions about masts
and their proportions, but he could say little to me to my satisfaction,
and so I held him not long but parted. So to my office busy till noon
and then to the 'Change, where high talke of the Dutch's protest against
our Royall Company in Guinny, and their granting letters of marke against
us there, and every body expects a warr, but I hope it will not yet be
so, nor that this is true. Thence to dinner, where my wife got me a
pleasant French fricassee of veal for dinner, and thence to the office,
where vexed to see how Sir W. Batten ordered things this afternoon (vide
my office book, for about this time I have begun, my notions and
informations encreasing now greatly every day, to enter all occurrences
extraordinary in my office in a book by themselves), and so in the
evening after long discourse and eased my mind by discourse with Sir W.
Warren, I to my business late, and so home to supper and to bed.
8th. Up betimes and to the office, and anon, it begunn to be fair after
a great shower this morning, Sir W. Batten and I by water (calling his
son Castle by the way, between whom and I no notice at all of his letter
the other day to me) to Deptford, and after a turn in the yard, I went
with him to the Almes'-house to see the new building which he, with some
ambition, is building of there, during his being Master of Trinity House;
and a good worke it is, but to see how simply he answered somebody
concerning setting up the arms of the corporation upon the door, that and
any thing else he did not deny it, but said he would leave that to the
master that comes after him. There I left him and to the King's yard
again, and there made good inquiry into the business of the poop
lanterns, wherein I found occasion to correct myself mightily for what I
have done in the contract with the platerer, and am resolved, though I
know not how, to make them to alter it, though they signed it last night,
and so I took Stanes
[Among the State Papers is a petition of Thomas Staine to the Navy
Commissioners "for employment as plateworker in one or two
dockyards. Has incurred ill-will by discovering abuses in the great
rates given by the king for several things in the said trade. Begs
the appointment, whereby it will be seen who does the work best and
cheapest, otherwise he and all others will be discouraged from
discovering abuses in future, with order thereon for a share of the
work to be given to him" ("Calendar," Domestic, 1663-64, p. 395)]
home with me by boat and discoursed it, and he will come to reason when I
can make him to understand it. No sooner landed but it fell a mighty
storm of rain and hail, so I put into a cane shop and bought one to walk
with, cost me 4s. 6d., all of one joint. So home to dinner, and had an
excellent Good Friday dinner of peas porridge and apple pye. So to the
office all the afternoon preparing a new book for my contracts, and this
afternoon come home the office globes done to my great content. In the
evening a little to visit Sir W. Pen, who hath a feeling this day or two
of his old pain. Then to walk in the garden with my wife, and so to my
office a while, and then home to the only Lenten supper I have had of
wiggs--[Buns or teacakes.]-- and ale, and so to bed. This morning
betimes came to my office to me boatswain Smith of Woolwich, telling me a
notable piece of knavery of the officers of the yard and Mr. Gold in
behalf of a contract made for some old ropes by Mr. Wood, and I believe I
shall find Sir W. Batten of the plot (vide my office daybook).
[These note-books referred to in the Diary are not known to exist
now.]
9th. The last night, whether it was from cold I got to-day upon the
water I know not, or whether it was from my mind being over concerned
with Stanes's business of the platery of the navy, for my minds was
mighty troubled with the business all night long, I did wake about one
o'clock in the morning, a thing I most rarely do, and pissed a little
with great pain, continued sleepy, but in a high fever all night, fiery
hot, and in some pain. Towards morning I slept a little and waking found
myself better, but . . . . --[After what was just allowed print above,
what could have required censorship here? D.W.]--with some pain, and
rose I confess with my clothes sweating, and it was somewhat cold too,
which I believe might do me more hurt, for I continued cold and apt to
shake all the morning, but that some trouble with Sir J. Minnes and Sir
W. Batten kept me warm. At noon home to dinner upon tripes, and so
though not well abroad with my wife by coach to her Tailor's and the New
Exchange, and thence to my father's and spoke one word with him, and
thence home, where I found myself sick in my stomach and vomited, which I
do not use to do. Then I drank a glass or two of Hypocras, and to the
office to dispatch some business, necessary, and so home and to bed, and
by the help of Mithrydate--[An opiate?? D.W.]--slept very well.
10th (Lord's day). Lay long in bed, and then up and my wife dressed
herself, it being Easter day, but I not being so well as to go out, she,
though much against her will, staid at home with me; for she had put on
her new best gowns, which indeed is very fine now with the lace; and this
morning her taylor brought home her other new laced silks gowns with a
smaller lace, and new petticoats, I bought the other day both very
pretty. We spent the day in pleasant talks and company one with another,
reading in Dr. Fuller's book what he says of the family of the Cliffords
and Kingsmills, and at night being myself better than I was by taking a
glyster,--[Pepy's spells this procedure sometimes with a 'c' and
sometimes with a 'g' but a clyster however spelt is what today is termed
and enema. D.W.]--which did carry away a great deal of wind, I after
supper at night went to bed and slept well.
11th. Lay long talking with my wife, then up and to my chamber preparing
papers against my father comes to lie here for discourse about country
business. Dined well with my wife at home, being myself not yet thorough
well, making water with some pain, but better than I was, and all my fear
of an ague gone away. In the afternoon my father came to see us, and he
gone I up to my morning's work again, and so in the evening a little to
the office and to see Sir W. Batten, who is ill again, and so home to
supper and to bed.
12th. Up, and after my wife had dressed herself very fine in her new
laced gown, and very handsome indeed, W. Howe also coming to see us, I
carried her by coach to my uncle Wight's and set her down there, and W.
Howe and I to the Coffee-house, where we sat talking about getting of him
some place under my Lord of advantage if he should go to sea, and I would
be glad to get him secretary and to out Creed if I can, for he is a
crafty and false rogue. Thence a little to the 'Change, and thence took
him to my uncle Wight's, where dined my father, poor melancholy man, that
used to be as full of life as anybody, and also my aunt's brother, Mr.
Sutton, a merchant in Flanders, a very sober, fine man, and Mr. Cole and
his lady; but, Lord! how I used to adore that man's talke, and now
methinks he is but an ordinary man, his son a pretty boy indeed, but his
nose unhappily awry. Other good company and an indifferent, and but
indifferent dinner for so much company, and after dinner got a coach,
very dear, it being Easter time and very foul weather, to my Lord's, and
there visited my Lady, and leaving my wife there I and W. Howe to Mr.
Pagett's, and there heard some musique not very good, but only one Dr.
Walgrave, an Englishman bred at Rome, who plays the best upon the lute
that I ever heard man. Here I also met Mr. Hill
[Thomas Hill, a man whose taste for music caused him to be a very
acceptable companion to Pepys. In January, 1664-65, he became
assistant to the secretary of the Prize Office.]
the little merchant, and after all was done we sung. I did well enough a
Psalm or two of Lawes; he I perceive has good skill and sings well, and a
friend of his sings a good base. Thence late walked with them two as far
as my Lord's, thinking to take up my wife and carry them home, but there
being no coach to be got away they went, and I staid a great while, it
being very late, about 10 o'clock, before a coach could be got. I found
my Lord and ladies and my wife at supper. My Lord seems very kind. But
I am apt to think still the worst, and that it is only in show, my wife
and Lady being there. So home, and find my father come to lie at our
house; and so supped, and saw him, poor man, to bed, my heart never being
fuller of love to him, nor admiration of his prudence and pains
heretofore in the world than now, to see how Tom hath carried himself in
his trade; and how the poor man hath his thoughts going to provide for
his younger children and my mother. But I hope they shall never want.
So myself and wife to bed.
13th. Though late, past 12, before we went to bed, yet I heard my poor
father up, and so I rang up my people, and I rose and got something to
eat and drink for him, and so abroad, it being a mighty foul day, by
coach, setting my father down in Fleet Streete and I to St. James's,
where I found Mr. Coventry (the Duke being now come thither for the
summer) with a goldsmith, sorting out his old plate to change for new;
but, Lord! what a deale he hath! I staid and had two or three hours
discourse with him, talking about the disorders of our office, and I
largely to tell him how things are carried by Sir W. Batten and Sir J.
Minnes to my great grief. He seems much concerned also, and for all the
King's matters that are done after the same rate every where else, and
even the Duke's household matters too, generally with corruption, but
most indeed with neglect and indifferency. I spoke very loud and clear
to him my thoughts of Sir J. Minnes and the other, and trust him with the
using of them. Then to talk of our business with the Dutch; he tells me
fully that he believes it will not come to a warr; for first, he showed
me a letter from Sir George Downing, his own hand, where he assures him
that the Dutch themselves do not desire, but above all things fear it,
and that they neither have given letters of marke against our shipps in
Guinny, nor do De Ruyter
[Michael De Ruyter, the Dutch admiral, was born 1607. He served
under Tromp in the war against England in 1653, and was Lieutenant
Admiral General of Holland in 1665. He died April 26th, 1676, of
wounds received in a battle with the French off Syracuse. Among the
State Papers is a news letter (dated July 14th, 1664) containing
information as to the views of the Dutch respecting a war with
England. "They are preparing many ships, and raising 6,000 men, and
have no doubt of conquering by sea." "A wise man says the States
know how to master England by sending moneys into Scotland for them
to rebel, and also to the discontented in England, so as to place
the King in the same straits as his father was, and bring him to
agree with Holland" ("Calendar," 1663-64, p. 642).]
stay at home with his fleet with an eye to any such thing, but for want
of a wind, and is now come out and is going to the Streights. He tells
me also that the most he expects is that upon the merchants' complaints,
the Parliament will represent them to the King, desiring his securing of
his subjects against them, and though perhaps they may not directly see
fit, yet even this will be enough to let the Dutch know that the
Parliament do not oppose the King, and by that means take away their
hopes, which was that the King of England could not get money or do
anything towards a warr with them, and so thought themselves free from
making any restitution, which by this they will be deceived in. He tells
me also that the Dutch states are in no good condition themselves,
differing one with another, and that for certain none but the states of
Holland and Zealand will contribute towards a warr, the others reckoning
themselves, being inland, not concerned in the profits of warr or peace.
But it is pretty to see what he says, that those here that are forward
for a warr at Court, they are reported in the world to be only designers
of getting money into the King's hands, they that elsewhere are for it
have a design to trouble the kingdom and to give the Fanatiques an
opportunity of doing hurt, and lastly those that are against it (as he
himself for one is very cold therein) are said to be bribed by the Dutch.
After all this discourse he carried me in his coach, it raining still,
to, Charing Cross, and there put me into another, and I calling my father
and brother carried them to my house to dinner, my wife keeping bed all
day . . . . . All the afternoon at the office with W. Boddam looking
over his particulars about the Chest of Chatham, which shows enough what
a knave Commissioner Pett hath been all along, and how Sir W. Batten hath
gone on in getting good allowance to himself and others out of the poors'
money. Time will show all. So in the evening to see Sir W. Pen, and
then home to my father to keep him company, he being to go out of town,
and up late with him and my brother John till past 12 at night to make up
papers of Tom's accounts fit to leave with my cozen Scott. At last we
did make an end of them, and so after supper all to bed.
14th. Up betimes, and after my father's eating something, I walked out
with him as far as Milk Streete, he turning down to Cripplegate to take
coach; and at the end of the streete I took leave, being much afeard I
shall not see him here any more, he do decay so much every day, and so I
walked on, there being never a coach to be had till I came to Charing
Cross, and there Col. Froud took me up and carried me to St. James's,
where with Mr. Coventry and Povy, &c., about my Lord Peterborough's
accounts, but, Lord! to see still what a puppy that Povy is with all his
show is very strange. Thence to Whitehall and W. C[oventry] and I and
Sir W. Rider resolved upon a day to meet and make an end of all the.
business. Thence walked with Creed to the Coffee-house in Covent Garden,
where no company, but he told me many fine experiments at Gresham
College; and some demonstration that the heat and cold of the weather do
rarify and condense the very body of glasse, as in a bolt head' with cold
water in it put into hot water, shall first by rarifying the glasse make
the water sink, and then when the heat comes to the water makes that rise
again, and then put into cold water makes the water by condensing the
glass to rise, and then when the cold comes to the water makes it sink,
which is very pretty and true, he saw it tried. Thence by coach home,
and dined above with my wife by her bedside, she keeping her bed . . .
. . So to the office, where a great conflict with Wood and Castle about
their New England masts? So in the evening my mind a little vexed, but
yet without reason, for I shall prevail, I hope, for the King's profit,
and so home to supper and to bed.
15th. Up and all the morning with Captain Taylor at my house talking
about things of the Navy, and among other things I showed him my letters
to Mr. Coventry, wherein he acknowledges that nobody to this day did ever
understand so much as I have done, and I believe him, for I perceive he
did very much listen to every article as things new to him, and is
contented to abide by my opinion therein in his great contest with us
about his and Mr. Wood's masts. At noon to the 'Change, where I met with
Mr. Hill, the little merchant, with whom, I perceive, I shall contract a
musical acquaintance; but I will make it as little troublesome as I can.
Home and dined, and then with my wife by coach to the Duke's house, and
there saw "The German Princess" acted, by the woman herself; but never
was any thing so well done in earnest, worse performed in jest upon the
stage; and indeed the whole play, abating the drollery of him that acts
her husband, is very simple, unless here and there a witty sprinkle or
two. We met and sat by Dr. Clerke. Thence homewards, calling at Madam
Turner's, and thence set my wife down at my aunt Wight's and I to my
office till late, and then at to at night fetched her home, and so again
to my office a little, and then to supper and to bed.
16th. Up and to the office, where all the morning upon the dispute of
Mr. Wood's masts, and at noon with Mr. Coventry to the African House; and
after a good and pleasant dinner, up with him, Sir W. Rider, the simple
Povy, of all the most ridiculous foole that ever I knew to attend to
business, and Creed and Vernatty, about my Lord Peterborough's accounts;
but the more we look into them, the more we see of them that makes
dispute, which made us break off, and so I home, and there found my wife
and Besse gone over the water to Half-way house, and after them, thinking
to have gone to Woolwich, but it was too late, so eat a cake and home,
and thence by coach to have spoke with Tom Trice about a letter I met
with this afternoon from my cozen Scott, wherein he seems to deny
proceeding as my father's attorney in administering for him in my brother
Tom's estate, but I find him gone out of town, and so returned vexed home
and to the office, where late writing a letter to him, and so home and to
bed.
17th (Lord's day). Up, and I put on my best cloth black suit and my
velvet cloake, and with my wife in her best laced suit to church, where
we have not been these nine or ten weeks. The truth is, my jealousy hath
hindered it, for fear she should see Pembleton. He was here to-day, but
I think sat so as he could not see her, which did please me, God help me!
mightily, though I know well enough that in reason this is nothing but my
ridiculous folly. Home to dinner, and in the afternoon, after long
consulting whether to go to Woolwich or no to see Mr. Falconer, but
indeed to prevent my wife going to church, I did however go to church
with her, where a young simple fellow did preach: I slept soundly all the
sermon, and thence to Sir W. Pen's, my wife and I, there she talking with
him and his daughter, and thence with my wife walked to my uncle Wight's
and there supped, where very merry, but I vexed to see what charges the
vanity of my aunt puts her husband to among her friends and nothing at
all among ours. Home and to bed. Our parson, Mr. Mills, his owne
mistake in reading of the service was very remarkable, that instead of
saying, "We beseech thee to preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the
earth," he cries, "Preserve to our use our gracious Queen Katherine."
18th. Up and by coach to Westminster, and there solicited W. Joyce's
business again; and did speake to the Duke of Yorke about it, who did
understand it very well. I afterwards did without the House fall in
company with my Lady Peters, and endeavoured to mollify her; but she told
me she would not, to redeem her from hell, do any thing to release him;
but would be revenged while she lived, if she lived the age of
Methusalem. I made many friends, and so did others. At last it was
ordered by the Lords that it should be referred to the Committee of
Privileges to consider. So I, after discoursing with the Joyces, away by
coach to the 'Change; and there, among other things, do hear that a Jew
hath put in a policy of four per cent. to any man, to insure him against
a Dutch warr for four months; I could find in my heart to take him at
this offer, but however will advise first, and to that end took coach to
St. James's, but Mr. Coventry was gone forth, and I thence to Westminster
Hall, where Mrs. Lane was gone forth, and so I missed of my intent to be
with her this afternoon, and therefore meeting Mr. Blagrave, went home
with him, and there he and his kinswoman sang, but I was not pleased with
it, they singing methought very ill, or else I am grown worse to please
than heretofore. Thence to the Hall again, and after meeting with
several persons, and talking there, I to Mrs. Hunt's (where I knew my
wife and my aunt Wight were about business), and they being gone to walk
in the parke I went after them with Mrs. Hunt, who staid at home for me,
and finding them did by coach, which I had agreed to wait for me, go with
them all and Mrs. Hunt and a kinswoman of theirs, Mrs. Steward, to Hide
Parke, where I have not been since last year; where I saw the King with
his periwigg, but not altered at all; and my Lady Castlemayne in a coach
by herself, in yellow satin and a pinner on; and many brave persons. And
myself being in a hackney and full of people, was ashamed to be seen by
the world, many of them knowing me. Thence in the evening home, setting
my aunt at home, and thence we sent for a joynt of meat to supper, and
thence to the office at 11 o'clock at night, and so home to bed.
19th. Up and to St. James's, where long with Mr. Coventry, Povy, &c., in
their Tangier accounts, but such the folly of that coxcomb Povy that we
could do little in it, and so parted for the time, and I to walk with
Creed and Vernaty in the Physique Garden in St. James's Parke; where I
first saw orange-trees, and other fine trees. So to Westminster Hall,
and thence by water to the Temple, and so walked to the 'Change, and
there find the 'Change full of news from Guinny, some say the Dutch have
sunk our ships and taken our fort, and others say we have done the same
to them. But I find by our merchants that something is done, but is yet
a secret among them. So home to dinner, and then to the office, and at
night with Captain Tayler consulting how to get a little money by letting
him the Elias to fetch masts from New England. So home to supper and to
bed.
20th. Up and by coach to Westminster, and there solicited W. Joyce's
business all the morning, and meeting in the Hall with Mr. Coventry, he
told me how the Committee for Trade have received now all the complaints
of the merchants against the Dutch, and were resolved to report very
highly the wrongs they have done us (when, God knows! it is only our owne
negligence and laziness that hath done us the wrong) and this to be made
to the House to-morrow. I went also out of the Hall with Mrs. Lane to
the Swan at Mrs. Herbert's in the Palace Yard to try a couple of bands,
and did (though I had a mind to be playing the fool with her) purposely
stay but a little while, and kept the door open, and called the master
and mistress of the house one after another to drink and talk with me,
and showed them both my old and new bands. So that as I did nothing so
they are able to bear witness that I had no opportunity there to do
anything. Thence by coach with Sir W. Pen home, calling at the Temple
for Lawes's Psalms, which I did not so much (by being against my oath)
buy as only lay down money till others be bound better for me, and by
that time I hope to get money of the Treasurer of the Navy by bills,
which, according to my oath, shall make me able to do it. At home dined,
and all the afternoon at a Committee of the Chest, and at night comes my
aunt and uncle Wight and Nan Ferrers and supped merrily with me, my uncle
coming in an hour after them almost foxed. Great pleasure by discourse
with them, and so, they gone, late to bed.
21st. Up pretty betimes and to my office, and thither came by and by Mr.
Vernaty and staid two hours with me, but Mr. Gauden did not come, and so
he went away to meet again anon. Then comes Mr. Creed, and, after some
discourse, he and I and my wife by coach to Westminster (leaving her at
Unthanke's, her tailor's) Hall, and there at the Lords' House heard that
it is ordered, that, upon submission upon the knee both to the House and
my Lady Peters, W. Joyce shall be released. I forthwith made him submit,
and aske pardon upon his knees; which he did before several Lords. But
my Lady would not hear it; but swore she would post the Lords, that the
world might know what pitifull Lords the King hath; and that revenge was
sweeter to her than milk; and that she would never be satisfied unless he
stood in a pillory, and demand pardon there. But I perceive the Lords
are ashamed of her, and so I away calling with my wife at a place or two
to inquire after a couple of mayds recommended to us, but we found both
of them bad. So set my wife at my uncle Wight's and I home, and
presently to the 'Change, where I did some business, and thence to my
uncle's and there dined very well, and so to the office, we sat all the
afternoon, but no sooner sat but news comes my Lady Sandwich was come to
see us, so I went out, and running up (her friend however before me) I
perceive by my dear Lady blushing that in my dining-room she was doing
something upon the pott, which I also was ashamed of, and so fell to some
discourse, but without pleasure through very pity to my Lady. She tells
me, and I find true since, that the House this day have voted that the
King be desired to demand right for the wrong done us by the Dutch, and
that they will stand by him with their lives fortunes: which is a very
high vote, and more than I expected. What the issue will be, God knows!
My Lady, my wife not being at home, did not stay, but, poor, good woman,
went away, I being mightily taken with her dear visitt, and so to the
office, where all the afternoon till late, and so to my office, and then
to supper and to bed, thinking to rise betimes tomorrow.
22nd. Having directed it last night, I was called up this morning before
four o'clock. It was full light enough to dress myself, and so by water
against tide, it being a little coole, to Greenwich; and thence, only
that it was somewhat foggy till the sun got to some height, walked with
great pleasure to Woolwich, in my way staying several times to listen to
the nightingales. I did much business both at the Ropeyarde and the
other, and on floate I discovered a plain cheat which in time I shall
publish of Mr. Ackworth's. Thence, having visited Mr. Falconer also, who
lies still sick, but hopes to be better, I walked to Greenwich, Mr. Deane
with me. Much good discourse, and I think him a very just man, only a
little conceited, but yet very able in his way, and so he by water also
with me also to towne. I home, and immediately dressing myself, by coach
with my wife to my Lord Sandwich's, but they having dined we would not
'light but went to Mrs. Turner's, and there got something to eat, and
thence after reading part of a good play, Mrs. The., my wife and I, in
their coach to Hide Parke, where great plenty of gallants, and pleasant
it was, only for the dust. Here I saw Mrs. Bendy, my Lady Spillman's
faire daughter that was, who continues yet very handsome. Many others I
saw with great content, and so back again to Mrs. Turner's, and then took
a coach and home. I did also carry them into St. James's Park and shewed
them the garden. To my office awhile while supper was making ready, and
so home to supper and to bed.
23rd (Coronation day). Up, and after doing something at my office, and,
it being a holiday, no sitting likely to be, I down by water to Sir W.
Warren's, who hath been ill, and there talked long with him good
discourse, especially about Sir W. Batten's knavery and his son Castle's
ill language of me behind my back, saying that I favour my fellow
traytours, but I shall be even with him. So home and to the 'Change,
where I met with Mr. Coventry, who himself is now full of talke of a
Dutch warr; for it seems the Lords have concurred in the Commons' vote
about it; and so the next week it will be presented to the King, insomuch
that he do desire we would look about to see what stores we lack, and buy
what we can. Home to dinner, where I and my wife much troubled about my
money that is in my Lord Sandwich's hand, for fear of his going to sea
and be killed; but I will get what of it out I can. All the afternoon,
not being well, at my office, and there doing much business, my thoughts
still running upon a warr and my money. At night home to supper and to
bed.
24th (Lord's day). Up, and all the morning in my chamber setting some of
my private papers in order, for I perceive that now publique business
takes up so much of my time that I must get time a-Sundays or a-nights to
look after my owne matters. Dined and spent all the afternoon talking
with my wife, at night a little to the office, and so home to supper and
to bed.
25th. Up, and with Sir W. Pen by coach to St. James's and there up to
the Duke, and after he was ready to his closet, where most of our talke
about a Dutch warr, and discoursing of things indeed now for it. The
Duke, which gives me great good hopes, do talk of setting up a good
discipline in the fleete. In the Duke's chamber there is a bird, given
him by Mr. Pierce, the surgeon, comes from the East Indys, black the
greatest part, with the finest collar of white about the neck; but talks
many things and neyes like the horse, and other things, the best almost
that ever I heard bird in my life. Thence down with Mr. Coventry and Sir
W. Rider, who was there (going along with us from the East Indya house
to-day) to discourse of my Lord Peterborough's accounts, and then walked
over the Parke, and in Mr. Cutler's coach with him and Rider as far as
the Strand, and thence I walked to my Lord Sandwich's, where by agreement
I met my wife, and there dined with the young ladies; my Lady, being not
well, kept her chamber. Much simple discourse at table among the young
ladies. After dinner walked in the garden, talking, with Mr. Moore about
my Lord's business. He told me my Lord runs in debt every day more and
more, and takes little care how to come out of it. He counted to me how
my Lord pays use now for above L9000, which is a sad thing, especially
considering the probability of his going to sea, in great danger of his
life, and his children, many of them, to provide for. Thence, the young
ladies going out to visit, I took my wife by coach out through the city,
discoursing how to spend the afternoon; and conquered, with much ado,
a desire of going to a play; but took her out at White Chapel, and to
Bednal Green; so to Hackney, where I have not been many a year, since a
little child I boarded there. Thence to Kingsland, by my nurse's house,
Goody Lawrence, where my brother Tom and I was kept when young. Then to
Newington Green, and saw the outside of Mrs. Herbert's house, where she
lived, and my Aunt Ellen with her; but, Lord! how in every point I find
myself to over-value things when a child. Thence to Islington, and so to
St. John's to the Red Bull, and there: saw the latter part of a rude
prize fought, but with good pleasure enough; and thence back to
Islington, and at the King's Head, where Pitts lived, we 'light and eat
and drunk for remembrance of the old house sake, and so through Kingsland
again, and so to Bishopsgate, and so home with great pleasure. The
country mighty pleasant, and we with great content home, and after supper
to bed, only a little troubled at the young ladies leaving my wife so
to-day, and from some passages fearing my Lady might be offended. But I
hope the best.
26th. Up, and to my Lord Sandwich's, and coming a little too early, I
went and saw W. Joyce, and by and by comes in Anthony, they both owning a
great deal of kindness received from me in their late business, and
indeed I did what I could, and yet less I could not do. It has cost the
poor man above L40; besides, he is likely to lose his debt. Thence to my
Lord's, and by and by he comes down, and with him (Creed with us) I rode
in his coach to St. James's, talking about W. Joyce's business mighty
merry, and my Lady Peters, he says, is a drunken jade, he himself having
seen her drunk in the lobby of their House. I went up with him to the
Duke, where methought the Duke did not shew him any so great fondness as
he was wont; and methought my Lord was not pleased that I should see the
Duke made no more of him, not that I know any thing of any unkindnesse,
but I think verily he is not as he was with him in his esteem. By and by
the Duke went out and we with him through the Parke, and there I left him
going into White Hall, and Creed and I walked round the Parke, a pleasant
walk, observing the birds, which is very pleasant; and so walked to the
New Exchange, and there had a most delicate dish of curds and creame, and
discourse with the good woman of the house, a discreet well-bred woman,
and a place with great delight I shall make it now and then to go
thither. Thence up, and after a turn or two in the 'Change, home to the
Old Exchange by coach, where great newes and true, I saw by written
letters, of strange fires seen at Amsterdam in the ayre, and not only
there, but in other places thereabout. The talke of a Dutch warr is not
so hot, but yet I fear it will come to it at last. So home and to the
office, where we sat late. My wife gone this afternoon to the buriall of
my she-cozen Scott, a good woman; and it is a sad consideration how the
Pepys's decay, and nobody almost that I know in a present way of
encreasing them. At night late at my office, and so home to my wife to
supper and to bed.
27th. Up, and all the morning very busy with multitude of clients, till
my head began to be overloaded. Towards noon I took coach and to the
Parliament house door, and there staid the rising of the House, and with
Sir G. Carteret and Mr. Coventry discoursed of some tarr that I have been
endeavouring to buy, for the market begins apace to rise upon us, and I
would be glad first to serve the King well, and next if I could I find
myself now begin to cast how to get a penny myself. Home by coach with
Alderman Backewell in his coach, whose opinion is that the Dutch will not
give over the business without putting us to some trouble to set out a
fleete; and then, if they see we go on well, will seek to salve up the
matter. Upon the 'Change busy. Thence home to dinner, and thence to the
office till my head was ready to burst with business, and so with my wife
by coach, I sent her to my Lady Sandwich and myself to my cozen Roger
Pepys's chamber, and there he did advise me about our Exchequer business,
and also about my brother John, he is put by my father upon interceding
for him, but I will not yet seem the least to pardon him nor can I in my
heart. However, he and I did talk how to get him a mandamus for a
fellowship, which I will endeavour. Thence to my Lady's, and in my way
met Mr. Sanchy, of Cambridge, whom I have not met a great while. He
seems a simple fellow, and tells me their master, Dr. Rainbow, is newly
made Bishop of Carlisle. To my Lady's, and she not being well did not
see her, but straight home with my wife, and late to my office,
concluding in the business of Wood's masts, which I have now done and I
believe taken more pains in it than ever any Principall officer in this
world ever did in any thing to no profit to this day. So, weary, sleepy,
and hungry, home and to bed. This day the Houses attended the King, and
delivered their votes to him: upon the business of the Dutch; and he
thanks them, and promises an answer in writing.
28th. Up and close at my office all the morning. To the 'Change busy at
noon, and so home to dinner, and then in the afternoon at the office till
night, and so late home quite tired with business, and without joy in
myself otherwise than that I am by God's grace enabled to go through it
and one day, hope to have benefit by it. So home to supper and to bed.
29th. Up betimes, and with Sir W. Rider and Cutler to White Hall. Rider
and I to St. James's, and there with Mr. Coventry did proceed strictly
upon some fooleries of Mr. Povy's in my Lord Peterborough's accounts,
which will touch him home, and I am glad of it, for he is the most
troublesome impertinent man that ever I met with. Thence to the 'Change,
and there, after some business, home to dinner, where Luellin and Mount
came to me and dined, and after dinner my wife and I by coach to see my
Lady Sandwich, where we find all the children and my Lord removed, and
the house so melancholy that I thought my Lady had been dead, knowing
that she was not well; but it seems she hath the meazles, and I fear the
small pox, poor lady. It grieves me mightily; for it will be a sad houre
to the family should she miscarry. Thence straight home and to the
office, and in the evening comes Mr. Hill the merchant and another with
him that sings well, and we sung some things, and good musique it seemed
to me, only my mind too full of business to have much pleasure in it.
But I will have more of it. They gone, and I having paid Mr. Moxon for
the work he has done for the office upon the King's globes, I to my
office, where very late busy upon Captain Tayler's bills for his masts,
which I think will never off my hand. Home to supper and to bed.
30th. Up and all the morning at the office. At noon to the 'Change,
where, after business done, Sir W. Rider and Cutler took me to the Old
James and there did give me a good dish of mackerell, the first I have
seen this year, very good, and good discourse. After dinner we fell to
business about their contract for tarr, in which and in another business
of Sir W. Rider's, canvas, wherein I got him to contract with me, I held
them to some terms against their wills, to the King's advantage, which I
believe they will take notice of to my credit. Thence home, and by water
by a gally down to Woolwich, and there a good while with Mr. Pett upon
the new ship discoursing and learning of him. Thence with Mr. Deane to
see Mr: Falconer, and there find him in a way to be well. So to the
water (after much discourse with great content with Mr. Deane) and home
late, and so to the office, wrote to, my father among other things my
continued displeasure against my brother John, so that I will give him
nothing more out of my own purse, which will trouble the poor man, but
however it is fit that I should take notice of my brother's ill carriage
to me. Then home and till 12 at night about my month's accounts, wherein
I have just kept within compass, this having been a spending month.
So my people being all abed I put myself to bed very sleepy. All the
newes now is what will become of the Dutch business, whether warr or
peace. We all seem to desire it, as thinking ourselves to have
advantages at present over them; for my part I dread it. The Parliament
promises to assist the King with lives and fortunes, and he receives it
with thanks and promises to demand satisfaction of the Dutch. My poor
Lady Sandwich is fallen sick three days since of the meazles. My Lord
Digby's business is hushed up, and nothing made of it; he is gone, and
the discourse quite ended. Never more quiet in my family all the days of
my life than now, there being only my wife and I and Besse and the little
girl Susan, the best wenches to our content that we can ever expect.
DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS.
MAY
1664
May 1st (Lord's day). Lay long in bed. Went not to church, but staid at
home to examine my last night's accounts, which I find right, and that I
am L908 creditor in the world, the same I was last month. Dined, and
after dinner down by water with my wife and Besse with great pleasure as
low as Greenwich and so back, playing as it were leisurely upon the water
to Deptford, where I landed and sent my wife up higher to land below
Half-way house. I to the King's yard and there spoke about several
businesses with the officers, and so with Mr. Wayth consulting about
canvas, to Half-way house where my wife was, and after eating there we
broke and walked home before quite dark. So to supper, prayers, and to
bed.
2nd. Lay pretty long in bed. So up and by water to St. James's, and
there attended the Duke with Sir W. Batten and Sir J. Minnes, and having
done our work with him walked to Westminster Hall, and after walking
there and talking of business met Mr. Rawlinson and by coach to the
'Change, where I did some business, and home to dinner, and presently by
coach to the King's Play-house to see "The Labyrinth," but, coming too
soon, walked to my Lord's to hear how my Lady do, who is pretty well; at
least past all fear. There by Captain Ferrers meeting with an
opportunity of my Lord's coach, to carry us to the Parke anon, we
directed it to come to the play-house door; and so we walked, my wife and
I and Madamoiselle. I paid for her going in, and there saw "The
Labyrinth," the poorest play, methinks, that ever I saw, there being
nothing in it but the odd accidents that fell out, by a lady's being bred
up in man's apparel, and a man in a woman's. Here was Mrs. Stewart, who
is indeed very pretty, but not like my Lady Castlemayne, for all that.
Thence in the coach to the Parke, where no pleasure; there being much
dust, little company, and one of our horses almost spoiled by falling
down, and getting his leg over the pole; but all mended presently, and
after riding up and down, home. Set Madamoiselle at home; and we home,
and to my office, whither comes Mr. Bland, and pays me the debt he
acknowledged he owed me for my service in his business of the Tangier
Merchant, twenty pieces of new gold, a pleasant sight. It cheered my
heart; and he being gone, I home to supper, and shewed them my wife; and
she, poor wretch, would fain have kept them to look on, without any other
design but a simple love to them; but I thought it not convenient, and so
took them into my own hand. So, after supper, to bed.
3rd. Up, and being ready, went by agreement to Mr. Bland's and there
drank my morning draft in good chocollatte, and slabbering my band sent
home for another, and so he and I by water to White Hall, and walked to
St. James's, where met Creed and Vernatty, and by and by Sir W. Rider,
and so to Mr. Coventry's chamber, and there upon my Lord Peterborough's
accounts, where I endeavoured to shew the folly and punish it as much as
I could of Mr. Povy; for, of all the men in the world, I never knew any
man of his degree so great a coxcomb in such imployments. I see I have
lost him forever, but I value it not; for he is a coxcomb, and, I doubt,
not over honest, by some things which I see; and yet, for all his folly,
he hath the good lucke, now and then, to speak his follies in as good
words, and with as good a show, as if it were reason, and to the purpose,
which is really one of the wonders of my life. Thence walked to
Westminster Hall; and there, in the Lords' House, did in a great crowd,
from ten o'clock till almost three, hear the cause of Mr. Roberts, my
Lord Privy Seal's son, against Win, who by false ways did get the father
of Mr. Roberts's wife (Mr. Bodvill) to give him the estate and disinherit
his daughter. The cause was managed for my Lord Privy Seal by Finch the
Solicitor [General]; but I do really think that he is truly a man of as
great eloquence as ever I heard, or ever hope to hear in all my life.
Thence, after long staying to speak with my Lord Sandwich, at last he
coming out to me and speaking with me about business of my Lord
Peterborough, I by coach home to the office, where all the afternoon,
only stept home to eat one bit and to the office again, having eaten
nothing before to-day. My wife abroad with my aunt Wight and Norbury.
I in the evening to my uncle Wight's, and not finding them come home,
they being gone to the Parke and the Mulberry garden, I went to the
'Change, and there meeting with Mr. Hempson, whom Sir W. Batten has
lately turned out of his place, merely because of his coming to me when
he came to town before he went to him, and there he told me many
rogueries of Sir W. Batten, how he knows and is able to prove that
Captain Cox of Chatham did give him L10 in gold to get him to certify for
him at the King's coming in, and that Tom Newborne did make [the] poor
men give him L3 to get Sir W. Batten to cause them to be entered in the
yard, and that Sir W. Batten had oftentimes said: "by God, Tom, you shall
get something and I will have some on't." His present clerk that is come
in Norman's' room has given him something for his place; that they live
high and (as Sir Francis Clerk's lady told his wife) do lack money as
well as other people, and have bribes of a piece of sattin and cabinetts
and other things from people that deal with him, and that hardly any body
goes to see or hath anything done by Sir W. Batten but it comes with a
bribe, and that this is publickly true that his wife was a whore, and
that he had libells flung within his doors for a cuckold as soon as he
was married; that he received L100 in money and in other things to the
value of L50 more of Hempson, and that he intends to give him back but
L50; that he hath abused the Chest and hath now some L1000 by him of it.
I met also upon the 'Change with Mr. Cutler, and he told me how for
certain Lawson hath proclaimed warr again with Argier, though they had at
his first coming given back the ships which they had taken, and all their
men; though they refused afterwards to make him restitution for the goods
which they had taken out of them. Thence to my uncle Wight's, and he not
being at home I went with Mr. Norbury near hand to the Fleece, a mum
house--[?? D.W.]--in Leadenhall, and there drunk mum and by and by broke
up, it being about 11 o'clock at night, and so leaving them also at home,
went home myself and to bed.
4th. Up, and my new Taylor, Langford, comes and takes measure of me for
a new black cloth suit and cloake, and I think he will prove a very
carefull fellow and will please me well. Thence to attend my Lord
Peterborough in bed and give him an account of yesterday's proceeding
with Povy. I perceive I labour in a business will bring me little
pleasure; but no matter, I shall do the King some service. To my Lord's
lodgings, where during my Lady's sickness he is, there spoke with him
about the same business. Back and by water to my cozen Scott's. There
condoled with him the loss of my cozen, his wife, and talked about his
matters, as atturney to my father, in his administering to my brother
Tom. He tells me we are like to receive some shame about the business of
his bastarde with Jack Noble; but no matter, so it cost us no money.
Thence to the Coffee-house and to the 'Change a while. News uncertain
how the Dutch proceed. Some say for, some against a war. The plague
increases at Amsterdam. So home to dinner, and after dinner to my
office, where very late, till my eyes (which begin to fail me nowadays by
candlelight) begin to trouble me. Only in the afternoon comes Mr. Peter
Honiwood to see me and gives me 20s., his and his friends' pence for my
brother John, which, God forgive my pride, methinks I think myself too
high to take of him; but it is an ungratefull pitch of pride in me, which
God forgive. Home at night to supper and to bed.
5th. Up betimes to my office, busy, and so abroad to change some plate
for my father to send to-day by the carrier to Brampton, but I observe
and do fear it may be to my wrong that I change spoons of my uncle
Robert's into new and set a P upon them that thereby I cannot claim them
hereafter, as it was my brother Tom's practice. However, the matter of
this is not great, and so I did it. So to the 'Change, and meeting Sir
W. Warren, with him to a taverne, and there talked, as we used to do, of
the evils the King suffers in our ordering of business in the Navy, as
Sir W. Batten now forces us by his knavery. So home to dinner, and to
the office, where all the afternoon, and thence betimes home, my eyes
beginning every day to grow less and less able to bear with long reading
or writing, though it be by daylight; which I never observed till now.
So home to my wife, and after supper to bed.
6th. This morning up and to my office, where Sympson my joyner came to
work upon altering my closet, which I alter by setting the door in
another place, and several other things to my great content. Busy at it
all day, only in the afternoon home, and there, my books at the office
being out of order, wrote letters and other businesses. So at night with
my head full of the business of my closet home to bed, and strange it is
to think how building do fill my mind and put out all other things out of
my thoughts.
7th. Betimes at my office with the joyners, and giving order for other
things about it. By and by we sat all the morning. At noon to dinner,
and after dinner comes Deane of Woolwich, and I spent, as I had
appointed, all the afternoon with him about instructions which he gives
me to understand the building of a ship, and I think I shall soon
understand it. In the evening a little to my office to see how the work
goes forward there, and then home and spent the evening also with Mr.
Deane, and had a good supper, and then to bed, he lying at my house.
8th (Lord's day). This day my new tailor, Mr. Langford, brought me home
a new black cloth suit and cloake lined with silk moyre, and he being
gone, who pleases me very well with his work and I hope will use me
pretty well, then Deane and I to my chamber, and there we repeated my
yesterday's lesson about ships all the morning, and I hope I shall soon
understand it. At noon to dinner, and strange how in discourse he cries
up chymistry from some talk he has had with an acquaintance of his, a
chymist, when, poor man, he understands not one word of it. But I
discern very well that it is only his good nature, but in this of
building ships he hath taken great pains, more than most builders I
believe have. After dinner he went away, and my wife and I to church,
and after church to Sir W. Pen, and there sat and talked with him, and
the perfidious rogue seems, as he do always, mightily civil to us, though
I know he hates and envies us. So home to supper, prayers, and to bed.
9th. Up and to my office all the morning, and there saw several things
done in my work to my great content, and at noon home to dinner, and
after dinner in Sir W. Pen's coach he set my wife and I down at the New
Exchange, and after buying some things we walked to my Lady Sandwich's,
who, good lady, is now, thanks be to God! so well as to sit up, and sent
to us, if we were not afeard, to come up to her. So we did; but she was
mightily against my wife's coming so near her; though, poor wretch! she
is as well as ever she was, as to the meazles, and nothing can I see upon
her face. There we sat talking with her above three hours, till six
o'clock, of several things with great pleasure and so away, and home by
coach, buying several things for my wife in our way, and so after looking
what had been done in my office to-day, with good content home to supper
and to bed. But, strange, how I cannot get any thing to take place in my
mind while my work lasts at my office. This day my wife and I in our way
to Paternoster Row to buy things called upon Mr. Hollyard to advise upon
her drying up her issue in her leg, which inclines of itself to dry up,
and he admits of it that it should be dried up.
10th. Up and at my office looking after my workmen all the morning, and
after the office was done did the same at night, and so home to supper
and to bed.
11th. Up and all day, both forenoon and afternoon, at my office to see
it finished by the joyners and washed and every thing in order, and
indeed now my closet is very convenient and pleasant for me. My uncle
Wight came to me to my office this afternoon to speak with me about Mr.
Maes's business again, and from me went to my house to see my wife, and
strange to think that my wife should by and by send for me after he was
gone to tell me that he should begin discourse of her want of children
and his also, and how he thought it would be best for him and her to have
one between them, and he would give her L500 either in money or jewells
beforehand, and make the child his heir. He commended her body, and
discoursed that for all he knew the thing was lawful. She says she did
give him a very warm answer, such as he did not excuse himself by saying
that he said this in jest, but told her that since he saw what her mind
was he would say no more to her of it, and desired her to make no words
of it. It seemed he did say all this in a kind of counterfeit laugh, but
by all words that passed, which I cannot now so well set down, it is
plain to me that he was in good earnest, and that I fear all his kindness
is but only his lust to her. What to think of it of a sudden I know not,
but I think not to take notice yet of it to him till I have thought
better of it. So with my mind and head a little troubled I received a
letter from Mr. Coventry about a mast for the Duke's yacht, which with
other business makes me resolve to go betimes to Woolwich to-morrow. So
to supper and to bed.
12th. Up by 4 o'clock and by water to Woolwich, where did some business
and walked to Greenwich, good discourse with Mr. Deane best part of the
way; there met by appointment Commissioner Pett, and with him to
Deptford, where did also some business, and so home to my office, and at
noon Mrs. Hunt and her cozens child and mayd came and dined with me. My
wife sick . . . . in bed. I was troubled with it, but, however,
could not help it, but attended them till after dinner, and then to the
office and there sat all the afternoon, and by a letter to me this
afternoon from Mr. Coventry I saw the first appearance of a warr with
Holland. So home; and betimes to bed because of rising to-morrow.
13th. Up before three o'clock, and a little after upon the water, it
being very light as at noon, and a bright sunrising; but by and by a
rainbow appeared, the first that ever in a morning I saw, and then it
fell a-raining a little, but held up again, and I to Woolwich, where
before all the men came to work I with Mr. Deane spent two hours upon the
new ship, informing myself in the names and natures of many parts of her
to my great content, and so back again, without doing any thing else, and
after shifting myself away to Westminster, looking after Mr. Maes's
business and others. In the Painted Chamber I heard a fine conference
between some of the two Houses upon the Bill for Conventicles. The Lords
would be freed from having their houses searched by any but the Lord
Lieutenant of the County; and upon being found guilty, to be tried only
by their peers; and thirdly, would have it added, that whereas the Bill
says, "That that, among other things, shall be a conventicle wherein any
such meeting is found doing any thing contrary to the Liturgy of the
Church of England," they would have it added, "or practice." The Commons
to the Lords said, that they knew not what might hereafter be found out
which might be called the practice of the Church of England; for there
are many things may be said to be the practice of the Church, which were
never established by any law, either common, statute, or canon; as
singing of psalms, binding up prayers at the end of the Bible, and
praying extempore before and after sermon: and though these are things
indifferent, yet things for aught they at present know may be started,
which may be said to be the practice of the Church which would not be fit
to allow. For the Lords' priviledges, Mr. Walter told them how tender
their predecessors had been of the priviledges of the Lords; but,
however, where the peace of the kingdom stands in competition with them,
they apprehend those priviledges must give place. He told them that he
thought, if they should owne all to be the priviledges of the Lords which
might be demanded, they should be led like the man (who granted leave to
his neighbour to pull off his horse's tail, meaning that he could not do
it at once) that hair by hair had his horse's tail pulled off indeed: so
the Commons, by granting one thing after another, might be so served by
the Lords. Mr. Vaughan, whom I could not to my grief perfectly hear, did
say, if that they should be obliged in this manner to, exempt the Lords
from every thing, it would in time come to pass that whatever (be [it]
never so great) should be voted by the Commons as a thing penall for a
commoner, the contrary should be thought a priviledge to the Lords: that
also in this business, the work of a conventicle being but the work of an
hour, the cause of a search would be over before a Lord Lieutenant, who
may be many miles off, can be sent for; and that all this dispute is but
about L100; for it is said in the Act, that it shall be banishment or
payment of L100. I thereupon heard the Duke of Lenox say, that there
might be Lords who could not always be ready to lose L100, or some such
thing: They broke up without coming to any end in it. There was also in
the Commons' House a great quarrel about Mr. Prin, and it was believed
that he should have been sent to the Towre, for adding something to a
Bill (after it was ordered to be engrossed) of his own head--a Bill for
measures for wine and other things of that sort, and a Bill of his owne
bringing in; but it appeared he could not mean any hurt in it. But,
however, the King was fain to write in his behalf, and all was passed
over. But it is worth my remembrance, that I saw old Ryly the Herald,
and his son; and spoke to his son, who told me in very bad words
concerning Mr. Prin, that the King had given him an office of keeping the
Records; but that he never comes thither, nor had been there these six
months: so that I perceive they expect to get his imployment from him.
Thus every body is liable to be envied and supplanted. At noon over to
the Leg, where Sir G. Ascue, Sir Robt. Parkhurst and Sir W. Pen dined.
A good dinner and merry. Thence to White Hall walking up and down a
great while, but the Council not meeting soon enough I went homeward,
calling upon my cozen Roger Pepys, with whom I talked and heard so much
from him of his desire that I would see my brother's debts paid, and
things still of that nature tending to my parting with what I get with
pain to serve others' expenses that I was cruelly vexed. Thence to Sir
R. Bernard, and there heard something of Pigott's delay of paying our
money, that that also vexed me mightily. So home and there met with a
letter from my cozen Scott, which tells me that he is resolved to meddle
no more with our business, of administering for my father, which
altogether makes me almost distracted to think of the trouble that I am
like to meet with by other folks' business more than ever I hope to have
by my owne. So with great trouble of mind to bed.
14th. Up, full of pain, I believe by cold got yesterday. So to the
office, where we sat, and after office home to dinner, being in
extraordinary pain. After dinner my pain increasing I was forced to go
to bed, and by and by my pain rose to be as great for an hour or two as
ever I remember it was in any fit of the stone, both in the lower part of
my belly and in my back also. No wind could I break. I took a glyster,
but it brought away but a little, and my height of pain followed it. At
last after two hours lying thus in most extraordinary anguish, crying and
roaring, I know not what, whether it was my great sweating that may do
it, but upon getting by chance, among my other tumblings, upon my knees,
in bed, my pain began to grow less and less, till in an hour after I was
in very little pain, but could break no wind, nor make any water, and so
continued, and slept well all night.
15th (Lord's day). Rose, and as I had intended without reference to this
pain, took physique, and it wrought well with me, my wife lying from me
to-night, the first time she did in the same house ever since we were
married, I think (unless while my father was in town, that he lay with
me). She took physique also to-day, and both of our physiques wrought
well, so we passed our time to-day, our physique having done working,
with some pleasure talking, but I was not well, for I could make no water
yet, but a drop or two with great pain, nor break any wind. In the
evening came Mr. Vernatty to see me and discourse about my Lord
Peterborough's business, and also my uncle Wight and Norbury, but I took
no notice nor showed any different countenance to my uncle Wight, or he
to me, for all that he carried himself so basely to my wife the last
week, but will take time to make my use of it. So, being exceeding hot,
to bed, and slept well.
16th. Forced to rise because of going to the Duke to St. James's, where
we did our usual business, and thence by invitation to Mr. Pierces the
chyrurgeon, where I saw his wife, whom I had not seen in many months
before. She holds her complexion still, but in everything else, even in
this her new house and the best rooms in it, and her closet which her
husband with some vainglory took me to show me, she continues the eeriest
slattern that ever I knew in my life. By and by we to see an experiment
of killing a dogg by letting opium into his hind leg. He and Dr. Clerke
did fail mightily in hitting the vein, and in effect did not do the
business after many trials; but with the little they got in, the dogg did
presently fall asleep, and so lay till we cut him up, and a little dogg
also, which they put it down his throate; he also staggered first, and
then fell asleep, and so continued. Whether he recovered or no, after
I was gone, I know not, but it is a strange and sudden effect. Thence
walked to Westminster Hall, where the King was expected to come to
prorogue the House, but it seems, afterwards I hear, he did not come.
I promised to go again to Mr. Pierce's, but my pain grew so great,
besides a bruise I got to-day in my right testicle, which now vexes me as
much as the other, that I was mighty melancholy, and so by coach home and
there took another glyster, but find little good by it, but by sitting
still my pain of my bruise went away, and so after supper to bed, my wife
and I having talked and concluded upon sending my father an offer of
having Pall come to us to be with us for her preferment, if by any means
I can get her a husband here, which, though it be some trouble to us, yet
it will be better than to have her stay there till nobody will have her
and then be flung upon my hands.
17th. Slept well all night and lay long, then rose and wrote my letter
to my father about Pall, as we had resolved last night. So to dinner and
then to the office, finding myself better than I was, and making a little
water, but not yet breaking any great store of wind, which I wonder at,
for I cannot be well till I do do it. After office home and to supper
and with good ease to bed, and endeavoured to tie my hands that I might
not lay them out of bed, by which I believe I have got cold, but I could
not endure it.
18th. Up and within all the morning, being willing to keep as much as I
could within doors, but receiving a very wakening letter from Mr.
Coventry about fitting of ships, which speaks something like to be done,
I went forth to the office, there to take order in things, and after
dinner to White Hall to a Committee of Tangier, but did little. So home
again and to Sir W. Pen, who, among other things of haste in this new
order for ships, is ordered to be gone presently to Portsmouth to look
after the work there. I staid to discourse with him, and so home to
supper, where upon a fine couple of pigeons, a good supper; and here I
met a pretty cabinet sent me by Mr. Shales, which I give my wife, the
first of that sort of goods I ever had yet, and very conveniently it
comes for her closett. I staid up late finding out the private boxes,
but could not do some of them, and so to bed, afraid that I have been too
bold to-day in venturing in the cold. This day I begun to drink butter-
milke and whey, and I hope to find great good by it.
19th. Up, and it being very rayny weather, which makes it cooler than it
was, by coach to Charing Cross with Sir W. Pen, who is going to
Portsmouth this day, and left him going to St. James's to take leave of
the Duke, and I to White Hall to a Committee of Tangier; where God
forgive how our Report of my Lord Peterborough's accounts was read over
and agreed to by the Lords, without one of them understanding it! And
had it been what it would, it had gone: and, besides, not one thing
touching the King's profit in it minded or hit upon. Thence by coach
home again, and all the morning at the office, sat, and all the afternoon
till 9 at night, being fallen again to business, and I hope my health
will give me leave to follow it. So home to supper and to bed, finding
myself pretty well. A pretty good stool, which I impute to my whey to-
day, and broke wind also.
20th. Up and to my office, whither by and by comes Mr. Cholmely, and
staying till the rest of the company come he told me how Mr. Edward
Montagu is turned out of the Court, not [to] return again. His fault, I
perceive, was his pride, and most of all his affecting to seem great with
the Queene and it seems indeed had more of her eare than any body else,
and would be with her talking alone two or three hours together; insomuch
that the Lords about the King, when he would be jesting with them about
their wives, would tell the King that he must have a care of his wife
too, for she hath now the gallant: and they say the King himself did once
ask Montagu how his mistress (meaning the Queene) did. He grew so proud,
and despised every body, besides suffering nobody, he or she, to get or
do any thing about the Queene, that they all laboured to do him a good
turn. They also say that he did give some affront to the Duke of
Monmouth, which the King himself did speak to him of. But strange it is
that this man should, from the greatest negligence in the world, come to
be the miracle of attendance, so as to take all offices from everybody,
either men or women, about the Queene. Insomuch that he was observed as
a miracle, but that which is the worst, that which in a wise manner
performed [would] turn to his greatest advantage, was by being so
observed employed to his greatest wrong, the world concluding that there
must be something more than ordinary to cause him to do this. So he is
gone, nobody pitying but laughing at him; and he pretends only that he is
gone to his father, that is sick in the country. By and by comes Povy,
Creed, and Vernatty, and so to their accounts, wherein more trouble and
vexation with Povy. That being done, I sent them going and myself fell
to business till dinner. So home to dinner very pleasant. In the
afternoon to my office, where busy again, and by and by came a letter
from my father so full of trouble for discontents there between my mother
and servants, and such troubles to my father from hence from Cave that
hath my brother's bastard that I know not what in the world to do, but
with great trouble, it growing night, spent some time walking, and
putting care as much as I could out of my head, with my wife in the
garden, and so home to supper and to bed.
21st. Up, called by Mr. Cholmely, and walked with him in the garden till
others came to another Committee of Tangier, as we did meet as we did use
to do, to see more of Povy's folly, and so broke up, and at the office
sat all the morning, Mr. Coventry with us, and very hot we are getting
out some ships. At noon to the 'Change, and there did some business,
and thence home to dinner, and so abroad with my wife by coach to the New
Exchange, and there laid out almost 40s. upon her, and so called to see
my Lady Sandwich, whom we found in her dining-room, which joyed us
mightily; but she looks very thin, poor woman, being mightily broke.
She told us that Mr. Montagu is to return to Court, as she hears, which
I wonder at, and do hardly believe. So home and to my office, where
late, and so home to supper and to bed.
22nd (Lord's day). Up and by water to White Hall to my Lord's lodgings,
and with him walked to White Hall without any great discourse, nor do I
find that he do mind business at all. Here the Duke of Yorke called me
to him, to ask me whether I did intend to go with him to Chatham or no.
I told him if he commanded, but I did believe there would be business
here for me, and so he told me then it would be better to stay, which I
suppose he will take better than if I had been forward to go. Thence,
after staying and seeing the throng of people to attend the King to
Chappell (but, Lord! what a company of sad, idle people they are) I
walked to St. James's with Colonell Remes, where staid a good while and
then walked to White Hall with Mr. Coventry, talking about business.
So meeting Creed, took him with me home and to dinner, a good dinner,
and thence by water to Woolwich, where mighty kindly received by Mrs.
Falconer and her husband, who is now pretty well again, this being the
first time I ever carried my wife thither. I walked to the Docke, where
I met Mrs. Ackworth alone at home, and God forgive me! what thoughts I
had, but I had not the courage to stay, but went to Mr. Pett's and walked
up and down the yard with him and Deane talking about the dispatch of the
ships now in haste, and by and by Creed and my wife and a friend of Mr.
Falconer's came with the boat and called me, and so by water to Deptford,
where I landed, and after talking with others walked to Half-way house
with Mr. Wayth talking about the business of his supplying us with
canvas, and he told me in discourse several instances of Sir W. Batten's
cheats. So to Half-way house, whither my wife and them were gone before,
and after drinking there we walked, and by water home, sending Creed and
the other with the boat home. Then wrote a letter to Mr. Coventry, and
so a good supper of pease, the first I eat this year, and so to bed.
23rd. Up and to the office, where Sir J. Minnes, Sir W. Batten, and
myself met and did business, we being in a mighty hurry. The King is
gone down with the Duke and a great crew this morning by break of day to
Chatham. Towards noon I and my wife by water to Woolwich, leaving my
wife at Mr. Falconer's, and Mr. Hater and I with some officers of the
yard on board to see several ships how ready they are. Then to Mr.
Falconer's to a good dinner, having myself carried them a vessel of
sturgeon and a Lamprey pie, and then to the Yarde again, and among other
things did at Mr. Ackworth's obtain a demonstration of his being a knave;
but I did not discover it, till it be a little more seasonable. So back
to the Ropeyard and took my wife and Mr. Hater back, it raining mighty
hard of a sudden, but we with the tilt
[Tilt (A.S. teld) represents a tent or awning. It was used for a
cloth covering for a cart or waggon, or for a canopy or awning over
a portion of a boat.]
kept ourselves dry. So to Deptford, did some business there; but, Lord!
to see how in both places the King's business, if ever it should come to
a warr, is likely to be done, there not being a man that looks or speaks
like a man that will take pains, or use any forecast to serve the King,
at which I am heartily troubled. So home, it raining terribly, but we
still dry, and at the office late discoursing with Sir J. Minnes and Sir
W. Batten, who like a couple of sots receive all I say but to little
purpose. So late home to supper and to bed.
24th. Up and to the office, where Sir J. Minnes and I sat all the
morning, and after dinner thither again, and all the afternoon hard at
the office till night, and so tired home to supper and to bed. This day
I heard that my uncle Fenner is dead, which makes me a little sad, to see
with what speed a great many of my friends are gone, and more, I fear,
for my father's sake, are going.
25th. Took physique betimes and to sleep, then up, it working all the
morning. At noon dined, and in the afternoon in my chamber spending two
or three hours to look over some unpleasant letters and things of trouble
to answer my father in, about Tom's business and others, that vexed me,
but I did go through it and by that means eased my mind very much. This
afternoon also came Tom and Charles Pepys by my sending for, and received
of me L40 in part towards their L70 legacy of my uncle's. Spent the
evening talking with my wife, and so to bed.
26th. Up to the office, where we sat, and I had some high words with Sir
W. Batten about canvas, wherein I opposed him and all his experience,
about seams in the middle, and the profit of having many breadths and
narrow, which I opposed to good purpose, to the rejecting of the whole
business. At noon home to dinner, and thence took my wife by coach, and
she to my Lady Sandwich to see her. I to Tom Trice, to discourse about
my father's giving over his administration to my brother, and thence to
Sir R. Bernard, and there received L19 in money, and took up my father's
bond of L21, that is L40, in part of Piggot's L209 due to us, which L40
he pays for 7 roods of meadow in Portholme. Thence to my wife, and
carried her to the Old Bayly, and there we were led to the Quest House,
by the church, where all the kindred were by themselves at the buriall of
my uncle Fenner; but, Lord! what a pitiful rout of people there was of
them, but very good service and great company the whole was. And so anon
to church, and a good sermon, and so home, having for ease put my L19
into W. Joyce's hand, where I left it. So to supper and to bed, being in
a little pain from some cold got last night lying without anything upon
my feet.
27th. Up, not without some pain by cold, which makes me mighty
melancholy, to think of the ill state of my health. To the office, where
busy till my brains ready to drop with variety of business, and vexed for
all that to see the service like to suffer by other people's neglect.
Vexed also at a letter from my father with two troublesome ones enclosed
from Cave and Noble, so that I know not what to do therein. At home to
dinner at noon. But to comfort my heart, Captain Taylor this day brought
me L20 he promised me for my assistance to him about his masts. After
dinner to the office again, and thence with Mr. Wayth to St. Catherine's
to see some variety of canvas's, which indeed was worth my seeing, but
only I was in some pain, and so took not the delight I should otherwise
have done. So home to the office, and there busy till late at night, and
so home to supper and to bed. This morning my taylor brought me a very
tall mayde to be my cook-mayde; she asked L5, but my wife offered her but
L3 10s.--whether she will take it or no I know not till to-morrow, but I
am afeard she will be over high for us, she having last been a chamber
mayde, and holds up her head, as my little girle Su observed.
28th. Up pretty well as to pain and wind, and to the office, where we
sat close and did much business. At noon I to the 'Change, and thence to
Mr. Cutler's, where I heard Sir W. Rider was, where I found them at
dinner and dined with them, he having yesterday and to-day a fit of a
pain like the gout, the first time he ever had it. A good dinner. Good
discourse, Sir W. Rider especially much fearing the issue of a Dutch
warr, wherein I very highly commend him. Thence home, and at the office
a while, and then with Mr. Deane to a second lesson upon my Shipwrightry,
wherein I go on with great pleasure. He being gone I to the office late,
and so home to supper and to bed. But, Lord! to see how my very going to
the 'Change, and being without my gowne, presently brought me wind and
pain, till I came home and was well again; but I am come to such a pass
that I shall not know what to do with myself, but I am apt to think that
it is only my legs that I take cold in from my having so long worn a
gowne constantly.
29th (Whitsunday. King's Birth and Restauration day). Up, and having
received a letter last night desiring it from Mr. Coventry, I walked to
St. James's, and there he and I did long discourse together of the
business of the office, and the warr with the Dutch; and he seemed to
argue mightily with the little reason that there is for all this. For
first, as to the wrong we pretend they have done us: that of the East
Indys, for their not delivering of Poleron, it is not yet known whether
they have failed or no; that of their hindering the Leopard cannot amount
to above L3,000 if true; that of the Guinny Company, all they had done us
did not amount to above L200 or L300 he told me truly; and that now, from
what Holmes, without any commission, hath done in taking an island and
two forts, hath set us much in debt to them; and he believes that Holmes
will have been so puffed up with this, that he by this time hath been
enforced with more strength than he had then, hath, I say, done a great
deale more wrong to them. He do, as to the effect of the warr, tell me
clearly that it is not any skill of the Dutch that can hinder our trade
if we will, we having so many advantages over them, of winds, good ports,
and men; but it is our pride, and the laziness of the merchant. He seems
to think that there may be some negotiation which may hinder a warr this
year, but that he speaks doubtfully as unwilling I perceive to be thought
to discourse any such thing. The main thing he desired to speake with me
about was, to know whether I do understand my Lord Sandwich's intentions
as to going to sea with this fleete; saying, that the Duke, if he desires
it, is most willing to it; but thinking that twelve ships is not a fleete
fit for my Lord to be troubled to go out with, he is not willing to offer
it to him till he hath some intimations of his mind to go, or not. He
spoke this with very great respect as to my Lord, though methinks it is
strange they should not understand one another better at this time than
to need another's mediation. Thence walked over the Parke to White Hall,
Mr. Povy with me, and was taken in a very great showre in the middle of
the Parke that we were very wet. So up into, the house and with him to
the King's closett, whither by and by the King came, my Lord Sandwich
carrying the sword. A Bishopp preached, but he speaking too low for me
to hear behind the King's closett, I went forth and walked and discoursed
with Colonell Reames, who seems a very willing man to be informed in his
business of canvas, which he is undertaking to strike in with us to serve
the Navy. By and by my Lord Sandwich came forth, and called me to him:
and we fell into discourse a great while about his business, wherein he
seems to be very open with me, and to receive my opinion as he used to
do; and I hope I shall become necessary to him again. He desired me to
think of the fitness, or not, for him to offer himself to go to sea; and
to give him my thoughts in a day or two. Thence after sermon among the
ladies on the Queene's side; where I saw Mrs. Stewart, very fine and
pretty, but far beneath my Lady Castlemayne. Thence with Mr. Povy home
to dinner; where extraordinary cheer. And after dinner up and down to
see his house. And in a word, methinks, for his perspective upon his
wall in his garden, and the springs rising up with the perspective in the
little closett; his room floored above with woods of several colours,
like but above the best cabinet-work I ever saw; his grotto and vault,
with his bottles of wine, and a well therein to keep them cool; his
furniture of all sorts; his bath at the top of his house, good pictures,
and his manner of eating and drinking; do surpass all that ever I did see
of one man in all my life. Thence walked home and found my uncle Wight
and Mr. Rawlinson, who supped with me. They being gone, I to bed, being
in some pain from my being so much abroad to-day, which is a most strange
thing that in such warm weather the least ayre should get cold and wind
in me. I confess it makes me mighty sad and out of all content in the
world.
30th. Lay long, the bells ringing, it being holiday, and then up and all
the day long in my study at home studying of shipmaking with great
content till the evening, and then came Mr. Howe and sat and then supped
with me. He is a little conceited, but will make a discreet man. He
being gone, a little to my office, and then home to bed, being in much
pain from yesterday's being abroad, which is a consideration of mighty
sorrow to me.
31st. Up, and called upon Mr. Hollyard, with whom I advised and shall
fall upon some course of doing something for my disease of the wind,
which grows upon me every day more and more. Thence to my Lord
Sandwich's, and while he was dressing I below discoursed with Captain
Cooke, and I think if I do find it fit to keep a boy at all I had as good
be supplied from him with one as any body. By and by up to my Lord, and
to discourse about his going to sea, and the message I had from Mr.
Coventry to him. He wonders, as he well may, that this course should be
taken, and he every day with the Duke, who, nevertheless, seems most
friendly to him, who hath not yet spoke one word to my Lord of his desire
to have him go to sea. My Lord do tell me clearly that were it not that
he, as all other men that were of the Parliament side, are obnoxious to
reproach, and so is forced to bear what otherwise he would not, he would
never suffer every thing to be done in the Navy, and he never be
consulted; and it seems, in the naming of all these commanders for this
fleete, he hath never been asked one question. But we concluded it
wholly inconsistent with his honour not to go with this fleete, nor with
the reputation which the world hath of his interest at Court; and so he
did give me commission to tell Mr. Coventry that he is most willing to
receive any commands from the Duke in this fleete, were it less than it
is, and that particularly in this service. With this message I parted,
and by coach to the office, where I found Mr. Coventry, and told him
this. Methinks, I confess, he did not seem so pleased with it as I
expected, or at least could have wished, and asked me whether I had told
my Lord that the Duke do not expect his going, which I told him I had.
But now whether he means really that the Duke, as he told me the other
day, do think the Fleete too small for him to take or that he would not
have him go, I swear I cannot tell. But methinks other ways might have
been used to put him by without going in this manner about it, and so I
hope it is out of kindness indeed. Dined at home, and so to the office,
where a great while alone in my office, nobody near, with Bagwell's wife
of Deptford, but the woman seems so modest that I durst not offer any
courtship to her, though I had it in my mind when I brought her in to me.
But I am resolved to do her husband a courtesy, for I think he is a man
that deserves very well. So abroad with my wife by coach to St. James's,
to one Lady Poultny's, where I found my Lord, I doubt, at some vain
pleasure or other. I did give him a short account of what I had done
with Mr. Coventry, and so left him, and to my wife again in the coach,
and with her to the Parke, but the Queene being gone by the Parke to
Kensington, we staid not but straight home and to supper (the first time
I have done so this summer), and so to my office doing business, and then
to my monthly accounts, where to my great comfort I find myself better
than I was still the last month, and now come to L930. I was told to-
day, that upon Sunday night last, being the King's birth-day, the King
was at my Lady Castlemayne's lodgings (over the hither-gates at Lambert's
lodgings) dancing with fiddlers all night almost; and all the world
coming by taking notice of it, which I am sorry to hear. The discourse
of the town is only whether a warr with Holland or no, and we are
preparing for it all we can, which is but little. Myself subject more
than ordinary to pain by winde, which makes me very sad, together with
the trouble which at present lies upon me in my father's behalf, rising
from the death of my brother, which are many and great. Would to God
they were over!
ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
Bath at the top of his house
Fear all his kindness is but only his lust to her
Fetch masts from New England
Find myself to over-value things when a child
Generally with corruption, but most indeed with neglect
I slept soundly all the sermon
In a hackney and full of people, was ashamed to be seen
In my dining-room she was doing something upon the pott
Methought very ill, or else I am grown worse to please
Mrs. Lane was gone forth, and so I missed of my intent
Saw "The German Princess" acted, by the woman herself
Slabbering my band sent home for another
That hair by hair had his horse's tail pulled off indeed
End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Diary of Samuel Pepys, v32
by Samuel Pepys, Unabridged, transcribed by Bright, edited by Wheatley
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
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.
AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
1664
August 1st. Up, my mind very light from my last night's accounts, and so
up and with Sir J. Minnes, Sir W. Batten, and Sir W. Pen to St. James's,
where among other things having prepared with some industry every man a
part this morning and no sooner (for fear they should either consider of
it or discourse of it one to another) Mr. Coventry did move the Duke and
obtain it that one of the clerkes of the Clerke of the Acts should have
an addition of L30 a year, as Mr. Turner hath, which I am glad of, that I
may give T. Hater L20 and keep L10 towards a boy's keeping. Thence Mr.
Coventry and I to the Attorney's chamber at the Temple, but not being
there we parted, and I home, and there with great joy told T. Hater what
I had done, with which the poor wretch was very glad, though his modesty
would not suffer him to say much. So to the Coffee-house, and there all
the house full of the victory Generall Soushe
[General Soushe was Louis Ratuit, Comte de Souches. The battle was
fought at Lewenz (or Leva), in Hungary.--B.]
(who is a Frenchman, a soldier of fortune, commanding part of the German
army) hath had against the Turke; killing 4,000 men, and taking most
extraordinary spoil. Thence taking up Harman and his wife, carried them
to Anthony Joyce's, where we had my venison in a pasty well done; but,
Lord! to see how much they made of, it, as if they had never eat any
before, and very merry we were, but Will most troublesomely so, and I
find he and his wife have a most wretched life one with another, but we
took no notice, but were very merry as I could be in such company. But
Mrs. Harman is a very pretty-humoured wretch, whom I could love with all
my heart, being so good and innocent company. Thence to Westminster to
Mr. Blagrave's, and there, after singing a thing or two over, I spoke to
him about a woman for my wife, and he offered me his kinswoman, which I
was glad of, but she is not at present well, but however I hope to have
her. Thence to my Lord Chancellor's, and thence with Mr. Coventry, who
appointed to meet me there, and with him to the Attorney General, and
there with Sir Ph. Warwicke consulted of a new commission to be had
through the Broad Seale to enable us to make this contract for Tangier
victualling. So home, and there talked long with Will about the young
woman of his family which he spoke of for to live with my wife, but
though she hath very many good qualitys, yet being a neighbour's child
and young and not very staid, I dare not venture of having her, because
of her being able to spread any report of our family upon any discontent
among the heart of our neighbours. So that my dependance is upon Mr.
Blagrave, and so home to supper and to bed. Last night, at 12 o'clock,.
I was waked with knocking at Sir W. Pen's door; and what was it but
people's running up and down to bring him word that his brother,
[George Penn, the elder brother of Sir W. Penn, was a wealthy
merchant at San Lucar, the port of Seville. He was seized as a
heretic by the Holy Office, and cast into a dungeon eight feet
square and dark as the grave. There he remained three years, every
month being scourged to make him confess his crimes. At last, after
being twice put to the rack, he offered to confess whatever they
would suggest. His property, L12,000, was then confiscated, his
wife, a Catholic, taken from him, and he was banished from Spain for
ever.--M. B.]
who hath been a good while, it seems, sicke, is dead.
2nd. At the office all the morning. At noon dined, and then to, the
'Change, and there walked two hours or more with Sir W. Warren, who after
much discourse in general of Sir W. Batten's dealings, he fell to talk
how every body must live by their places, and that he was willing, if I
desired it, that I should go shares with him in anything that he deals
in. He told me again and again, too, that he confesses himself my debtor
too for my service and friendship to him in his present great contract of
masts, and that between this and Christmas he shall be in stocke and will
pay it me. This I like well, but do not desire to become a merchant,
and, therefore, put it off, but desired time to think of it. Thence to
the King's play-house, and there saw "Bartholomew Fayre," which do still
please me; and is, as it is acted, the best comedy in the world, I
believe. I chanced to sit by Tom Killigrew, who tells me that he is
setting up a Nursery; that is, is going to build a house in Moorefields,
wherein he will have common plays acted. But four operas it shall have
in the year, to act six weeks at a time; where we shall have the best
scenes and machines, the best musique, and every thing as magnificent as
is in Christendome; and to that end hath sent for voices and painters and
other persons from Italy. Thence homeward called upon my Lord
Marlborough, and so home and to my office, and then to Sir W. Pen, and
with him and our fellow officers and servants of the house and none else
to Church to lay his brother in the ground, wherein nothing handsome at
all, but that he lays him under the Communion table in the chancel, about
nine at night? So home and to bed.
3rd. Up betimes and set some joyners on work to new lay my floor in our
wardrobe, which I intend to make a room for musique. Thence abroad to
Westminster, among other things to Mr. Blagrave's, and there had his
consent for his kinswoman to come to be with my wife for her woman, at
which I am well pleased and hope she may do well. Thence to White Hall
to meet with Sir G. Carteret about hiring some ground to make our mast
docke at Deptford, but being Council morning failed, but met with Mr.
Coventry, and he and I discoursed of the likeliness of a Dutch warr,
which I think is very likely now, for the Dutch do prepare a fleet to
oppose us at Guinny, and he do think we shall, though neither of us have
a mind to it, fall into it of a sudden, and yet the plague do increase
among them, and is got into their fleet, and Opdam's own ship, which
makes it strange they should be so high. Thence to the 'Change, and
thence home to dinner, and down by water to Woolwich to the rope yard,
and there visited Mrs. Falconer, who tells me odd stories of how Sir W.
Pen was rewarded by her husband with a gold watch (but seems not certain
of what Sir W. Batten told me, of his daughter having a life given her in
L80 per ann.) for his helping him to his place, and yet cost him L150 to
Mr. Coventry besides. He did much advise it seems Mr. Falconer not to
marry again, expressing that he would have him make his daughter his
heire, or words to that purpose, and that that makes him, she thinks, so
cold in giving her any satisfaction, and that W. Boddam hath publickly
said, since he came down thither to be clerke of the ropeyard, that it
hath this week cost him L100, and would be glad that it would cost him
but half as much more for the place, and that he was better before than
now, and that if he had been to have bought it, he would not have given
so much for it. Now I am sure that Mr. Coventry hath again and again
said that he would take nothing, but would give all his part in it freely
to him, that so the widow might have something. What the meaning of this
is I know not, but that Sir W. Pen do get something by it. Thence to the
Dockeyard, and there saw the new ship in great forwardness. So home and
to supper, and then to the office, where late, Mr. Bland and I talking
about Tangier business, and so home to bed.
4th. Up betimes and to the office, fitting myself against a great
dispute about the East India Company, which spent afterwards with us all
the morning. At noon dined with Sir W. Pen, a piece of beef only, and I
counterfeited a friendship and mirth which I cannot have with him, yet
out with him by his coach, and he did carry me to a play and pay for me
at the King's house, which is "The Rivall Ladys," a very innocent and
most pretty witty play. I was much pleased with it, and it being given
me, I look upon it as no breach to my oathe. Here we hear that Clun, one
of their best actors, was, the last night, going out of towne (after he
had acted the Alchymist, wherein was one of his best parts that he acts)
to his country-house, set upon and murdered; one of the rogues taken, an
Irish fellow. It seems most cruelly butchered and bound. The house will
have a great miss of him. Thence visited my Lady Sandwich, who tells me
my Lord FitzHarding is to be made a Marquis. Thence home to my office
late, and so to supper and to bed.
5th. Up very betimes and set my plaisterer to work about whiting and
colouring my musique roome, which having with great pleasure seen done,
about ten o'clock I dressed myself, and so mounted upon a very pretty
mare, sent me by Sir W. Warren, according to his promise yesterday. And
so through the City, not a little proud, God knows, to be seen upon so
pretty a beast, and to my cozen W. Joyce's, who presently mounted too,
and he and I out of towne toward Highgate; in the way, at Kentish-towne,
showing me the place and manner of Clun's being killed and laid in a
ditch, and yet was not killed by any wounds, having only one in his arm,
but bled to death through his struggling. He told me, also, the manner
of it, of his going home so late [from] drinking with his whore, and
manner of having it found out. Thence forward to Barnett, and there
drank, and so by night to Stevenage, it raining a little, but not much,
and there to my great trouble, find that my wife was not come, nor any
Stamford coach gone down this week, so that she cannot come. So vexed
and weary, and not thoroughly out of pain neither in my old parts, I
after supper to bed, and after a little sleep, W. Joyce comes in his
shirt into my chamber, with a note and a messenger from my wife, that she
was come by Yorke coach to Bigglesworth, and would be with us to-morrow
morning. So, mightily pleased at her discreete action in this business,
I with peace to sleep again till next morning. So up, and
6th. Here lay Deane Honiwood last night. I met and talked with him this
morning, and a simple priest he is, though a good, well-meaning man.
W. Joyce and I to a game at bowles on the green there till eight o'clock,
and then comes my wife in the coach, and a coach full of women, only one
man riding by, gone down last night to meet a sister of his coming to
town. So very joyful drank there, not 'lighting, and we mounted and away
with them to Welling, and there 'light, and dined very well and merry and
glad to see my poor-wife. Here very merry as being weary I could be, and
after dinner, out again, and to London. In our way all the way the
mightiest merry, at a couple of young gentlemen, come down to meet the
same gentlewoman, that ever I was in my life, and so W. Joyce too, to see
how one of them was horsed upon a hard-trotting sorrell horse, and both
of them soundly weary and galled. But it is not to be set down how merry
we were all the way. We 'light in Holborne, and by another coach my wife
and mayde home, and I by horseback, and found all things well and most
mighty neate and clean. So, after welcoming my wife a little, to the
office, and so home to supper, and then weary and not very well to bed.
7th (Lord's day). Lay long caressing my wife and talking, she telling me
sad stories of the ill, improvident, disquiett, and sluttish manner that
my father and mother and Pall live in the country, which troubles me
mightily, and I must seek to remedy it. So up and ready, and my wife
also, and then down and I showed my wife, to her great admiration and
joy, Mr. Gauden's present of plate, the two flaggons, which indeed are so
noble that I hardly can think that they are yet mine. So blessing God
for it, we down to dinner mighty pleasant, and so up after dinner for a
while, and I then to White Hall, walked thither, having at home met with
a letter of Captain Cooke's, with which he had sent a boy for me to see,
whom he did intend to recommend to me. I therefore went and there met
and spoke with him. He gives me great hopes of the boy, which pleases
me, and at Chappell I there met Mr. Blagrave, who gives a report of the
boy, and he showed me him, and I spoke to him, and the boy seems a good
willing boy to come to me, and I hope will do well. I am to speak to Mr.
Townsend to hasten his clothes for him, and then he is to come. So I
walked homeward and met with Mr. Spong, and he with me as far as the Old
Exchange talking of many ingenuous things, musique, and at last of
glasses, and I find him still the same ingenuous man that ever he was,
and do among other fine things tell me that by his microscope of his owne
making he do discover that the wings of a moth is made just as the
feathers of the wing of a bird, and that most plainly and certainly.
While we were talking came by several poor creatures carried by, by
constables, for being at a conventicle. They go like lambs, without any
resistance. I would to God they would either conform, or be more wise,
and not be catched! Thence parted with him, mightily pleased with his
company, and away homeward, calling at Dan Rawlinson, and supped there
with my uncle Wight, and then home and eat again for form sake with her,
and then to prayers and to bed.
8th. Up and abroad with Sir W. Batten, by coach to St. James's, where by
the way he did tell me how Sir J. Minnes would many times arrogate to
himself the doing of that that all the Board have equal share in, and
more that to himself which he hath had nothing to do in, and particularly
the late paper given in by him to the Duke, the translation of a Dutch
print concerning the quarrel between us and them, which he did give as
his own when it was Sir Richard Ford's wholly. Also he told me how Sir
W. Pen (it falling in our discourse touching Mrs. Falconer) was at first
very great for Mr. Coventry to bring him in guests, and that at high
rates for places, and very open was he to me therein. After business
done with the Duke, I home to the Coffee-house, and so home to dinner,
and after dinner to hang up my fine pictures in my dining room, which
makes it very pretty, and so my wife and I abroad to the King's play-
house, she giving me her time of the last month, she having not seen any
then; so my vowe is not broke at all, it costing me no more money than it
would have done upon her, had she gone both her times that were due to
her. Here we saw "Flora's Figarys." I never saw it before, and by the
most ingenuous performance of the young jade Flora, it seemed as pretty a
pleasant play as ever I saw in my life. So home to supper, and then to
my office late, Mr. Andrews and I to talk about our victualling
commission, and then he being gone I to set down my four days past
journalls and expenses, and so home to bed.
9th. Up, and to my office, and there we sat all the morning, at noon
home, and there by appointment Mr. Blagrave came and dined with me, and
brought a friend of his of the Chappell with him. Very merry at dinner,
and then up to my chamber and there we sung a Psalm or two of Lawes's,
then he and I a little talke by ourselves of his kinswoman that is to
come to live with my wife, who is to come about ten days hence, and I
hope will do well. They gone I to my office, and there my head being a
little troubled with the little wine I drank, though mixed with beer, but
it may be a little more than I used to do, and yet I cannot say so, I
went home and spent the afternoon with my wife talking, and then in the
evening a little to my office, and so home to supper and to bed. This
day comes the newes that the Emperour hath beat the Turke;
[This was the battle of St. Gothard, in which the Turks were
defeated with great slaughter by the imperial forces under
Montecuculli, assisted by the confederates from the Rhine, and by
forty troops of French cavalry under Coligni. St. Gothard is in
Hungary, on the river Raab, near the frontier of Styria; it is about
one hundred and twenty miles south of Vienna, and thirty east of
Gratz. The battle took place on the 9th Moharrem, A.H. 1075, or
23rd July, A.D. 1664 (old style), which is that used by Pepys.--B.]
killed the Grand Vizier and several great Bassas, with an army of 80,000
men killed and routed; with some considerable loss of his own side,
having lost three generals, and the French forces all cut off almost.
Which is thought as good a service to the Emperour as beating the Turke
almost, for had they conquered they would have been as troublesome to
him.
[The fact is, the Germans were beaten by the Turks, and the French
won the battle for them.--B.]
10th. Up, and, being ready, abroad to do several small businesses, among
others to find out one to engrave my tables upon my new sliding rule with
silver plates, it being so small that Browne that made it cannot get one
to do it. So I find out Cocker, the famous writing-master, and get him
to do it, and I set an hour by him to see him design it all; and strange
it is to see him with his natural eyes to cut so small at his first
designing it, and read it all over, without any missing, when for my life
I could not, with my best skill, read one word or letter of it; but it is
use. But he says that the best light for his life to do a very small
thing by (contrary to Chaucer's words to the Sun, "that he should lend
his light to them that small seals grave"), it should be by an artificial
light of a candle, set to advantage, as he could do it. I find the
fellow, by his discourse, very ingenuous; and among other things, a great
admirer and well read in all our English poets, and undertakes to judge
of them all, and that not impertinently. Well pleased with his company
and better with his judgement upon my Rule, I left him and home, whither
Mr. Deane by agreement came to me and dined with me, and by chance Gunner
Batters's wife. After dinner Deane and I [had] great discourse again
about my Lord Chancellor's timber, out of which I wish I may get well.
Thence I to Cocker's again, and sat by him with good discourse again for
an hour or two, and then left him, and by agreement with Captain Silas
Taylor (my old acquaintance at the Exchequer) to the Post Officer to hear
some instrument musique of Mr. Berchenshaw's before my Lord Brunkard and
Sir Robert Murray. I must confess, whether it be that I hear it but
seldom, or that really voice is better, but so it is that I found no
pleasure at all in it, and methought two voyces were worth twenty of it.
So home to my office a while, and then to supper and to bed.
11th. Up, and through pain, to my great grief forced to wear my gowne to
keep my legs warm. At the office all the morning, and there a high
dispute against Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen about the breadth of canvas
again, they being for the making of it narrower, I and Mr. Coventry and
Sir J. Minnes for the keeping it broader. So home to dinner, and by and
by comes Mr. Creed, lately come from the Downes, and dined with me.
I show him a good countenance, but love him not for his base ingratitude
to me. However, abroad, carried my wife to buy things at the New
Exchange, and so to my Lady Sandwich's, and there merry, talking with her
a great while, and so home, whither comes Cocker with my rule, which he
hath engraved to admiration, for goodness and smallness of work: it cost
me 14s. the doing, and mightily pleased I am with it. By and by, he
gone, comes Mr. Moore and staid talking with me a great while about my
Lord's businesses, which I fear will be in a bad condition for his family
if my Lord should miscarry at sea. He gone, I late to my office, and
cannot forbear admiring and consulting my new rule, and so home to supper
and to bed. This day, for a wager before the King, my Lords of
Castlehaven and Arran (a son of my Lord of Ormond's), they two alone
did run down and kill a stoute bucke in St. James's parke.
12th. Up, and all the morning busy at the office with Sir W. Warren
about a great contract for New England masts, where I was very hard with
him, even to the making him angry, but I thought it fit to do it as well
as just for my owne [and] the King's behalf. At noon to the 'Change a
little, and so to dinner and then out by coach, setting my wife and mayde
down, going to Stevens the silversmith to change some old silver lace and
to go buy new silke lace for a petticoat; I to White Hall and did much
business at a Tangier Committee; where, among other things, speaking
about propriety of the houses there, and how we ought to let the
Portugeses I have right done them, as many of them as continue, or did
sell the houses while they were in possession, and something further in
their favour, the Duke in an anger I never observed in him before, did
cry, says he, "All the world rides us, and I think we shall never ride
anybody." Thence home, and, though late, yet Pedro being there, he sang
a song and parted. I did give him 5s., but find it burdensome and so
will break up the meeting. At night is brought home our poor Fancy,
which to my great grief continues lame still, so that I wish she had not
been brought ever home again, for it troubles me to see her.
13th. Up, and before I went to the office comes my Taylor with a coate I
have made to wear within doors, purposely to come no lower than my knees,
for by my wearing a gowne within doors comes all my tenderness about my
legs. There comes also Mr. Reeve, with a microscope and scotoscope.
[An optical instrument used to enable objects to be seen in the
dark. The name is derived from the Greek.]
For the first I did give him L5 10s., a great price, but a most curious
bauble it is, and he says, as good, nay, the best he knows in England,
and he makes the best in the world. The other he gives me, and is of
value; and a curious curiosity it is to look objects in a darke room
with. Mightly pleased with this I to the office, where all the morning.
There offered by Sir W. Pen his coach to go to Epsum and carry my wife,
I stept out and bade my wife make her ready, but being not very well and
other things advising me to the contrary, I did forbear going, and so Mr.
Creed dining with me I got him to give my wife and me a play this
afternoon, lending him money to do it, which is a fallacy that I have
found now once, to avoyde my vowe with, but never to be more practised
I swear, and to the new play, at the Duke's house, of "Henry the Fifth;"
a most noble play, writ by my Lord Orrery; wherein Betterton, Harris, and
Ianthe's parts are most incomparably wrote and done, and the whole play
the most full of height and raptures of wit and sense, that ever I heard;
having but one incongruity, or what did, not please me in it, that is,
that King Harry promises to plead for Tudor to their Mistresse, Princesse
Katherine of France, more than when it comes to it he seems to do; and
Tudor refused by her with some kind of indignity, not with a difficulty
and honour that it ought to have been done in to him. Thence home and to
my office, wrote by the post, and then to read a little in Dr. Power's
book of discovery by the Microscope to enable me a little how to use and
what to expect from my glasse. So to supper and to bed.
14th (Lord's day). After long lying discoursing with my wife, I up, and
comes Mr. Holliard to see me, who concurs with me that my pain is nothing
but cold in my legs breeding wind, and got only by my using to wear a
gowne, and that I am not at all troubled with any ulcer, but my thickness
of water comes from my overheat in my back. He gone, comes Mr. Herbert,
Mr. Honiwood's man, and dined with me, a very honest, plain, well-meaning
man, I think him to be; and by his discourse and manner of life, the true
embleme of an old ordinary serving-man. After dinner up to my chamber
and made an end of Dr. Power's booke of the Microscope, very fine and to
my content, and then my wife and I with great pleasure, but with great
difficulty before we could come to find the manner of seeing any thing by
my microscope. At last did with good content, though not so much as I
expect when I come to understand it better. By and by comes W. Joyce, in
his silke suit, and cloake lined with velvett: staid talking with me, and
I very merry at it. He supped with me; but a cunning, crafty fellow he
is, and dangerous to displease, for his tongue spares nobody. After
supper I up to read a little, and then to bed.
15th. Up, and with Sir J. Minnes by coach to St. James's, and there did
our business with the Duke, who tells us more and more signs of a Dutch
warr, and how we must presently set out a fleete for Guinny, for the
Dutch are doing so, and there I believe the warr will begin. Thence home
with him again, in our way he talking of his cures abroad, while he was
with the King as a doctor, and above all men the pox. And among others,
Sir J. Denham he told me he had cured, after it was come to an ulcer all
over his face, to a miracle. To the Coffee-house I, and so to the
'Change a little, and then home to dinner with Creed, whom I met at the
Coffee-house, and after dinner by coach set him down at the Temple, and I
and my wife to Mr. Blagrave's. They being none of them at home; I to the
Hall, leaving her there, and thence to the Trumpett, whither came Mrs.
Lane, and there begins a sad story how her husband, as I feared, proves
not worth a farthing, and that she is with child and undone, if I do not
get him a place. I had my pleasure here of her, and she, like an
impudent jade, depends upon my kindness to her husband, but I will have
no more to do with her, let her brew as she has baked, seeing she would
not take my counsel about Hawly. After drinking we parted, and I to
Blagrave's, and there discoursed with Mrs. Blagrave about her kinswoman,
who it seems is sickly even to frantiqueness sometimes, and among other
things chiefly from love and melancholy upon the death of her servant,--
[Servant = lover.]--insomuch that she telling us all most simply and
innocently I fear she will not be able to come to us with any pleasure,
which I am sorry for, for I think she would have pleased us very well.
In comes he, and so to sing a song and his niece with us, but she sings
very meanly. So through the Hall and thence by coach home, calling by
the way at Charing Crosse, and there saw the great Dutchman that is come
over, under whose arm I went with my hat on, and could not reach higher
than his eye-browes with the tip of my fingers, reaching as high as I
could. He is a comely and well-made man, and his wife a very little, but
pretty comely Dutch woman. It is true, he wears pretty high-heeled
shoes, but not very high, and do generally wear a turbant, which makes
him show yet taller than really he is, though he is very tall, as I have
said before. Home to my office, and then to supper, and then to my
office again late, and so home to bed, my wife and I troubled that we do
not speed better in this business of her woman.
16th. Wakened about two o'clock this morning with the noise of thunder,
which lasted for an houre, with such continued lightnings, not flashes,
but flames, that all the sky and ayre was light; and that for a great
while, not a minute's space between new flames all the time; such a thing
as I never did see, nor could have believed had ever been in nature. And
being put into a great sweat with it, could not sleep till all was over.
And that accompanied with such a storm of rain as I never heard in my
life. I expected to find my house in the morning overflowed with the
rain breaking in, and that much hurt must needs have been done in the
city with this lightning; but I find not one drop of rain in my house,
nor any newes of hurt done. But it seems it has been here and all up and
down the countrie hereabouts the like tempest, Sir W. Batten saying much
of the greatness thereof at Epsum. Up and all the morning at the office.
At noon busy at the 'Change about one business or other, and thence home
to dinner, and so to my office all the afternoon very busy, and so to
supper anon, and then to my office again a while, collecting observations
out of Dr. Power's booke of Microscopes, and so home to bed, very stormy
weather to-night for winde. This day we had newes that my Lady Pen is
landed and coming hither, so that I hope the family will be in better
order and more neate than it hath been.
17th. Up, and going to Sir W. Batten to speak to him about business, he
did give me three, bottles of his Epsum water, which I drank and it
wrought well with me, and did give me many good stools, and I found
myself mightily cooled with them and refreshed. Thence I to Mr. Honiwood
and my father's old house, but he was gone out, and there I staid talking
with his man Herbert, who tells me how Langford and his wife are very
foul-mouthed people, and will speak very ill of my father, calling him
old rogue in reference to the hard penniworths he sold him of his goods
when the rogue need not have bought any of them. So that I am resolved
he shall get no more money by me, but it vexes me to think that my father
should be said to go away in debt himself, but that I will cause to be
remedied whatever comes of it. Thence to my Lord Crew, and there with
him a little while. Before dinner talked of the Dutch war, and find that
he do much doubt that we shall fall into it without the money or consent
of Parliament, that is expected or the reason of it that is fit to have
for every warr. Dined with him, and after dinner talked with Sir Thomas
Crew, who told me how Mr. Edward Montagu is for ever blown up, and now
quite out with his father again; to whom he pretended that his going down
was, not that he was cast out of the Court, but that he had leave to be
absent a month; but now he finds the truth. Thence to my Lady Sandwich,
where by agreement my wife dined, and after talking with her I carried my
wife to Mr. Pierce's and left her there, and so to Captain Cooke's, but
he was not at home, but I there spoke with my boy Tom Edwards, and
directed him to go to Mr. Townsend (with whom I was in the morning) to
have measure taken of his clothes to be made him there out of the
Wardrobe, which will be so done, and then I think he will come to me.
Thence to White Hall, and after long staying there was no Committee of
the Fishery as was expected. Here I walked long with Mr. Pierce, who
tells me the King do still sup every night with my Lady Castlemayne, who
he believes has lately slunk a great belly away, for from very big she is
come to be down again. Thence to Mrs. Pierce's, and with her and my wife
to see Mrs. Clarke, where with him and her very merry discoursing of the
late play of Henry the 5th, which they conclude the best that ever was
made, but confess with me that Tudor's being dismissed in the manner he
is is a great blemish to the play. I am mightily pleased with the
Doctor, for he is the only man I know that I could learn to pronounce by,
which he do the best that ever I heard any man. Thence home and to the
office late, and so to supper and to bed. My Lady Pen came hither first
to-night to Sir W. Pen's lodgings.
18th. Lay too long in bed, till 8 o'clock, then up and Mr. Reeve came
and brought an anchor and a very fair loadstone. He would have had me
bought it, and a good stone it is, but when he saw that I would not buy
it he said he [would] leave it for me to sell for him. By and by he
comes to tell me that he had present occasion for L6 to make up a sum,
and that he would pay me in a day or two, but I had the unusual wit to
deny him, and so by and by we parted, and I to the office, where busy all
the morning sitting. Dined alone at home, my wife going to-day to dine
with Mrs. Pierce, and thence with her and. Mrs. Clerke to see a new
play, "The Court Secret." I busy all the afternoon, toward evening to
Westminster, and there in the Hall a while, and then to my barber,
willing to have any opportunity to speak to Jane, but wanted it. So to
Mrs. Pierces, who was come home, and she and Mrs. Clerke busy at cards,
so my wife being gone home, I home, calling by the way at the Wardrobe
and met Mr. Townsend, Mr. Moore and others at the Taverne thereby, and
thither I to them and spoke with Mr. Townsend about my boy's clothes,
which he says shall be soon done, and then I hope I shall be settled when
I have one in the house that is musicall. So home and to supper, and
then a little to my office, and then home to bed. My wife says the play
she saw is the worst that ever she saw in her life.
19th. Up and to the office, where Mr. Coventry and Sir W. Pen and I sat
all the morning hiring of ships to go to Guinny, where we believe the
warr with Holland will first break out. At noon dined at home, and after
dinner my wife and I to Sir W. Pen's, to see his Lady, the first time,
who is a well-looked, fat, short, old Dutchwoman, but one that hath been
heretofore pretty handsome, and is now very discreet, and, I believe,
hath more wit than her husband. Here we staid talking a good while, and
very well pleased I was with the old woman at first visit. So away home,
and I to my office, my wife to go see my aunt Wight, newly come to town.
Creed came to me, and he and I out, among other things, to look out a man
to make a case, for to keep my stone, that I was cut of, in, and he to
buy Daniel's history, which he did, but I missed of my end. So parted
upon Ludgate Hill, and I home and to the office, where busy till supper,
and home to supper to a good dish of fritters, which I bespoke, and were
done much to my mind. Then to the office a while again, and so home to
bed. The newes of the Emperour's victory over the Turkes is by some
doubted, but by most confessed to be very small (though great) of what
was talked, which was 80,000 men to be killed and taken of the Turke's
side.
20th. Up and to the office a while, but this day the Parliament meeting
only to be adjourned to November (which was done, accordingly), we did
not meet, and so I forth to bespeak a case to be made to keep my stone
in, which will cost me 25s. Thence I walked to Cheapside, there to see
the effect of a fire there this morning, since four o'clock; which I find
in the house of Mr. Bois, that married Dr. Fuller's niece, who are both
out of towne, leaving only a mayde and man in towne. It begun in their
house, and hath burned much and many houses backward, though none
forward; and that in the great uniform pile of buildings in the middle of
Cheapside. I am very sorry for them, for the Doctor's sake. Thence to
the 'Change, and so home to dinner. And thence to Sir W. Batten's,
whither Sir Richard Ford came, the Sheriffe, who hath been at this fire
all the while; and he tells me, upon my question, that he and the Mayor
were there, as it is their dutys to be, not only to keep the peace, but
they have power of commanding the pulling down of any house or houses, to
defend the whole City. By and by comes in the Common Cryer of the City
to speak with him; and when he was gone, says he, "You may see by this
man the constitution of the Magistracy of this City; that this fellow's
place, I dare give him (if he will be true to me) L1000 for his profits
every year, and expect to get L500 more to myself thereby. When," says
he, "I in myself am forced to spend many times as much." By and by came
Mr. Coventry, and so we met at the office, to hire ships for Guinny, and
that done broke up. I to Sir W. Batten's, there to discourse with Mrs.
Falconer, who hath been with Sir W. Pen this evening, after Mr. Coventry
had promised her half what W. Bodham had given him for his place, but Sir
W. Pen, though he knows that, and that Mr. Bodham hath said that his
place hath cost him L100 and would L100 more, yet is he so high against
the poor woman that he will not hear to give her a farthing, but it seems
do listen after a lease where he expects Mr. Falconer hath put in his
daughter's life, and he is afraid that that is not done, and did tell
Mrs. Falconer that he would see it and know what is done therein in spite
of her, when, poor wretch, she neither do nor can hinder him the knowing
it. Mr. Coventry knows of this business of the lease, and I believe do
think of it as well as I. But the poor woman is gone home without any
hope, but only Mr. Coventry's own nobleness. So I to my office and wrote
many letters, and so to supper and to bed.
21st (Lord's day). Waked about 4 o'clock with my wife, having a
looseness, and peoples coming in the yard to the pump to draw water
several times, so that fear of this day's fire made me fearful, and
called Besse and sent her down to see, and it was Griffin's maid for
water to wash her house. So to sleep again, and then lay talking till 9
o'clock. So up and drunk three bottles of Epsum water, which wrought
well with me. I all the morning and most of the afternoon after dinner
putting papers to rights in my chamber, and the like in the evening till
night at my office, and renewing and writing fair over my vowes. So home
to supper, prayers, and to bed. Mr. Coventry told us the Duke was gone
ill of a fit of an ague to bed; so we sent this morning to see how he do.
[Elizabeth Falkener, wife of John Falkener, announced to Pepys the
death of "her dear and loving husband" in a letter dated July 19th,
1664 "begs interest that she may be in something considered by the
person succeeding her husband in his employment, which has
occasioned great expenses." ("Calendar of State Papers," Domestic,
1663-64, p. 646)]
22nd. Up and abroad, doing very many errands to my great content which
lay as burdens upon my mind and memory. Home to dinner, and so to White
Hall, setting down my wife at her father's, and I to the Tangier
Committee, where several businesses I did to my mind, and with hopes
thereby to get something. So to Westminster Hall, where by appointment
I had made I met with Dr. Tom Pepys, but avoided all discourse of
difference with him, though much against my will, and he like a doating
coxcomb as he is, said he could not but demand his money, and that he
would have his right, and that let all anger be forgot, and such sorry
stuff, nothing to my mind, but only I obtained this satisfaction, that he
told me about Sturbridge last was 12 months or 2 years he was at
Brampton, and there my father did tell him that what he had done for my
brother in giving him his goods and setting him up as he had done was
upon condition that he should give my brother John L20 per ann., which he
charged upon my father, he tells me in answer, as a great deal of hard
measure that he should expect that with him that had a brother so able as
I am to do that for him. This is all that he says he can say as to my
father's acknowledging that he had given Tom his goods. He says his
brother Roger will take his oath that my father hath given him thanks for
his counsel for his giving of Tom his goods and setting him up in the
manner that he hath done, but the former part of this he did not speak
fully so bad nor as certain what he could say. So we walked together to
my cozen Joyce's, where my wife staid for me, and then I home and her by
coach, and so to my office, then to supper and to bed.
23rd. Lay long talking with my wife, and angry awhile about her desiring
to have a French mayde all of a sudden, which I took to arise from
yesterday's being with her mother. But that went over and friends again,
and so she be well qualitied, I care not much whether she be French or
no, so a Protestant. Thence to the office, and at noon to the 'Change,
where very busy getting ships for Guinny and for Tangier. So home to
dinner, and then abroad all the afternoon doing several errands, to
comply with my oath of ending many businesses before Bartholomew's day,
which is two days hence. Among others I went into New Bridewell, in my
way to Mr. Cole, and there I saw the new model, and it is very handsome.
Several at work, among others, one pretty whore brought in last night,
which works very lazily. I did give them 6d. to drink, and so away. To
Graye's Inn, but missed Mr. Cole, and so homeward called at Harman's, and
there bespoke some chairs for a room, and so home, and busy late, and
then to supper and to bed. The Dutch East India Fleete are now come home
safe, which we are sorry for. Our Fleets on both sides are hastening out
to Guinny.
24th. Up by six o'clock, and to my office with Tom Hater dispatching
business in haste. At nine o'clock to White Hall about Mr. Maes's
business at the Council, which stands in an ill condition still. Thence
to Graye's Inn, but missed of Mr. Cole the lawyer, and so walked home,
calling among the joyners in Wood Streete to buy a table and bade in many
places, but did not buy it till I come home to see the place where it is
to stand, to judge how big it must be. So after 'Change home and a good
dinner, and then to White Hall to a Committee of the Fishery, where my
Lord Craven and Mr. Gray mightily against Mr. Creed's being joined in the
warrant for Secretary with Mr. Duke. However I did get it put off till
the Duke of Yorke was there, and so broke up doing nothing. So walked
home, first to the Wardrobe, and there saw one suit of clothes made for
my boy and linen set out, and I think to have him the latter end of this
week, and so home, Mr. Creed walking the greatest part of the way with me
advising what to do in his case about his being Secretary to us in
conjunction with Duke, which I did give him the best I could, and so home
and to my office, where very much business, and then home to supper and
to bed.
25th. Up and to the office after I had spoke to my taylor, Langford (who
came to me about some work), desiring to know whether he knew of any
debts that my father did owe of his own in the City. He tells me, "No,
not any." I did on purpose try him because of what words he and his wife
have said of him (as Herbert told me the other day), and further did
desire him, that if he knew of any or could hear of any that he should
bid them come to me, and I would pay them, for I would not that because
he do not pay my brother's debts that therefore he should be thought to
deny the payment of his owne. All the morning at the office busy. At
noon to the 'Change, among other things busy to get a little by the hire
of a ship for Tangier. So home to dinner, and after dinner comes Mr.
Cooke to see me; it is true he was kind to me at sea in carrying messages
to and fro to my wife from sea, but I did do him kindnesses too, and
therefore I matter not much to compliment or make any regard of his
thinking me to slight him as I do for his folly about my brother Tom's
mistress. After dinner and some talk with him, I to my office; there
busy, till by and by Jacke Noble came to me to tell me that he had Cave
in prison, and that he would give me and my father good security that
neither we nor any of our family should be troubled with the child; for
he could prove that he was fully satisfied for him; and that if the worst
came to the worst, the parish must keep it; that Cave did bring the child
to his house, but they got it carried back again, and that thereupon he
put him in prison. When he saw that I would not pay him the money, nor
made anything of being secured against the child, he then said that then
he must go to law, not himself, but come in as a witness for Cave against
us. I could have told him that he could bear witness that Cave is
satisfied, or else there is no money due to himself; but I let alone any
such discourse, only getting as much out of him as I could. I perceive
he is a rogue, and hath inquired into everything and consulted with Dr.
Pepys, and that he thinks as Dr. Pepys told him that my father if he
could would not pay a farthing of the debts, and yet I made him confess
that in all his lifetime he never knew my father to be asked for money
twice, nay, not once, all the time he lived with him, and that for his
own debts he believed he would do so still, but he meant only for those
of Tom. He said now that Randall and his wife and the midwife could
prove from my brother's own mouth that the child was his, and that Tom
had told them the circumstances of time, upon November 5th at night, that
he got it on her. I offered him if he would secure my father against
being forced to pay the money again I would pay him, which at first he
would do, give his own security, and when I asked more than his own he
told me yes he would, and those able men, subsidy men, but when we came
by and by to discourse of it again he would not then do it, but said he
would take his course, and joyne with Cave and release him, and so we
parted. However, this vexed me so as I could not be quiet, but took
coach to go speak with Mr. Cole, but met him not within, so back, buying
a table by the way, and at my office late, and then home to supper and to
bed, my mind disordered about this roguish business--in every thing else,
I thank God, well at ease.
26th. Up by 5 o'clock, which I have not been many a day, and down by
water to Deptford, and there took in Mr. Pumpfield the rope-maker, and
down with him to Woolwich to view Clothier's cordage, which I found bad
and stopped the receipt of it. Thence to the ropeyard, and there among
other things discoursed with Mrs. Falconer, who tells me that she has
found the writing, and Sir W. Pen's daughter is not put into the lease
for her life as he expected, and I am glad of it. Thence to the
Dockyarde, and there saw the new ship in very great forwardness, and so
by water to Deptford a little, and so home and shifting myself, to the
'Change, and there did business, and thence down by water to White Hall,
by the way, at the Three Cranes, putting into an alehouse and eat a bit
of bread and cheese. There I could not get into the Parke, and so was
fain to stay in the gallery over the gate to look to the passage into the
Parke, into which the King hath forbid of late anybody's coming, to watch
his coming that had appointed me to come, which he did by and by with his
lady and went to Guardener's Lane, and there instead of meeting with one
that was handsome and could play well, as they told me, she is the
ugliest beast and plays so basely as I never heard anybody, so that I
should loathe her being in my house. However, she took us by and by and
showed us indeed some pictures at one Hiseman's, a picture drawer, a
Dutchman, which is said to exceed Lilly, and indeed there is both of the
Queenes and Mayds of Honour (particularly Mrs. Stewart's in a buff
doublet like a soldier) as good pictures, I think, as ever I saw. The
Queene is drawn in one like a shepherdess, in the other like St.
Katharin, most like and most admirably. I was mightily pleased with this
sight indeed, and so back again to their lodgings, where I left them, but
before I went this mare that carried me, whose name I know not but that
they call him Sir John, a pitiful fellow, whose face I have long known
but upon what score I know not, but he could have the confidence to ask
me to lay down money for him to renew the lease of his house, which I did
give eare to there because I was there receiving a civility from him, but
shall not part with my money. There I left them, and I by water home,
where at my office busy late, then home to supper, and so to bed. This
day my wife tells me Mr. Pen,
[William Penn, afterwards the famous Quaker. P. Gibson, writing to
him in March, 1711-12, says: "I remember your honour very well,
when you newly came out of France and wore pantaloon breeches"]
Sir William's son, is come back from France, and come to visit her. A
most modish person, grown, she says, a fine gentleman.
27th. Up and to the office, where all the morning. At noon to the
'Change, and there almost made my bargain about a ship for Tangier, which
will bring me in a little profit with Captain Taylor. Off the 'Change
with Mr. Cutler and Sir W. Rider to Cutler's house, and there had a very
good dinner, and two or three pretty young ladies of their relations
there. Thence to my case-maker for my stone case, and had it to my mind,
and cost me 24s., which is a great deale of money, but it is well done
and pleases me. So doing some other small errands I home, and there find
my boy, Tom Edwards, come, sent me by Captain Cooke, having been bred in
the King's Chappell these four years. I propose to make a clerke of him,
and if he deserves well, to do well by him. Spent much of the afternoon
to set his chamber in order, and then to the office leaving him at home,
and late at night after all business was done I called Will and told him
my reason of taking a boy, and that it is of necessity, not out of any
unkindness to him, nor should be to his injury, and then talked about his
landlord's daughter to come to my wife, and I think it will be. So home
and find my boy a very schoole boy, that talks innocently and
impertinently, but at present it is a sport to us, and in a little time
he will leave it. So sent him to bed, he saying that he used to go to
bed at eight o'clock, and then all of us to bed, myself pretty well
pleased with my choice of a boy. All the newes this day is, that the
Dutch are, with twenty-two sayle of ships of warr, crewsing up and down
about Ostend; at which we are alarmed. My Lord Sandwich is come back
into the Downes with only eight sayle, which is or may be a prey to the
Dutch, if they knew our weakness and inability to set out any more
speedily.
28th (Lord's day). Up the first time I have had great while. Home to
dined, and with my boy alone to church anybody to attend me to church a
dinner, and there met Creed, who, and we merry together, as his learning
is such and judgment that I cannot but be pleased with it. After dinner
I took him to church, into our gallery, with me, but slept the best part
of the sermon, which was a most silly one. So he and I to walk to the
'Change a while, talking from one pleasant discourse to another, and so
home, and thither came my uncle Wight and aunt, and supped with us mighty
merry. And Creed lay with us all night, and so to bed, very merry to
think how Mr. Holliard (who came in this evening to see me) makes
nothing, but proving as a most clear thing that Rome is Antichrist.
29th. Up betimes, intending to do business at my office, by 5 o'clock,
but going out met at my door Mr. Hughes come to speak with me about
office business, and told me that as he came this morning from Deptford
he left the King's yarde a-fire. So I presently took a boat and down,
and there found, by God's providence, the fire out; but if there had been
any wind it must have burned all our stores, which is a most dreadfull
consideration. But leaving all things well I home, and out abroad doing
many errands, Mr. Creed also out, and my wife to her mother's, and Creed
and I met at my Lady Sandwich's and there dined; but my Lady is become as
handsome, I think, as ever she was; and so good and discreet a woman I
know not in the world. After dinner I to Westminster to Jervas's a
while, and so doing many errands by the way, and necessary ones, I home,
and thither came the woman with her mother which our Will recommends to
my wife. I like her well, and I think will please us. My wife and they
agreed, and she is to come the next week. At which I am very well
contented, for then I hope we shall be settled, but I must remember that,
never since I was housekeeper, I ever lived so quietly, without any noise
or one angry word almost, as I have done since my present mayds Besse,
Jane, and Susan came and were together. Now I have taken a boy and am
taking a woman, I pray God we may not be worse, but I will observe it.
After being at my office a while, home to supper and to bed.
30th. Up and to the office, where sat long, and at noon to dinner at
home; after dinner comes Mr. Pen to visit me, and staid an houre talking
with me. I perceive something of learning he hath got, but a great
deale, if not too much, of the vanity of the French garbe and affected
manner of speech and gait. I fear all real profit he hath made of his
travel will signify little. So, he gone, I to my office and there very
busy till late at night, and so home to supper and to bed.
31st. Up by five o'clock and to my office, where T. Hater and Will met
me, and so we dispatched a great deal of my business as to the ordering
my papers and books which were behindhand. All the morning very busy at
my office. At noon home to dinner, and there my wife hath got me some
pretty good oysters, which is very soon and the soonest, I think, I ever
eat any. After dinner I up to hear my boy play upon a lute, which I have
this day borrowed of Mr. Hunt; and indeed the boy would, with little
practice, play very well upon the lute, which pleases me well. So by
coach to the Tangier Committee, and there have another small business by
which I may get a little small matter of money. Staid but little there,
and so home and to my office, where late casting up my monthly accounts,
and, blessed be God! find myself worth L1020, which is still the most I
ever was worth. So home and to bed. Prince Rupert I hear this day is to
go to command this fleete going to Guinny against the Dutch. I doubt few
will be pleased with his going, being accounted an unhappy' man. My mind
at good rest, only my father's troubles with Dr. Pepys and my brother
Tom's creditors in general do trouble me. I have got a new boy that
understands musique well, as coming to me from the King's Chappell, and I
hope will prove a good boy, and my wife and I are upon having a woman,
which for her content I am contented to venture upon the charge of again,
and she is one that our' Will finds out for us, and understands a little
musique, and I think will please us well, only her friends live too near
us. Pretty well in health, since I left off wearing of a gowne within
doors all day, and then go out with my legs into the cold, which brought
me daily pain.
DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS.
SEPTEMBER
1664
Sept. 1st. A sad rainy night, up and to the office, where busy all the
morning. At noon to the 'Change and thence brought Mr. Pierce, the
Surgeon, and Creed, and dined very merry and handsomely; but my wife not
being well of those she not with us; and we cut up the great cake
Moorcocke lately sent us, which is very good. They gone I to my office,
and there very busy till late at night, and so home to supper and to bed.
2nd. Up very betimes and walked (my boy with me) to Mr. Cole's, and
after long waiting below, he being under the barber's hands, I spoke with
him, and he did give me much hopes of getting my debt that my brother
owed me, and also that things would go well with my father. But going to
his attorney's, that he directed me to, they tell me both that though I
could bring my father to a confession of a judgment, yet he knowing that
there are specialties out against him he is bound to plead his knowledge
of them to me before he pays me, or else he must do it in his own wrong.
I took a great deal of pains this morning in the thorough understanding
hereof, and hope that I know the truth of our case, though it be but bad,
yet better than to run spending money and all to no purpose. However, I
will inquire a little more. Walked home, doing very many errands by the
way to my great content, and at the 'Change met and spoke with several
persons about serving us with pieces of eight at Tangier. So home to
dinner above stairs, my wife not being well of those in bed. I dined by
her bedside, but I got her to rise and abroad with me by coach to
Bartholomew Fayre, and our boy with us, and there shewed them and myself
the dancing on the ropes, and several other the best shows; but pretty it
is to see how our boy carries himself so innocently clownish as would
make one laugh. Here till late and dark, then up and down, to buy combes
for my wife to give her mayds, and then by coach home, and there at the
office set down my day's work, and then home to bed.
3rd. I have had a bad night's rest to-night, not sleeping well, as my
wife observed, and once or twice she did wake me, and I thought myself to
be mightily bit with fleas, and in the morning she chid her mayds for not
looking the fleas a-days. But, when I rose, I found that it is only the
change of the weather from hot to cold, which, as I was two winters ago,
do stop my pores, and so my blood tingles and itches all day all over my
body, and so continued to-day all the day long just as I was then, and if
it continues to be so cold I fear I must come to the same pass, but
sweating cured me then, and I hope, and am told, will this also. At the
office sat all the morning, dined at home, and after dinner to White
Hall, to the Fishing Committee, but not above four of us met, which could
do nothing, and a sad thing it is to see so great a work so ill followed,
for at this pace it can come to any thing at first sight. Mr. Hill came
to tell me that he had got a gentlewoman for my wife, one Mrs.
Ferrabosco, that sings most admirably. I seemed glad of it; but I hear
she is too gallant for me, and I am not sorry that I misse her. Thence
to the office, setting some papers right, and so home to supper and to
bed, after prayers.
5th. Up and to St. James's, and there did our business with the Duke;
where all our discourse of warr in the highest measure. Prince Rupert
was with us; who is fitting himself to go to sea in the Heneretta. And
afterwards in White Hall I met him and Mr. Gray, and he spoke to me, and
in other discourse, says he, "God damn me, I can answer but for one ship,
and in that I will do my part; for it is not in that as in an army, where
a man can command every thing." By and by to a Committee for the
Fishery, the Duke of Yorke there, where, after Duke was made Secretary,
we fell to name a Committee, whereof I was willing to be one, because I
would have my hand in the business, to understand it and be known in
doing something in it; and so, after cutting out work for the Committee,
we rose, and I to my wife to Unthanke's, and with her from shop to shop,
laying out near L10 this morning in clothes for her. And so I to the
'Change, where a while, and so home and to dinner, and thither came W.
Bowyer and dined with us; but strange to see how he could not endure
onyons in sauce to lamb, but was overcome with the sight of it, and so-
was forced to make his dinner of an egg or two. He tells us how Mrs.
Lane is undone, by her marrying so bad, and desires to speak with me,
which I know is wholly to get me to do something for her to get her
husband a place, which he is in no wise fit for. After dinner down to
Woolwich with a gaily, and then to Deptford, and so home, all the way
reading Sir J. Suck[l]ing's "Aglaura," which, methinks, is but a mean
play; nothing of design in it. Coming home it is strange to see how I
was troubled to find my wife, but in a necessary compliment, expecting
Mr. Pen to see her, who had been there and was by her people denied,
which, he having been three times, she thought not fit he should be any
more. But yet even this did raise my jealousy presently and much vex me.
However, he did not come, which pleased me, and I to supper, and to the
office till 9 o'clock or thereabouts, and so home to bed. My aunt James
had been here to-day with Kate Joyce twice to see us. The second time my
wife was at home, and they it seems are going down to Brampton, which I
am sorry for, for the charge that my father will be put to. But it must
be borne with, and my mother has a mind to see them, but I do condemn
myself mightily for my pride and contempt of my aunt and kindred that are
not so high as myself, that I have not seen her all this while, nor
invited her all this while.
6th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning. At noon home
to dinner, then to my office and there waited, thinking to have had
Bagwell's wife come to me about business, that I might have talked with
her, but she came not. So I to White Hall by coach with Mr. Andrews, and
there I got his contract for the victualling of Tangier signed and sealed
by us there, so that all the business is well over, and I hope to have
made a good business of it and to receive L100 by it the next weeke, for
which God be praised! Thence to W. Joyce's and Anthony's, to invite them
to dinner to meet my aunt James at my house, and the rather because they
are all to go down to my father the next weeke, and so I would be a
little kind to them before they go. So home, having called upon Doll,
our pretty 'Change woman, for a pair of gloves trimmed with yellow
ribbon, to [match the] petticoate my wife bought yesterday, which cost me
20s.; but she is so pretty, that, God forgive me! I could not think it
too much--which is a strange slavery that I stand in to beauty, that I
value nothing near it. So going home, and my coach stopping in Newgate
Market over against a poulterer's shop, I took occasion to buy a rabbit,
but it proved a deadly old one when I came to eat it, as I did do after
an hour being at my office, and after supper again there till past 11 at
night. So home,, and to bed. This day Mr. Coventry did tell us how the
Duke did receive the Dutch Embassador the other day; by telling him that,
whereas they think us in jest, he believes that the Prince (Rupert) which
goes in this fleete to Guinny will soon tell them that we are in
earnest, and that he himself will do the like here, in the head of the
fleete here at home, and that for the meschants, which he told the Duke
there were in England, which did hope to do themselves good by the King's
being at warr, says he, the English have ever united all this private
difference to attend foraigne, and that Cromwell, notwithstanding the
meschants in his time, which were the Cavaliers, did never find them
interrupt him in his foraigne businesses, and that he did not doubt but
to live to see the Dutch as fearfull of provoking the English, under the
government of a King, as he remembers them to have been under that of a
Coquin. I writ all this story to my Lord Sandwich tonight into the
Downes, it being very good and true, word for word from Mr. Coventry to-
day.
7th. Lay long to-day, pleasantly discoursing with my wife about the
dinner we are to have for the Joyces, a day or two hence. Then up and
with Mr. Margetts to Limehouse to see his ground and ropeyarde there,
which is very fine, and I believe we shall employ it for the Navy, for
the King's grounds are not sufficient to supply our defence if a warr
comes. Thence back to the 'Change, where great talke of the forwardnesse
of the Dutch, which puts us all to a stand, and particularly myself for
my Lord Sandwich, to think him to lie where he is for a sacrifice, if
they should begin with us. So home and Creed with me, and to dinner, and
after dinner I out to my office, taking in Bagwell's wife, who I knew
waited for me, but company came to me so soon that I could have no
discourse with her, as I intended, of pleasure. So anon abroad with
Creed walked to Bartholomew Fayre, this being the last day, and there saw
the best dancing on the ropes that I think I ever saw in my life, and so
all say, and so by coach home, where I find my wife hath had her head
dressed by her woman, Mercer, which is to come to her to-morrow, but my
wife being to go to a christening tomorrow, she came to do her head up
to-night. So a while to my office, and then to supper and to bed.
8th. Up and to the office, where busy all the morning. At noon dined at
home, and I by water down to Woolwich by a galley, and back again in the
evening. All haste made in setting out this Guinny fleete, but yet not
such as will ever do the King's business if we come to a warr. My wife
this afternoon being very well dressed by her new woman, Mary Mercer, a
decayed merchant's daughter that our Will helps us to, did go to the
christening of Mrs. Mills, the parson's wife's child, where she never was
before. After I was come home Mr. Povey came to me and took me out to
supper to Mr. Bland's, who is making now all haste to be gone for
Tangier. Here pretty merry, and good discourse, fain to admire the
knowledge and experience of Mrs. Bland, who I think as good a merchant as
her husband. I went home and there find Mercer, whose person I like
well, and I think will do well, at least I hope so. So to my office a
while and then to bed.
9th. Up, and to put things in order against dinner. I out and bought
several things, among others, a dozen of silver salts; home, and to the
office, where some of us met a little, and then home, and at noon comes
my company, namely, Anthony and Will Joyce and their wives, my aunt James
newly come out of Wales, and my cozen Sarah Gyles. Her husband did not
come, and by her I did understand afterwards, that it was because he was
not yet able to pay me the 40s. she had borrowed a year ago of me.
[Pepys would have been more proud of his cousin had he anticipated
her husband's becoming a knight, for she was probably the same
person whose burial is recorded in the register of St. Helen's,
Bishopsgate, September 4th, 1704: "Dame Sarah Gyles, widow, relict
of Sir John Gyles."--B.]
I was as merry as I could, giving them a good dinner; but W. Joyce did so
talk, that he made every body else dumb, but only laugh at him. I forgot
there was Mr. Harman and his wife, my aunt, a very good harmlesse woman.
All their talke is of her and my two she-cozen Joyces and Will's little
boy Will (who was also here to-day), down to Brampton to my father's next
week, which will be trouble and charge to them, but however my father and
mother desire to see them, and so let them. They eyed mightily my great
cupboard of plate, I this day putting my two flaggons upon my table; and
indeed it is a fine sight, and better than ever I did hope to see of my
owne. Mercer dined with us at table, this being her first dinner in my
house. After dinner left them and to White Hall, where a small Tangier
Committee, and so back again home, and there my wife and Mercer and Tom
and I sat till eleven at night, singing and fiddling, and a great joy it
is to see me master of so much pleasure in my house, that it is and will
be still, I hope, a constant pleasure to me to be at home. The girle
plays pretty well upon the harpsicon, but only ordinary tunes, but hath a
good hand; sings a little, but hath a good voyce and eare. My boy, a
brave boy, sings finely, and is the most pleasant boy at present, while
his ignorant boy's tricks last, that ever I saw. So to supper, and with
great pleasure to bed.
10th. Up and to the office, where we sate all the morning, and I much
troubled to think what the end of our great sluggishness will be, for we
do nothing in this office like people able to carry on a warr. We must
be put out, or other people put in. Dined at home, and then my wife and
I and Mercer to the Duke's house, and there saw "The Rivalls," which is
no excellent play, but good acting in it; especially Gosnell comes and
sings and dances finely, but, for all that, fell out of the key, so that
the musique could not play to her afterwards, and so did Harris also go
out of the tune to agree with her. Thence home and late writing letters,
and this night I received, by Will, L105, the first-fruits of my
endeavours in the late contract for victualling of Tangier, for which God
be praised! for I can with a safe conscience say that I have therein
saved the King L5000 per annum, and yet got myself a hope of L300 per
annum without the least wrong to the King. So to supper and to bed.
11th (Lord's day). Up and to church in the best manner I have gone a
good while, that is to say, with my wife, and her woman, Mercer, along
with us, and Tom, my boy, waiting on us. A dull sermon. Home, dined,
left my wife to go to church alone, and I walked in haste being late to
the Abbey at Westminster, according to promise to meet Jane Welsh, and
there wearily walked, expecting her till 6 o'clock from three, but no
Jane came, which vexed me, only part of it I spent with Mr. Blagrave
walking in the Abbey, he telling me the whole government and discipline
of White Hall Chappell, and the caution now used against admitting any
debauched persons, which I was glad to hear, though he tells me there are
persons bad enough. Thence going home went by Jarvis's, and there stood
Jane at the door, and so I took her in and drank with her, her master and
mistress being out of doors. She told me how she could not come to me
this afternoon, but promised another time. So I walked home contented
with my speaking with her, and walked to my uncle Wight's, where they
were all at supper, and among others comes fair Mrs. Margarett Wight, who
indeed is very pretty. So after supper home to prayers and to bed. This
afternoon, it seems, Sir J. Minnes fell sicke at church, and going down
the gallery stairs fell down dead, but came to himself again and is
pretty well.
12th. Up, and to my cozen Anthony Joyce's, and there took leave of my
aunt James, and both cozens, their wives, who are this day going down to
my father's by coach. I did give my Aunt 20s., to carry as a token to my
mother, and 10s. to Pall. Thence by coach to St. James's, and there did
our business as usual with the Duke; and saw him with great pleasure play
with his little girle,--[Afterwards Queen Mary II.]--like an ordinary
private father of a child. Thence walked to Jervas's, where I took Jane
in the shop alone, and there heard of her, her master and mistress were
going out. So I went away and came again half an hour after. In the
meantime went to the Abbey, and there went in to see the tombs with great
pleasure. Back again to Jane, and there upstairs and drank with her, and
staid two hours with her kissing her, but nothing more. Anon took boat
and by water to the Neat Houses over against Fox Hall to have seen
Greatorex dive, which Jervas and his wife were gone to see, and there I
found them (and did it the rather for a pretence for my having been so
long at their house), but being disappointed of some necessaries to do it
I staid not, but back to Jane, but she would not go out with me. So I to
Mr. Creed's lodgings, and with him walked up and down in the New
Exchange, talking mightily of the convenience and necessity of a man's
wearing good clothes, and so after eating a messe of creame I took leave
of him, he walking with me as far as Fleete Conduit, he offering me upon
my request to put out some money for me into Backewell's hands at 6 per
cent. interest, which he seldom gives, which I will consider of, being
doubtful of trusting any of these great dealers because of their
mortality, but then the convenience of having one's money, at an houre's
call is very great. Thence to my uncle Wight's, and there supped with my
wife, having given them a brave barrel of oysters of Povy's giving me.
So home and to bed.
13th. Up and, to the office, where sat busy all morning, dined at home
and after dinner to Fishmonger's Hall, where we met the first time upon
the Fishery Committee, and many good things discoursed of concerning
making of farthings, which was proposed as a way of raising money for
this business, and then that of lotterys,
[Among the State Papers is a "Statement of Articles in the Covenant
proposed by the Commissioners for the Royal Fishing to, Sir Ant.
Desmarces & Co. in reference to the regulation of lotteries; which
are very unreasonable, and of the objections thereto" ("Calendar of
State Papers," Domestic, 1663-64, p. 576.)]
but with great confusion; but I hope we shall fall into greater order.
So home again and to my office, where after doing business home and to a
little musique, after supper, and so to bed.
14th. Up, and wanting some things that should be laid ready for my
dressing myself I was angry, and one thing after another made my wife
give Besse warning to be gone, which the jade, whether out of fear or
ill-nature or simplicity I know not, but she took it and asked leave to
go forth to look a place, and did, which vexed me to the heart, she being
as good a natured wench as ever we shall have, but only forgetful. At
the office all the morning and at noon to the 'Change, and there went off
with Sir W. Warren and took occasion to desire him to lend me L100, which
he said he would let the have with all his heart presently, as he had
promised me a little while ago to give me for my pains in his two great
contracts for masts L100, and that this should be it. To which end I did
move it to him, and by this means I hope to be, possessed of the L100
presently within 2 or 3 days. So home to dinner, and then to the office,
and down to Blackwall by water to view a place found out for laying of
masts, and I think it will be most proper. So home and there find Mr.
Pen come to visit my wife, and staid with them till sent for to Mr.
Bland's, whither by appointment I was to go to supper, and against my
will left them together, but, God knows, without any reason of fear in my
conscience of any evil between them, but such is my natural folly. Being
thither come they would needs have my wife, and so Mr. Bland and his wife
(the first time she was ever at my house or my wife at hers) very civilly
went forth and brought her and W. Pen, and there Mr. Povy and we supped
nobly and very merry, it being to take leave of Mr. Bland, who is upon
going soon to Tangier. So late home and to bed.
15th. At the office all the morning, then to the 'Change, and so home to
dinner, where Luellin dined with us, and after dinner many people came in
and kept me all the afternoon, among other the Master and Wardens of
Chyrurgeon's Hall, who staid arguing their cause with me; I did give them
the best answer I could, and after their being two hours with me parted,
and I to my office to do business, which is much on my hands, and so late
home to supper and to bed.
16th. Up betimes and to my office, where all the morning very busy
putting papers to rights. And among other things Mr. Gauden coming to
me, I had a good opportunity to speak to him about his present, which
hitherto hath been a burden: to me, that I could not do it, because I was
doubtfull that he meant it as a temptation to me to stand by him in the
business of Tangier victualling; but he clears me it was not, and that he
values me and my proceedings therein very highly, being but what became
me, and that what he did was for my old kindnesses to him in dispatching
of his business, which I was glad to hear, and with my heart in good rest
and great joy parted, and to my business again. At noon to the 'Change,
where by appointment I met Sir W. Warren, and afterwards to the Sun
taverne, where he brought to me, being all alone; L100 in a bag, which I
offered him to give him my receipt for, but he told me, no, it was my
owne, which he had a little while since promised me and was glad that
(as I had told him two days since) it would now do me courtesy; and so
most kindly he did give it me, and I as joyfully, even out of myself,
carried it home in a coach, he himself expressly taking care that nobody
might see this business done, though I was willing enough to have carried
a servant with me to have received it, but he advised me to do it myself.
So home with it and to dinner; after dinner I forth with my boy to buy
severall things, stools and andirons and candlesticks, &c., household
stuff, and walked to the mathematical instrument maker in Moorefields and
bought a large pair of compasses, and there met Mr. Pargiter, and he
would needs have me drink a cup of horse-radish ale, which he and a
friend of his troubled with the stone have been drinking of, which we did
and then walked into the fields as far almost as Sir G. Whitmore's, all
the way talking of Russia, which, he says, is a sad place; and, though
Moscow is a very great city, yet it is from the distance between house
and house, and few people compared with this, and poor, sorry houses, the
Emperor himself living in a wooden house, his exercise only flying a hawk
at pigeons and carrying pigeons ten or twelve miles off and then laying
wagers which pigeon shall come soonest home to her house. All the winter
within doors, some few playing at chesse, but most drinking their time
away. Women live very slavishly there, and it seems in the Emperor's
court no room hath above two or three windows, and those the greatest not
a yard wide or high, for warmth in winter time; and that the general cure
for all diseases there is their sweating houses, or people that are poor
they get into their ovens, being heated, and there lie. Little learning
among things of any sort. Not a man that speaks Latin, unless the
Secretary of State by chance. Mr. Pargiter and I walked to the 'Change
together and there parted, and so I to buy more things and then home, and
after a little at my office, home to supper and to bed. This day old
Hardwicke came and redeemed a watch he had left with me in pawne for 40s.
seven years ago, and I let him gave it. Great talk that the Dutch will
certainly be out this week, and will sail directly to Guinny, being
convoyed out of the Channel with 42 sail of ships.
17th. Up and to the office, where Mr. Coventry very angry to see things
go so coldly as they do, and I must needs say it makes me fearful every
day of having some change of the office, and the truth is, I am of late a
little guilty of being remiss myself of what I used to be, but I hope I
shall come to my old pass again, my family being now settled again.
Dined at home, and to the office, where late busy in setting all my
businesses in order, and I did a very great and a very contenting
afternoon's work. This day my aunt Wight sent my wife a new scarfe, with
a compliment for the many favours she had received of her, which is the
several things we have sent her. I am glad enough of it, for I see my
uncle is so given up to the Wights that I hope for little more of them.
So home to supper and to bed.
18th (Lord's day). Up and to church all of us. At noon comes Anthony
and W. Joyce (their wives being in the country with my father) and dined
with me very merry as I can be in such company. After dinner walked to
Westminster (tiring them by the way, and so left them, Anthony in
Cheapside and the other in the Strand), and there spent all the afternoon
in the Cloysters as I had agreed with Jane Welsh, but she came not, which
vexed me, staying till 5 o'clock, and then walked homeward, and by coach
to the old Exchange, and thence to my aunt Wight's, and invited her and
my uncle to supper, and so home, and by and by they came, and we eat a
brave barrel of oysters Mr. Povy sent me this morning, and very merry at
supper, and so to prayers and to bed. Last night it seems my aunt Wight
did send my wife a new scarfe, laced, as a token for her many givings to
her. It is true now and then we give them some toys, as oranges, &c.,
but my aime is to get myself something more from my uncle's favour than
this.
19th. Up, my wife and I having a little anger about her woman already,
she thinking that I take too much care of her at table to mind her (my
wife) of cutting for her, but it soon over, and so up and with Sir W.
Batten and Sir W. Pen to St. James's, and there did our business with the
Duke, and thence homeward straight, calling at the Coffee-house, and
there had very good discourse with Sir ---- Blunt and Dr. Whistler about
Egypt and other things. So home to dinner, my wife having put on to-day
her winter new suit of moyre, which is handsome, and so after dinner I
did give her L15 to lay out in linen and necessaries for the house and to
buy a suit for Pall, and I myself to White Hall to a Tangier Committee,
where Colonell Reames hath brought us so full and methodical an account
of all matters there, that I never have nor hope to see the like of any
publique business while I live again. The Committee up, I to Westminster
to Jervas's, and spoke with Jane; who I find cold and not so desirous of
a meeting as before, and it is no matter, I shall be the freer from the
inconvenience that might follow thereof, besides offending God Almighty
and neglecting my business. So by coach home and to my office, where
late, and so to supper and to bed. I met with Dr. Pierce to-day, who,
speaking of Dr. Frazier's being so earnest to have such a one (one
Collins) go chyrurgeon to the Prince's person will have him go in his
terms and with so much money put into his hands, he tells me (when I was
wondering that Frazier should order things with the Prince in that
confident manner) that Frazier is so great with my Lady Castlemayne, and
Stewart, and all the ladies at Court, in helping to slip their calfes
when there is occasion, and with the great men in curing of their claps
that he can do what he please with the King, in spite of any man, and
upon the same score with the Prince; they all having more or less
occasion to make use of him. Sir G. Carteret tells me this afternoon
that the Dutch are not yet ready to set out; and by that means do lose a
good wind which would carry them out and keep us in, and moreover he says
that they begin to boggle in the business, and he thinks may offer terms
of peace for all this, and seems to argue that it will be well for the
King too, and I pray God send it. Colonell Reames did, among other
things, this day tell me how it is clear that, if my Lord Tiviott had
lived, he would have quite undone Tangier, or designed himself to be
master of it. He did put the King upon most great, chargeable, and
unnecessary works there, and took the course industriously to deter, all
other merchants but himself to deal there, and to make both King and all
others pay what he pleased for all that was brought thither.
20th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning, at noon to the
'Change, and there met by appointment with Captain Poyntz, who hath some
place, or title to a place, belonging to gameing, and so I discoursed
with him about the business of our improving of the Lotterys, to the
King's benefit, and that of the Fishery, and had some light from him in
the business, and shall, he says, have more in writing from him. So home
to dinner and then abroad to the Fishing Committee at Fishmongers' Hall,
and there sat and did some business considerable, and so up and home, and
there late at my office doing much business, and I find with great
delight that I am come to my good temper of business again. God continue
me in it. So home to supper, it being washing day, and to bed.
21st. Up, and by coach to Mr. Povy's, and there got him to signe the
payment of Captain Tayler's bills for the remainder of freight for the
Eagle, wherein I shall be gainer about L30, thence with him to
Westminster by coach to Houseman's [Huysman] the great picture drawer,
and saw again very fine pictures, and have his promise, for Mr. Povy's
sake, to take pains in what picture I shall set him about, and I think to
have my wife's. But it is a strange thing to observe and fit for me to
remember that I am at no time so unwilling to part with money as when I
am concerned in the getting of it most, as I thank God of late I have got
more in this month, viz. near 0250, than ever I did in half a year before
in my life, I think. Thence to White Hall with him, and so walked to the
old Exchange and back to Povy's to dinner, where great and good company;
among others Sir John Skeffington, whom I knew at Magdalen College,
a fellow-commoner, my fellow-pupil, but one with whom I had no great
acquaintance, he being then, God knows, much above me. Here I was afresh
delighted with Mr. Povy's house and pictures of perspective, being
strange things to think how they do delude one's eye, that methinks it
would make a man doubtful of swearing that ever he saw any thing. Thence
with him to St. James's, and so to White Hall to a Tangier Committee, and
hope I have light of another opportunity of getting a little money if Sir
W. Warren will use me kindly for deales to Tangier, and with the hopes
went joyfully home, and there received Captain Tayler's money, received
by Will to-day, out of which (as I said above) I shall get above L30.
So with great comfort to bed, after supper. By discourse this day I have
great hopes from Mr. Coventry that the Dutch and we shall not fall out.
22nd. Up and at the office all the morning. To the 'Change at noon, and
among other things discoursed with Sir William Warren what I might do to
get a little money by carrying of deales to Tangier, and told him the
opportunity I have there of doing it, and he did give me some advice,
though not so good as he would have done at any other time of the year,
but such as I hope to make good use of, and get a little money by. So to
Sir G. Carteret's to dinner, and he and I and Captain Cocke all alone,
and good discourse, and thence to a Committee of Tangier at White Hall,
and so home, where I found my wife not well, and she tells me she thinks
she is with child, but I neither believe nor desire it. But God's will
be done! So to my office late, and home to supper and to bed; having got
a strange cold in my head, by flinging off my hat at dinner, and sitting
with the wind in my neck.
[In Lord Clarendon's Essay, "On the decay of respect paid to Age,"
he says that in his younger days he never kept his hat on before
those older than himself, except at dinner.--B.]
23rd. My cold and pain in my head increasing, and the palate of my mouth
falling, I was in great pain all night. My wife also was not well, so
that a mayd was fain to sit up by her all night. Lay long in the
morning, at last up, and amongst others comes Mr. Fuller, that was the
wit of Cambridge, and Praevaricator
[At the Commencement (Comitia Majora) in July, the Praevaricator, or
Varier, held a similar position to the Tripos at the Comitia Minora.
He was so named from varying the question which he proposed, either
by a play upon the words or by the transposition of the terms in
which it was expressed. Under the pretence of maintaining some
philosophical question, he poured out a medley of absurd jokes and
'personal ridicule, which gradually led to the abolition of the
office. In Thoresby's "Diary" we read, "Tuesday, July 6th. The
Praevaricator's speech was smart and ingenious, attended with
vollies of hurras" (see Wordsworth's "University Life in the
Eighteenth Century ").--M. B.]
in my time, and staid all the morning with me discoursing, and his
business to get a man discharged, which I did do for him. Dined with
little heart at noon, in the afternoon against my will to the office,
where Sir G. Carteret and we met about an order of the Council for the
hiring him a house, giving him L1000 fine, and L70 per annum for it.
Here Sir J. Minnes took occasion, in the most childish and most
unbeseeming manner, to reproach us all, but most himself, that he was not
valued as Comptroller among us, nor did anything but only set his hand to
paper, which is but too true; and every body had a palace, and he no
house to lie in, and wished he had but as much to build him a house with,
as we have laid out in carved worke. It was to no end to oppose, but all
bore it, and after laughed at him for it. So home, and late reading "The
Siege of Rhodes" to my wife, and then to bed, my head being in great pain
and my palate still down.
24th. Up and to the office, where all the morning busy, then home to
dinner, and so after dinner comes one Phillips, who is concerned in the
Lottery, and from him I collected much concerning that business. I
carried him in my way to White Hall and set him down at Somersett House.
Among other things he told me that Monsieur Du Puy, that is so great a
man at the Duke of Yorke's, and this man's great opponent, is a knave and
by quality but a tailor. To the Tangier Committee, and there I opposed
Colonell Legg's estimate of supplies of provisions to be sent to Tangier
till all were ashamed of it, and he fain after all his good husbandry and
seeming ignorance and joy to have the King's money saved, yet afterwards
he discovered all his design to be to keep the furnishing of these things
to the officers of the Ordnance, but Mr. Coventry seconded me, and
between us we shall save the King some money in the year. In one
business of deales in L520, I offer to save L172, and yet purpose getting
money, to myself by it. So home and to my office, and business being
done home to supper and so to bed, my head and throat being still out of
order mightily. This night Prior of Brampton came and paid me L40, and I
find this poor painful man is the only thriving and purchasing man in the
town almost. We were told to-day of a Dutch ship of 3 or 400 tons, where
all the men were dead of the plague, and the ship cast ashore at
Gottenburgh.
25th (Lord's day). Up, and my throat being yet very sore, and, my head
out of order, we went not to church, but I spent all the morning reading
of "The Madd Lovers," a very good play, and at noon comes Harman and his
wife, whom I sent for to meet the Joyces, but they came not. It seems
Will has got a fall off his horse and broke his face. However, we were
as merry as I could in their company, and we had a good chine of beef,
but I had no taste nor stomach through my cold, and therefore little
pleased with my dinner. It raining, they sat talking with us all the
afternoon. So anon they went away; and then I to read another play,
"The Custome of the Country," which is a very poor one, methinks. Then
to supper, prayers, and bed.
26th. Up pretty well again, but my mouth very scabby, my cold being
going away, so that I was forced to wear a great black patch, but that
would not do much good, but it happens we did not go to the Duke to-day,
and so I staid at home busy all the morning. At noon, after dinner, to
the 'Change, and thence home to my office again, where busy, well
employed till 10 at night, and so home to supper and to bed, my mind a
little troubled that I have not of late kept up myself so briske in
business; but mind my ease a little too much and my family upon the
coming of Mercer and Tom. So that I have not kept company, nor appeared
very active with Mr. Coventry, but now I resolve to settle to it again,
not that I have idled all my time, but as to my ease something. So I
have looked a little too much after Tangier and the Fishery, and that in
the sight of Mr. Coventry, but I have good reason to love myself for
serving Tangier, for it is one of the best flowers in my garden.
27th. Lay long, sleeping, it raining and blowing very hard. Then up and
to the office, my mouth still being scabby and a patch on it. At the
office all the morning. At noon dined at home, and so after dinner
(Lewellin dining with me and in my way talking about Deering) to the
Fishing Committee, and had there very many fine things argued, and I hope
some good will cone of it. So home, where my wife having (after all her
merry discourse of being with child) her months upon her is gone to bed.
I to my office very late doing business, then home to supper and to bed.
To-night Mr. T. Trice and Piggot came to see me, and desire my going down
to Brampton Court, where for Piggot's sake, for whom it is necessary, I
should go, I would be glad to go, and will, contrary to my purpose,
endeavour it, but having now almost L1000, if not above, in my house, I
know not what to do with it, and that will trouble my mind to leave in
the house, and I not at home.
28th. Up and by water with Mr. Tucker down to Woolwich, first to do
several businesses of the King's, then on board Captain Fisher's ship,
which we hire to carry goods to Tangier. All the way going and coming I
reading and discoursing over some papers of his which he, poor man,
having some experience, but greater conceit of it than is fit, did at the
King's first coming over make proposals of, ordering in a new manner the
whole revenue of the kingdom, but, God knows, a most weak thing; however,
one paper I keep wherein he do state the main branches of the publick
revenue fit to consider and remember. So home, very cold, and fearfull
of having got some pain, but, thanks be to God! I was well after it. So
to dinner, and after dinner by coach to White Hall, thinking to have met
at a Committee of Tangier, but nobody being there but my Lord Rutherford,
he would needs carry me and another Scotch Lord to a play, and so we saw,
coming late, part of "The Generall," my Lord Orrery's (Broghill) second
play; but, Lord! to see how no more either in words, sense, or design,
it is to his "Harry the 5th" is not imaginable, and so poorly acted,
though in finer clothes, is strange. And here I must confess breach of a
vowe in appearance, but I not desiring it, but against my will, and my
oathe being to go neither at my own charge nor at another's, as I had
done by becoming liable to give them another, as I am to Sir W. Pen and
Mr. Creed; but here I neither know which of them paid for me, nor, if I
did, am I obliged ever to return the like, or did it by desire or with
any willingness. So that with a safe conscience I do think my oathe is
not broke and judge God Almighty will not think it other wise. Thence to
W. Joyce's, and there found my aunt and cozen Mary come home from my
father's with great pleasure and content, and thence to Kate's and found
her also mighty pleased with her journey and their good usage of them,
and so home, troubled in my conscience at my being at a play. But at
home I found Mercer playing on her Vyall, which is a pretty instrument,
and so I to the Vyall and singing till late, and so to bed. My mind at a
great losse how to go down to Brampton this weeke, to satisfy Piggott;
but what with the fears of my house, my money, my wife, and my office, I
know not how in the world to think of it, Tom Hater being out of towne,
and I having near L1000 in my house.
29th. Up and to the office, where all the morning, dined at home and
Creed with me; after dinner I to Sir G. Carteret, and with him to his new
house he is taking in Broad Streete, and there surveyed all the rooms and
bounds, in order to the drawing up a lease thereof; and that done, Mr.
Cutler, his landlord, took me up and down, and showed me all his ground
and house, which is extraordinary great, he having bought all the
Augustine Fryers, and many, many a L1000 he hath and will bury there.
So home to my business, clearing my papers and preparing my accounts
against tomorrow for a monthly and a great auditt. So to supper and to
bed. Fresh newes come of our beating the Dutch at Guinny quite out of
all their castles almost, which will make them quite mad here at home
sure. And Sir G. Carteret did tell me, that the King do joy mightily at
it; but asked him laughing, "But," says he, "how shall I do to answer
this to the Embassador when he comes?" Nay they say that we have beat
them out of the New Netherlands too;
[Captain (afterwards Sir Robert) Holmes' expedition to attack the
Dutch settlements in Africa eventuated in an important exploit.
Holmes suddenly left the coast of Africa, sailed across the
Atlantic, and reduced the Dutch settlement of New Netherlands to
English rule, under the title of New York. "The short and true
state of the matter is this: the country mentioned was part of the
province of Virginia, and, as there is no settling an extensive
country at once, a few Swedes crept in there, who surrendered the
plantations they could not defend to the Dutch, who, having bought
the charts and papers of one Hudson, a seaman, who, by the
commission from the crown of England, discovered a river, to which
he gave his name, conceited they had purchased a province.
Sometimes, when we had strength in those parts, they were English
subjects; at others, when that strength declined, they were subjects
of the United Provinces. However, upon King Charles's claim the
States disowned the title, but resumed it during our confusions. On
March 12th, 1663-64, Charles II. granted it to the Duke of York . .
. . The King sent Holmes, when he returned, to the Tower, and did
not discharge him; till he made it evidently appear that he had not
infringed the law of nations ". (Campbell's "Naval History," vol.
ii, p., 89). How little did the King or Holmes himself foresee
the effects of the capture,--B.]
so that we have been doing them mischief for a great while in several
parts of the world; without publique knowledge or reason. Their fleete
for Guinny is now, they say, ready, and abroad, and will be going this
week. Coming home to-night, I did go to examine my wife's house
accounts, and finding things that seemed somewhat doubtful, I was angry
though she did make it pretty plain, but confessed that when she do misse
a sum, she do add something to other things to make it, and, upon my
being very angry, she do protest she will here lay up something for
herself to buy her a necklace with, which madded me and do still trouble
me, for I fear she will forget by degrees the way of living cheap and
under a sense of want.
30th. Up, and all day, both morning and afternoon, at my accounts, it
being a great month, both for profit and layings out, the last being L89
for kitchen and clothes for myself and wife, and a few extraordinaries
for the house; and my profits, besides salary, L239; so that I have this
weeke, notwithstanding great layings out, and preparations for laying
out, which I make as paid this month, my balance to come to L1203, for
which the Lord's name be praised! Dined at home at noon, staying long
looking for Kate Joyce and my aunt James and Mary, but they came not. So
my wife abroad to see them, and took Mary Joyce to a play. Then in the
evening came and sat working by me at the office, and late home to supper
and to bed, with my heart in good rest for this day's work, though
troubled to think that my last month's negligence besides the making me
neglect business and spend money, and lessen myself both as to business
and the world and myself, I am fain to preserve my vowe by paying 20s.
dry--[ Dry = hard, as "hard cash." ]--money into the poor's box, because
I had not fulfilled all my memorandums and paid all my petty debts and
received all my petty credits, of the last month, but I trust in God I
shall do so no more.
ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
All the men were dead of the plague, and the ship cast ashore
And with the great men in curing of their claps
Expressly taking care that nobody might see this business done
Having some experience, but greater conceit of it than is fit
Helping to slip their calfes when there is occasion
Her months upon her is gone to bed
I had agreed with Jane Welsh, but she came not, which vexed me
Lay long caressing my wife and talking
Let her brew as she has baked
New Netherlands to English rule, under the title of New York
Reduced the Dutch settlement of New Netherlands to English rule
Staid two hours with her kissing her, but nothing more
Strange slavery that I stand in to beauty
Thinks she is with child, but I neither believe nor desire it
Up, my mind very light from my last night's accounts
We do nothing in this office like people able to carry on a warr
Would either conform, or be more wise, and not be catched!
End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Diary of Samuel Pepys, v34
by Samuel Pepys, Unabridged, transcribed by Bright, edited by Wheatley
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.
OCTOBER & NOVEMBER
1664
October 1st. Up and at the office both forenoon and afternoon very busy,
and with great pleasure in being so. This morning Mrs. Lane (now Martin)
like a foolish woman, came to the Horseshoe hard by, and sent for me
while I was: at the office; to come to speak with her by a note sealed
up, I know to get me to do something for her husband, but I sent her an
answer that I would see her at Westminster, and so I did not go, and she
went away, poor soul. At night home to supper, weary, and my eyes sore
with writing and reading, and to bed. We go now on with great vigour in
preparing against the Dutch, who, they say, will now fall upon us without
doubt upon this high newes come of our beating them so, wholly in Guinny.
2nd (Lord's day). My wife not being well to go to church I walked with
my boy through the City, putting in at several churches, among others at
Bishopsgate, and there saw the picture usually put before the King's
book, put up in the church, but very ill painted, though it were a pretty
piece to set up in a church. I intended to have seen the Quakers, who,
they say, do meet every Lord's day at the Mouth--[Tavern. D.W.]-- at
Bishopsgate; but I could see none stirring, nor was it fit to aske for
the place, so I walked over Moorefields, and thence to Clerkenwell
church, and there, as I wished, sat next pew to the fair Butler, who
indeed is a most perfect beauty still; and one I do very much admire
myself for my choice of her for a beauty, she having the best lower part
of her face that ever I saw all days of my life. After church I walked
to my Lady Sandwich's, through my Lord Southampton's new buildings in the
fields behind Gray's Inn; and, indeed, they are a very great and a noble
work. So I dined with my Lady, and the same innocent discourse that we
used to have, only after dinner, being alone, she asked me my opinion
about Creed, whether he would have a wife or no, and what he was worth,
and proposed Mrs. Wright for him, which, she says, she heard he was once
inquiring after. She desired I would take a good time and manner of
proposing it, and I said I would, though I believed he would love nothing
but money, and much was not to be expected there, she said. So away back
to Clerkenwell Church, thinking to have got sight of la belle Boteler
again, but failed, and so after church walked all over the fields home,
and there my wife was angry with me for not coming home, and for gadding
abroad to look after beauties, she told me plainly, so I made all peace,
and to supper. This evening came Mrs. Lane (now Martin) with her husband
to desire my helpe about a place for him. It seems poor Mr. Daniel is
dead of the Victualling Office, a place too good for this puppy to follow
him in. But I did give him the best words I could, and so after drinking
a glasse of wine sent them going, but with great kindnesse. Go to
supper, prayers, and to bed.
3rd. Up with Sir J. Minnes, by coach, to St. James's; and there all the
newes now of very hot preparations for the Dutch: and being with the
Duke, he told us he was resolved to make a tripp himself, and that Sir W.
Pen should go in the same ship with him. Which honour, God forgive me!
I could grudge him, for his knavery and dissimulation, though I do not
envy much the having the same place myself. Talke also of great haste in
the getting out another fleete, and building some ships; and now it is
likely we have put one another by each other's dalliance past a retreate.
Thence with our heads full of business we broke up, and I to my barber's,
and there only saw Jane and stroked her under the chin, and away to the
Exchange, and there long about several businesses, hoping to get money by
them, and thence home to dinner and there found Hawly. But meeting
Bagwell's wife at the office before I went home I took her into the
office and there kissed her only. She rebuked me for doing it, saying
that did I do so much to many bodies else it would be a stain to me. But
I do not see but she takes it well enough, though in the main I believe
she is very honest. So after some kind discourse we parted, and I home to
dinner, and after dinner down to Deptford, where I found Mr. Coventry,
and there we made, an experiment of Holland's and our cordage, and ours
outdid it a great deale, as my book of observations tells particularly.
Here we were late, and so home together by water, and I to my office,
where late, putting things in order. Mr. Bland came this night to me to
take his leave of me, he going to Tangier, wherein I wish him good
successe. So home to supper and to bed, my mind troubled at the
businesses I have to do, that I cannot mind them as I ought to do and get
money, and more that I have neglected my frequenting and seeming more
busy publicly than I have done of late in this hurry of business, but
there is time left to recover it, and I trust in God I shall.
4th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and this
morning Sir W. Pen went to Chatham to look: after the ships now going out
thence, and particularly that wherein the Duke and himself go. He took
Sir G. Ascue with: him, whom, I believe, he hath brought into play. At
noon to the 'Change and thence home, where I found my aunt James and the
two she joyces. They dined and were merry with us. Thence after dinner
to a play, to see "The Generall;" which is so dull and so ill-acted, that
I think it is the worst. I ever saw or heard in all my days. I happened
to sit near; to Sir Charles Sidly; who I find a very witty man, and he
did at every line take notice of the dullness of the poet and badness of
the action, that most pertinently; which I was mightily taken with; and
among others where by Altemire's command Clarimont, the Generall, is
commanded to rescue his Rivall, whom she loved, Lucidor, he, after a
great deal of demurre, broke out; "Well, I'le save my Rivall and make her
confess, that I deserve, while he do but possesse." "Why, what, pox,"
says Sir Charles Sydly, "would he have him have more, or what is there
more to be had of a woman than the possessing her?" Thence-setting all
them at home, I home with my wife and Mercer, vexed at my losing my time
and above 20s. in money, and neglecting my business to see so bad a play.
To-morrow they told us should be acted, or the day after, a new play,
called "The Parson's Dreame," acted all by women. So to my office, and
there did business; and so home to supper and to bed.
5th. Up betimes and to my office, and thence by coach to New Bridewell
to meet with Mr. Poyntz to discourse with him (being Master of the
Workhouse there) about making of Bewpers for us. But he was not within;
however his clerke did lead me up and down through all the house, and
there I did with great pleasure see the many pretty works, and the little
children employed, every one to do something, which was a very fine
sight, and worthy encouragement. I cast away a crowne among them, and so
to the 'Change and among the Linnen Wholesale Drapers to enquire about
Callicos, to see what can be done with them for the supplying our want of
Bewpers for flaggs, and I think I shall do something therein to good
purpose for the King. So to the Coffeehouse, and there fell in discourse
with the Secretary of the Virtuosi of Gresham College, and had very fine
discourse with him. He tells me of a new invented instrument to be tried
before the College anon, and I intend to see it. So to Trinity House,
and there I dined among the old dull fellows, and so home and to my
office a while, and then comes Mr. Cocker to see me, and I discoursed
with him about his writing and ability of sight, and how I shall do to
get some glasse or other to helpe my eyes by candlelight; and he tells me
he will bring me the helps he hath within a day or two, and shew me what
he do. Thence to the Musique-meeting at the Postoffice, where I was
once before. And thither anon come all the Gresham College, and a great
deal of noble company: and the new instrument was brought called the
Arched Viall,
["There seems to be a curious fate reigning over the instruments
which have the word 'arch' prefixed to their name. They have no
vitality, and somehow or other come to grief. Even the famous
archlute, which was still a living thing in the time of Handel, has
now disappeared from the concert room and joined Mr. Pepys's 'Arched
Viall' in the limbo of things forgotten . . . . Mr. Pepys's
verdict that it would never do . . . has been fully confirmed by
the event, as his predictions usually were, being indeed always
founded on calm judgment and close observation."--B. (Hueffer's
Italian and other Studies, 1883, p. 263).]
where being tuned with lute-strings, and played on with kees like an
organ, a piece of parchment is always kept moving; and the strings, which
by the kees are pressed down upon it, are grated in imitation of a bow,
by the parchment; and so it is intended to resemble several vyalls played
on with one bow, but so basely and harshly, that it will never do. But
after three hours' stay it could not be fixed in tune; and so they were
fain to go to some other musique of instruments, which I am grown quite
out of love with, and so I, after some good discourse with Mr. Spong,
Hill, Grant, and Dr. Whistler, and others by turns, I home to my office
and there late, and so home, where I understand my wife has spoke to Jane
and ended matters of difference between her and her, and she stays with
us, which I am glad of; for her fault is nothing but sleepiness and
forgetfulness, otherwise a good-natured, quiet, well-meaning, honest
servant, and one that will do as she is bid, so one called upon her and
will see her do it. This morning, by three o'clock, the Prince
--[Rupert]-- and King, and Duke with him, went down the River, and the
Prince under sail the next tide after, and so is gone from the Hope. God
give him better successe than he used to have! This day Mr. Bland went
away hence towards his voyage to Tangier. This day also I had a letter
from an unknown hand that tells me that Jacke Angier, he believes, is
dead at Lisbon, for he left him there ill.
6th. Up and to the office, where busy all the morning, among other
things about this of the flags and my bringing in of callicos to oppose
Young and Whistler. At noon by promise Mr. Pierce and his wife and Madam
Clerke and her niece came and dined with me to a rare chine of beefe and
spent the afternoon very pleasantly all the afternoon, and then to my
office in the evening, they being gone, and late at business, and then
home to supper and to bed, my mind coming to itself in following of my
business.
7th. Lay pretty while with some discontent abed, even to the having bad
words with my wife, and blows too, about the ill-serving up of our
victuals yesterday; but all ended in love, and so I rose and to my office
busy all the morning. At noon dined at home, and then to my office
again, and then abroad to look after callicos for flags, and hope to get
a small matter by my pains therein and yet save the King a great deal of
money, and so home to my office, and there came Mr. Cocker, and brought
me a globe of glasse, and a frame of oyled paper, as I desired, to show
me the manner of his gaining light to grave by, and to lessen the
glaringnesse of it at pleasure by an oyled paper. This I bought of him,
giving him a crowne for it; and so, well satisfied, he went away, and I
to my business again, and so home to supper, prayers, and to bed.
8th. All the morning at the office, and after dinner abroad, and among
other things contracted with one Mr. Bridges, at the White Bear on
Cornhill, for 100 pieces of Callico to make flaggs; and as I know I shall
save the King money, so I hope to get a little for my pains and venture
of my own money myself. Late in the evening doing business, and then
comes Captain Tayler, and he and I till 12 o'clock at night arguing about
the freight of his ship Eagle, hired formerly by me to Tangier, and at
last we made an end, and I hope to get a little money, some small matter
by it. So home to bed, being weary and cold, but contented that I have
made an end of that business.
9th (Lord's day). Lay pretty long, but however up time enough with my
wife to go to church. Then home to dinner, and Mr. Fuller, my Cambridge
acquaintance, coming to me about what he was with me lately, to release a
waterman, he told me he was to preach at Barking Church; and so I to
heare him, and he preached well and neatly. Thence, it being time
enough, to our owne church, and there staid wholly privately at the great
doore to gaze upon a pretty lady, and from church dogged her home,
whither she went to a house near Tower hill, and I think her to be one of
the prettiest women I ever saw. So home, and at my office a while busy,
then to my uncle Wight's, whither it seems my wife went after sermon and
there supped, but my aunt and uncle in a very ill humour one with
another, but I made shift with much ado to keep them from scolding, and
so after supper home and to bed without prayers, it being cold, and
to-morrow washing day.
10th. Up and, it being rainy, in Sir W. Pen's coach to St. James's, and
there did our usual business with the Duke, and more and more
preparations every day appear against the Dutch, and (which I must
confess do a little move my envy) Sir W. Pen do grow every day more and
more regarded by the Duke,
["The duke had decided that the English fleet should consist of
three squadrons to be commanded by himself, Prince Rupert, and Lord
Sandwich, from which arrangement the two last, who were land
admirals; had concluded that Penn would have no concern in this
fleet. Neither the duke, Rupert, nor Sandwich had ever been engaged
in an encounter of fleets . . . . Penn alone of the four was
familiar with all these things. By the duke's unexpected
announcement that he should take Penn with him into his own ship,
Rupert and Sandwich at once discovered that they would be really and
practically under Penn's command in everything."]
because of his service heretofore in the Dutch warr which I am confident
is by some strong obligations he hath laid upon Mr. Coventry; for Mr.
Coventry must needs know that he is a man of very mean parts, but only a
bred seaman: Going home in coach with Sir W. Batten he told me how Sir J.
Minnes by the means of Sir R. Ford was the last night brought to his
house and did discover the reason of his so long discontent with him, and
now they are friends again, which I am sorry for, but he told it me so
plainly that I see there is no thorough understanding between them, nor
love, and so I hope there will be no great combination in any thing, nor
do I see Sir J. Minnes very fond as he used to be. But: Sir W. Batten do
raffle still against Mr. Turner and his wife, telling me he is a false
fellow, and his wife a false woman, and has rotten teeth and false, set
in with wire, and as I know they are so, so I am glad he finds it so. To
the Coffee-house, and thence to the 'Change, and therewith Sir W. Warren
to the Coffee-house behind the 'Change, and sat alone with him till 4
o'clock talking of his businesses first and then of business in general,
and discourse how I might get money and how to carry myself to advantage
to contract no envy and yet make the world see my pains; which was with
great content to me, and a good friend and helpe I am like to find him,
for which God be thanked! So home to dinner at 4 o'clock, and then to
the office, and there late, and so home to supper and to bed, having sat
up till past twelve at night to look over the account of the collections
for the Fishery, and the loose and base manner that monies so collected
are disposed of in, would make a man never part with a penny in that
manner, and, above all, the inconvenience of having a great man, though
never so seeming pious as my Lord Pembroke is. He is too great to be
called to an account, and is abused by his servants, and yet obliged to
defend them for his owne sake. This day, by the blessing of God, my wife
and I have been married nine years: but my head being full of business, I
did not think of it to keep it in any extraordinary manner. But bless
God for our long lives and loves and health together, which the same God
long continue, I wish, from my very heart!
11th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning. My wife this
morning went, being invited, to my Lady Sandwich, and I alone at home at
dinner, till by and by Luellin comes and dines with me. He tells me what
a bawdy loose play this "Parson's Wedding" is, that is acted by nothing
but women at the King's house, and I am glad of it. Thence to the
Fishery in Thames Street, and there several good discourses about the
letting of the Lotterys, and, among others, one Sir Thomas Clifford, whom
yet I knew not, do speak very well and neatly. Thence I to my cozen Will
Joyce to get him to go to Brampton with me this week, but I think he will
not, and I am not a whit sorry for it, for his company both chargeable
and troublesome. So home and to my office, and then to supper and then
to my office again till late, and so home, with my head and heart full of
business, and so to bed. My wife tells me the sad news of my Lady
Castlemayne's being now become so decayed, that one would not know her;
at least far from a beauty, which I am sorry for. This day with great
joy Captain Titus told us the particulars of the French's expedition
against Gigery upon the Barbary Coast, in the Straights, with 6,000
chosen men. They have taken the Fort of Gigery, wherein were five men
and three guns, which makes the whole story of the King of France's
policy and power to be laughed at.
12th. This morning all the morning at my office ordering things against
my journey to-morrow. At noon to the Coffeehouse, where very good
discourse. For newes, all say De Ruyter is gone to Guinny before us.
Sir J. Lawson is come to Portsmouth; and our fleete is hastening all
speed: I mean this new fleete. Prince Rupert with his is got into the
Downes. At home dined with me W. Joyce and a friend of his. W. Joyce
will go with me to Brampton. After dinner I out to Mr. Bridges, the
linnen draper, and evened with (him) for 100 pieces of callico, and did
give him L208 18s., which I now trust the King for, but hope both to save
the King money and to get a little by it to boot. Thence by water up and
down all the timber yards to look out some Dram timber, but can find none
for our turne at the price I would have; and so I home, and there at my
office late doing business against my journey to clear my hands of every
thing for two days. So home and to supper and bed.
13th. After being at the office all the morning, I home and dined, and
taking leave of my wife with my mind not a little troubled how she would
look after herself or house in my absence, especially, too, leaving a
considerable sum of money in the office, I by coach to the Red Lyon in
Aldersgate Street, and there, by agreement, met W. Joyce and Tom Trice,
and mounted, I upon a very fine mare that Sir W. Warren helps me to, and
so very merrily rode till it was very darke, I leading the way through
the darke to Welling, and there, not being very weary, to supper and to
bed. But very bad accommodation at the Swan. In this day's journey I
met with Mr. White, Cromwell's chaplin that was, and had a great deale of
discourse with him. Among others, he tells me that Richard is, and hath
long been, in France, and is now going into Italy. He owns publiquely
that he do correspond, and return him all his money. That Richard hath
been in some straits at the beginning; but relieved by his friends. That
he goes by another name, but do not disguise himself, nor deny himself to
any man that challenges him. He tells me, for certain, that offers had
been made to the old man, of marriage between the King and his daughter,
to have obliged him, but he would not.
[The Protector wished the Duke of Buckingham to marry his daughter
Frances. She married, 1. Robert Rich, grandson and heir to Robert,
Earl of Warwick, on November 11th, 1657, who died in the following
February; 2. Sir John Russell, Bart. She died January 27th,
1721-22, aged eighty-four. In T. Morrice's life of Roger, Earl of
Orrery, prefixed to Orrery's "State Letters" (Dublin, 1743, vol.
i., p. 40), there is a circumstantial account of an interview
between Orrery (then Lord Broghill) and Cromwell, in which the
former suggested to the latter that Charles II. should marry Frances
Cromwell. Cromwell gave great attention to the reasons urged, "but
walking two or three turns, and pondering with himself, he told Lord
Broghill the king would never forgive him the death of his father.
His lordship desired him to employ somebody to sound the king in
this matter, to see how he would take it, and offered himself to
mediate in it for him. But Cromwell would not consent, but again
repeated, 'The king cannot and will not forgive the death of his
father;' and so he left his lordship, who durst not tell him he had
already dealt with his majesty in that affair. Upon this my lord
withdrew, and meeting Cromwell's wife and daughter, they inquired
how he had succeeded; of which having given them an account, he
added they must try their interest in him, but none could prevail."]
He thinks (with me) that it never was in his power to bring in the King
with the consent of any of his officers about him; and that he scorned to
bring him in as Monk did, to secure himself and deliver every body else.
When I told him of what I found writ in a French book of one Monsieur
Sorbiere, that gives an account of his observations herein England; among
other things he says, that it is reported that Cromwell did, in his
life-time, transpose many of the bodies of the Kings of England from one
grave to another, and that by that means it is not known certainly
whether the head that is now set up upon a post be that of Cromwell, or
of one of the Kings; Mr. White tells me that he believes he never had so
poor a low thought in him to trouble himself about it. He says the hand
of God is much to be seen; that all his children are in good condition
enough as to estate, and that their relations that betrayed their family
are all now either hanged or very miserable.
14th. Up by break of day, and got to Brampton by three o'clock, where my
father and mother overjoyed to see me, my mother, ready to weepe every
time she looked upon me. After dinner my father and I to the Court, and
there did all our business to my mind, as I have set down in a paper
particularly expressing our proceedings at this court. So home, where W.
Joyce full of talk and pleased with his journey, and after supper I to
bed and left my father, mother, and him laughing.
15th. My father and I up and walked alone to Hinchingbroke; and among
the other late chargeable works that my Lord hath done there, we saw his
water-works and the Oral which is very fine; and so is the house all
over, but I am sorry to think of the money at this time spent therein.
Back to my father's (Mr. Sheply being out of town) and there breakfasted,
after making an end with Barton about his businesses, and then my mother
called me into the garden, and there but all to no purpose desiring me to
be friends with John, but I told her I cannot, nor indeed easily shall,
which afflicted the poor woman, but I cannot help it. Then taking leave,
W. Joyce and I set out, calling T. Trice at Bugden, and thence got by
night to Stevenage, and there mighty merry, though I in bed more weary
than the other two days, which, I think, proceeded from our galloping so
much, my other weariness being almost all over; but I find that a coney
skin in my breeches preserves me perfectly from galling, and that eating
after I come to my Inne, without drinking, do keep me from being stomach
sick, which drink do presently make me. We lay all in several beds in
the same room, and W. Joyce full of his impertinent tricks and talk,
which then made us merry, as any other fool would have done. So to
sleep.
16th (Lord's day). It raining, we set out, and about nine o'clock got to
Hatfield in church-time; and I 'light and saw my simple Lord Salsbury sit
there in his gallery. Staid not in the Church, but thence mounted again
and to Barnett by the end of sermon, and there dined at the Red Lyon very
weary again, but all my weariness yesterday night and to-day in my thighs
only, the rest of my weariness in my shoulders and arms being quite gone.
Thence home, parting company at my cozen Anth. Joyce's, by four o'clock,
weary, but very well, to bed at home, where I find all well. Anon my
wife came to bed, but for my ease rose again and lay with her woman.
17th. Rose very well and not weary, and with Sir W. Batten to St.
James's; there did our business. I saw Sir J. Lawson since his return
from sea first this morning, and hear that my Lord Sandwich is come from
Portsmouth to town. Thence I to him, and finding him at my Lord Crew's, I
went with him home to his house and much kind discourse. Thence my Lord
to Court, and I with Creed to the 'Change, and thence with Sir W. Warren
to a cook's shop and dined, discoursing and advising him about his great
contract he is to make tomorrow, and do every day receive great
satisfaction in his company, and a prospect of a just advantage by his
friendship. Thence to my office doing some business, but it being very
cold, I, for fear of getting cold, went early home to bed, my wife not
being come home from my Lady Jemimah, with whom she hath been at a play
and at Court to-day.
18th. Up and to the office, where among other things we made a very
great contract with Sir W. Warren for 3,000 loade of timber. At noon
dined at home. In the afternoon to the Fishery, where, very confused and
very ridiculous, my Lord Craven's proceedings, especially his finding
fault with Sir J. Collaton and Colonell Griffin's' report in the accounts
of the lottery-men. Thence I with Mr. Gray in his coach to White Hall,
but the King and Duke being abroad, we returned to Somersett House. In
discourse I find him a very worthy and studious gentleman in the business
of trade, and among-other things he observed well to me, how it is not
the greatest wits, but the steady man, that is a good merchant: he
instanced in Ford and Cocke, the last of whom he values above all men as
his oracle, as Mr. Coventry do Mr. Jolliffe. He says that it is
concluded among merchants, that where a trade hath once been and do
decay, it never recovers again, and therefore that the manufacture of
cloath of England will never come to esteem again; that, among other
faults, Sir Richard Ford cannot keepe a secret, and that it is so much
the part of a merchant to be guilty of that fault that the Duke of Yoke
is resolved to commit no more secrets to the merchants of the Royall
Company; that Sir Ellis Layton is, for a speech of forty words, the
wittiest man that ever he knew in his life, but longer he is nothing, his
judgment being nothing at all, but his wit most absolute. At Somersett
House he carried me in, and there I saw the Queene's new rooms, which are
most stately and nobly furnished; and there I saw her, and the Duke of
Yorke and Duchesse were there. The Duke espied me, and came to me, and
talked with me a very great while about our contract this day with Sir W.
Warren, and among other things did with some contempt ask whether we did
except Polliards, which Sir W. Batten did yesterday (in spite, as the
Duke I believe by my Lord Barkely do well enough know) among other things
in writing propose. Thence home by coach, it raining hard, and to my
office, where late, then home to supper and to bed. This night the Dutch
Embassador desired and had an audience of the King. What the issue of it
was I know not. Both sides I believe desire peace, but neither will
begin, and so I believe a warr will follow. The Prince is with his fleet
at Portsmouth, and the Dutch are making all preparations for warr.
19th. Up and to my office all the morning. At noon dined at home; then
abroad by coach to buy for the office "Herne upon the Statute of
Charitable Uses," in order to the doing something better in the Chest
than we have done, for I am ashamed to see Sir W. Batten possess himself
so long of so much money as he hath done. Coming home, weighed, my two
silver flaggons at Stevens's. They weigh 212 oz. 27 dwt., which is about
L50, at 5s. per oz., and then they judge the fashion to be worth above
5s. per oz. more--nay, some say 10s. an ounce the fashion. But I do not
believe, but yet am sorry to see that the fashion is worth so much, and
the silver come to no more. So home and to my office, where very busy
late. My wife at Mercer's mother's, I believe, W. Hewer with them, which
I do not like, that he should ask my leave to go about business, and then
to go and spend his time in sport, and leave me here busy. To supper and
to bed, my wife coming in by and by, which though I know there was no
hurt in it; I do not like.
20th. Up and to the office, where all the morning. At noon my uncle
Thomas came, dined with me, and received some money of me. Then I to my
office, where I took in with me Bagwell's wife, and there I caressed her,
and find her every day more and more coming with good words and promises
of getting her husband a place, which I will do. So we parted, and I to
my Lord Sandwich at his lodgings, and after a little stay away with Mr.
Cholmely to Fleete Streete; in the way he telling me that Tangier is like
to be in a bad condition with this same Fitzgerald, he being a man of no
honour, nor presence, nor little honesty, and endeavours: to raise the
Irish and suppress the English interest there; and offend every body, and
do nothing that I hear of well, which I am sorry for. Thence home, by the
way taking two silver tumblers home, which I have bought, and so home,
and there late busy at my office, and then home to supper and to bed.
21st. Up and by coach to Mr. Cole's, and there conferred with him about
some law business, and so to Sir W. Turner's, and there bought my cloth,
coloured, for a suit and cloake, to line with plush the cloak, which will
cost me money, but I find that I must go handsomely, whatever it costs
me, and the charge will be made up in the fruit it brings. Thence to the
Coffee-house and 'Change, and so home to dinner, and then to the office
all the afternoon, whither comes W. Howe to see me, being come from, and
going presently back to sea with my Lord. Among other things he tells me
Mr. Creed is much out of favour with my Lord from his freedom of talke
and bold carriage, and other things with which my Lord is not pleased,
but most I doubt his not lending my Lord money, and Mr. Moore's reporting
what his answer was I doubt in the worst manner. But, however, a very
unworthy rogue he is, and, therefore, let him go for one good for
nothing, though wise to the height above most men I converse with. In
the evening (W. Howe being gone) comes Mr. Martin, to trouble me again to
get him a Lieutenant's place for which he is as fit as a foole can be.
But I put him off like an arse, as he is, and so setting my papers and
books in order: I home to supper and to bed.
22nd. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning. At noon comes
my uncle Thomas and his daughter Mary about getting me to pay them the
L30 due now, but payable in law to her husband. I did give them the best
answer I could, and so parted, they not desiring to stay to dinner.
After dinner I down to Deptford, and there did business, and so back to
my office, where very late busy, and so home to supper and to bed.
23rd (Lord's day). Up and to church. At noon comes unexpected Mr.
Fuller, the minister, and dines with me, and also I had invited Mr.
Cooper with one I judge come from sea, and he and I spent the whole
afternoon together, he teaching me some things in understanding of
plates. At night to the office, doing business, and then home to supper.
Then a psalm, to prayers, and to bed.
24th. Up and in Sir J. Minnes' coach (alone with Mrs. Turner as far as
Paternoster Row, where I set her down) to St. James's, and there did our
business, and I had the good lucke to speak what pleased the Duke about
our great contract in hand with Sir W. Warren against Sir W. Batten,
wherein the Duke is very earnest for our contracting. Thence home to the
office till noon, and then dined and to the 'Change and off with Sir W.
Warren for a while, consulting about managing his contract. Thence to a
Committee at White Hall of Tangier, where I had the good lucke to speak
something to very good purpose about the Mole at Tangier, which was well
received even by Sir J. Lawson and Mr. Cholmely, the undertakers, against
whose interest I spoke; that I believe I shall be valued for it. Thence
into the galleries to talk with my Lord Sandwich; among other things,
about the Prince's writing up to tell us of the danger he and his fleete
lie in at Portsmouth, of receiving affronts from the Dutch; which, my
Lord said, he would never have done, had he lain there with one ship
alone: nor is there any great reason for it, because of the sands.
However, the fleete will be ordered to go and lay themselves up at the
Cowes. Much beneath the prowesse of the Prince, I think, and the honour
of the nation, at the first to be found to secure themselves. My Lord is
well pleased to think, that, if the Duke and the Prince go, all the blame
of any miscarriage will not light on him; and that if any thing goes
well, he hopes he shall have the share of the glory, for the Prince is by
no means well esteemed of by any body. Thence home, and though not very
well yet up late about the Fishery business, wherein I hope to give an
account how I find the Collections to have been managed, which I did
finish to my great content, and so home to supper and to bed. This day
the great O'Neale died; I believe, to the content of all the Protestant
pretenders in Ireland.
25th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning, and finished
Sir W. Warren's great contract for timber, with great content to me,
because just in the terms I wrote last night to Sir W. Warren and against
the terms proposed by Sir W. Batten. At noon home to dinner, and there
found Creed and Hawley. After dinner comes in Mrs. Ingram, the first time
to make a visit to my wife. After a little stay I left them and to the
Committee of the Fishery, and there did make my report of the late public
collections for the Fishery, much to the satisfaction of the Committee,
and I think much to my reputation, for good notice was taken of it and
much it was commended. So home, in my way taking care of a piece of
plate for Mr. Christopher Pett, against the launching of his new great
ship tomorrow at Woolwich, which I singly did move to His Royall
Highness, and did obtain it for him, to the value of twenty pieces. And
he, under his hand, do acknowledge to me that he did never receive so
great a kindness from any man in the world as from me herein. So to my
office, and then to supper, and then to my office again, where busy late,
being very full now a days of business to my great content, I thank God,
and so home to bed, my house being full of a design, to go to-morrow, my
wife and all her servants, to see the new ship launched.
26th. Up, my people rising mighty betimes, to fit themselves to go by
water; and my boy, he could not sleep, but wakes about four o'clock, and
in bed lay playing on his lute till daylight, and, it seems, did the like
last night till twelve o'clock. About eight o'clock, my wife, she and
her woman, and Besse and Jane, and W. Hewer and the boy, to the
water-side, and there took boat, and by and by I out of doors, to look
after the flaggon, to get it ready to carry to Woolwich. That being not
ready, I stepped aside and found out Nellson, he that Whistler buys his
bewpers of, and did there buy 5 pieces at their price, and am in hopes
thereby to bring them down or buy ourselves all we spend of Nellson at
the first hand. This jobb was greatly to my content, and by and by the
flaggon being finished at the burnisher's, I home, and there fitted
myself, and took a hackney-coach I hired, it being a very cold and foule
day, to Woolwich, all the way reading in a good book touching the
fishery, and that being done, in the book upon the statute of charitable
uses, mightily to my satisfaction. At Woolwich; I there up to the King
and Duke, and they liked the plate well. Here I staid above with them
while the ship was launched, which was done with great success, and the
King did very much like the ship, saying, she had the best bow that ever
he saw. But, Lord! the sorry talke and discourse among the great
courtiers round about him, without any reverence in the world, but with
so much disorder. By and by the Queene comes and her Mayds of Honour;
one whereof, Mrs. Boynton, and the Duchesse of Buckingham, had been very
siclee coming by water in the barge (the water being very rough); but
what silly sport they made with them in very common terms, methought, was
very poor, and below what people think these great people say and do.
The launching being done, the King and company went down to take barge;
and I sent for Mr. Pett, and put the flaggon into the Duke's hand, and
he, in the presence of the King, did give it, Mr. Pett taking it upon his
knee. This Mr. Pett is wholly beholding to me for, and he do know and I
believe will acknowledge it. Thence I to Mr. Ackworth, and there eat and
drank with Commissioner Pett and his wife, and thence to Shelden's, where
Sir W. Batten and his Lady were. By and by I took coach after I had
enquired for my wife or her boat, but found none. Going out of the gate,
an ordinary woman prayed me to give her room to London, which I did, but
spoke not to her all the way, but read, as long as I could see, my book
again. Dark when we came to London, and a stop of coaches in Southwarke.
I staid above half an houre and then 'light, and finding Sir W. Batten's
coach, heard they were gone into the Beare at the Bridge foot, and
thither I to them. Presently the stop is removed, and then going out to
find my coach, I could not find it, for it was gone with the rest; so I
fair to go through the darke and dirt over the bridge, and my leg fell in
a hole broke on the bridge, but, the constable standing there to keep
people from it, I was catched up, otherwise I had broke my leg; for which
mercy the Lord be praised! So at Fanchurch I found my coach staying for
me, and so home, where the little girle hath looked to the house well,
but no wife come home, which made me begin to fear [for] her, the water
being very rough, and cold and darke. But by and by she and her company
come in all well, at which I was glad, though angry. Thence I to Sir W.
Batten's, and there sat late with him, Sir R. Ford, and Sir John
Robinson; the last of whom continues still the same foole he was, crying
up what power he has in the City, in knowing their temper, and being able
to do what he will with them. It seems the City did last night very
freely lend the King L100,000 without any security but the King's word,
which was very noble. But this loggerhead and Sir R. Ford would make us
believe that they did it. Now Sir R. Ford is a cunning man, and makes a
foole of the other, and the other believes whatever the other tells him.
But, Lord! to think that such a man should be Lieutenant of the Tower,
and so great a man as he is, is a strange thing to me. With them late
and then home and with my wife to bed, after supper.
27th. Up and to the office, where all the morning busy. At noon, Sir G.
Carteret, Sir J. Minnes, Sir W. Batten, Sir W. Pen, and myself, were
treated at the Dolphin by Mr. Foly, the ironmonger, where a good plain
dinner, but I expected musique, the missing of which spoiled my dinner,
only very good merry discourse at dinner. Thence with Sir G. Carteret by
coach to White Hall to a Committee of Tangier, and thence back to London,
and 'light in Cheapside and I to Nellson's, and there met with a rub at
first, but took him out to drink, and there discoursed to my great
content so far with him that I think I shall agree with him for Bewpers
to serve the Navy with. So with great content home and to my office,
where late, and having got a great cold in my head yesterday home to
supper and to bed.
28th. Slept ill all night, having got a very great cold the other day at
Woolwich in [my] head, which makes me full of snot. Up in the morning,
and my tailor brings me home my fine, new, coloured cloth suit, my cloake
lined with plush, as good a suit as ever I wore in my life, and mighty
neat, to my great content. To my office, and there all the morning. At
noon to Nellson's, and there bought 20 pieces more of Bewpers, and hope
to go on with him to a contract. Thence to the 'Change a little, and
thence home with Luellin to dinner, where Mr. Deane met me by
appointment, and after dinner he and I up to my chamber, and there hard
at discourse, and advising him what to do in his business at Harwich, and
then to discourse of our old business of ships and taking new rules of
him to my great pleasure, and he being gone I to my office a little, and
then to see Sir W. Batten, who is sick of a greater cold than I, and
thither comes to me Mr. Holliard, and into the chamber to me, and, poor
man (beyond all I ever saw of him), was a little drunk, and there sat
talking and finding acquaintance with Sir W. Batten and my Lady by
relations on both sides, that there we staid very long. At last broke
up, and he home much overcome with drink, but well enough to get well
home. So I home to supper and to bed.
29th. Up, and it being my Lord Mayor's show, my boy and three mayds went
out; but it being a very foule, rainy day, from morning till night, I was
sorry my wife let them go out. All the morning at the office. At dinner
at home. In the afternoon to the office again, and about 9 o'clock by
appointment to the King's Head tavern upon Fish Street Hill, whither Mr.
Wolfe (and Parham by his means) met me to discourse about the Fishery,
and great light I had by Parham, who is a little conceited, but a very
knowing man in his way, and in the general fishing trade of England.
Here I staid three hours, and eat a barrel of very fine oysters of
Wolfe's giving me, and so, it raining hard, home and to my office, and
then home to bed. All the talke is that De Ruyter is come over-land
home with six or eight of his captaines to command here at home, and
their ships kept abroad in the Straights; which sounds as if they had a
mind to do something with us.
30th (Lord's day). Up, and this morning put on my new, fine, coloured
cloth suit, with my cloake lined with plush, which is a dear and noble
suit, costing me about L17.
[Let us remember the exchange rate of between 500 to 1000 dollars,
US (year 2000), per Pound. This was then a most expensive suit of
clothes at $8000 to $17,000. The annual wage for some of Pepy's
servants was L2 or L3 per annum. D.W.]
To church, and then home to dinner, and after dinner to a little musique
with my boy, and so to church with my wife, and so home, and with her all
the evening reading and at musique with my boy with great pleasure, and
so to supper, prayers, and to bed.
31st. Very busy all the morning, at noon Creed to me and dined with me,
and then he and I to White Hall, there to a Committee of Tangier, where
it is worth remembering when Mr. Coventry proposed the retrenching some
of the charge of the horse, the first word asked by the Duke of Albemarle
was, "Let us see who commands them," there being three troops. One of
them he calls to mind was by Sir Toby Bridges. "Oh!" says he, "there is a
very good man. If you must reform
[Reform, i.e. disband. See "Memoirs of Sir John Reresby,"
September 2nd, 1651. "A great many younger brothers and reformed
officers of the King's army depended upon him for their meat and
drink." So reformado, a discharged or disbanded officer.--M. B.]
two of them, be sure let him command the troop that is left." Thence
home, and there came presently to me Mr. Young and Whistler, who find
that I have quite overcome them in their business of flags, and now they
come to intreat my favour, but I will be even with them. So late to my
office and there till past one in the morning making up my month's
accounts, and find that my expense this month in clothes has kept me from
laying up anything; but I am no worse, but a little better than I was,
which is L1205, a great sum, the Lord be praised for it! So home to bed,
with my mind full of content therein, and vexed for my being so angry in
bad words to my wife to-night, she not giving me a good account of her
layings out to my mind to-night. This day I hear young Mr. Stanly, a
brave young [gentleman], that went out with young Jermin, with Prince
Rupert, is already dead of the small-pox, at Portsmouth. All
preparations against the Dutch; and the Duke of Yorke fitting himself
with all speed, to go to the fleete which is hastening for him; being now
resolved to go in the Charles.
DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS.
NOVEMBER
1664
November 1st. Up and to the office, where busy all the morning, at noon
(my wife being invited to my Lady Sandwich's) all alone dined at home
upon a good goose with Mr. Wayth, discussing of business. Thence I to
the Committee of the Fishery, and there we sat with several good
discourses and some bad and simple ones, and with great disorder, and yet
by the men of businesse of the towne. But my report in the business of
the collections is mightily commended and will get me some reputation,
and indeed is the only thing looks like a thing well done since we sat.
Then with Mr. Parham to the tavern, but I drank no wine, only he did give
me another barrel of oysters, and he brought one Major Greene, an able
fishmonger, and good discourse to my information. So home and late at
business at my office. Then to supper and to bed.
2nd. Up betimes, and down with Mr. Castle to Redriffe, and there walked
to Deptford to view a parcel of brave knees--[Knees of timber]-- of his,
which indeed are very good, and so back again home, I seeming very
friendly to him, though I know him to be a rogue, and one that hates me
with his heart. Home and to dinner, and so to my office all the
afternoon, where in some pain in my backe, which troubled me, but I think
it comes only with stooping, and from no other matter. At night to
Nellson's, and up and down about business, and so home to my office, then
home to supper and to bed.
3rd. Up and to the office, where strange to see how Sir W. Pen is
flocked to by people of all sorts against his going to sea. At the
office did much business, among other an end of that that has troubled me
long, the business of the bewpers and flags. At noon to the 'Change, and
thence by appointment was met with Bagwell's wife, and she followed me
into Moorfields, and there into a drinking house, and all alone eat and
drank together. I did there caress her, but though I did make some offer
did not receive any compliance from her in what was bad, but very
modestly she denied me, which I was glad to see and shall value her the
better for it, and I hope never tempt her to any evil more. Thence back
to the town, and we parted and I home, and then at the office late, where
Sir W. Pen came to take his leave of me, being to-morrow, which is very
sudden to us, to go on board to lie on board, but I think will come
ashore again before the ship, the Charles,
["The Royal Charles" was the Duke of York's ship, and Sir William
Penn, who hoisted his flag in the "Royal James" on November 8th,
shifted to the "Royal Charles" on November 30th. The duke gave Penn
the command of the fleet immediately under himself. On Penn's
monument he is styled "Great Captain Commander under His Royal
Highness" (Penn's "Memorials of Sir William Penn," vol. ii.,
p. 296).]
can go away. So home to supper and to bed. This night Sir W. Batten
did, among other things, tell me strange newes, which troubles me, that
my Lord Sandwich will be sent Governor to Tangier, which, in some
respects, indeed, I should be glad of, for the good of the place and the
safety of his person; but I think his honour will suffer, and, it may be,
his interest fail by his distance.
4th. Waked very betimes and lay long awake, my mind being so full of
business. Then up and to St. James's, where I find Mr. Coventry full of
business, packing up for his going to sea with the Duke. Walked with
him, talking, to White Hall, where to the Duke's lodgings, who is gone
thither to lodge lately. I appeared to the Duke, and thence Mr. Coventry
and I an hour in the Long Gallery, talking about the management of our
office, he tells me the weight of dispatch will lie chiefly on me, and
told me freely his mind touching Sir W. Batten and Sir J. Minnes, the
latter of whom, he most aptly said, was like a lapwing; that all he did
was to keepe a flutter, to keepe others from the nest that they would
find. He told me an old story of the former about the light-houses, how
just before he had certified to the Duke against the use of them, and
what a burden they are to trade, and presently after, at his being at
Harwich, comes to desire that he might have the setting one up there, and
gets the usefulness of it certified also by the Trinity House. After
long discoursing and considering all our stores and other things, as how
the King hath resolved upon Captain Taylor
[Coventry, writing to Secretary Bennet (November 14th, 1664), refers
to the objections made to Taylor, and adds: "Thinks the King will
not easily consent to his rejection, as he is a man of great
abilities and dispatch, and was formerly laid aside at Chatham on
the Duchess of Albemarle's earnest interposition for another. He is
a fanatic, it is true, but all hands will be needed for the work cut
out; there is less danger of them in harbour than at sea, and profit
will convert most of them" (" Calendar of State Papers," Domestic,
1664-65, p. 68).]
and Colonell Middleton, the first to be Commissioner for Harwich and the
latter for Portsmouth, I away to the 'Change, and there did very much
business, so home to dinner, and Mr. Duke, our Secretary for the Fishery,
dined with me. After dinner to discourse of our business, much to my
content, and then he away, and I by water among the smiths on the other
side, and to the alehouse with one and was near buying 4 or 5 anchors,
and learned something worth my knowing of them, and so home and to my
office, where late, with my head very full of business, and so away home
to supper and to bed.
5th. Up and to the office, where all the morning, at noon to the
'Change, and thence home to dinner, and so with my wife to the Duke's
house to a play, "Macbeth," a pretty good play, but admirably acted.
Thence home; the coach being forced to go round by London Wall home,
because of the bonefires; the day being mightily observed in the City.
To my office late at business, and then home to supper, and to bed.
6th (Lord's day). Up and with my wife to church. Dined at home. And I
all the afternoon close at my office drawing up some proposals to present
to the Committee for the Fishery to-morrow, having a great good intention
to be serviceable in the business if I can. At night, to supper with my
uncle Wight, where very merry, and so home. To prayers and to bed.
7th. Up and with Sir W. Batten to White Hall, where mighty thrusting
about the Duke now upon his going. We were with him long. He advised us
to follow our business close, and to be directed in his absence by the
Committee of the Councell for the Navy. By and by a meeting of the
Fishery, where the Duke was, but in such haste, and things looked so
superficially over, that I had not a fit opportunity to propose my paper
that I wrote yesterday, but I had chewed it to Mr. Gray and Wren before,
who did like it most highly, as they said, and I think they would not
dissemble in that manner in a business of this nature, but I see the
greatest businesses are done so superficially that I wonder anything
succeeds at all among us, that is publique. Thence somewhat vexed to see
myself frustrated in the good I hoped to have done and a little
reputation to have gained, and thence to my barber's, but Jane not being
in the way I to my Lady Sandwich's, and there met my wife and dined, but
I find that I dine as well myself, that is, as neatly, and my meat as
good and well-dressed, as my good Lady do, in the absence of my Lord.
Thence by water I to my barber's again, and did meet in the street my
Jane, but could not talk with her, but only a word or two, and so by
coach called my wife, and home, where at my office late, and then, it
being washing day, to supper and to bed.
8th. Up and to the office, where by and by Mr. Coventry come, and after
doing a little business, took his leave of us, being to go to sea with
the Duke to-morrow. At noon, I and Sir J. Minnes and Lord Barkeley (who
with Sir J. Duncum, and Mr. Chichly, are made Masters of the Ordnance),
to the office of the Ordnance, to discourse about wadding for guns.
Thence to dinner, all of us to the Lieutenant's of the Tower; where a
good dinner, but disturbed in the middle of it by the King's coming into
the Tower: and so we broke up, and to him, and went up and down the
store-houses and magazines; which are, with the addition of the new great
store-house, a noble sight. He gone, I to my office, where Bagwell's
wife staid for me, and together with her a good while, to meet again
shortly. So all the afternoon at my office till late, and then to bed,
joyed in my love and ability to follow my business. This day, Mr. Lever
sent my wife a pair of silver candlesticks, very pretty ones. The first
man that ever presented me, to whom I have not only done little service,
but apparently did him the greatest disservice in his business of
accounts, as Purser-Generall, of any man at the board.
9th. Called up, as I had appointed, by H. Russell, between two and three
o'clock, and I and my boy Tom by water with a gally down to the Hope, it
being a fine starry night. Got thither by eight o'clock, and there, as
expected, found the Charles, her mainmast setting. Commissioner Pett
aboard. I up and down to see the ship I was so well acquainted with, and
a great worke it is, the setting so great a mast. Thence the
Commissioner and I on board Sir G. Ascue, in the Henery, who lacks men
mightily, which makes me think that there is more believed to be in a man
that hath heretofore been employed than truly there is; for one would
never have thought, a month ago, that he would have wanted 1000 men at
his heels. Nor do I think he hath much of a seaman in him: for he told
me, says he, "Heretofore, we used to find our ships clear and ready,
everything to our hands in the Downes. Now I come, and must look to see
things done like a slave, things that I never minded, nor cannot look
after." And by his discourse I find that he hath not minded anything in
her at all. Thence not staying, the wind blowing hard, I made use of the
Jemmy yacht and returned to the Tower in her, my boy being a very droll
boy and good company. Home and eat something, and then shifted myself,
and to White Hall, and there the King being in his Cabinet Council (I
desiring to speak with Sir G. Carteret), I was called in, and demanded by
the King himself many questions, to which I did give him full answers.
There were at this Council my Lord Chancellor, Archbishop of Canterbury,
Lord Treasurer, the two Secretarys, and Sir G. Carteret. Not a little
contented at this chance of being made known to these persons, and called
often by my name by the King, I to Mr. Pierces to take leave of him, but
he not within, but saw her and made very little stay, but straight home
to my office, where I did business, and then to supper and to bed. The
Duke of York is this day gone away to Portsmouth.
10th. Up, and not finding my things ready, I was so angry with Besse as
to bid my wife for good and all to bid her provide herself a place, for
though she be very good-natured, she hath no care nor memory of her
business at all. So to the office, where vexed at the malice of Sir W.
Batten and folly of Sir J. Minnes against Sir W. Warren, but I prevented,
and shall do, though to my own disquiet and trouble. At noon dined with
Sir W. Batten and the Auditors of the Exchequer at the Dolphin by Mr.
Wayth's desire, and after dinner fell to business relating to Sir G.
Carteret's account, and so home to the office, where Sir W. Batten
begins, too fast, to shew his knavish tricks in giving what price he
pleases for commodities. So abroad, intending to have spoke with my Lord
Chancellor about the old business of his wood at Clarendon, but could
not, and so home again, and late at my office, and then home to supper
and bed. My little girle Susan is fallen sicke of the meazles, we fear,
or, at least, of a scarlett feavour.
11th. Up, and with Sir J. Minnes and Sir W. Batten to the Council
Chamber at White Hall, to the Committee of the Lords for the Navy, where
we were made to wait an houre or two before called in. In that time
looking upon some books of heraldry of Sir Edward Walker's making, which
are very fine, there I observed the Duke of Monmouth's armes are neatly
done, and his title, "The most noble and high-born Prince, James Scott,
Duke of Monmouth, &c.;" nor could Sir J. Minnes, nor any body there, tell
whence he should take the name of Scott? And then I found my Lord
Sandwich, his title under his armes is, "The most noble and mighty Lord,
Edward, Earl of Sandwich, &c." Sir Edward Walker afterwards coming in,
in discourse did say that there was none of the families of princes in
Christendom that do derive themselves so high as Julius Caesar, nor so
far by 1000 years, that can directly prove their rise; only some in
Germany do derive themselves from the patrician familys of Rome, but that
uncertainly; and, among other things, did much inveigh against the
writing of romances, that 500 years hence being wrote of matters in
general, true as the romance of Cleopatra, the world will not know which
is the true and which the false. Here was a gentleman attending here that
told us he saw the other day (and did bring the draught of it to Sir
Francis Prigeon) of a monster born of an hostler's wife at Salisbury, two
women children perfectly made, joyned at the lower part of their bellies,
and every part perfect as two bodies, and only one payre of legs coming
forth on one side from the middle where they were joined. It was alive 24
hours, and cried and did as all hopefull children do; but, being showed
too much to people, was killed. By and by we were called in, where a
great many lords: Annesly in the chair. But, Lord! to see what work
they will make us, and what trouble we shall have to inform men in a
business they are to begin to know, when the greatest of our hurry is, is
a thing to be lamented; and I fear the consequence will be bad to us.
Thence I by coach to the 'Change, and thence home to dinner, my head
akeing mightily with much business. Our little girl better than she was
yesterday. After dinner out again by coach to my Lord Chancellor's, but
could not speak with him, then up and down to seek Sir Ph. Warwicke, Sir
G. Carteret, and my Lord Berkely, but failed in all, and so home and
there late at business. Among other things Mr. Turner making his
complaint to me how my clerks do all the worke and get all the profit,
and he hath no comfort, nor cannot subsist, I did make him apprehend how
he is beholding to me more than to any body for my suffering him to act
as Pourveyour of petty provisions, and told him so largely my little
value of any body's favour, that I believe he will make no complaints
again a good while. So home to supper and to bed, after prayers, and
having my boy and Mercer give me some, each of them some, musique.
12th. Up, being frighted that Mr. Coventry was come to towne and now at
the office, so I run down without eating or drinking or washing to the
office and it proved my Lord Berkeley. There all the morning, at noon to
the 'Change, and so home to dinner, Mr. Wayth with me, and then to the
office, where mighty busy till very late, but I bless God I go through
with it very well and hope I shall.
13th (Lord's day). This morning to church, where mighty sport, to hear
our clerke sing out of tune, though his master sits by him that begins
and keeps the tune aloud for the parish. Dined at home very well, and
spent all the afternoon with my wife within doors, and getting a speech
out of Hamlett, "To bee or not to bee,"' without book. In the evening to
sing psalms, and in come Mr. Hill to see me, and then he and I and the
boy finely to sing, and so anon broke up after much pleasure, he gone I
to supper, and so prayers and to bed.
14th. Up, and with Sir W. Batten to White Hall, to the Lords of the
Admiralty, and there did our business betimes. Thence to Sir Philip
Warwicke about Navy business: and my Lord Ashly; and afterwards to my
Lord Chancellor, who is very well pleased with me, and my carrying of his
business. And so to the 'Change, where mighty busy; and so home to
dinner, where Mr. Creed and Moore: and after dinner I to my Lord
Treasurer's, to Sir Philip Warwicke there, and then to White Hall, to the
Duke of Albemarle, about Tangier; and then homeward to the Coffee-house
to hear newes. And it seems the Dutch, as I afterwards found by Mr.
Coventry's letters, have stopped a ship of masts of Sir W. Warren's,
coming for us in a Swede's ship, which they will not release upon Sir G.
Downing's claiming her: which appears as the first act of hostility; and
is looked upon as so by Mr. Coventry. The Elias,' coming from New
England (Captain Hill, commander), is sunk; only the captain and a few
men saved. She foundered in the sea. So home, where infinite busy till
12 at night, and so home to supper and to bed.
15th. That I might not be too fine for the business I intend this day, I
did leave off my fine new cloth suit lined with plush and put on my poor
black suit, and after office done (where much business, but little done),
I to the 'Change, and thence Bagwell's wife with much ado followed me
through Moorfields to a blind alehouse, and there I did caress her and
eat and drink, and many hard looks and sooth the poor wretch did give me,
and I think verily was troubled at what I did, but at last after many
protestings by degrees I did arrive at what I would, with great pleasure,
and then in the evening, it raining, walked into town to where she knew
where she was, and then I took coach and to White Hall to a Committee of
Tangier, where, and every where else, I thank God, I find myself growing
in repute; and so home, and late, very late, at business, nobody minding
it but myself, and so home to bed, weary and full of thoughts.
Businesses grow high between the Dutch and us on every side.
16th. My wife not being well, waked in the night, and strange to see how
dead sleep our people sleep that she was fain to ring an hour before any
body would wake. At last one rose and helped my wife, and so to sleep
again. Up and to my business, and then to White Hall, there to attend
the Lords Commissioners, and so directly home and dined with Sir W.
Batten and my Lady, and after dinner had much discourse tending to profit
with Sir W. Batten, how to get ourselves into the prize office
[The Calendars of State Papers are full of references to
applications for Commissionerships of the Prize Office. In
December, 1664, the Navy Committee appointed themselves the
Commissioners for Prize Goods, Sir Henry Bennet being appointed
comptroller, and Lord Ashley treasurer.]
or some other fair way of obliging the King to consider us in our
extraordinary pains. Then to the office, and there all the afternoon
very busy, and so till past 12 at night, and so home to bed. This day my
wife went to the burial of a little boy of W. Joyce's.
17th. Up and to my office, and there all the morning mighty busy, and
taking upon me to tell the Comptroller how ill his matters were done, and
I think indeed if I continue thus all the business of the office will
come upon me whether I will or no. At noon to the 'Change, and then home
with Creed to dinner, and thence I to the office, where close at it all
the afternoon till 12 at night, and then home to supper and to bed. This
day I received from Mr. Foley, but for me to pay for it, if I like it, an
iron chest, having now received back some money I had laid out for the
King, and I hope to have a good sum of money by me, thereby, in a few
days, I think above L800. But when I come home at night, I could not
find the way to open it; but, which is a strange thing, my little girle
Susan could carry it alone from one table clear from the ground and set
upon another, when neither I nor anyone in my house but Jane the
cook-mayde could do it.
18th. Up and to the office, and thence to the Committee of the Fishery
at White Hall, where so poor simple doings about the business of the
Lottery, that I was ashamed to see it, that a thing so low and base
should have any thing to do with so noble an undertaking. But I had the
advantage this day to hear Mr. Williamson discourse, who come to be a
contractor with others for the Lotterys, and indeed I find he is a very
logicall man and a good speaker. But it was so pleasant to see my Lord
Craven, the chaireman, before many persons of worth and grave, use this
comparison in saying that certainly these that would contract for all the
lotteries would not suffer us to set up the Virginia lottery for plate
before them, "For," says he, "if I occupy a wench first, you may occupy
her again your heart out you can never have her maidenhead after I have
once had it," which he did more loosely, and yet as if he had fetched a
most grave and worthy instance. They made mirth, but I and others were
ashamed of it. Thence to the 'Change and thence home to dinner, and
thence to the office a good while, and thence to the Council chamber at
White Hall to speake with Sir G. Carteret, and here by accident heard a
great and famous cause between Sir G. Lane and one Mr. Phill. Whore, an
Irish business about Sir G. Lane's endeavouring to reverse a decree of
the late Commissioners of Ireland in a Rebells case for his land, which
the King had given as forfeited to Sir G. Lane, for whom the Sollicitor
did argue most angell like, and one of the Commissioners, Baron, did
argue for the other and for himself and his brethren who had decreed it.
But the Sollicitor do so pay the Commissioners, how four all along did
act for the Papists, and three only for the Protestants, by which they
were overvoted, but at last one word (which was omitted in the
Sollicitor's repeating of an Act of Parliament in the case) being
insisted on by the other part, the Sollicitor was put to a great stop,
and I could discern he could not tell what to say, but was quite out.
Thence home well pleased with this accident, and so home to my office,
where late, and then to supper and to bed. This day I had a letter from
Mr. Coventry, that tells me that my Lord Brunkard is to be one of our
Commissioners, of which I am very glad, if any more must be.
19th. All the morning at the office, and without dinner down by galley
up and down the river to visit the yards and ships now ordered forth with
great delight, and so home to supper, and then to office late to write
letters, then home to bed.
20th (Lord's day). Up, and with my wife to church, where Pegg Pen very
fine in her new coloured silk suit laced with silver lace. Dined at
home, and Mr. Sheply, lately come to town, with me. A great deal of
ordinary discourse with him. Among other things praying him to speak to
Stankes to look after our business. With him and in private with Mr.
Bodham talking of our ropeyarde stores at Woolwich, which are mighty low,
even to admiration. They gone, in the evening comes Mr. Andrews and
sings with us, and he gone, I to Sir W. Batten's, where Sir J. Minnes and
he and I to talk about our letter to my Lord Treasurer, where his folly
and simple confidence so great in a report so ridiculous that he hath
drawn up to present to my Lord, nothing of it being true, that I was
ashamed, and did roundly and in many words for an houre together talk
boldly to him, which pleased Sir W. Batten and my Lady, but I was in the
right, and was the willinger to do so before them, that they might see
that I am somebody, and shall serve him so in his way another time. So
home vexed at this night's passage, for I had been very hot with him, so
to supper and to bed, out of order with this night's vexation.
21st. Up, and with them to the Lords at White Hall, where they do single
me out to speake to and to hear, much to my content, and received their
commands, particularly in several businesses. Thence by their order to
the Attorney General's about a new warrant for Captain Taylor which I
shall carry for him to be Commissioner in spite of Sir W. Batten, and yet
indeed it is not I, but the ability of the man, that makes the Duke and
Mr. Coventry stand by their choice. I to the 'Change and there staid long
doing business, and this day for certain newes is come that Teddiman hath
brought in eighteen or twenty Dutchmen, merchants, their Bourdeaux
fleete, and two men of wary to Portsmouth.
[Captain Sir Thomas Teddiman (or Tyddiman) had been appointed
Rear-Admiral of Lord Sandwich's squadron of the English fleet. In a
letter from Sir William Coventry to Secretary Bennet, dated November
13th, 1664, we read, "Rear Admiral Teddeman with four or five ships
has gone to course in the Channel, and if he meet any refractory
Dutchmen will teach them their duty" ("Calendar of State Papers,"
Domestic, 1664.-65, p. 66).]
And I had letters this afternoon, that three are brought into the Downes
and Dover; so that the warr is begun: God give a good end to it! After
dinner at home all the afternoon busy, and at night with Sir W. Batten
and Sir J. Minnes looking over the business of stating the accounts of
the navy charge to my Lord Treasurer, where Sir J. Minnes's paper served
us in no stead almost, but was all false, and after I had done it with
great pains, he being by, I am confident he understands not one word in
it. At it till 10 at night almost. Thence by coach to Sir Philip
Warwicke's, by his desire to have conferred with him, but he being in
bed, I to White Hall to the Secretaries, and there wrote to Mr. Coventry,
and so home by coach again, a fine clear moonshine night, but very cold.
Home to my office awhile, it being past 12 at night; and so to supper and
to bed.
22nd. At the office all the morning. Sir G. Carteret, upon a motion of
Sir W. Batten's, did promise, if we would write a letter to him, to shew
it to the King on our behalf touching our desire of being Commissioners
of the Prize office. I wrote a letter to my mind and, after eating a bit
at home (Mr. Sheply dining and taking his leave of me), abroad and to Sir
G. Carteret with the letter and thence to my Lord Treasurer's; wherewith
Sir Philip Warwicke long studying all we could to make the last year
swell as high as we could. And it is much to see how he do study for the
King, to do it to get all the money from the Parliament all he can: and I
shall be serviceable to him therein, to help him to heads upon which to
enlarge the report of the expense. He did observe to me how obedient this
Parliament was for awhile, and the last sitting how they begun to differ,
and to carp at the King's officers; and what they will do now, he says,
is to make agreement for the money, for there is no guess to be made of
it. He told me he was prepared to convince the Parliament that the
Subsidys are a most ridiculous tax (the four last not rising to L40,000),
and unequall. He talks of a tax of Assessment of L70,000 for five years;
the people to be secured that it shall continue no longer than there is
really a warr; and the charges thereof to be paid. He told me, that one
year of the late Dutch warr cost L1,623,000. Thence to my Lord
Chancellor's, and there staid long with Sir W. Batten and Sir J. Minnes,
to speak with my lord about our Prize Office business; but, being sicke
and full of visitants, we could not speak with him, and so away home.
Where Sir Richard Ford did meet us with letters from Holland this day,
that it is likely the Dutch fleete will not come out this year; they have
not victuals to keep them out, and it is likely they will be frozen
before they can get back. Captain Cocke is made Steward for sick and
wounded seamen. So home to supper, where troubled to hear my poor boy
Tom has a fit of the stone, or some other pain like it. I must consult
Mr. Holliard for him. So at one in the morning home to bed.
23rd. Up and to my office, where close all the morning about my Lord
Treasurer's accounts, and at noon home to dinner, and then to the office
all the afternoon very busy till very late at night, and then to supper
and to bed. This evening Mr. Hollyard came to me and told me that he hath
searched my boy, and he finds he hath a stone in his bladder, which
grieves me to the heart, he being a good-natured and well-disposed boy,
and more that it should be my misfortune to have him come to my house.
Sir G. Carteret was here this afternoon; and strange to see how we plot
to make the charge of this warr to appear greater than it is, because of
getting money.
24th. Up and to the office, where all the morning busy answering of
people. About noon out with Commissioner Pett, and he and I to a
Coffee-house, to drink jocolatte, very good; and so by coach to
Westminster, being the first day of the Parliament's meeting. After the
House had received the King's speech, and what more he had to say,
delivered in writing, the Chancellor being sicke, it rose, and I with Sir
Philip Warwicke home and conferred our matters about the charge of the
Navy, and have more to give him in the excessive charge of this year's
expense. I dined with him, and Mr. Povy with us and Sir Edmund Pooly, a
fine gentleman, and Mr. Chichly, and fine discourse we had and fine
talke, being proud to see myself accepted in such company and thought
better than I am. After dinner Sir Philip and I to talk again, and then
away home to the office, where sat late; beginning our sittings now in
the afternoon, because of the Parliament; and they being rose, I to my
office, where late till almost one o'clock, and then home to bed.
25th. Up and at my office all the morning, to prepare an account of the
charge we have been put to extraordinary by the Dutch already; and I have
brought it to appear L852,700; but God knows this is only a scare to the
Parliament, to make them give the more money. Thence to the Parliament
House, and there did give it to Sir Philip Warwicke; the House being hot
upon giving the King a supply of money, and I by coach to the 'Change and
took up Mr. Jenings along with me (my old acquaintance), he telling me
the mean manner that Sir Samuel Morland lives near him, in a house he
hath bought and laid out money upon, in all to the value of L1200, but is
believed to be a beggar; and so I ever thought he would be. From the
'Change with Mr. Deering and Luellin to the White Horse tavern in Lombard
Street, and there dined with them, he giving me a dish of meat to
discourse in order to my serving Deering, which I am already obliged to
do, and shall do it, and would be glad he were a man trusty that I might
venture something along with him. Thence home, and by and by in the
evening took my wife out by coach, leaving her at Unthanke's while I to
White Hall and to Westminster Hall, where I have not been to talk a great
while, and there hear that Mrs. Lane and her husband live a sad life
together, and he is gone to be a paymaster to a company to Portsmouth to
serve at sea. She big with child. Thence I home, calling my wife, and at
Sir W. Batten's hear that the House have given the King L2,500,000 to be
paid for this warr, only for the Navy, in three years' time; which is a
joyfull thing to all the King's party I see, but was much opposed by Mr.
Vaughan and others, that it should be so much. So home and to supper and
to bed.
26th. Up and to the office, where busy all the morning. Home a while to
dinner and then to the office, where very late busy till quite weary, but
contented well with my dispatch of business, and so home to supper and to
bed.
27th (Lord's day). To church in the morning, then dined at home, and to
my office, and there all the afternoon setting right my business of
flaggs, and after all my pains find reason not to be sorry, because I
think it will bring me considerable profit. In the evening come Mr.
Andrews and Hill, and we sung, with my boy, Ravenscroft's 4-part psalms,
most admirable musique. Then (Andrews not staying) we to supper, and
after supper fell into the rarest discourse with Mr. Hill about Rome and
Italy; but most pleasant that I ever had in my life. At it very late and
then to bed.
28th. Up, and with Sir J. Minnes and W. Batten to White Hall, but no
Committee of Lords (which is like to do the King's business well). So to
Westminster, and there to Jervas's and was a little while with Jane, and
so to London by coach and to the Coffee-house, where certain news of our
peace made by Captain Allen with Argier, which is good news; and that the
Dutch have sent part of their fleete round by Scotland; and resolve to
pay off the rest half-pay, promising the rest in the Spring, hereby
keeping their men. But how true this, I know not. Home to dinner, then
come Dr. Clerke to speak with me about sick and wounded men, wherein he
is like to be concerned. After him Mr. Cutler, and much talk with him,
and with him to White Hall, to have waited on the Lords by order, but no
meeting, neither to-night, which will spoil all. I think I shall get
something by my discourse with Cutler. So home, and after being at my
office an hour with Mr. Povy talking about his business of Tangier,
getting him some money allowed him for freight of ships, wherein I hope
to get something too. He gone, home hungry and almost sick for want of
eating, and so to supper and to bed.
29th. Up, and with Sir W. Batten to the Committee of Lords at the
Council Chamber, where Sir G. Carteret told us what he had said to the
King, and how the King inclines to our request of making us Commissioners
of the Prize office, but meeting him anon in the gallery, he tells me
that my Lord Barkely is angry we should not acquaint him with it, so I
found out my Lord and pacified him, but I know not whether he was so in
earnest or no, for he looked very frowardly. Thence to the Parliament
House, and with Sir W. Batten home and dined with him, my wife being gone
to my Lady Sandwich's, and then to the office, where we sat all the
afternoon, and I at my office till past 12 at night, and so home to bed.
This day I hear that the King should say that the Dutch do begin to
comply with him. Sir John Robinson told Sir W. Batten that he heard the
King say so. I pray God it may be so.
30th. Up, and with Sir W. Batten and Sir J. Minnes to the Committee of
the Lords, and there did our business; but, Lord! what a sorry dispatch
these great persons give to business. Thence to the 'Change, and there
hear the certainty and circumstances of the Dutch having called in their
fleete and paid their men half-pay, the other to be paid them upon their
being ready upon beat of drum to come to serve them again, and in the
meantime to have half-pay. This is said. Thence home to dinner, and so
to my office all the afternoon. In the evening my wife and Sir W. Warren
with me to White Hall, sending her with the coach to see her father and
mother. He and I up to Sir G. Carteret, and first I alone and then both
had discourse with him about things of the Navy, and so I and he calling
my wife at Unthanke's, home again, and long together talking how to order
things in a new contract for Norway goods, as well to the King's as to
his advantage. He gone, I to my monthly accounts, and, bless God! I
find I have increased my last balance, though but little; but I hope ere
long to get more. In the meantime praise God for what I have, which is
L1209. So, with my heart glad to see my accounts fall so right in this
time of mixing of monies and confusion, I home to bed.
ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
About several businesses, hoping to get money by them
After many protestings by degrees I did arrive at what I would
All ended in love
Below what people think these great people say and do
Even to the having bad words with my wife, and blows too
Expected musique, the missing of which spoiled my dinner
Gadding abroad to look after beauties
Greatest businesses are done so superficially
Little children employed, every one to do something
Meazles, we fear, or, at least, of a scarlett feavour
My leg fell in a hole broke on the bridge
My wife was angry with me for not coming home, and for gadding
Not the greatest wits, but the steady man
Rotten teeth and false, set in with wire
Till 12 at night, and then home to supper and to bed
What a sorry dispatch these great persons give to business
What is there more to be had of a woman than the possessing her
Where a trade hath once been and do decay, it never recovers
End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Diary of Samuel Pepys, v35
by Samuel Pepys, Unabridged, transcribed by Bright, edited by Wheatley
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.
DECEMBER
1664
December 1st. Up betimes and to White Hall to a Committee of Tangier,
and so straight home and hard to my business at my office till noon, then
to dinner, and so to my office, and by and by we sat all the afternoon,
then to my office again till past one in the morning, and so home to
supper and to bed.
2nd. Lay long in bed. Then up and to the office, where busy all the
morning. At home dined. After dinner with my wife and Mercer to the
Duke's House, and there saw "The Rivalls," which I had seen before; but
the play not good, nor anything but the good actings of Betterton and his
wife and Harris. Thence homeward, and the coach broke with us in
Lincoln's Inn Fields, and so walked to Fleete Streete, and there took
coach and home, and to my office, whither by and by comes Captain Cocke,
and then Sir W. Batten, and we all to Sir J. Minnes, and I did give them
a barrel of oysters I had given to me, and so there sat and talked, where
good discourse of the late troubles, they knowing things, all of them,
very well; and Cocke, from the King's own mouth, being then entrusted
himself much, do know particularly that the King's credulity to
Cromwell's promises, private to him, against the advice of his friends
and the certain discovery of the practices and discourses of Cromwell in
council (by Major Huntington)
[According to Clarendon the officer here alluded to was a major in
Cromwell's own regiment of horse, and employed by him to treat with
Charles I. whilst at Hampton Court; but being convinced of the
insincerity of the proceeding, communicated his suspicions to that
monarch, and immediately gave up his commission. We hear no more of
Huntington till the Restoration, when his name occurs with those of
many other officers, who tendered their services to the king. His
reasons for laying down his commission are printed in Thurloe's
"State Papers" and Maseres's "Tracts."--B.]
did take away his life and nothing else. Then to some loose atheisticall
discourse of Cocke's, when he was almost drunk, and then about 11 o'clock
broke up, and I to my office, to fit up an account for Povy, wherein I
hope to get something. At it till almost two o'clock, then to supper and
to bed.
3rd. Up, and at the office all the morning, and at noon to Mr. Cutler's,
and there dined with Sir W. Rider and him, and thence Sir W. Rider and I
by coach to White Hall to a Committee of the Fishery; there only to hear
Sir Edward Ford's proposal about farthings, wherein, O God! to see almost
every body interested for him; only my Lord Annesly, who is a grave,
serious man. My Lord Barkeley was there, but is the most hot, fiery man
in discourse, without any cause, that ever I saw, even to breach of
civility to my Lord Anglesey, in his discourse opposing to my Lord's. At
last, though without much satisfaction to me, it was voted that it should
be requested of the King, and that Sir Edward Ford's proposal is the best
yet made. Thence by coach home. The Duke of Yorke being expected
to-night with great joy from Portsmouth, after his having been abroad at
sea three or four days with the fleete; and the Dutch are all drawn into
their harbours. But it seems like a victory: and a matter of some
reputation to us it is, and blemish to them; but in no degree like what
it is esteemed at, the weather requiring them to do so. Home and at my
office late, and then to supper and to bed.
4th (Lord's day). Lay long in bed, and then up and to my office, there
to dispatch a business in order to the getting something out of the
Tangier business, wherein I have an opportunity to get myself paid upon
the score of freight. I hope a good sum. At noon home to dinner, and
then in the afternoon to church. So home, and by and by comes Mr. Hill
and Andrews, and sung together long and with great content. Then to
supper and broke up. Pretty discourse, very pleasant and ingenious, and
so to my office a little, and then home (after prayers) to bed. This day
I hear the Duke of Yorke is come to towne, though expected last night, as
I observed, but by what hindrance stopped I can't tell.
5th. Up, and to White Hall with Sir J. Minnes; and there, among an
infinite crowd of great persons, did kiss the Duke's hand; but had no
time to discourse. Thence up and down the gallery, and got my Lord of
Albemarle's hand to my bill for Povy, but afterwards was asked some
scurvy questions by Povy about my demands, which troubled [me], but will
do no great hurt I think. Thence vexed home, and there by appointment
comes my cozen Roger Pepys and Mrs. Turner, and dined with me, and very
merry we were. They staid all the afternoon till night, and then after I
had discoursed an hour with Sir W. Warren plainly declaring my resolution
to desert him if he goes on to join with Castle, who and his family I,
for great provocation, love not, which he takes with some trouble, but
will concur in everything with me, he says. Now I am loth, I confess, to
lose him, he having been the best friend I have had ever in this office.
So he being gone, we all, it being night, in Madam Turner's coach to her
house, there to see, as she tells us, how fat Mrs. The. is grown, and so
I find her, but not as I expected, but mightily pleased I am to hear the
mother commend her daughter Betty that she is like to be a great beauty,
and she sets much by her. Thence I to White Hall, and there saw Mr.
Coventry come to towne, and, with all my heart, am glad to see him, but
could have no talke with him, he being but just come. Thence back and
took up my wife, and home, where a while, and then home to supper and to
bed.
5th. Up, and in Sir W. Batten's coach to White Hall, but the Duke being
gone forth, I to Westminster Hall, and there spent much time till towards
noon to and fro with people. So by and by Mrs. Lane comes and plucks me
by the cloak to speak to me, and I was fain to go to her shop, and
pretending to buy some bands made her go home, and by and by followed
her, and there did what I would with her, and so after many discourses
and her intreating me to do something for her husband, which I promised
to do, and buying a little band of her, which I intend to keep to, I took
leave, there coming a couple of footboys to her with a coach to fetch her
abroad I know not to whom. She is great with child, and she says I must
be godfather, but I do not intend it. Thence by coach to the Old
Exchange, and there hear that the Dutch are fitting their ships out
again, which puts us to new discourse, and to alter our thoughts of the
Dutch, as to their want of courage or force. Thence by appointment to
the White Horse Taverne in Lumbard Streete, and there dined with my Lord
Rutherford, Povy, Mr. Gauden, Creed, and others, and very merry, and
after dinner among other things Povy and I withdrew, and I plainly told
him that I was concerned in profit, but very justly, in this business of
the Bill that I have been these two or three days about, and he consents
to it, and it shall be paid. He tells me how he believes, and in part
knows, Creed to be worth L10,000; nay, that now and then he [Povy] hath
three or L4,000 in his hands, for which he gives the interest that the
King gives, which is ten per cent., and that Creed do come and demand it
every three months the interest to be paid him, which Povy looks upon as
a cunning and mean tricke of him; but for all that, he will do and is
very rich. Thence to the office, where we sat and where Mr. Coventry
came the first time after his return from sea, which I was glad of. So
after office to my office, and then home to supper, and to my office
again, and then late home to bed.
7th. Lay long, then up, and among others Bagwell's wife coming to speak
with me put new thoughts of folly into me which I am troubled at. Thence
after doing business at my office, I by coach to my Lady Sandwich's, and
there dined with her, and found all well and merry. Thence to White
Hall, and we waited on the Duke, who looks better than he did, methinks,
before his voyage; and, I think, a little more stern than he used to do.
Thence to the Temple to my cozen Roger Pepys, thinking to have met the
Doctor to have discoursed our business, but he came not, so I home, and
there by agreement came my Lord Rutherford, Povy, Gauden, Creed, Alderman
Backewell, about Tangier business of accounts between Rutherford and
Gauden. Here they were with me an hour or more, then after drinking
away, and Povy and Creed staid and eat with me; but I was sorry I had no
better cheer for Povy; for the foole may be useful, and is a cunning
fellow in his way, which is a strange one, and that, that I meet not in
any other man, nor can describe in him. They late with me, and when gone
my boy and I to musique, and then to bed.
8th. Up, and to my office, where all the morning busy. At noon dined at
home, and then to the office, where we sat all the afternoon. In the
evening comes my aunt and uncle Wight, Mrs. Norbury, and her daughter,
and after them Mr. Norbury, where no great pleasure, my aunt being out of
humour in her fine clothes, and it raining hard. Besides, I was a little
too bold with her about her doating on Dr. Venner. Anon they went away,
and I till past 12 at night at my office, and then home to bed.
9th. Up betimes and walked to Mr. Povy's, and there, not without some
few troublesome questions of his, I got a note, and went and received
L117 5s. of Alderman Viner upon my pretended freight of the "William" for
Tangier, which overbears me on one side with joy and on the other to
think of my condition if I shall be called into examination about it,
and (though in strictness it is due) not be able to give a good account
of it. Home with it, and there comes Captain Taylor to me, and he and I
did set even the business of the ship Union lately gone for Tangier,
wherein I hope to get L50 more, for all which the Lord be praised. At
noon home to dinner, Mr. Hunt and his wife with us, and very pleasant.
Then in the afternoon I carried them home by coach, and I to Westminster
Hall, and thence to Gervas's, and there find I cannot prevail with Jane
to go forth with me, but though I took a good occasion of going to the
Trumpet she declined coming, which vexed me. 'Je avait grande envie
envers elle, avec vrai amour et passion'. Thence home and to my office
till one in the morning, setting to rights in writing this day's two
accounts of Povy and Taylor, and then quietly to bed. This day I had
several letters from several places, of our bringing in great numbers of
Dutch ships.
10th. Lay long, at which I am ashamed, because of so many people
observing it that know not how late I sit up, and for fear of Sir W.
Batten's speaking of it to others, he having staid for me a good while.
At the office all the morning, where comes my Lord Brunkard with his
patent in his hand, and delivered it to Sir J. Minnes and myself, we
alone being there all the day, and at noon I in his coach with him to the
'Change, where he set me down; a modest civil person he seems to be, but
wholly ignorant in the business of the Navy as possible, but I hope to
make a friend of him, being a worthy man. Thence after hearing the great
newes of so many Dutchmen being brought in to Portsmouth and elsewhere,
which it is expected will either put them upon present revenge or
despair, I with Sir W. Rider and Cutler to dinner all alone to the Great
James, where good discourse, and, I hope, occasion of getting something
hereafter. After dinner to White Hall to the Fishery, where the Duke was
with us. So home, and late at my office, writing many letters, then home
to supper and to bed. Yesterday come home, and this night I visited Sir
W. Pen, who dissembles great respect and love to me, but I understand him
very well. Major Holmes is come from Guinny, and is now at Plymouth with
great wealth, they say.
11th (Lord's day). Up and to church alone in the morning. Dined at
home, mighty pleasantly. In the afternoon I to the French church, where
much pleased with the three sisters of the parson, very handsome,
especially in their noses, and sing prettily. I heard a good sermon of
the old man, touching duty to parents. Here was Sir Samuel Morland and
his lady very fine, with two footmen in new liverys (the church taking
much notice of them), and going into their coach after sermon with great
gazeing. So I home, and my cozen, Mary Pepys's husband, comes after me,
and told me that out of the money he received some months since he did
receive 18d. too much, and did now come and give it me, which was very
pretty. So home, and there found Mr. Andrews and his lady, a well-bred
and a tolerable pretty woman, and by and by Mr. Hill and to singing, and
then to supper, then to sing again, and so good night. To prayers and
tonight [bed]. It is a little strange how these Psalms of Ravenscroft
after 2 or 3 times singing prove but the same again, though good. No
diversity appearing at all almost.
12th. Up, and with Sir W. Batten by coach to White Hall, where all of us
with the Duke; Mr. Coventry privately did tell me the reason of his
advice against our pretences to the Prize Office (in his letter from
Portsmouth), because he knew that the King and the Duke had resolved to
put in some Parliament men that have deserved well, and that would needs
be obliged, by putting them in. Thence homeward, called at my
bookseller's and bespoke some books against the year's out, and then to
the 'Change, and so home to dinner, and then to the office, where my Lord
Brunkard comes and reads over part of our Instructions in the Navy--and I
expounded it to him, so he is become my disciple. He gone, comes Cutler
to tell us that the King of France hath forbid any canvass to be carried
out of his kingdom, and I to examine went with him to the East India
house to see a letter, but came too late. So home again, and there late
till 12 at night at my office, and then home to supper and to bed. This
day (to see how things are ordered in the world), I had a command from
the Earle of Sandwich, at Portsmouth, not to be forward with Mr. Cholmly
and Sir J. Lawson about the Mole at Tangier, because that what I do
therein will (because of his friendship to me known) redound against him,
as if I had done it upon his score. So I wrote to my Lord my mistake,
and am contented to promise never to pursue it more, which goes against
my mind with all my heart.
13th. Lay long in bed, then up, and many people to speak with me. Then
to my office, and dined at noon at home, then to the office again, where
we sat all the afternoon, and then home at night to a little supper, and
so after my office again at 12 at night home to bed.
14th. Up, and after a while at the office, I abroad in several places,
among others to my bookseller's, and there spoke for several books
against New Year's day, I resolving to lay out about L7 or L8, God having
given me some profit extraordinary of late; and bespoke also some plate,
spoons, and forks. I pray God keep me from too great expenses, though
these will still be pretty good money. Then to the 'Change, and I home
to dinner, where Creed and Mr. Caesar, my boy's lute master, who plays
indeed mighty finely, and after dinner I abroad, parting from Creed, and
away to and fro, laying out or preparing for laying out more money, but I
hope and resolve not to exceed therein, and to-night spoke for some fruit
for the country for my father against Christmas, and where should I do
it, but at the pretty woman's, that used to stand at the doore in
Fanchurch Streete, I having a mind to know her. So home, and late at my
office, evening reckonings with Shergoll, hoping to get money by the
business, and so away home to supper and to bed, not being very well
through my taking cold of late, and so troubled with some wind.
15th. Called up very betimes by Mr. Cholmly, and with him a good while
about some of his Tangier accounts; and, discoursing of the condition of
Tangier, he did give me the whole account of the differences between
Fitzgerald and Norwood, which were very high on both sides, but most
imperious and base on Fitzgerald's, and yet through my Lord FitzHarding's
means, the Duke of York is led rather to blame Norwood and to speake that
he should be called home, than be sensible of the other. He is a
creature of FitzHarding's, as a fellow that may be done with what he
will, and, himself certainly pretending to be Generall of the King's
armies, when Monk dyeth, desires to have as few great or wise men in
employment as he can now, but such as he can put in and keep under, which
he do this coxcomb Fitzgerald. It seems, of all mankind there is no man
so led by another as the Duke is by Lord Muskerry and this FitzHarding.
insomuch, as when the King would have him to be Privy-Purse, the Duke
wept, and said, "But, Sir, I must have your promise, if you will have my
dear Charles from me, that if ever you have occasion for an army again, I
may have him with me; believing him to be the best commander of an army
in the world." But Mr. Cholmly thinks, as all other men I meet with do,
that he is a very ordinary fellow. It is strange how the Duke also do
love naturally, and affect the Irish above the English. He, of the
company he carried with him to sea, took above two-thirds Irish and
French. He tells me the King do hate my Lord Chancellor; and that they,
that is the King and my Lord FitzHarding, do laugh at him for a dull
fellow; and in all this business of the Dutch war do nothing by his
advice, hardly consulting him. Only he is a good minister in other
respects, and the King cannot be without him; but, above all, being the
Duke's father-in-law, he is kept in; otherwise FitzHarding were able to
fling down two of him. This, all the wise and grave lords see, and
cannot help it; but yield to it. But he bemoans what the end of it may
be, the King being ruled by these men, as he hath been all along since
his coming; to the razing all the strong-holds in Scotland, and giving
liberty to the Irish in Ireland, whom Cromwell had settled all in one
corner; who are now able, and it is feared everyday a massacre again
among them. He being gone I abroad to the carrier's, to see some things
sent away to my father against Christmas, and thence to Moorfields, and
there up and down to several houses to drink to look for a place 'pour
rencontrer la femme de je sais quoi' against next Monday, but could meet
none. So to the Coffeehouse, where great talke of the Comet seen in
several places; and among our men at sea, and by my Lord Sandwich, to
whom I intend to write about it to-night. Thence home to dinner, and
then to the office, where all the afternoon, and in the evening home to
supper, and then to the office late, and so to bed. This night I begun
to burn wax candles in my closett at the office, to try the charge, and
to see whether the smoke offends like that of tallow candles.
16th. Up, and by water to Deptford, thinking to have met 'la femme de'
Bagwell, but failed, and having done some business at the yard, I back
again, it being a fine fresh morning to walk. Back again, Mr. Wayth
walking with me to Half-Way House talking about Mr. Castle's fine knees
lately delivered in. In which I am well informed that they are not as
they should be to make them knees, and I hope shall make good use of it
to the King's service. Thence home, and having dressed myself, to the
'Change, and thence home to dinner, and so abroad by coach with my wife,
and bought a looking glasse by the Old Exchange, which costs me L5 5s.
and 6s. for the hooks. A very fair glasse. So toward my cozen Scott's,
but meeting my Lady Sandwich's coach, my wife turned back to follow them,
thinking they might, as they did, go to visit her, and I 'light and to
Mrs. Harman, and there staid and talked in her shop with her, and much
pleased I am with her. We talked about Anthony Joyce's giving over trade
and that he intends to live in lodgings, which is a very mad, foolish
thing. She tells me she hears and believes it is because he, being now
begun to be called on offices, resolves not to take the new oathe, he
having formerly taken the Covenant or Engagement, but I think he do very
simply and will endeavour for his wife's sake to advise him therein.
Thence to my cozen Scott's, and there met my cozen Roger Pepys, and Mrs.
Turner, and The. and Joyce, and prated all the while, and so with the
"corps" to church and heard a very fine sermon of the Parson of the
parish, and so homeward with them in their coach, but finding it too late
to go home with me, I took another coach and so home, and after a while
at my office, home to supper and to bed.
17th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning. At noon I to
the 'Change, and there, among others, had my first meeting with Mr.
L'Estrange, who hath endeavoured several times to speak with me. It is
to get, now and then, some newes of me, which I shall, as I see cause,
give him. He is a man of fine conversation, I think, but I am sure most
courtly and full of compliments. Thence home to dinner, and then come
the looking-glass man to set up the looking-glass I bought yesterday, in
my dining-room, and very handsome it is. So abroad by coach to White
Hall, and there to the Committee of Tangier, and then the Fishing. Mr.
Povy did in discourse give me a rub about my late bill for money that I
did get of him, which vexed me and stuck in my mind all this evening,
though I know very well how to cleare myself at the worst. So home and
to my office, where late, and then home to bed. Mighty talke there is of
this Comet that is seen a'nights; and the King and Queene did sit up last
night to see it, and did, it seems. And to-night I thought to have done
so too; but it is cloudy, and so no stars appear. But I will endeavour
it. Mr. Gray did tell me to-night, for certain, that the Dutch, as high
as they seem, do begin to buckle; and that one man in this Kingdom did
tell the King that he is offered L40,000 to make a peace, and others have
been offered money also. It seems the taking of their Bourdeaux fleete
thus, arose from a printed Gazette of the Dutch's boasting of fighting,
and having beaten the English: in confidence whereof (it coming to
Bourdeaux), all the fleete comes out, and so falls into our hands.
18th (Lord's day). To church, where, God forgive me! I spent most of my
time in looking [on] my new Morena--[a brunette]-- at the other side of
the church, an acquaintance of Pegg Pen's. So home to dinner, and then
to my chamber to read Ben Johnson's Cataline, a very excellent piece, and
so to church again, and thence we met at the office to hire ships, being
in great haste and having sent for several masters of ships to come to
us. Then home, and there Mr. Andrews and Hill come and we sung finely,
and by and by Mr. Fuller, the Parson, and supped with me, he and a friend
of his, but my musique friends would not stay supper. At and after
supper Mr. Fuller and I told many storys of apparitions and delusions
thereby, and I out with my storys of Tom Mallard. He gone, I a little to
my office, and then to prayers and to bed.
19th. Going to bed betimes last night we waked betimes, and from our
people's being forced to take the key to go out to light a candle, I was
very angry and begun to find fault with my wife for not commanding her
servants as she ought. Thereupon she giving me some cross answer I did
strike her over her left eye such a blow as the poor wretch did cry out
and was in great pain, but yet her spirit was such as to endeavour to
bite and scratch me. But I coying--[stroking or caressing]-- with her
made her leave crying, and sent for butter and parsley, and friends
presently one with another, and I up, vexed at my heart to think what I
had done, for she was forced to lay a poultice or something to her eye
all day, and is black, and the people of the house observed it. But I
was forced to rise, and up and with Sir J. Minnes to White Hall, and
there we waited on the Duke. And among other things Mr. Coventry took
occasion to vindicate himself before the Duke and us, being all there,
about the choosing of Taylor for Harwich. Upon which the Duke did clear
him, and did tell us that he did expect, that, after he had named a man,
none of us shall then oppose or find fault with the man; but if we had
anything to say, we ought to say it before he had chose him. Sir G.
Carteret thought himself concerned, and endeavoured to clear himself: and
by and by Sir W. Batten did speak, knowing himself guilty, and did
confess, that being pressed by the Council he did say what he did, that
he was accounted a fanatique; but did not know that at that time he had
been appointed by his Royal Highness. To which the Duke [replied] that
it was impossible but he must know that he had appointed him; and so it
did appear that the Duke did mean all this while Sir W. Batten. So by
and by we parted, and Mr. Coventry did privately tell me that he did this
day take this occasion to mention the business to give the Duke an
opportunity of speaking his mind to Sir W. Batten in this business, of
which I was heartily glad. Thence home, and not finding Bagwell's wife
as I expected, I to the 'Change and there walked up and down, and then
home, and she being come I bid her go and stay at Mooregate for me, and
after going up to my wife (whose eye is very bad, but she is in very good
temper to me), and after dinner I to the place and walked round the
fields again and again, but not finding her I to the 'Change, and there
found her waiting for me and took her away, and to an alehouse, and there
I made much of her, and then away thence and to another and endeavoured
to caress her, but 'elle ne voulait pas', which did vex me, but I think
it was chiefly not having a good easy place to do it upon. So we broke
up and parted and I to the office, where we sat hiring of ships an hour
or two, and then to my office, and thence (with Captain Taylor home to my
house) to give him instructions and some notice of what to his great
satisfaction had happened to-day. Which I do because I hope his coming
into this office will a little cross Sir W. Batten and may do me good.
He gone, I to supper with my wife, very pleasant, and then a little to my
office and to bed. My mind, God forgive me, too much running upon what I
can 'ferais avec la femme de Bagwell demain', having promised to go to
Deptford and 'a aller a sa maison avec son mari' when I come thither.
20th. Up and walked to Deptford, where after doing something at the yard
I walked, without being observed, with Bagwell home to his house, and
there was very kindly used, and the poor people did get a dinner for me
in their fashion, of which I also eat very well. After dinner I found
occasion of sending him abroad, and then alone 'avec elle je tentais a
faire ce que je voudrais et contre sa force je le faisais biens que passe
a mon contentment'. By and by he coming back again I took leave and
walked home, and then there to dinner, where Dr. Fayrebrother come to see
me and Luellin. We dined, and I to the office, leaving them, where we
sat all the afternoon, and I late at the office. To supper and to the
office again very late, then home to bed.
21st. Up, and after evening reckonings to this day with Mr. Bridges, the
linnen draper, for callicos, I out to Doctors' Commons, where by
agreement my cozen Roger and I did meet my cozen Dr. Tom Pepys, and there
a great many and some high words on both sides, but I must confess I was
troubled; first, to find my cozen Roger such a simple but well-meaning
man as he is; next to think that my father, out of folly and vain glory,
should now and then (as by their words I gather) be speaking how he had
set up his son Tom with his goods and house, and now these words are
brought against him--I fear to the depriving him of all the profit the
poor man intended to make of the lease of his house and sale of his owne
goods. I intend to make a quiet end if I can with the Doctor, being a
very foul-tounged fool and of great inconvenience to be at difference
with such a one that will make the base noise about it that he will.
Thence, very much vexed to find myself so much troubled about other men's
matters, I to Mrs. Turner's, in Salsbury Court, and with her a little,
and carried her, the porter staying for me, our eagle, which she desired
the other day, and we were glad to be rid of her, she fouling our house
of office mightily. They are much pleased with her. And thence I home
and after dinner to the office, where Sir W. Rider and Cutler come, and
in dispute I very high with them against their demands, I hope to no hurt
to myself, for I was very plain with them to the best of my reason. So
they gone I home to supper, then to the office again and so home to bed.
My Lord Sandwich this day writes me word that he hath seen (at
Portsmouth) the Comet, and says it is the most extraordinary thing that
ever he saw.
22nd. Up and betimes to my office, and then out to several places, among
others to Holborne to have spoke with one Mr. Underwood about some
English hemp, he lies against Gray's Inn. Thereabouts I to a barber's
shop to have my hair cut, and there met with a copy of verses, mightily
commended by some gentlemen there, of my Lord Mordaunt's, in excuse of
his going to sea this late expedition, with the Duke of Yorke. But,
Lord! they are but sorry things; only a Lord made them. Thence to the
'Change; and there, among the merchants, I hear fully the news of our
being beaten to dirt at Guinny, by De Ruyter with his fleete. The
particulars, as much as by Sir G. Carteret afterwards I heard, I have
said in a letter to my Lord Sandwich this day at Portsmouth; it being
most wholly to the utter ruine of our Royall Company, and reproach and
shame to the whole nation, as well as justification to them in their
doing wrong to no man as to his private [property], only takeing whatever
is found to belong to the Company, and nothing else. Dined at the
Dolphin, Sir G. Carteret, Sir J. Minnes, Sir W. Batten, and I, with Sir
W. Boreman and Sir Theophilus Biddulph and others, Commissioners of the
Sewers, about our place below to lay masts in. But coming a little too
soon, I out again, and tooke boat down to Redriffe; and just in time
within two minutes, and saw the new vessel of Sir William Petty's
launched, the King and Duke being there.
[Pepys was wrong as to the name of Sir William Petty's new
doublekeeled boat. On February 13th, 1664-65, he gives the correct
title, which was "The Experiment."]
It swims and looks finely, and I believe will do well. The name I think
is Twilight, but I do not know certainly. Coming away back immediately
to dinner, where a great deal of good discourse, and Sir G. Carteret's
discourse of this Guinny business, with great displeasure at the losse of
our honour there, and do now confess that the trade brought all these
troubles upon us between the Dutch and us. Thence to the office and
there sat late, then I to my office and there till 12 at night, and so
home to bed weary.
23rd. Up and to my office, then come by appointment cozen Tom Trice to
me, and I paid him the L20 remaining due to him upon the bond of L100
given him by agreement November, 1663, to end the difference between us
about my aunt's, his mother's, money. And here, being willing to know
the worst, I told him, "I hope now there is nothing remaining between you
and I of future dispute." "No," says he, "nothing at all that I know of,
but only a small matter of about 20 or 30s. that my father Pepys received
for me of rent due to me in the country, which I will in a day or two
bring you an account of," and so we parted. Dined at home upon a good
turkey which Mr. Sheply sent us, then to the office all the afternoon,
Mr. Cutler and others coming to me about business. I hear that the Dutch
have prepared a fleete to go the backway to the Streights, where without
doubt they will master our fleete. This put to that of Guinny makes me
fear them mightily, and certainly they are a most wise people, and
careful of their business. The King of France, they say, do declare
himself obliged to defend them, and lays claim by his Embassador to the
wines we have taken from the Dutch Bourdeaux men, and more, it is doubted
whether the Swede will be our friend or no. Pray God deliver us out of
these troubles! This day Sir W. Batten sent and afterwards spoke to me,
to have me and my wife come and dine with them on Monday next: which is a
mighty condescension in them, and for some great reason I am sure, or
else it pleases God by my late care of business to make me more
considerable even with them than I am sure they would willingly owne me
to be. God make me thankfull and carefull to preserve myself so, for I
am sure they hate me and it is hope or fear that makes them flatter me.
It being a bright night, which it has not been a great while, I purpose
to endeavour to be called in the morning to see the Comet, though I fear
we shall not see it, because it rises in the east but 16 degrees, and
then the houses will hinder us.
24th. Having sat up all night to past two o'clock this morning, our
porter, being appointed, comes and tells us that the bellman tells him
that the star is seen upon Tower Hill; so I, that had been all night
setting in order all my old papers in my chamber, did leave off all, and
my boy and I to Tower Hill, it being a most fine, bright moonshine night,
and a great frost; but no Comet to be seen. So after running once round
the Hill, I and Tom, we home and then to bed. Rose about 9 o'clock and
then to the office, where sitting all the morning. At noon to the
'Change, to the Coffee-house; and there heard Sir Richard Ford tell the
whole story of our defeat at Guinny. Wherein our men are guilty of the
most horrid cowardice and perfidiousness, as he says and tells it, that
ever Englishmen were. Captain Raynolds, that was the only commander of
any of the King's ships there, was shot at by De Ruyter, with a bloody
flag flying. He, instead of opposing (which, indeed, had been to no
purpose, but only to maintain honour), did poorly go on board himself, to
ask what De Ruyter would have; and so yielded to whatever Ruyter would
desire. The King and Duke are highly vexed at it, it seems, and the
business deserves it. Thence home to dinner, and then abroad to buy some
things, and among others to my bookseller's, and there saw several books
I spoke for, which are finely bound and good books to my great content.
So home and to my office, where late. This evening I being informed did
look and saw the Comet, which is now, whether worn away or no I know not,
but appears not with a tail, but only is larger and duller than any other
star, and is come to rise betimes, and to make a great arch, and is gone
quite to a new place in the heavens than it was before: but I hope in a
clearer night something more will be seen. So home to bed.
25th (Lord's day and Christmas day). Up (my wife's eye being ill still
of the blow I did in a passion give her on Monday last) to church alone,
where Mr. Mills, a good sermon. To dinner at home, where very pleasant
with my wife and family. After dinner I to Sir W. Batten's, and there
received so much good usage (as I have of late done) from him and my
Lady, obliging me and my wife, according to promise, to come and dine
with them to-morrow with our neighbours, that I was in pain all the day,
and night too after, to know how to order the business of my wife's not
going, and by discourse receive fresh instances of Sir J. Minnes's folly
in complaining to Sir G. Carteret of Sir W. Batten and me for some family
offences, such as my having of a stopcock to keepe the water from them,
which vexes me, but it would more but that Sir G. Carteret knows him very
well. Thence to the French church, but coming too late I returned and to
Mr. Rawlinson's church, where I heard a good sermon of one that I
remember was at Paul's with me, his name Maggett; and very great store of
fine women there is in this church, more than I know anywhere else about
us. So home and to my chamber, looking over and setting in order my
papers and books, and so to supper, and then to prayers and to bed.
26th. Up, and with Sir W. Pen to White Hall, and there with the rest did
our usual business before the Duke, and then with Sir W. Batten back and
to his house, where I by sicknesse excused my wife's coming to them
to-day. Thence I to the Coffeehouse, where much good discourse, and all
the opinion now is that the Dutch will avoid fighting with us at home,
but do all the hurte they can to us abroad; which it may be they may for
a while, but that, I think, cannot support them long. Thence to Sir W.
Batten's, where Mr. Coventry and all our families here, women and all,
and Sir R. Ford and his, and a great feast and good discourse and merry,
there all the afternoon and evening till late, only stepped in to see my
wife, then to my office to enter my day's work, and so home to bed, where
my people and wife innocently at cards very merry, and I to bed, leaving
them to their sport and blindman's buff.
27th. My people came to bed, after their sporting, at four o'clock in
the morning; I up at seven, and to Deptford and Woolwich in a gally; the
Duke calling to me out of the barge in which the King was with him going
down the river, to know whither I was going. I told him to Woolwich, but
was troubled afterward I should say no farther, being in a gally, lest he
think me too profuse in my journeys. Did several businesses, and then
back again by two o'clock to Sir J. Minnes's to dinner by appointment,
where all yesterday's company but Mr. Coventry, who could not come. Here
merry, and after an hour's chat I down to the office, where busy late,
and then home to supper and to bed. The Comet appeared again to-night,
but duskishly. I went to bed, leaving my wife and all her folks, and
Will also, too, come to make Christmas gambolls to-night.
28th. I waked in the morning about 6 o'clock and my wife not come to
bed; I lacked a pot, but there was none, and bitter cold, so was forced
to rise and piss in the chimney, and to bed again. Slept a little
longer, and then hear my people coming up, and so I rose, and my wife to
bed at eight o'clock in the morning, which vexed me a little, but I
believe there was no hurt in it all, but only mirthe, therefore took no
notice. I abroad with Sir W. Batten to the Council Chamber, where all of
us to discourse about the way of measuring ships and the freight fit to
give for them by the tun, where it was strange methought to hear so poor
discourses among the Lords themselves, and most of all to see how a
little empty matter delivered gravely by Sir W. Pen was taken mighty
well, though nothing in the earth to the purpose. But clothes,
I perceive more and more every day, is a great matter. Thence home
with Sir W. Batten by coach, and I home to dinner, finding my wife still
in bed. After dinner abroad, and among other things visited my Lady
Sandwich, and was there, with her and the young ladies, playing at cards
till night. Then home and to my office late, then home to bed, leaving
my wife and people up to more sports, but without any great satisfaction
to myself therein.
29th. Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning. Then whereas
I should have gone and dined with Sir W. Pen (and the rest of the
officers at his house), I pretended to dine with my Lady Sandwich and so
home, where I dined well, and began to wipe and clean my books in my
chamber in order to the settling of my papers and things there
thoroughly, and then to the office, where all the afternoon sitting, and
in the evening home to supper, and then to my work again.
30th. Lay very long in bed with my wife, it being very cold, and my wife
very full of a resolution to keepe within doors, not so much as to go to
church or see my Lady Sandwich before Easter next, which I am willing
enough to, though I seem the contrary. This and other talke kept me a-
bed till almost 10 a'clock. Then up and made an end of looking over all
my papers and books and taking everything out of my chamber to have all
made clean. At noon dined, and after dinner forth to several places to
pay away money, to clear myself in all the world, and, among others, paid
my bookseller L6 for books I had from him this day, and the silversmith
L22 18s. for spoons, forks, and sugar box, and being well pleased with
seeing my business done to my mind as to my meeting with people and
having my books ready for me, I home and to my office, and there did
business late, and then home to supper, prayers, and to bed.
31st. At the office all the morning, and after dinner there again,
dispatched first my letters, and then to my accounts, not of the month
but of the whole yeare also, and was at it till past twelve at night, it
being bitter cold; but yet I was well satisfied with my worke, and, above
all, to find myself, by the great blessing of God, worth L1349, by which,
as I have spent very largely, so I have laid up above L500 this yeare
above what I was worth this day twelvemonth. The Lord make me for ever
thankful to his holy name for it! Thence home to eat a little and so to
bed. Soon as ever the clock struck one, I kissed my wife in the kitchen
by the fireside, wishing her a merry new yeare, observing that I believe
I was the first proper wisher of it this year, for I did it as soon as
ever the clock struck one.
So ends the old yeare, I bless God, with great joy to me, not only from
my having made so good a yeare of profit, as having spent L420 and laid
up L540 and upwards; but I bless God I never have been in so good plight
as to my health in so very cold weather as this is, nor indeed in any hot
weather, these ten years, as I am at this day, and have been these four
or five months. But I am at a great losse to know whether it be my
hare's foote, or taking every morning of a pill of turpentine, or my
having left off the wearing of a gowne. My family is, my wife, in good
health, and happy with her; her woman Mercer, a pretty, modest, quiett
mayde; her chambermayde Besse, her cook mayde Jane, the little girl
Susan, and my boy, which I have had about half a yeare, Tom Edwards,
which I took from the King's chappell, and a pretty and loving quiett
family I have as any man in England. My credit in the world and my
office grows daily, and I am in good esteeme with everybody, I think.
My troubles of my uncle's estate pretty well over; but it comes to be but
of little profit to us, my father being much supported by my purse. But
great vexations remain upon my father and me from my brother Tom's death
and ill condition, both to our disgrace and discontent, though no great
reason for either. Publique matters are all in a hurry about a Dutch
warr. Our preparations great; our provocations against them great; and,
after all our presumption, we are now afeard as much of them, as we
lately contemned them. Every thing else in the State quiett, blessed be
God! My Lord Sandwich at sea with the fleete at Portsmouth; sending some
about to cruise for taking of ships, which we have done to a great
number. This Christmas I judged it fit to look over all my papers and
books; and to tear all that I found either boyish or not to be worth
keeping, or fit to be seen, if it should please God to take me away
suddenly. Among others, I found these two or three notes, which I
thought fit to keep.
ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
Irish in Ireland, whom Cromwell had settled all in one corner
Tear all that I found either boyish or not to be worth keeping
End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Diary of Samuel Pepys, v36
by Samuel Pepys, Unabridged, transcribed by Bright, edited by Wheatley
ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS, PEPY'S DIARY 1664, COMPLETE:
A real and not a complimentary acknowledgment
A mad merry slut she is
About several businesses, hoping to get money by them
After many protestings by degrees I did arrive at what I would
All divided that were bred so long at school together
All ended in love
All the men were dead of the plague, and the ship cast ashore
And with the great men in curing of their claps
At least 12 or 14,000 people in the street (to see the hanging)
Bath at the top of his house
Bearing more sayle will go faster than any other ships(multihull
Began discourse of my not getting of children
Below what people think these great people say and do
But the wench went, and I believe had her turn served
Came to bed to me, but all would not make me friends
Chatted with her, her husband out of the way
Could not saw above 4 inches of the stone in a day
Do look upon me as a remembrancer of his former vanity
Doubtfull of himself, and easily be removed from his own opinion
Drink a dish of coffee
Even to the having bad words with my wife, and blows too
Expected musique, the missing of which spoiled my dinner
Expressly taking care that nobody might see this business done
Fear of making her think me to be in a better condition
Fear all his kindness is but only his lust to her
Feared I might meet with some people that might know me
Fetch masts from New England
Few in any age that do mind anything that is abstruse
Find myself to over-value things when a child
Gadding abroad to look after beauties
Generally with corruption, but most indeed with neglect
God forgive me! what thoughts and wishes I had
Good writers are not admired by the present
Greatest businesses are done so superficially
Had no mind to meddle with her
Having some experience, but greater conceit of it than is fit
Hear something of the effects of our last meeting (pregnancy?)
Helping to slip their calfes when there is occasion
Her months upon her is gone to bed
Her impudent tricks and ways of getting money
How little to be presumed of in our greatest undertakings
I had agreed with Jane Welsh, but she came not, which vexed me
I do not like his being angry and in debt both together to me
I will not by any over submission make myself cheap
I slept soundly all the sermon
Ill from my late cutting my hair so close to my head
In my dining-room she was doing something upon the pott
In a hackney and full of people, was ashamed to be seen
Ireland in a very distracted condition
Irish in Ireland, whom Cromwell had settled all in one corner
Jane going into the boat did fall down and show her arse
King is mighty kind to these his bastard children
King still do doat upon his women, even beyond all shame
Lay long caressing my wife and talking
Let her brew as she has baked
Little children employed, every one to do something
Mankind pleasing themselves in the easy delights of the world
Meazles, we fear, or, at least, of a scarlett feavour
Methought very ill, or else I am grown worse to please
Mind to have her bring it home
Mrs. Lane was gone forth, and so I missed of my intent
My wife was angry with me for not coming home, and for gadding
My leg fell in a hole broke on the bridge
My wife made great means to be friends, coming to my bedside
Never to trust too much to any man in the world
New Netherlands to English rule, under the title of New York
Not well, and so had no pleasure at all with my poor wife
Not when we can, but when we list
Not the greatest wits, but the steady man
Nothing of the memory of a man, an houre after he is dead!
Now against her going into the country (lay together)
Periwigg he lately made me cleansed of its nits
Play good, but spoiled with the ryme, which breaks the sense
Pleased to look upon their pretty daughter
Pray God give me a heart to fear a fall, and to prepare for it!
Presse seamen, without which we cannot really raise men
Pretty sayings, which are generally like paradoxes
Reduced the Dutch settlement of New Netherlands to English rule
Rotten teeth and false, set in with wire
Ryme, which breaks the sense
Saw "The German Princess" acted, by the woman herself
Sent my wife to get a place to see Turner hanged
Shakespeare's plays
She had the cunning to cry a great while, and talk and blubber
She had got and used some puppy-dog water
Sheriffs did endeavour to get one jewell
Slabbering my band sent home for another
So home to prayers and to bed
Staid two hours with her kissing her, but nothing more
Strange slavery that I stand in to beauty
Subject to be put into a disarray upon very small occasions
Such open flattery is beastly
Talked with Mrs. Lane about persuading her to Hawly
Tear all that I found either boyish or not to be worth keeping
That hair by hair had his horse's tail pulled off indeed
Their saws have no teeth, but it is the sand only
There eat and drank, and had my pleasure of her twice
There did see Mrs. Lane. . . . .
These Lords are hard to be trusted
Things wear out of themselves and come fair again
Thinks she is with child, but I neither believe nor desire it
Till 12 at night, and then home to supper and to bed
To my Lord Sandwich, thinking to have dined there
Travels over the high hills in Asia above the clouds
Up, my mind very light from my last night's accounts
Upon a very small occasion had a difference again broke out
Very angry we were, but quickly friends again
Very high and very foule words from her to me
We do nothing in this office like people able to carry on a warr
Went against me to have my wife and servants look upon them
What wine you drinke, lett it bee at meales
What a sorry dispatch these great persons give to business
What is there more to be had of a woman than the possessing her
Where a trade hath once been and do decay, it never recovers
Wherein every party has laboured to cheat another
Willing to receive a bribe if it were offered me
Would either conform, or be more wise, and not be catched!
Would make a dogg laugh
End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Diary of Samuel Pepys, v37
by Samuel Pepys, Unabridged, transcribed by Bright, edited by Wheatley