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Title: Diary of Samuel Pepys, Oct/Nov 1664
Author: Samuel Pepys, Translator: Mynors Bright, Editor: Wheatley
Release Date: June, 2003 [Etext #4151]
[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.
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