Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete 1661 N.S.
by Samuel Pepys · English · Gutenberg #4131 · 435,227 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete 1661 N.S.
Author: Samuel Pepys
Editor: Baron Richard Griffin Braybrooke
Henry B. Wheatley
Translator: Mynors Bright
Release date: October 31, 2004 [eBook #4131]
Most recently updated: March 22, 2009
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/4131
Credits: Produced by David Widger
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS — COMPLETE 1661 N.S. ***
Produced by David Widger
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
1961
By Samuel Pepys
Edited With Additions By
Henry B. Wheatley F.S.A.
LONDON
GEORGE BELL & SONS YORK ST. COVENT GARDEN
CAMBRIDGE DEIGHTON BELL & CO.
1893
JANUARY 1660-1661
1660-61. At the end of the last and the beginning of this year, I do
live in one of the houses belonging to the Navy Office, as one of the
principal officers, and have done now about half a year. After much
trouble with workmen I am now almost settled; my family being, myself,
my wife, Jane, Will. Hewer, and Wayneman,--[Will Wayneman appears by
this to have been forgiven for his theft (see ante). He was dismissed
on July 8th, 1663.]--my girle's brother. Myself in constant good health,
and in a most handsome and thriving condition. Blessed be Almighty God
for it. I am now taking of my sister to come and live with me. As to
things of State.--The King settled, and loved of all. The Duke of York
matched to my Lord Chancellor's daughter, which do not please many.
The Queen upon her return to France with the Princess Henrietta. The
Princess of Orange lately dead, and we into new mourning for her. We
have been lately frighted with a great plot, and many taken up on it,
and the fright not quite over. The Parliament, which had done all
this great good to the King, beginning to grow factious, the King
did dissolve it December 29th last, and another likely to be chosen
speedily. I take myself now to be worth L300 clear in money, and all my
goods and all manner of debts paid, which are none at all.
January 1st. Called up this morning by Mr. Moore, who brought me my last
things for me to sign for the last month, and to my great comfort tells
me that my fees will come to L80 clear to myself, and about L25 for him,
which he hath got out of the pardons, though there be no fee due to me
at all out of them. Then comes in my brother Thomas, and after him my
father, Dr. Thomas Pepys, my uncle Fenner and his two sons (Anthony's'
only child dying this morning, yet he was so civil to come, and was
pretty merry) to breakfast; and I had for them a barrel of oysters, a
dish of neat's tongues, and a dish of anchovies, wine of all sorts, and
Northdown ale. We were very merry till about eleven o'clock, and then
they went away. At noon I carried my wife by coach to my cozen, Thomas
Pepys, where we, with my father, Dr. Thomas, cozen Stradwick, Scott, and
their wives, dined. Here I saw first his second wife, which is a very
respectfull woman, but his dinner a sorry, poor dinner for a man of his
estate, there being nothing but ordinary meat in it. To-day the King
dined at a lord's, two doors from us. After dinner I took my wife
to Whitehall, I sent her to Mrs. Pierces (where we should have dined
today), and I to the Privy Seal, where Mr. Moore took out all his money,
and he and I went to Mr. Pierces; in our way seeing the Duke of York
bring his Lady this day to wait upon the Queen, the first time that ever
she did since that great business; and the Queen is said to receive her
now with much respect and love; and there he cast up the fees, and I
told the money, by the same token one L100 bag, after I had told it,
fell all about the room, and I fear I have lost some of it. That done I
left my friends and went to my Lord's, but he being not come in I lodged
the money with Mr. Shepley, and bade good night to Mr. Moore, and so
returned to Mr. Pierces, and there supped with them, and Mr. Pierce, the
purser, and his wife and mine, where we had a calf's head carboned,
[Meat cut crosswise and broiled was said to be carboned. Falstaff
says in "King Henry IV.," Part L, act v., sc. 3, "Well, if Percy be
alive, I'll pierce him. If he do come in my way, so; if he do not,
if I come in his willingly, let him make a carbonado of me."]
but it was raw, we could not eat it, and a good hen. But she is such a
slut that I do not love her victualls. After supper I sent them home
by coach, and I went to my Lord's and there played till 12 at night
at cards at Best with J. Goods and N. Osgood, and then to bed with Mr.
Shepley.
2d. Up early, and being called up to my Lord he did give me many
commands in his business. As about taking care to write to my uncle that
Mr. Barnewell's papers should be locked up, in case he should die, he
being now suspected to be very ill. Also about consulting with Mr. W.
Montagu for the settling of the L4000 a-year that the King had promised
my Lord. As also about getting of Mr. George Montagu to be chosen at
Huntingdon this next Parliament, &c. That done he to White Hall stairs
with much company, and I with him; where we took water for Lambeth, and
there coach for Portsmouth. The Queen's things were all in White Hall
Court ready to be sent away, and her Majesty ready to be gone an hour
after to Hampton Court to-night, and so to be at Ports mouth on Saturday
next. I by water to my office, and there all the morning, and so home
to dinner, where I found Pall (my sister) was come; but I do not let her
sit down at table with me, which I do at first that she may not expect
it hereafter from me. After dinner I to Westminster by water, and there
found my brother Spicer at the Leg with all the rest of the Exchequer
men (most of whom I now do not know) at dinner. Here I staid and
drank with them, and then to Mr. George Montagu about the business of
election, and he did give me a piece in gold; so to my Lord's and got
the chest of plate brought to the Exchequer, and my brother Spicer put
it into his treasury. So to Will's with them to a pot of ale, and so
parted. I took a turn in the Hall, and bought the King and Chancellor's
speeches at the dissolving the Parliament last Saturday. So to my
Lord's, and took my money I brought 'thither last night and the silver
candlesticks, and by coach left the latter at Alderman Backwell's, I
having no use for them, and the former home. There stood a man at our
door, when I carried it in, and saw me, which made me a little afeard.
Up to my chamber and wrote letters to Huntingdon and did other business.
This day I lent Sir W. Batten and Captn. Rider my chine of beef for to
serve at dinner tomorrow at Trinity House, the Duke of Albemarle being
to be there and all the rest of the Brethren, it being a great day for
the reading over of their new Charter, which the King hath newly given
them.
3d. Early in the morning to the Exchequer, where I told over what money
I had of my Lord's and my own there, which I found to be L970. Thence to
Will's, where Spicer and I eat our dinner of a roasted leg of pork
which Will did give us, and after that to the Theatre, where was acted
"Beggars' Bush," it being very well done; and here the first time that
ever I saw women come upon the stage.
[Downes does not give the cast of this play. After the Restoration
the acting of female characters by women became common. The first
English professional actress was Mrs. Coleman, who acted Ianthe in
Davenant's "Siege of Rhodes," at Rutland House in 1656.]
From thence to my father's, where I found my mother gone by Bird, the
carrier, to Brampton, upon my uncle's great desire, my aunt being now in
despair of life. So home.
4th. Office all the morning, my wife and Pall being gone to my father's
to dress dinner for Mr. Honiwood, my mother being gone out of town.
Dined at home, and Mr. Moore with me, with whom I had been early this
morning at White Hall, at the Jewell Office,
[Several of the Jewel Office rolls are in the British Museum. They
recite all the sums of money given to the King, and the particulars
of all the plate distributed in his name, as well as gloves and
sweetmeats. The Museum possesses these rolls for the 4th, 9th,
18th, 30th, and 31st Eliz.; for the 13th Charles I.; and the 23rd,
24th, 26th, and 27th of Charles II.--B.]
to choose a piece of gilt plate for my Lord, in return of his offering
to the King (which it seems is usual at this time of year, and an Earl
gives twenty pieces in gold in a purse to the King). I chose a gilt
tankard, weighing 31 ounces and a half, and he is allowed 30; so I paid
12s. for the ounce and half over what he is to have; but strange it was
for me to see what a company of small fees I was called upon by a great
many to pay there, which, I perceive, is the manner that courtiers do
get their estates. After dinner Mr. Moore and I to the Theatre, where
was "The Scornful Lady," acted very well, it being the first play that
ever he saw. Thence with him to drink a cup of ale at Hercules Pillars,
and so parted. I called to see my father, who told me by the way
how Will and Mary Joyce do live a strange life together, nothing but
fighting, &c., so that sometimes her father has a mind to have them
divorced. Thence home.
5th. Home all the morning. Several people came to me about business,
among others the great Tom Fuller, who came to desire a kindness for
a friend of his, who hath a mind to go to Jamaica with these two ships
that are going, which I promised to do. So to Whitehall to my Lady, whom
I found at dinner and dined with her, and staid with her talking all
the afternoon, and thence walked to Westminster Hall. So to Will's, and
drank with Spicer, and thence by coach home, staying a little in Paul's
Churchyard, to bespeak Ogilby's AEsop's Fables and Tully's Officys to be
bound for me. So home and to bed.
6th (Lord's day). My wife and I to church this morning, and so home
to dinner to a boiled leg of mutton all alone. To church again, where,
before sermon, a long Psalm was set that lasted an hour, while the
sexton gathered his year's contribucion through the whole church. After
sermon home, and there I went to my chamber and wrote a letter to
send to Mr. Coventry, with a piece of plate along with it, which I do
preserve among my other letters. So to supper, and thence after prayers
to bed.
7th. This morning, news was brought to me to my bedside, that there had
been a great stir in the City this night by the Fanatiques, who had been
up and killed six or seven men, but all are fled.
["A great rising in the city of the Fifth-monarchy men, which did
very much disturb the peace and liberty of the people, so that all
the train-bands arose in arms, both in London and Westminster, as
likewise all the king's guards; and most of the noblemen mounted,
and put all their servants on coach horses, for the defence of his
Majesty, and the peace of his kingdom."--Rugge's Diurnal. The
notorious Thomas Venner, the Fifth-monarchy man, a cooper and
preacher to a conventicle in Swan Alley, Coleman Street, with a
small following (about fifty in number) took arms on the 6th January
for the avowed purpose of establishing the Millennium. He was a
violent enthusiast, and persuaded his followers that they were
invulnerable. After exciting much alarm in the City, and
skirmishing with the Trained Bands, they marched to Caen Wood. They
were driven out by a party of guards, but again entered the City,
where they were overpowered by the Trained Bands. The men were
brought to trial and condemned; four, however, were acquitted and
two reprieved. The execution of some of these men is mentioned by
Pepys under date January 19th and 21st. "A Relation of the
Arraignment and Trial of those who made the late Rebellious
Insurrections in London, 1661," is reprinted in "Somers Tracts,"
vol. vii. (1812), p. 469.]
My Lord Mayor and the whole City had been in arms, above 40,000. To the
office, and after that to dinner, where my brother Tom came and dined
with me, and after dinner (leaving 12d. with the servants to buy a cake
with at night, this day being kept as Twelfth day) Tom and I and my wife
to the Theatre, and there saw "The Silent Woman." The first time that
ever I did see it, and it is an excellent play. Among other things here,
Kinaston, the boy; had the good turn to appear in three shapes: first,
as a poor woman in ordinary clothes, to please Morose; then in fine
clothes, as a gallant, and in them was clearly the prettiest woman in
the whole house, and lastly, as a man; and then likewise did appear
the handsomest man in the house. From thence by link to my cozen
Stradwick's, where my father and we and Dr. Pepys, Scott, and his wife,
and one Mr. Ward and his; and after a good supper, we had an excellent
cake, where the mark for the Queen was cut, and so there was two queens,
my wife and Mrs. Ward; and the King being lost, they chose the Doctor
to be King, so we made him send for some wine, and then home, and in
our way home we were in many places strictly examined, more than in
the worst of times, there being great fears of these Fanatiques rising
again: for the present I do not hear that any of them are taken. Home,
it being a clear moonshine and after 12 o'clock at night. Being come
home we found that my people had been very merry, and my wife tells me
afterwards that she had heard that they had got young Davis and some
other neighbours with them to be merry, but no harm.
8th. My wife and I lay very long in bed to-day talking and pleasing one
another in discourse. Being up, Mr. Warren came, and he and I agreed
for the deals that my Lord is to, have. Then Will and I to Westminster,
where I dined with my Lady. After dinner I took my Lord Hinchinbroke and
Mr. Sidney to the Theatre, and shewed them "The Widdow," an indifferent
good play, but wronged by the women being to seek in their parts. That
being done, my Lord's coach waited for us, and so back to my Lady's,
where she made me drink of some Florence wine, and did give me two
bottles for my wife. From thence walked to my cozen Stradwick's,
and there chose a small banquet and some other things against our
entertainment on Thursday next. Thence to Tom Pepys and bought a dozen
of trenchers, and so home. Some talk to-day of a head of Fanatiques
that do appear about Barnett, but I do not believe it. However, my Lord
Mayor, Sir Richd. Browne, hath carried himself very honourably, and hath
caused one of their meeting-houses in London to be pulled down.
9th. Waked in the morning about six o'clock, by people running up and
down in Mr. Davis's house, talking that the Fanatiques were up in arms
in the City. And so I rose and went forth; where in the street I found
every body in arms at the doors. So I returned (though with no good
courage at all, but that I might not seem to be afeared), and got my
sword and pistol, which, however, I had no powder to charge; and went to
the door, where I found Sir R. Ford, and with him I walked up and down
as far as the Exchange, and there I left him. In our way, the streets
full of Train-band, and great stories, what mischief these rogues have
done; and I think near a dozen have been killed this morning on both
sides. Seeing the city in this condition, the shops shut, and all things
in trouble, I went home and sat, it being office day, till noon. So
home, and dined at home, my father with me, and after dinner he would
needs have me go to my uncle Wight's (where I have been so long absent
that I am ashamed to go). I found him at home and his wife, and I can
see they have taken my absence ill, but all things are past and we good
friends, and here I sat with my aunt till it was late, my uncle going
forth about business. My aunt being very fearful to be alone. So home to
my lute till late, and then to bed, there being strict guards all night
in the City, though most of the enemies, they say, are killed or taken.
This morning my wife and Pall went forth early, and I staid within.
10th. There comes Mr. Hawley to me and brings me my money for the
quarter of a year's salary of my place under Downing that I was at sea.
So I did give him half, whereof he did in his nobleness give the odd 5s,
to my Jane. So we both went forth (calling first to see how Sir W. Pen
do, whom I found very ill), and at the Hoop by the bridge we drank two
pints of wormwood and sack. Talking of his wooing afresh of Mrs. Lane,
and of his going to serve the Bishop of London. Thence by water to
Whitehall, and found my wife at Mrs. Hunt's. Leaving her to dine there,
I went and dined with my Lady, and staid to talk a while with her. After
dinner Will. comes to tell me that he had presented my piece of plate to
Mr. Coventry, who takes it very kindly, and sends me a very kind letter,
and the plate back again; of which my heart is very glad. So to Mrs.
Hunt, where I found a Frenchman, a lodger of hers, at dinner, and just
as I came in was kissing my wife, which I did not like, though there
could not be any hurt in it. Thence by coach to my Uncle Wight's with my
wife, but they being out of doors we went home, where, after I had put
some papers in order and entered some letters in my book which I have
a mind to keep, I went with my wife to see Sir W. Pen, who we found ill
still, but he do make very much of it. Here we sat a great while, at
last comes in Mr. Davis and his lady (who takes it very ill that my wife
never did go to see her), and so we fell to talk. Among other things Mr.
Davis told us the particular examinations of these Fanatiques that are
taken: and in short it is this, of all these Fanatiques that have done
all this, viz., routed all the Trainbands that they met with, put the
King's life-guards to the run, killed about twenty men, broke through
the City gates twice; and all this in the day-time, when all the City
was in arms; are not in all about 31. Whereas we did believe them
(because they were seen up and down in every place almost in the City,
and had been about Highgate two or three days, and in several other
places) to be at least 500. A thing that never was heard of, that so
few men should dare and do so much mischief. Their word was, "The King
Jesus, and the heads upon the gates." Few of them would receive any
quarter, but such as were taken by force and kept alive; expecting Jesus
to come here and reign in the world presently, and will not believe yet
but their work will be carried on though they do die. The King this day
came to town.
11th. Office day. This day comes news, by letters from Portsmouth,
that the Princess Henrietta is fallen sick of the meazles on board the
London, after the Queen and she was under sail. And so was forced to
come back again into Portsmouth harbour; and in their way, by negligence
of the pilot, run upon the Horse sand. The Queen and she continue
aboard, and do not intend to come on shore till she sees what will
become of the young Princess. This news do make people think something
indeed, that three of the Royal Family should fall sick of the same
disease, one after another. This morning likewise, we had order to see
guards set in all the King's yards; and so we do appoint who and who
should go to them. Sir Wm. Batten to Chatham, Colonel Slingsby and I to
Deptford and Woolwich. Portsmouth being a garrison, needs none. Dined at
home, discontented that my wife do not go neater now she has two maids.
After dinner comes in Kate Sterpin (whom we had not seen a great while)
and her husband to see us, with whom I staid a while, and then to
the office, and left them with my wife. At night walked to Paul's
Churchyard, and bespoke some books against next week, and from thence to
the Coffeehouse, where I met Captain Morrice, the upholster, who
would fain have lent me a horse to-night to have rid with him upon the
Cityguards, with the Lord Mayor, there being some new expectations of
these rogues; but I refused by reason of my going out of town tomorrow.
So home to bed.
12th. With Colonel Slingsby and a friend of his, Major Waters (a deaf
and most amorous melancholy gentleman, who is under a despayr in love,
as the Colonel told me, which makes him bad company, though a most
good-natured man), by water to Redriffe, and so on foot to Deptford (our
servants by water), where we fell to choosing four captains to command
the guards, and choosing the places where to keep them, and other things
in order thereunto. We dined at the Globe, having our messenger with us
to take care for us. Never till now did I see the great authority of my
place, all the captains of the fleet coming cap in hand to us. Having
staid very late there talking with the Colonel, I went home with Mr.
Davis, storekeeper (whose wife is ill and so I could not see her), and
was there most prince-like lodged, with so much respect and honour that
I was at a loss how to behave myself.
13th. In the morning we all went to church, and sat in the pew belonging
to us, where a cold sermon of a young man that never had preached
before. Here Commissioner came with his wife and daughters, the eldest
being his wife's daughter is a very comely black woman.--[The old
expression for a brunette.]--So to the Globe to dinner, and then with
Commissioner Pett to his lodgings there (which he hath for the present
while he is building the King's yacht, which will be a pretty thing, and
much beyond the Dutchman's), and from thence with him and his wife and
daughter-in-law by coach to Greenwich Church, where a good sermon, a
fine church, and a great company of handsome women. After sermon to
Deptford again; where, at the Commissioner's and the Globe, we staid
long. And so I to Mr. Davis's to bed again. But no sooner in bed, but we
had an alarm, and so we rose: and the Comptroller comes into the Yard to
us; and seamen of all the ships present repair to us, and there we armed
with every one a handspike, with which they were as fierce as could be.
At last we hear that it was only five or six men that did ride through
the guard in the town, without stopping to the guard that was there;
and, some say, shot at them. But all being quiet there, we caused the
seamen to go on board again: And so we all to bed (after I had sat
awhile with Mr. Davis in his study, which is filled with good books and
some very good song books) I likewise to bed.
14th. The arms being come this morning from the Tower, we caused them
to be distributed. I spent much time walking with Lieutenant Lambert,
walking up and down the yards, who did give me much light into things
there, and so went along with me and dined with us. After dinner Mrs.
Pett, her husband being gone this morning with Sir W. Batten to Chatham,
lent us her coach, and carried us to Woolwich, where we did also
dispose of the arms there and settle the guards. So to Mr. Pett's, the
shipwright, and there supped, where he did treat us very handsomely (and
strange it is to see what neat houses all the officers of the King's
yards have), his wife a proper woman, and has been handsome, and yet has
a very pretty hand. Thence I with Mr. Ackworth to his house, where he
has a very pretty house, and a very proper lovely woman to his wife,
who both sat with me in my chamber, and they being gone, I went to bed,
which was also most neat and fine.
15th. Up and down the yard all the morning and seeing the seamen
exercise, which they do already very handsomely. Then to dinner at Mr.
Ackworth's, where there also dined with us one Captain Bethell, a friend
of the Comptroller's. A good dinner and very handsome. After that
and taking our leaves of the officers of the yard, we walked to the
waterside and in our way walked into the rope-yard, where I do look
into the tar-houses and other places, and took great notice of all the
several works belonging to the making of a cable. So after a cup of
burnt wine--[Burnt wine was somewhat similar to mulled wine, and
a favourite drink]--at the tavern there, we took barge and went to
Blackwall and viewed the dock and the new Wet dock, which is newly made
there, and a brave new merchantman which is to be launched shortly, and
they say to be called the Royal Oak. Hence we walked to Dick-Shore, and
thence to the Towre and so home. Where I found my wife and Pall abroad,
so I went to see Sir W. Pen, and there found Mr. Coventry come to see
him, and now had an opportunity to thank him, and he did express much
kindness to me. I sat a great while with Sir Wm. after he was gone, and
had much talk with him. I perceive none of our officers care much for
one another, but I do keep in with them all as much as I can. Sir W. Pen
is still very ill as when I went. Home, where my wife not yet come home,
so I went up to put my papers in order, and then was much troubled my
wife was not come, it being 10 o'clock just now striking as I write this
last line. This day I hear the Princess is recovered again. The King
hath been this afternoon at Deptford, to see the yacht that Commissioner
Pett is building, which will be very pretty; as also that that his
brother at Woolwich is in making. By and by comes in my boy and tells
me that his mistress do lie this night at Mrs. Hunt's, who is very ill,
with which being something satisfied, I went to bed.
16th. This morning I went early to the Comptroller's and so with him by
coach to Whitehall, to wait upon Mr. Coventry to give him an account of
what we have done, which having done, I went away to wait upon my Lady;
but coming to her lodgings I find that she is gone this morning to
Chatham by coach, thinking to meet me there, which did trouble me
exceedingly, and I did not know what to do, being loth to follow her,
and yet could not imagine what she would do when she found me not there.
In this trouble, I went to take a walk in Westminster Hall and by chance
met with Mr. Child, who went forth with my Lady to-day, but his horse
being bad, he come back again, which then did trouble me more, so that
I did resolve to go to her; and so by boat home and put on my boots, and
so over to Southwarke to the posthouse, and there took horse and guide
to Dartford and thence to Rochester (I having good horses and good
way, come thither about half-an-hour after daylight, which was before
6 o'clock and I set forth after two), where I found my Lady and her
daughter Jem., and Mrs. Browne' and five servants, all at a great loss,
not finding me here, but at my coming she was overjoyed. The sport was
how she had intended to have kept herself unknown, and how the Captain
(whom she had sent for) of the Charles had forsoothed
[To forsooth is to address in a polite and ceremonious manner.
"Your city-mannerly word forsooth, use it not too often in any
case."--Ben Jonson's Poetaster, act iv., sc. 1.]
her, though he knew her well and she him. In fine we supped merry and
so to bed, there coming several of the Charles's men to see me before, I
got to bed. The page lay with me.
17th. Up, and breakfast with my Lady. Then come Captains Cuttance and
Blake to carry her in the barge on board; and so we went through Ham
Creeke to the Soverayne (a goodly sight all the way to see the brave
ships that lie here) first, which is a most noble ship. I never saw her
before. My Lady Sandwich, my Lady Jemimah, Mrs. Browne, Mrs. Grace,
and Mary and the page, my lady's servants and myself, all went into the
lanthorn together. From thence to the Charles, where my lady took great
pleasure to see all the rooms, and to hear me tell her how things are
when my Lord is there. After we had seen all, then the officers of
the ship had prepared a handsome breakfast for her, and while she was
pledging my Lord's health they give her five guns. That done, we went
off, and then they give us thirteen guns more. I confess it was a great
pleasure to myself to see the ship that I begun my good fortune in. From
thence on board the Newcastle, to show my Lady the difference between
a great and a small ship. Among these ships I did give away L7. So back
again and went on shore at Chatham, where I had ordered the coach to
wait for us. Here I heard that Sir William Batten and his lady (who I
knew were here, and did endeavour to avoyd) were now gone this morning
to London. So we took coach, and I went into the coach, and went through
the town, without making stop at our inn, but left J. Goods to pay the
reckoning. So I rode with my lady in the coach, and the page on the
horse that I should have rid on--he desiring it. It begun to be dark
before we could come to Dartford, and to rain hard, and the horses
to fayle, which was our great care to prevent, for fear of my Lord's
displeasure, so here we sat up for to-night, as also Captains Cuttance
and Blake, who came along with us. We sat and talked till supper, and at
supper my Lady and I entered into a great dispute concerning what were
best for a man to do with his estate--whether to make his elder son
heir, which my Lady is for, and I against, but rather to make all
equall. This discourse took us much time, till it was time to go to bed;
but we being merry, we bade my Lady goodnight, and intended to have gone
to the Post-house to drink, and hear a pretty girl play of the cittern
(and indeed we should have lain there, but by a mistake we did not), but
it was late, and we could not hear her, and the guard came to examine
what we were; so we returned to our Inn and to bed, the page and I in
one bed, and the two captains in another, all in one chamber, where we
had very good mirth with our most abominable lodging.
18th. The Captains went with me to the post-house about 9 o'clock, and
after a morning draft I took horse and guide for London; and through
some rain, and a great wind in my face, I got to London at eleven
o'clock. At home found all well, but the monkey loose, which did anger
me, and so I did strike her till she was almost dead, that they might
make her fast again, which did still trouble me more. In the afternoon
we met at the office and sat till night, and then I to see my father who
I found well, and took him to Standing's' to drink a cup of ale. He told
me my aunt at Brampton is yet alive and my mother well there. In comes
Will Joyce to us drunk, and in a talking vapouring humour of his state,
and I know not what, which did vex me cruelly. After him Mr. Hollier had
learned at my father's that I was here (where I had appointed to meet
him) and so he did give me some things to take for prevention. Will
Joyce not letting us talk as I would I left my father and him and took
Mr. Hollier to the Greyhound, where he did advise me above all things,
both as to the stone and the decay of my memory (of which I now complain
to him), to avoid drinking often, which I am resolved, if I can, to
leave off. Hence home, and took home with me from the bookseller's
Ogilby's AEsop, which he had bound for me, and indeed I am very much
pleased with the book. Home and to bed.
19th. To the Comptroller's, and with him by coach to White Hall; in our
way meeting Venner and Pritchard upon a sledge, who with two more Fifth
Monarchy men were hanged to-day, and the two first drawn and quartered.
Where we walked up and down, and at last found Sir G. Carteret, whom
I had not seen a great while, and did discourse with him about our
assisting the Commissioners in paying off the Fleet, which we think to
decline. Here the Treasurer did tell me that he did suspect Thos.
Hater to be an informer of them in this work, which we do take to be a
diminution of us, which do trouble me, and I do intend to find out
the truth. Hence to my Lady, who told me how Mr. Hetley is dead of the
small-pox going to Portsmouth with my Lord. My Lady went forth to dinner
to her father's, and so I went to the Leg in King Street and had a
rabbit for myself and my Will, and after dinner I sent him home and
myself went to the Theatre, where I saw "The Lost Lady," which do not
please me much. Here I was troubled to be seen by four of our office
clerks, which sat in the half-crown box and I in the 1s. 6d. From thence
by link, and bought two mouse traps of Thomas Pepys, the Turner, and so
went and drank a cup of ale with him, and so home and wrote by post to
Portsmouth to my Lord and so to bed.
20th (Lord's day). To Church in the morning. Dined at home. My wife
and I to Church in the afternoon, and that being done we went to see my
uncle and aunt Wight. There I left my wife and came back, and sat with
Sir W. Pen, who is not yet well again. Thence back again to my wife
and supped there, and were very merry and so home, and after prayers to
write down my journall for the last five days, and so to bed.
21st. This morning Sir W. Batten, the Comptroller and I to Westminster,
to the Commissioners for paying off the Army and Navy, where the Duke
of Albemarle was; and we sat with our hats on, and did discourse about
paying off the ships and do find that they do intend to undertake it
without our help; and we are glad of it, for it is a work that will much
displease the poor seamen, and so we are glad to have no hand in it.
From thence to the Exchequer, and took L200 and carried it home, and so
to the office till night, and then to see Sir W. Pen, whither came my
Lady Batten and her daughter, and then I sent for my wife, and so we sat
talking till it was late. So home to supper and then to bed, having
eat no dinner to-day. It is strange what weather we have had all this
winter; no cold at all; but the ways are dusty, and the flyes fly up and
down, and the rose-bushes are full of leaves, such a time of the year
as was never known in this world before here. This day many more of the
Fifth Monarchy men were hanged.
22nd. To the Comptroller's house, where I read over his proposals to the
Lord Admiral for the regulating of the officers of the Navy, in which he
hath taken much pains, only he do seem to have too good opinion of them
himself. From thence in his coach to Mercer's Chappell, and so up to the
great hall, where we met with the King's Councell for Trade, upon some
proposals of theirs for settling convoys for the whole English trade,
and that by having 33 ships (four fourth-rates, nineteen fifths, ten
sixths) settled by the King for that purpose, which indeed was argued
very finely by many persons of honour and merchants that were there. It
pleased me much now to come in this condition to this place, where I was
once a petitioner for my exhibition in Paul's School; and also where Sir
G. Downing (my late master) was chairman, and so but equally concerned
with me. From thence home, and after a little dinner my wife and I by
coach into London, and bought some glasses, and then to Whitehall to
see Mrs. Fox, but she not within, my wife to my mother Bowyer, and I met
with Dr. Thomas Fuller, and took him to the Dog, where he tells me of
his last and great book that is coming out: that is, his History of all
the Families in England;' and could tell me more of my own, than I
knew myself. And also to what perfection he hath now brought the art
of memory; that he did lately to four eminently great scholars dictate
together in Latin, upon different subjects of their proposing, faster
than they were able to write, till they were tired; and by the way in
discourse tells me that the best way of beginning a sentence, if a man
should be out and forget his last sentence (which he never was), that
then his last refuge is to begin with an Utcunque. From thence I to Mr.
Bowyer's, and there sat a while, and so to Mr. Fox's, and sat with them
a very little while, and then by coach home, and so to see Sir Win. Pen,
where we found Mrs. Martha Batten and two handsome ladies more, and so
we staid supper and were very merry, and so home to bed.
23rd. To the office all the morning. My wife and people at home busy to
get things ready for tomorrow's dinner. At noon, without dinner, went
into the City, and there meeting with Greatorex, we went and drank a pot
of ale. He told me that he was upon a design to go to Teneriffe to try
experiments there. With him to Gresham Colledge
[Gresham College occupied the house of Sir Thomas Gresham, in
Bishopsgate Street, from 1596, when Lady Gresham, Sir Thomas's
widow, died. The meeting which Pepys attended was an early one of
the Royal Society, which was incorporated by royal charter in 1663.]
(where I never was before), and saw the manner of the house, and found
great company of persons of honour there; thence to my bookseller's,
and for books, and to Stevens, the silversmith, to make clean some plate
against to-morrow, and so home, by the way paying many little debts for
wine and pictures, &c., which is my great pleasure. Home and found all
things in a hurry of business, Slater, our messenger, being here as my
cook till very late. I in my chamber all the evening looking over my
Osborn's works and new Emanuel Thesaurus Patriarchae. So late to
bed, having ate nothing to-day but a piece of bread and cheese at the
ale-house with Greatorex, and some bread and butter at home.
24th. At home all day. There dined with me Sir William Batten and his
lady and daughter, Sir W. Pen, Mr. Fox (his lady being ill could not
come), and Captain Cuttance; the first dinner I have made since I
came hither. This cost me above L5, and merry we were--only my chimney
smokes. In the afternoon Mr. Hater bringing me my last quarter's salary,
which I received of him, and so I have now Mr. Barlow's money in my
hands. The company all go away, and by and by Sir Wms. both and my Lady
Batten and his daughter come again and supped with me and talked till
late, and so to bed, being glad that the trouble is over.
25th. At the office all the morning. Dined at home and Mr. Hater with
me, and so I did make even with him for the last quarter. After dinner
he and I to look upon the instructions of my Lord Northumberland's, but
we were interrupted by Mr. Salisbury's coming in, who came to see me and
to show me my Lord's picture in little, of his doing. And truly it is
strange to what a perfection he is come in a year's time. From thence to
Paul's Churchyard about books, and so back again home. This night
comes two cages, which I bought this evening for my canary birds, which
Captain Rooth this day sent me. So to bed.
26th. Within all the morning. About noon comes one that had formerly
known me and I him, but I know not his name, to borrow L5 of me, but I
had the wit to deny him. There dined with me this day both the Pierces'
and their wives, and Captain Cuttance, and Lieutenant Lambert, with whom
we made ourselves very merry by taking away his ribbans and garters,
having made him to confess that he is lately married. The company being
gone I went to my lute till night, and so to bed.
27th (Lord's day). Before I rose, letters come to me from Portsmouth,
telling me that the Princess is now well, and my Lord Sandwich set sail
with the Queen and her yesterday from thence for France. To church,
leaving my wife sick.... at home, a poor dull sermon of a stranger.
Home, and at dinner was very angry at my people's eating a fine pudding
(made me by Slater, the cook, last Thursday) without my wife's leave.
To church again, a good sermon of Mr. Mills, and after sermon Sir W.
Pen and I an hour in the garden talking, and he did answer me to many
things, I asked Mr. Coventry's opinion of me, and Sir W. Batten's of my
Lord Sandwich, which do both please me. Then to Sir W. Batten's, where
very merry, and here I met the Comptroller and his lady and daughter
(the first time I ever saw them) and Mrs. Turner, who and her husband
supped with us here (I having fetched my wife thither), and after supper
we fell to oysters, and then Mr. Turner went and fetched some strong
waters, and so being very merry we parted, and home to bed. This day the
parson read a proclamation at church, for the keeping of Wednesday next,
the 30th of January, a fast for the murther of the late King.
28th. At the office all the morning; dined at home, and after dinner to
Fleet Street, with my sword to Mr. Brigden (lately made Captain of the
Auxiliaries) to be refreshed, and with him to an ale-house, where I met
Mr. Davenport; and after some talk of Cromwell, Ireton and Bradshaw's
bodies being taken out of their graves to-day,
["The bodies of Oliver Cromwell, Henry Ireton, John Bradshaw, and
Thomas Pride, were dug up out of their graves to be hanged at
Tyburn, and buried under the gallows. Cromwell's vault having been
opened, the people crowded very much to see him."--Rugge's Diurnal.]
I went to Mr. Crew's and thence to the Theatre, where I saw again
"The Lost Lady," which do now please me better than before; and here
I sitting behind in a dark place, a lady spit backward upon me by a
mistake, not seeing me, but after seeing her to be a very pretty lady,
I was not troubled at it at all. Thence to Mr. Crew's, and there met Mr.
Moore, who came lately to me, and went with me to my father's, and with
him to Standing's, whither came to us Dr. Fairbrother, who I took and my
father to the Bear and gave a pint of sack and a pint of claret.
He do still continue his expressions of respect and love to me, and
tells me my brother John will make a good scholar. Thence to see the
Doctor at his lodging at Mr. Holden's, where I bought a hat, cost
me 35s. So home by moonshine, and by the way was overtaken by the
Comptroller's coach, and so home to his house with him. So home and to
bed. This noon I had my press set up in my chamber for papers to be put
in.
29th. Mr. Moore making up accounts with me all this morning till Lieut.
Lambert came, and so with them over the water to Southwark, and so over
the fields to Lambeth, and there drank, it being a most glorious and
warm day, even to amazement, for this time of the year. Thence to my
Lord's, where we found my Lady gone with some company to see Hampton
Court, so we three went to Blackfryers (the first time I ever was
there since plays begun), and there after great patience and little
expectation, from so poor beginning, I saw three acts of "The Mayd in ye
Mill" acted to my great content. But it being late, I left the play and
them, and by water through bridge home, and so to Mr. Turner's house,
where the Comptroller, Sir William Batten, and Mr. Davis and their
ladies; and here we had a most neat little but costly and genteel
supper, and after that a great deal of impertinent mirth by Mr. Davis,
and some catches, and so broke up, and going away, Mr. Davis's eldest
son took up my old Lady Slingsby in his arms, and carried her to the
coach, and is said to be able to carry three of the biggest men that
were in the company, which I wonder at. So home and to bed.
30th (Fast day). The first time that this day hath been yet observed:
and Mr. Mills made a most excellent sermon, upon "Lord forgive us
our former iniquities;" speaking excellently of the justice of God in
punishing men for the sins of their ancestors. Home, and John Goods
comes, and after dinner I did pay him L30 for my Lady, and after that
Sir W. Pen and I into Moorfields and had a brave talk, it being a most
pleasant day, and besides much discourse did please ourselves to see
young Davis and Whitton, two of our clerks, going by us in the field,
who we observe to take much pleasure together, and I did most often
see them at play together. Back to the Old James in Bishopsgate Street,
where Sir W. Batten and Sir Wm. Rider met him about business of the
Trinity House. So I went home, and there understand that my mother is
come home well from Brampton, and had a letter from my brother John, a
very ingenious one, and he therein begs to have leave to come to town
at the Coronacion. Then to my Lady Batten's; where my wife and she
are lately come back again from being abroad, and seeing of Cromwell,
Ireton, and Bradshaw hanged and buried at Tyburn. Then I home.
["Jan. 30th was kept as a very solemn day of fasting and prayer.
This morning the carcases of Cromwell, Ireton, and Bradshaw (which
the day before had been brought from the Red Lion Inn, Holborn),
were drawn upon a sledge to Tyburn, and then taken out of their
coffins, and in their shrouds hanged by the neck, until the going
down of the sun. They were then cut down, their heads taken off,
and their bodies buried in a grave made under the gallows. The
coffin in which was the body of Cromwell was a very rich thing, very
full of gilded hinges and nails."--Rugge's Diurnal.]
31st. This morning with Mr. Coventry at Whitehall about getting a ship
to carry my Lord's deals to Lynne, and we have chosen the Gift. Thence
at noon to my Lord's, where my Lady not well, so I eat a mouthfull of
dinner there, and thence to the Theatre, and there sat in the pit among
the company of fine ladys, &c.; and the house was exceeding full, to
see Argalus and Parthenia, the first time that it hath been acted: and
indeed it is good, though wronged by my over great expectations, as all
things else are. Thence to my father's to see my mother, who is pretty
well after her journey from Brampton. She tells me my aunt is pretty
well, yet cannot live long. My uncle pretty well too, and she believes
would marry again were my aunt dead, which God forbid. So home.
FEBRUARY 1660-61
February 1st (Friday). A full office all this morning, and busy about
answering the Commissioners of Parliament to their letter, wherein they
desire to borrow two clerks of ours, which we will not grant them. After
dinner into London and bought some books, and a belt, and had my sword
new furbished. To the alehouse with Mr. Brigden and W. Symons. At night
home. So after a little music to bed, leaving my people up getting
things ready against to-morrow's dinner.
2nd. Early to Mr. Moore, and with him to Sir Peter Ball, who proffers my
uncle Robert much civility in letting him continue in the grounds which
he had hired of Hetley who is now dead. Thence home, where all things in
a hurry for dinner, a strange cook being come in the room of Slater, who
could not come. There dined here my uncle Wight and my aunt, my father
and mother, and my brother Tom, Dr. Fairbrother and Mr. Mills, the
parson, and his wife, who is a neighbour's daughter of my uncle
Robert's, and knows my Aunt Wight and all her and my friends there; and
so we had excellent company to-day. After dinner I was sent for to Sir
G. Carteret's, where he was, and I found the Comptroller, who are upon
writing a letter to the Commissioners of Parliament in some things a
rougher stile than our last, because they seem to speak high to us. So
the Comptroller and I thence to a tavern hard by, and there did agree
upon drawing up some letters to be sent to all the pursers and Clerks
of the Cheques to make up their accounts. Then home; where I found the
parson and his wife gone. And by and by the rest of the company, very
well pleased, and I too; it being the last dinner I intend to make a
great while, it having now cost me almost L15 in three dinners within
this fortnight. In the evening comes Sir W. Pen, pretty merry, to sit
with me and talk, which we did for an hour or two, and so good night,
and I to bed.
3d (Lord's day). This day I first begun to go forth in my coat and
sword, as the manner now among gentlemen is. To Whitehall. In my way
heard Mr. Thomas Fuller preach at the Savoy upon our forgiving of other
men's trespasses, shewing among other things that we are to go to law
never to revenge, but only to repayre, which I think a good distinction.
So to White Hall; where I staid to hear the trumpets and kettle-drums,
and then the other drums, which are much cried up, though I think it
dull, vulgar musique. So to Mr. Fox's, unbid; where I had a good dinner
and special company. Among other discourse, I observed one story, how my
Lord of Northwich, at a public audience before the King of France, made
the Duke of Anjou cry, by making ugly faces as he was stepping to the
King, but undiscovered.
[This story relates to circumstances which had occurred many years
previously. George, Lord Goring, was sent by Charles I. as
Ambassador Extraordinary to France in 1644, to witness the oath of
Louis XIV. to the observance of the treaties concluded with England
by his father, Louis XIII., and his grandfather, Henry IV. Louis
XIV. took this oath at Ruel, on July 3rd, 1644, when he was not yet
six years of age, and when his brother Philippe, then called Duke of
Anjou, was not four years old. Shortly after his return home, Lord
Goring was created, in September, 1644, Earl of Norwich, the title
by which he is here mentioned. Philippe, Duke of Anjou, who was
frightened by the English nobleman's ugly faces, took the title of
Duke of Orleans after the death of his uncle, Jean Baptiste Gaston,
in 1660. He married his cousin, Henrietta of England.--B.]
And how Sir Phillip Warwick's' lady did wonder to have Mr. Darcy' send
for several dozen bottles of Rhenish wine to her house, not knowing that
the wine was his. Thence to my Lord's; where I am told how Sir Thomas
Crew's Pedro, with two of his countrymen more, did last night kill
one soldier of four that quarrelled with them in the street, about 10
o'clock. The other two are taken; but he is now hid at my Lord's till
night, that he do intend to make his escape away. So up to my Lady, and
sat and talked with her long, and so to Westminster Stairs, and there
took boat to the bridge, and so home, where I met with letters to call
us all up to-morrow morning to Whitehall about office business.
4th. Early up to Court with Sir W. Pen, where, at Mr. Coventry's
chamber, we met with all our fellow officers, and there after a hot
debate about the business of paying off the Fleet, and how far we
should join with the Commissioners of Parliament, which is now the great
business of this month more to determine, and about which there is
a great deal of difference between us, and then how far we should be
assistants to them therein. That being done, he and I back again home,
where I met with my father and mother going to my cozen Snow's to
Blackwall, and had promised to bring me and my wife along with them,
which we could not do because we are to go to the Dolphin to-day to a
dinner of Capt. Tayler's. So at last I let my wife go with them, and
I to the tavern, where Sir William Pen and the Comptroller and several
others were, men and women; and we had a very great and merry dinner;
and after dinner the Comptroller begun some sports, among others the
naming of people round and afterwards demanding questions of them that
they are forced to answer their names to, which do make very good sport.
And here I took pleasure to take the forfeits of the ladies who would
not do their duty by kissing of them; among others a pretty lady, who I
found afterwards to be wife to Sir W. Batten's son. Home, and then with
my wife to see Sir W. Batten, who could not be with us this day being
ill, but we found him at cards, and here we sat late, talking with my
Lady and others and Dr. Whistler,
[Daniel Whistler, M.D., Fellow of Merton College, whose inaugural
dissertation on Rickets in 1645 contains the earliest printed
account of that disease. He was Gresham Professor of Geometry,
1648-57, and held several offices at the College of Physicians,
being elected President in 1683. He was one of the original Fellows
of the Royal Society. Dr. Munk, in his "Roll of the Royal College
of Physicians," speaks very unfavourably of Whistler, and says that
he defrauded the college. He died May 11th, 1684.]
who I found good company and a very ingenious man. So home and to bed.
5th. Washing-day. My wife and I by water to Westminster. She to her
mother's and I to Westminster Hall, where I found a full term, and here
I went to Will's, and there found Shaw and Ashwell and another Bragrave
(who knew my mother wash-maid to my Lady Veere), who by cursing and
swearing made me weary of his company and so I went away. Into the Hall
and there saw my Lord Treasurer (who was sworn to-day at the Exchequer,
with a great company of Lords and persons of honour to attend him) go up
to the Treasury Offices, and take possession thereof; and also saw the
heads of Cromwell, Bradshaw, and Ireton, set up upon the further end of
the Hall. Then at Mrs. Michell's in the Hall met my wife and Shaw, and
she and I and Captain Murford to the Dog, and there I gave them some
wine, and after some mirth and talk (Mr. Langley coming in afterwards) I
went by coach to the play-house at the Theatre, our coach in King Street
breaking, and so took another. Here we saw Argalus and Parthenia, which
I lately saw, but though pleasant for the dancing and singing, I do not
find good for any wit or design therein. That done home by coach and to
supper, being very hungry for want of dinner, and so to bed.
6th. Called up by my Cozen Snow, who sat by me while I was trimmed, and
then I drank with him, he desiring a courtesy for a friend, which I have
done for him. Then to the office, and there sat long, then to dinner,
Captain Murford with me. I had a dish of fish and a good hare, which
was sent me the other day by Goodenough the plasterer. So to the office
again, where Sir W. Pen and I sat all alone, answering of petitions and
nothing else, and so to Sir W. Batten's, where comes Mr. Jessop (one
whom I could not formerly have looked upon, and now he comes cap in hand
to us from the Commissioners of the Navy, though indeed he is a man of
a great estate and of good report), about some business from them to
us, which we answered by letter. Here I sat long with Sir W., who is not
well, and then home and to my chamber, and some little, music, and so to
bed.
7th. With Sir W. Batten and Pen to Whitehall to Mr. Coventry's chamber,
to debate upon the business we were upon the other day morning, and
thence to Westminster Hall. And after a walk to my Lord's; where, while
I and my Lady were in her chamber in talk, in comes my Lord from sea,
to our great wonder. He had dined at Havre de Grace on Monday last, and
came to the Downs the next day, and lay at Canterbury that night; and so
to Dartford, and thence this morning to White Hall. All my friends his
servants well. Among others, Mr. Creed and Captain Ferrers tell me the
stories of my Lord Duke of Buckingham's and my Lord's falling out at
Havre de Grace, at cards; they two and my Lord St. Alban's playing.
The Duke did, to my Lord's dishonour, often say that he did in his
conscience know the contrary to what he then said, about the difference
at cards; and so did take up the money that he should have lost to my
Lord. Which my Lord resenting, said nothing then, but that he doubted
not but there were ways enough to get his money of him. So they parted
that night; and my Lord sent for Sir R. Stayner and sent him the next
morning to the Duke, to know whether he did remember what he said last
night, and whether he would own it with his sword and a second; which
he said he would, and so both sides agreed. But my Lord St. Alban's, and
the Queen and Ambassador Montagu, did waylay them at their lodgings
till the difference was made up, to my Lord's honour; who hath got great
reputation thereby. I dined with my Lord, and then with Mr. Shepley and
Creed (who talked very high of France for a fine country) to the tavern,
and then I home. To the office, where the two Sir Williams had staid
for me, and then we drew up a letter to the Commissioners of Parliament
again, and so to Sir W. Batten, where I staid late in talk, and so home,
and after writing the letter fair then I went to bed.
8th. At the office all the morning. At noon to the Exchange to meet Mr.
Warren the timber merchant, but could not meet with him. Here I met with
many sea commanders, and among others Captain Cuttle, and Curtis, and
Mootham, and I, went to the Fleece Tavern to drink; and there we spent
till four o'clock, telling stories of Algiers, and the manner of the
life of slaves there! And truly Captn. Mootham and Mr. Dawes (who
have been both slaves there) did make me fully acquainted with their
condition there: as, how they eat nothing but bread and water. At their
redemption they pay so much for the water they drink at the public
fountaynes, during their being slaves. How they are beat upon the soles
of their feet and bellies at the liberty of their padron. How they are
all, at night, called into their master's Bagnard; and there they lie.
How the poorest men do use their slaves best. How some rogues do live
well, if they do invent to bring their masters in so much a week by
their industry or theft; and then they are put to no other work at
all. And theft there is counted no great crime at all. Thence to Mr.
Rawlinson's, having met my old friend Dick Scobell, and there I drank a
great deal with him, and so home and to bed betimes, my head aching.
9th. To my Lord's with Mr. Creed (who was come to me this morning to get
a bill of imprest signed), and my Lord being gone out he and I to the
Rhenish wine-house with Mr. Blackburne. To whom I did make known my
fears of Will's losing of his time, which he will take care to give him
good advice about. Afterwards to my Lord's and Mr. Shepley and I did
make even his accounts and mine. And then with Mr. Creed and two friends
of his (my late landlord Jones' son one of them), to an ordinary to
dinner, and then Creed and I to Whitefriars' to the Play-house, and saw
"The Mad Lover," the first time I ever saw it acted, which I like pretty
well, and home.
10th (Lord's day). Took physique all day, and, God forgive me, did spend
it in reading of some little French romances. At night my wife and I
did please ourselves talking of our going into France, which I hope to
effect this summer. At noon one came to ask for Mrs. Hunt that was here
yesterday, and it seems is not come home yet, which makes us afraid of
her. At night to bed.
11th. At the office all the morning. Dined at home, and then to the
Exchequer, and took Mr. Warren with me to Mr. Kennard, the master
joiner, at Whitehall, who was at a tavern, and there he and I to him,
and agreed about getting some of my Lord's deals on board to-morrow.
Then with young Mr. Reeve home to his house, who did there show me many
pretty pleasures in perspectives,
['Telescope' and 'microscope' are both as old as Milton, but for long
while 'perspective' (glass being sometimes understood and sometimes
expressed) did the work of these. It is sometimes written
'prospective.' Our present use of 'perspective' does not, I suppose,
date farther back than Dryden.--Trench's Select Glossary.--M. B.]
that I have not seen before, and I did buy a little glass of him cost
me 5s. And so to Mr. Crew's, and with Mr. Moore to see how my father and
mother did, and so with him to Mr. Adam Chard's' (the first time I ever
was at his house since he was married) to drink, then we parted, and I
home to my study, and set some papers and money in order, and so to bed.
12th. To my Lord's, and there with him all the morning, and then (he
going out to dinner) I and Mr. Pickering, Creed, and Captain Ferrers
to the Leg in the Palace to dinner, where strange Pickering's
impertinences. Thence the two others and I after a great dispute whither
to go, we went by water to Salsbury Court play-house, where not liking
to sit, we went out again, and by coach to the Theatre, and there saw
"The Scornfull Lady," now done by a woman, which makes the play appear
much better than ever it did to me. Then Creed and I (the other being
lost in the crowd) to drink a cup of ale at Temple Bar, and there we
parted, and I (seeing my father and mother by the way) went home.
13th. At the office all the morning; dined at home, and poor Mr. Wood
with me, who after dinner would have borrowed money of me, but I would
lend none. Then to Whitehall by coach with Sir W. Pen, where we did very
little business, and so back to Mr. Rawlinson's, where I took him and
gave him a cup of wine, he having formerly known Mr. Rawlinson, and
here I met my uncle Wight, and he drank with us, and with him to Sir W.
Batten's, whither I sent for my wife, and we chose Valentines' against
to-morrow.
[The observation of St. Valentine's day is very ancient in this
country. Shakespeare makes Ophelia sing
"To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day,
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window
To be your Valentine."
Hamlet, act iv. sc. 5.--M. B.]
My wife chose me, which did much please me; my Lady Batten Sir W. Pen,
&c. Here we sat late, and so home to bed, having got my Lady Batten to
give me a spoonful of honey for my cold.
14th (Valentine's day). Up early and to Sir W. Batten's, but would not
go in till I asked whether they that opened the door was a man or a
woman, and Mingo, who was there, answered a woman, which, with his tone,
made me laugh; so up I went and took Mrs. Martha for my Valentine (which
I do only for complacency), and Sir W. Batten he go in the same manner
to my wife, and so we were very merry. About 10 o'clock we, with a great
deal of company, went down by our barge to Deptford, and there only went
to see how forward Mr. Pett's yacht is; and so all into the barge again,
and so to Woolwich, on board the Rose-bush, Captain Brown's' ship, that
is brother-in-law to Sir W. Batten, where we had a very fine dinner,
dressed on shore, and great mirth and all things successfull; the first
time I ever carried my wife a-ship-board, as also my boy Wayneman, who
hath all this day been called young Pepys, as Sir W. Pen's boy young
Pen. So home by barge again; good weather, but pretty cold. I to my
study, and began to make up my accounts for my Lord, which I intend to
end tomorrow. To bed. The talk of the town now is, who the King is
like to have for his Queen: and whether Lent shall be kept with the
strictness of the King's proclamation;
["A Proclamation for restraint of killing, dressing, and eating of
Flesh in Lent or on fish-dayes appointed by the law to be observed,"
was dated 29th January, 1660-61].
which it is thought cannot be, because of the poor, who cannot buy
fish. And also the great preparation for the King's crowning is now much
thought upon and talked of.
15th. At the office all the morning, and in the afternoon at making up
my accounts for my Lord to-morrow; and that being done I found myself
to be clear (as I think) L350 in the world, besides my goods in my house
and all things paid for.
16th. To my Lord in the morning, who looked over my accounts and agreed
to them. I did also get him to sign a bill (which do make my heart
merry) for L60 to me, in consideration of my work extraordinary at sea
this last voyage, which I hope to get paid. I dined with my Lord and
then to the Theatre, where I saw "The Virgin Martyr," a good but too
sober a play for the company. Then home.
17th (Lord's day). A most tedious, unreasonable, and impertinent sermon,
by an Irish Doctor. His text was "Scatter them, O Lord, that delight in
war." Sir Wm. Batten and I very much angry with the parson. And so I to
Westminster as soon as I came home to my Lord's, where I dined with
Mr. Shepley and Howe. After dinner (without speaking to my Lord), Mr.
Shepley and I into the city, and so I home and took my wife to my uncle
Wight's, and there did sup with them, and so home again and to bed.
18th. At the office all the morning, dined at home with a very good
dinner, only my wife and I, which is not yet very usual. In the
afternoon my wife and I and Mrs. Martha Batten, my Valentine, to the
Exchange, and there upon a payre of embroydered and six payre of plain
white gloves I laid out 40s. upon her. Then we went to a mercer's at the
end of Lombard Street, and there she bought a suit of Lutestring--[More
properly called "lustring"; a fine glossy silk.]--for herself, and so
home. And at night I got the whole company and Sir Wm. Pen home to my
house, and there I did give them Rhenish wine and sugar, and continued
together till it was late, and so to bed. It is much talked that the
King is already married to the niece of the Prince de Ligne,
[The Prince de Ligne had no niece, and probably Pepys has made some
mistake in the name. Charles at one time made an offer of marriage
to Mazarin's niece, Hortense Mancini.]
and that he hath two sons already by her: which I am sorry to hear; but
yet am gladder that it should be so, than that the Duke of York and
his family should come to the crown, he being a professed friend to the
Catholiques.
19th. By coach to Whitehall with Colonel Slingsby (carrying Mrs. Turner
with us) and there he and I up into the house, where we met with Sir G.
Carteret: who afterwards, with the Duke of York, my Lord Sandwich,
and others, went into a private room to consult: and we were a little
troubled that we were not called in with the rest. But I do believe it
was upon something very private. We staid walking in the gallery; where
we met with Mr. Slingsby, that was formerly a great friend of Mons.
Blondeau, who showed me the stamps of the King's new coyne; which is
strange to see, how good they are in the stamp and bad in the money, for
lack of skill to make them. But he says Blondeau will shortly come over,
and then we shall have it better, and the best in the world.
[Peter Blondeau, medallist, was invited to London from Paris in
1649, and appointed by the Council of State to coin their money; but
the moneyers succeeded in driving him out of the country. Soon
after the Restoration he returned, and was appointed engineer to the
mint.]
The Comptroller and I to the Commissioners of Parliament, and after some
talk away again and to drink a cup of ale. He tells me, he is sure that
the King is not yet married, as it is said; nor that it is known who he
will have. To my Lord's and found him dined, and so I lost my dinner,
but I staid and played with him and Mr. Child, &c., some things of four
parts, and so it raining hard and bitter cold (the first winter day we
have yet had this winter), I took coach home and spent the evening in
reading of a Latin play, the "Naufragium Joculare." And so to bed.
20th. All the morning at the office, dined at home and my brother Tom
with me, who brought me a pair of fine slippers which he gave me. By and
by comes little Luellin and friend to see me, and then my coz Stradwick,
who was never here before. With them I drank a bottle of wine or two,
and to the office again, and there staid about business late, and
then all of us to Sir W. Pen's, where we had, and my Lady Batten, Mrs.
Martha, and my wife, and other company, a good supper, and sat playing
at cards and talking till 12 at night, and so all to our lodgings.
21st. To Westminster by coach with Sir W. Pen, and in our way saw the
city begin to build scaffolds against the Coronacion. To my Lord, and
there found him out of doors. So to the Hall and called for some caps
that I have a making there, and here met with Mr. Hawley, and with him
to Will's and drank, and then by coach with Mr. Langley our old friend
into the city. I set him down by the way, and I home and there staid all
day within, having found Mr. Moore, who staid with me till late at night
talking and reading some good books. Then he went away, and I to bed.
22nd. All the morning at the office. At noon with my wife and Pall to
my father's to dinner, where Dr. Thos. Pepys and my coz Snow and Joyce
Norton. After dinner came The. Turner, and so I home with her to her
mother, good woman, whom I had not seen through my great neglect this
half year, but she would not be angry with me. Here I staid all the
afternoon talking of the King's being married, which is now the town
talk, but I believe false. In the evening Mrs. The. and Joyce took us
all into the coach home, calling in Bishopsgate Street, thinking to have
seen a new Harpsicon--[The harpsichord is an instrument larger than a
spinet, with two or three strings to a note.]--that she had a making
there, but it was not done, and so we did not see it. Then to my home,
where I made very much of her, and then she went home. Then my wife to
Sir W. Batten's, and there sat a while; he having yesterday sent my wife
half-a-dozen pairs of gloves, and a pair of silk stockings and garters,
for her Valentine's gift. Then home and to bed.
23rd. This my birthday, 28 years. This morning Sir W. Batten, Pen, and
I did some business, and then I by water to Whitehall, having met Mr.
Hartlibb by the way at Alderman Backwell's. So he did give me a glass
of Rhenish wine at the Steeleyard, and so to Whitehall by water. He
continues of the same bold impertinent humour that he was always of and
will ever be. He told me how my Lord Chancellor had lately got the Duke
of York and Duchess, and her woman, my Lord Ossory's and a Doctor, to
make oath before most of the judges of the kingdom, concerning all the
circumstances of their marriage. And in fine, it is confessed that they
were not fully married till about a month or two before she was brought
to bed; but that they were contracted long before, and time enough for
the child to be legitimate.
[The Duke of York's marriage took place September 3rd, 1660. Anne
Hyde was contracted to the Duke at Breda, November 24th, 1659.]
But I do not hear that it was put to the judges to determine whether it
was so or no. To my Lord and there spoke to him about his opinion of the
Light, the sea-mark that Captain Murford is about, and do offer me
an eighth part to concern myself with it, and my Lord do give me some
encouragement in it, and I shall go on. I dined herewith Mr. Shepley and
Howe. After dinner to Whitehall Chappell with Mr. Child, and there
did hear Captain Cooke and his boy make a trial of an Anthem against
tomorrow, which was brave musique. Then by water to Whitefriars to the
Play-house, and there saw "The Changeling," the first time it hath been
acted these twenty years, and it takes exceedingly. Besides, I see the
gallants do begin to be tyred with the vanity and pride of the theatre
actors who are indeed grown very proud and rich. Then by link home, and
there to my book awhile and to bed. I met to-day with Mr. Townsend, who
tells me that the old man is yet alive in whose place in the Wardrobe he
hopes to get my father, which I do resolve to put for. I also met with
the Comptroller, who told me how it was easy for us all, the principal
officers, and proper for us, to labour to get into the next Parliament;
and would have me to ask the Duke's letter, but I shall not endeavour it
because it will spend much money, though I am sure I could well obtain
it. This is now 28 years that I am born. And blessed be God, in a state
of full content, and great hopes to be a happy man in all respects, both
to myself and friends.
24th (Sunday). Mr. Mills made as excellent a sermon in the morning
against drunkenness as ever I heard in my life. I dined at home; another
good one of his in the afternoon. My Valentine had her fine gloves on at
church to-day that I did give her. After sermon my wife and I unto Sir
Wm. Batten and sat awhile. Then home, I to read, then to supper and to
bed.
25th. Sir Wm. Pen and I to my Lord Sandwich's by coach in the morning to
see him, but he takes physic to-day and so we could not see him. So he
went away, and I with Luellin to Mr. Mount's chamber at the Cockpit,
where he did lie of old, and there we drank, and from thence to W.
Symons where we found him abroad, but she, like a good lady, within, and
there we did eat some nettle porrige, which was made on purpose to-day
for some of their coming, and was very good. With her we sat a good
while, merry in discourse, and so away, Luellin and I to my Lord's, and
there dined. He told me one of the prettiest stories, how Mr. Blurton,
his friend that was with him at my house three or four days ago, did go
with him the same day from my house to the Fleet tavern by Guildhall,
and there (by some pretence) got the mistress of the house into their
company, and by and by Luellin calling him Doctor she thought that he
really was so, and did privately discover her disease to him, which was
only some ordinary infirmity belonging to women, and he proffering her
physic, she desired him to come some day and bring it, which he did.
After dinner by water to the office, and there Sir W. Pen and I met and
did business all the afternoon, and then I got him to my house and eat a
lobster together, and so to bed.
26th (Shrove Tuesday). I left my wife in bed, being indisposed... I to
Mrs. Turner's, who I found busy with The. and Joyce making of things
ready for fritters, so to Mr. Crew's and there delivered Cotgrave's
Dictionary' to my Lady Jemimah, and then with Mr. Moore to my coz Tom
Pepys, but he being out of town I spoke with his lady, though not of the
business I went about, which was to borrow L1000 for my Lord. Back
to Mrs. Turner's, where several friends, all strangers to me but Mr.
Armiger, dined. Very merry and the best fritters that ever I eat in my
life. After that looked out at window; saw the flinging at cocks.
[The cruel custom of throwing at cocks on Shrove Tuesday is of
considerable antiquity. It is shown in the first print of Hogarth's
"Four Stages of Cruelty."]
Then Mrs. The. and I, and a gentleman that dined there and his daughter,
a perfect handsome young and very tall lady that lately came out of the
country, and Mr. Thatcher the Virginall Maister to Bishopsgate Street,
and there saw the new Harpsicon made for Mrs. The. We offered L12, they
demanded L14. The Master not being at home, we could make no bargain,
so parted for to-night. So all by coach to my house, where I found my
Valentine with my wife, and here they drank, and then went away. Then I
sat and talked with my Valentine and my wife a good while, and then saw
her home, and went to Sir W. Batten to the Dolphin, where Mr. Newborne,
&c., were, and there after a quart or two of wine, we home, and I to
bed....
27th. At the office all the morning, that done I walked in the
garden with little Captain Murford, where he and I had some discourse
concerning the Light-House again, and I think I shall appear in the
business, he promising me that if I can bring it about, it will be worth
L100 per annum. Then came into the garden to me young Mr. Powell and Mr.
Hooke that I once knew at Cambridge, and I took them in and gave them a
bottle of wine, and so parted. Then I called for a dish of fish, which
we had for dinner, this being the first day of Lent; and I do intend to
try whether I can keep it or no. My father dined with me and did show
me a letter from my brother John, wherein he tells us that he is chosen
Schollar of the house,' which do please me much, because I do perceive
now it must chiefly come from his merit and not the power of his Tutor,
Dr. Widdrington, who is now quite out of interest there and hath put
over his pupils to Mr. Pepper, a young Fellow of the College. With my
father to Mr. Rawlinson's, where we met my uncle Wight, and after a
pint or two away. I walked with my father (who gave me an account of the
great falling out between my uncle Fenner and his son Will) as far
as Paul's Churchyard, and so left him, and I home. This day the
Commissioners of Parliament begin to pay off the Fleet, beginning with
the Hampshire, and do it at Guildhall, for fear of going out of town
into the power of the seamen, who are highly incensed against them.
28th. Early to wait on my Lord, and after a little talk with him I took
boat at Whitehall for Redriffe, but in my way overtook Captain Cuttance
and Teddiman in a boat and so ashore with them at Queenhithe, and so to
a tavern with them to a barrel of oysters, and so away. Capt. Cuttance
and I walked from Redriffe to Deptford, where I found both Sir
Williams and Sir G. Carteret at Mr. Uthwayt's, and there we dined, and
notwithstanding my resolution, yet for want of other victualls, I did
eat flesh this Lent, but am resolved to eat as little as I can. After
dinner we went to Captain Bodilaw's, and there made sale of many old
stores by the candle, and good sport it was to see how from a small
matter bid at first they would come to double and treble the price of
things. After that Sir W. Pen and I and my Lady Batten and her daughter
by land to Redriffe, staying a little at halfway house, and when we
came to take boat, found Sir George, &c., to have staid with the barge a
great while for us, which troubled us. Home and to bed. This month ends
with two great secrets under dispute but yet known to very few: first,
Who the King will marry; and What the meaning of this fleet is which
we are now sheathing to set out for the southward. Most think against
Algier against the Turk, or to the East Indys against the Dutch who, we
hear, are setting out a great fleet thither.
MARCH 1660-1661
March 1st. All the morning at the office. Dined at home only upon fish,
and Mr. Shepley and Tom Hater with me. After dinner Mr. Shepley and I
in private talking about my Lord's intentions to go speedily into the
country, but to what end we know not. We fear he is to go to sea with
this fleet now preparing. But we wish that he could get his L4000 per
annum settled before he do go. Then he and I walked into London, he
to the Wardrobe and I to Whitefryars, and saw "The Bondman" acted; an
excellent play and well done. But above all that ever I saw, Betterton
do the Bond man the best. Then to my father's and found my mother ill.
After staying a while with them, I went home and sat up late, spending
my thoughts how to get money to bear me out in my great expense at the
Coronacion, against which all provide, and scaffolds setting up in every
street. I had many designs in my head to get some, but know not which
will take. To bed.
2d. Early with Mr. Moore about Sir Paul Neale's' business with my uncle
and other things all the morning. Dined with him at Mr. Crew's, and
after dinner I went to the Theatre, where I found so few people (which
is strange, and the reason I did not know) that I went out again, and so
to Salsbury Court, where the house as full as could be; and it seems
it was a new play, "The Queen's Maske," wherein there are some good
humours: among others, a good jeer to the old story of the Siege of
Troy, making it to be a common country tale. But above all it was
strange to see so little a boy as that was to act Cupid, which is one of
the greatest parts in it. Then home and to bed.
3rd (Lord's day): Mr. Woodcocke preached at our church a very good
sermon upon the imaginacions of the thoughts of man's heart being only
evil. So home, where being told that my Lord had sent for me I went, and
got there to dine with my Lord, who is to go into the country tomorrow.
I did give up the mortgage made to me by Sir R. Parkhurst for L2,000.
In the Abby all the afternoon. Then at Mr. Pierces the surgeon, where
Shepley and I supped. So to my Lord's, who comes in late and tells us
how news is come to-day of Mazarin's being dead, which is very great
news and of great consequence.--[This report of the death of Cardinal
Mazarin appears to have been premature, for he did not die until the
9th of March, 1661.]--I lay tonight with Mr. Shepley here, because of my
Lord's going to-morrow.
4th. My Lord went this morning on his journey to Hinchingbroke, Mr.
Parker with him; the chief business being to look over and determine
how, and in what manner, his great work of building shall be done.
Before his going he did give me some jewells to keep for him, viz., that
that the King of Sweden did give him, with the King's own picture in
it, most excellently done; and a brave George, all of diamonds, and
this with the greatest expressions of love and confidence that I could
imagine or hope for, which is a very great joy to me. To the office all
the forenoon. Then to dinner and so to Whitehall to Mr. Coventry about
several businesses, and then with Mr. Moore, who went with me to drink a
cup of ale, and after some good discourse then home and sat late talking
with Sir W. Batten. So home and to bed.
5th. With Mr. Pierce, purser, to Westminster Hall, and there met with
Captain Cuttance, Lieut. Lambert, and Pierce, surgeon, thinking to have
met with the Commissioners of Parliament, but they not sitting, we went
to the Swan, where I did give them a barrel of oysters; and so I to my
Lady's and there dined, and had very much talk and pleasant discourse
with my Lady, my esteem growing every day higher and higher in her
and my Lord. So to my father Bowyer's where my wife was, and to the
Commissioners of Parliament, and there did take some course about having
my Lord's salary paid tomorrow when; the Charles is paid off, but I
was troubled to see how high they carry themselves, when in good truth
nobody cares for them. So home by coach and my wife. I then to the
office, where Sir Williams both and I set about making an estimate of
all the officers' salaries in ordinary in the Navy till 10 o'clock at
night. So home, and I with my head full of thoughts how to get a little
present money, I eat a bit of bread and cheese, and so to bed.
6th. At the office all the morning. At dinner Sir W. Batten came
and took me and my wife to his house to dinner, my Lady being in the
country, where we had a good Lenten dinner. Then to Whitehall with
Captn. Cuttle, and there I did some business with Mr. Coventry, and
after that home, thinking to have had Sir W. Batten, &c., to have eat a
wigg--[Wigg, a kind of north country bun or tea-cake, still so called,
to my knowledge, in Staffordshire.--M. B.]--at my house at night. But my
Lady being come home out of the country ill by reason of much rain that
has fallen lately, and the waters being very high, we could not, and so
I home and to bed.
7th. This morning Sir Williams both went to Woolwich to sell some old
provisions there. I to Whitehall, and up and down about many businesses.
Dined at my Lord's, then to Mr. Crew to Mr. Moore, and he and I to
London to Guildhall to see the seamen paid off, but could not without
trouble, and so I took him to the Fleece tavern, where the pretty woman
that Luellin lately told me the story of dwells, but I could not see
her. Then towards home and met Spicer, D. Vines, Ruddiard, and a company
more of my old acquaintance, and went into a place to drink some ale,
and there we staid playing the fool till late, and so I home. At home
met with ill news that my hopes of getting some money for the Charles
were spoiled through Mr. Waith's perverseness, which did so vex me
that I could not sleep at night. But I wrote a letter to him to send
to-morrow morning for him to take my money for me, and so with good
words I thought to coy with him. To bed.
8th. All the morning at the office. At noon Sir W. Batten, Col. Slingsby
and I by coach to the Tower, to Sir John Robinson's, to dinner; where
great good cheer. High company; among others the Duchess of Albemarle,
who is ever a plain homely dowdy. After dinner, to drink all the
afternoon. Towards night the Duchess and ladies went away. Then we set
to it again till it was very late. And at last came in Sir William Wale,
almost fuddled; and because I was set between him and another, only to
keep them from talking and spoiling the company (as we did to others),
he fell out with the Lieutenant of the Tower; but with much ado we made
him under stand his error, and then all quiet. And so he carried Sir
William Batten and I home again in his coach, and so I almost overcome
with drink went to bed. I was much contented to ride in such state into
the Tower, and be received among such high company, while Mr. Mount,
my Lady Duchess's gentleman usher, stood waiting at table, whom I
ever thought a man so much above me in all respects; also to hear the
discourse of so many high Cavaliers of things past. It was a great
content and joy to me.
9th. To Whitehall and there with Mr. Creed took a most pleasant walk
for two hours in the park, which is now a very fair place. Here we had a
long and candid discourse one to another of one another's condition, and
he giving me an occasion I told him of my intention to get L60 paid me
by him for a gratuity for my labour extraordinary at sea. Which he did
not seem unwilling to, and therefore I am very glad it is out. To my
Lord's, where we found him lately come from Hinchingbroke, where he left
my uncle very well, but my aunt not likely to live. I staid and dined
with him. He took me aside, and asked me what the world spoke of the
King's marriage. Which I answering as one that knew nothing, he enquired
no further of me. But I do perceive by it that there is something in it
that is ready to come out that the world knows not of yet. After dinner
into London to Mrs. Turner's and my father's, made visits and then home,
where I sat late making of my journal for four days past, and so to bed.
10th (Lord's day). Heard Mr. Mills in the morning, a good sermon. Dined
at home on a poor Lenten dinner of coleworts and bacon. In the afternoon
again to church, and there heard one Castle, whom I knew of my year at
Cambridge. He made a dull sermon. After sermon came my uncle and aunt
Wight to see us, and we sat together a great while. Then to reading and
at night to bed.
11th. At the office all the morning, dined at home and my father and
Dr. Thos. Pepys with him upon a poor dinner, my wife being abroad. After
dinner I went to the theatre, and there saw "Love's Mistress" done by
them, which I do not like in some things as well as their acting in
Salsbury Court. At night home and found my wife come home, and among
other things she hath got her teeth new done by La Roche, and are indeed
now pretty handsome, and I was much pleased with it. So to bed.
12th. At the office about business all the morning, so to the Exchange,
and there met with Nick Osborne lately married, and with him to the
Fleece, where we drank a glass of wine. So home, where I found Mrs. Hunt
in great trouble about her husband's losing of his place in the Excise.
From thence to Guildhall, and there set my hand to the book before
Colonel King for my sea pay, and blessed be God! they have cast me at
midshipman's pay, which do make my heart very glad. So, home, and there
had Sir W. Batten and my Lady and all their company and Capt. Browne and
his wife to a collation at my house till it was late, and then to bed.
13th. Early up in the morning to read "The Seaman's Grammar and
Dictionary" I lately have got, which do please me exceeding well. At the
office all the morning, dined at home, and Mrs. Turner, The. Joyce, and
Mr. Armiger, and my father and mother with me, where they stand till I
was weary of their company and so away. Then up to my chamber, and there
set papers and things in order, and so to bed.
14th. With Sir W. Batten and Pen to Mr. Coventry's, and there had a
dispute about my claim to the place of Purveyor of Petty-provisions, and
at last to my content did conclude to have my hand to all the bills for
these provisions and Mr. Turner to purvey them, because I would not have
him to lose the place. Then to my Lord's, and so with Mr. Creed to an
alehouse, where he told me a long story of his amours at Portsmouth to
one of Mrs. Boat's daughters, which was very pleasant. Dined with my
Lord and Lady, and so with Mr. Creed to the Theatre, and there saw "King
and no King," well acted. Thence with him to the Cock alehouse at Temple
Bar, where he did ask my advice about his amours, and I did give him it,
which was to enquire into the condition of his competitor, who is a
son of Mr. Gauden's, and that I promised to do for him, and he to make
[what] use he can of it to his advantage. Home and to bed.
15th. At the office all the morning. At noon Sir Williams both and I at
a great fish dinner at the Dolphin, given us by two tax merchants, and
very merry we were till night, and so home. This day my wife and Pall
went to see my Lady Kingston, her brother's lady.
16th. Early at Sir Wm. Pen's, and there before Mr. Turner did reconcile
the business of the purveyance between us two. Then to Whitehall to my
Lord's, and dined with him, and so to Whitefriars and saw "The Spanish
Curate," in which I had no great content. So home, and was very much
troubled that Will. staid out late, and went to bed early, intending not
to let him come in, but by and by he comes and I did let him in, and he
did tell me that he was at Guildhall helping to pay off the seamen, and
cast the books late. Which since I found to be true. So to sleep, being
in bed when he came.
17th (Lord's day). At church in the morning, a stranger preached a good
honest and painfull sermon. My wife and I dined upon a chine of beef at
Sir W. Batten's, so to church again. Then home, and put some papers in
order. Then to supper at Sir W. Batten's again, where my wife by chance
fell down and hurt her knees exceedingly. So home and to bed.
18th. This morning early Sir W. Batten went to Rochester, where he
expects to be chosen Parliament man. At the office all the morning,
dined at home and with my wife to Westminster, where I had business with
the Commissioner for paying the seamen about my Lord's pay, and my wife
at Mrs. Hunt's. I called her home, and made inquiry at Greatorex's
and in other places to hear of Mr. Barlow (thinking to hear that he is
dead), but I cannot find it so, but the contrary. Home and called at
my Lady Batten's, and supped there, and so home. This day an ambassador
from Florence was brought into the town in state. Good hopes given me
to-day that Mrs. Davis is going away from us, her husband going shortly
to Ireland. Yesterday it was said was to be the day that the Princess
Henrietta was to marry the Duke d'Anjou' in France. This day I found in
the newes-booke that Roger Pepys is chosen at Cambridge for the town,
the first place that we hear of to have made their choice yet. To bed
with my head and mind full of business, which do a little put me out
of order, and I do find myself to become more and more thoughtful about
getting of money than ever heretofore.
19th. We met at the office this morning about some particular business,
and then I to Whitehall, and there dined with my Lord, and after dinner
Mr. Creed and I to White-Fryars, where we saw "The Bondman" acted most
excellently, and though I have seen it often, yet I am every time more
and more pleased with Betterton's action. From thence with him and young
Mr. Jones to Penell's in Fleet Street, and there we drank and talked a
good while, and so I home and to bed.
20th. At the office all the morning, dined at home and Mr. Creed and Mr.
Shepley with me, and after dinner we did a good deal of business in
my study about my Lord's accounts to be made up and presented to our
office. That done to White Hall to Mr. Coventry, where I did some
business with him, and so with Sir W. Pen (who I found with Mr. Coventry
teaching of him upon the map to understand Jamaica).
[Sir William Penn was well fitted to give this information, as it
was he who took the island from the Spaniards in 1655.]
By water in the dark home, and so to my Lady Batten's where my wife was,
and there we sat and eat and drank till very late, and so home to bed.
The great talk of the town is the strange election that the City of
London made yesterday for Parliament-men; viz. Fowke, Love, Jones,
and... men that are so far from being episcopall that they are thought
to be Anabaptists; and chosen with a great deal of zeal, in spite of
the other party that thought themselves very strong, calling out in the
Hall, "No Bishops! no Lord Bishops!" It do make people to fear it may
come to worse, by being an example to the country to do the same. And
indeed the Bishops are so high, that very few do love them.
21st. Up very early, and to work and study in my chamber, and then
to Whitehall to my Lord, and there did stay with him a good while
discoursing upon his accounts. Here I staid with Mr. Creed all the
morning, and at noon dined with my Lord, who was very merry, and after
dinner we sang and fiddled a great while. Then I by water (Mr. Shepley,
Pinkney, and others going part of the way) home, and then hard at work
setting my papers in order, and writing letters till night, and so to
bed. This day I saw the Florence Ambassador go to his audience, the
weather very foul, and yet he and his company very gallant. After I was
a-bed Sir W. Pen sent to desire me to go with him to-morrow morning to
meet Sir W. Batten coming from Rochester.
22nd. This morning I rose early, and my Lady Batten knocked at her door
that comes into one of my chambers, and called me to know whether I
and my wife were ready to go. So my wife got her ready, and about eight
o'clock I got a horseback, and my Lady and her two daughters, and Sir W.
Pen into coach, and so over London Bridge, and thence to Dartford. The
day very pleasant, though the way bad. Here we met with Sir W. Batten,
and some company along with him, who had assisted him in his election at
Rochester; and so we dined and were very merry. At 5 o'clock we set out
again in a coach home, and were very merry all the way. At Deptford we
met with Mr. Newborne, and some other friends and their wives in a coach
to meet us, and so they went home with us, and at Sir W. Batten's we
supped, and thence to bed, my head akeing mightily through the wine that
I drank to-day.
23d. All the morning at home putting papers in order, dined at home,
and then out to the Red Bull (where I had not been since plays come up
again), but coming too soon I went out again and walked all up and down
the Charterhouse yard and Aldersgate street. At last came back again
and went in, where I was led by a seaman that knew me, but is here as
a servant, up to the tireing-room, where strange the confusion and
disorder that there is among them in fitting themselves, especially
here, where the clothes are very poor, and the actors but common
fellows. At last into the Pitt, where I think there was not above ten
more than myself, and not one hundred in the whole house. And the play,
which is called "All's lost by Lust," poorly done; and with so much
disorder, among others, that in the musique-room the boy that was to
sing a song, not singing it right, his master fell about his ears and
beat him so, that it put the whole house in an uprore. Thence homewards,
and at the Mitre met my uncle Wight, and with him Lieut.-Col. Baron,
who told us how Crofton, the great Presbyterian minister that had lately
preached so highly against Bishops, is clapped up this day into the
Tower. Which do please some, and displease others exceedingly. Home and
to bed.
24th (Lord's day). My wife and I to church, and then home with Sir
W. Batten and my Lady to dinner, where very merry, and then to church
again, where Mr. Mills made a good sermon. Home again, and after a
walk in the garden Sir W. Batten's two daughters came and sat with us a
while, and I then up to my chamber to read.
25th (Lady day). This morning came workmen to begin the making of me a
new pair of stairs up out of my parler, which, with other work that I
have to do, I doubt will keep me this two months and so long I shall
be all in dirt; but the work do please me very well. To the office,
and there all the morning, dined at home, and after dinner comes Mr.
Salisbury to see me, and shewed me a face or two of his paynting,
and indeed I perceive that he will be a great master. I took him to
Whitehall with me by water, but he would not by any means be moved to go
through bridge, and so we were fain to go round by the Old Swan. To my
Lord's and there I shewed him the King's picture, which he intends to
copy out in little. After that I and Captain Ferrers to Salisbury Court
by water, and saw part of the "Queene's Maske." Then I to Mrs. Turner,
and there staid talking late. The. Turner being in a great chafe, about
being disappointed of a room to stand in at the Coronacion. Then to my
father's, and there staid talking with my mother and him late about my
dinner to-morrow. So homewards and took up a boy that had a lanthorn,
that was picking up of rags, and got him to light me home, and had great
discourse with him how he could get sometimes three or four bushells
of rags in a day, and got 3d. a bushell for them, and many other
discourses, what and how many ways there are for poor children to get
their livings honestly. So home and I to bed at 12 o'clock at night,
being pleased well with the work that my workmen have begun to-day.
26th. Up early to do business in my study. This is my great day that
three years ago I was cut of the stone, and, blessed be God, I do yet
find myself very free from pain again. All this morning I staid at home
looking after my workmen to my great content about my stairs, and
at noon by coach to my father's, where Mrs. Turner, The. Joyce, Mr.
Morrice, Mr. Armiger, Mr. Pierce, the surgeon, and his wife, my father
and mother, and myself and my wife. Very merry at dinner; among other
things, because Mrs. Turner and her company eat no flesh at all this
Lent, and I had a great deal of good flesh which made their mouths
water. After dinner Mrs. Pierce and her husband and I and my wife to
Salisbury Court, where coming late he and she light of Col. Boone that
made room for them, and I and my wife sat in the pit, and there met with
Mr. Lewes and Tom Whitton, and saw "The Bondman" done to admiration. So
home by coach, and after a view of what the workmen had done to-day I
went to bed.
27th. Up early to see my workmen at work. My brother Tom comes to me,
and among other things I looked over my old clothes and did give him a
suit of black stuff clothes and a hat and some shoes. At the office all
the morning, where Sir G. Carteret comes, and there I did get him to
promise me some money upon a bill of exchange, whereby I shall secure
myself of L60 which otherwise I should not know how to get. At noon
I found my stairs quite broke down, that I could not get up but by a
ladder; and my wife not being well she kept her chamber all this day. To
the Dolphin to a dinner of Mr. Harris's, where Sir Williams both and
my Lady Batten, and her two daughters, and other company, where a great
deal of mirth, and there staid till 11 o'clock at night; and in our
mirth I sang and sometimes fiddled (there being a noise of fiddlers
there), and at last we fell to dancing, the first time that ever I did
in my life, which I did wonder to see myself to do. At last we made
Mingo, Sir W. Batten's black, and Jack, Sir W. Pen's, dance, and it
was strange how the first did dance with a great deal of seeming skill.
Home, where I found my wife all day in her chamber. So to bed.
28th. Up early among my workmen, then Mr. Creed coming to see me I went
along with him to Sir Robert Slingsby (he being newly maister of that
title by being made a Baronett) to discourse about Mr. Creed's accounts
to be made up, and from thence by coach to my cozen Thomas Pepys, to
borrow L1000 for my Lord, which I am to expect an answer to tomorrow.
So to my Lord's, and there staid and dined, and after dinner did get my
Lord to view Mr. Shepley's accounts as I had examined them, and also to
sign me a bond for my L500. Then with Mr. Shepley to the Theatre and saw
"Rollo" ill acted. That done to drink a cup of ale and so by coach to
London, and having set him down in Cheapside I went home, where I found
a great deal of work done to-day, and also L70 paid me by the Treasurer
upon the bill of exchange that I have had hopes of so long, so that, my
heart in great content; I went to bed.
29th. Up among my workmen with great pleasure. Then to the office, where
I found Sir W. Pen sent down yesterday to Chatham to get two great ships
in readiness presently to go to the East Indies upon some design against
the Dutch, we think, at Goa but it is a great secret yet. Dined at home,
came Mr. Shepley and Moore, and did business with both of them. After
that to Sir W. Batten's, where great store of company at dinner. Among
others my schoolfellow, Mr. Christmas, where very merry, and hither
came letters from above for the fitting of two other ships for the East
Indies in all haste, and so we got orders presently for the Hampshire
and Nonsuch. Then home and there put some papers in order, and not
knowing what to do, the house being so dirty, I went to bed.
30th. At the office we and Sir W. Rider to advise what sort of
provisions to get ready for these ships going to the Indies. Then the
Comptroller and I by water to Mr. Coventry, and there discoursed upon
the same thing. So to my coz. Tho. Pepys, and got him to promise me
L1,000 to lend my Lord upon his and my uncle Robert's and my security.
So to my Lord's, and there got him to sign a bond to him, which I also
signed too, and he did sign counter security to us both. Then into
London up and down and drank a pint of wine with Mr. Creed, and so home
and sent a letter and the bonds to my uncle to sign for my Lord. This
day I spoke with Dr. Castle about making up the dividend for the last
quarter, and agreed to meet about it on Monday.
31st (Sunday). At church, where a stranger preached like a fool. From
thence home and dined with my wife, she staying at home, being unwilling
to dress herself, the house being all dirty. To church again, and after
sermon I walked to my father's, and to Mrs. Turner's, where I could not
woo The. to give me a lesson upon the harpsicon and was angry at it. So
home and finding Will abroad at Sir W. Batten's talking with the people
there (Sir W. and my Lady being in the country), I took occasion to be
angry with him, and so to prayers and to bed.
APRIL 1661
April 1st, 1661. This day my waiting at the Privy Seal comes in again.
Up early among my workmen. So to the once, and went home to dinner with
Sir W. Batten, and after that to the Goat tavern by Charing Cross to
meet Dr. Castle, where he and I drank a pint of wine and talked about
Privy Seal business. Then to the Privy Seal Office and there found Mr.
Moore, but no business yet. Then to Whitefryars, and there saw part of
"Rule a wife and have a wife," which I never saw before, but do not like
it. So to my father, and there finding a discontent between my
father and mother about the maid (which my father likes and my mother
dislikes), I staid till 10 at night, persuading my mother to understand
herself, and that in some high words, which I was sorry for, but she is
grown, poor woman, very froward. So leaving them in the same discontent
I went away home, it being a brave moonshine, and to bed.
2d. Among my workmen early and then along with my wife and Pall to my
Father's by coach there to have them lie a while till my house be done.
I found my mother alone weeping upon my last night's quarrel and so left
her, and took my wife to Charing Cross and there left her to see her
mother who is not well. So I into St. James's Park, where I saw the Duke
of York playing at Pelemele,
[The game was originally played in the road now styled Pall Mall,
near St. James's Square, but at the Restoration when sports came in
fashion again the street was so much built over, that it became
necessary to find another ground. The Mall in St. James's Park was
then laid out for the purpose.]
the first time that ever I saw the sport. Then to my Lord's, where I
dined with my Lady, and after we had dined in comes my Lord and Ned
Pickering hungry, and there was not a bit of meat left in the house, the
servants having eat up all, at which my Lord was very angry, and at last
got something dressed. Then to the Privy Seal, and signed some things,
and so to White-fryars and saw "The Little Thiefe," which is a very
merry and pretty play, and the little boy do very well. Then to my
Father's, where I found my mother and my wife in a very good mood, and
so left them and went home. Then to the Dolphin to Sir W. Batten, and
Pen, and other company; among others Mr. Delabar; where strange how
these men, who at other times are all wise men, do now, in their drink,
betwitt and reproach one another with their former conditions, and their
actions as in public concernments, till I was ashamed to see it. But
parted all friends at 12 at night after drinking a great deal of wine.
So home and alone to bed.
3rd. Up among my workmen, my head akeing all day from last night's
debauch. To the office all the morning, and at noon dined with Sir W.
Batten and Pen, who would needs have me drink two drafts of sack to-day
to cure me of last night's disease, which I thought strange but I think
find it true.
[The proverb, "A hair of the dog that bit you," which probably had
originally a literal meaning, has long been used to inculcate the
advice of the two Sir Williams.]
Then home with my workmen all the afternoon, at night into the garden to
play on my flageolette, it being moonshine, where I staid a good while,
and so home and to bed. This day I hear that the Dutch have sent the
King a great present of money, which we think will stop the match with
Portugal; and judge this to be the reason that our so great haste in
sending the two ships to the East Indys is also stayed.
4th. To my workmen, then to my Lord's, and there dined with Mr. Shepley.
After dinner I went in to my Lord and there we had a great deal of
musique, and then came my cozen Tom Pepys and there did accept of the
security which we gave him for his L1000 that we borrow of him, and so
the money to be paid next week. Then to the Privy Seal, and so with Mr.
Moore to my father's, where some friends did sup there and we with them
and late went home, leaving my wife still there. So to bed.
5th: Up among my workmen and so to the office, and then to Sir W. Pen's
with the other Sir William and Sir John Lawson to dinner, and after
that, with them to Mr. Lucy's, a merchant, where much good company, and
there drank a great deal of wine, and in discourse fell to talk of
the weight of people, which did occasion some wagers, and where, among
others, I won half a piece to be spent. Then home, and at night to Sir
W. Batten's, and there very merry with a good barrell of oysters, and
this is the present life I lead. Home and to bed.
6th. Up among my workmen, then to Whitehall, and there at Privy Seal and
elsewhere did business, and among other things met with Mr. Townsend,
who told of his mistake the other day, to put both his legs through one
of his knees of his breeches, and went so all day. Then with Mr. Creed
and Moore to the Leg in the Palace to dinner which I gave them, and
after dinner I saw the girl of the house, being very pretty, go into a
chamber, and I went in after her and kissed her. Then by water, Creed
and I, to Salisbury Court and there saw "Love's Quarrell" acted the
first time, but I do not like the design or words. So calling at my
father's, where they and my wife well, and so home and to bed.
7th (Lord's day). All the morning at home making up my accounts (God
forgive me!) to give up to my Lord this afternoon. Then about 11 o'clock
out of doors towards Westminster and put in at Paul's, where I saw our
minister, Mr. Mills, preaching before my Lord Mayor. So to White Hall,
and there I met with Dr. Fuller of Twickenham, newly come from Ireland;
and took him to my Lord's, where he and I dined; and he did give my Lord
and me a good account of the condition of Ireland, and how it come to
pass, through the joyning of the Fanatiques and the Presbyterians, that
the latter and the former are in their declaration put together under
the names of Fanatiques. After dinner, my Lord and I and Mr. Shepley did
look over our accounts and settle matters of money between us; and my
Lord did tell me much of his mind about getting money and other things
of his family, &c. Then to my father's, where I found Mr. Hunt and his
wife at supper with my father and mother and my wife, where after supper
I left them and so home, and then I went to Sir W. Batten's and resolved
of a journey tomorrow to Chatham, and so home and to bed.
8th. Up early, my Lady Batten knocking at her door that comes into one
of my chambers. I did give directions to my people and workmen, and so
about 8 o'clock we took barge at the Tower, Sir William Batten and his
lady, Mrs. Turner, Mr. Fowler and I. A very pleasant passage and so to
Gravesend, where we dined, and from thence a coach took them and me,
and Mr. Fowler with some others came from Rochester to meet us, on
horseback. At Rochester, where alight at Mr. Alcock's and there drank
and had good sport, with his bringing out so many sorts of cheese. Then
to the Hillhouse at Chatham, where I never was before, and I found a
pretty pleasant house and am pleased with the arms that hang up there.
Here we supped very merry, and late to bed; Sir William telling me that
old Edgeborrow, his predecessor, did die and walk in my chamber, did
make me some what afeard, but not so much as for mirth's sake I did
seem. So to bed in the treasurer's chamber.
9th. And lay and slept well till 3 in the morning, and then waking, and
by the light of the moon I saw my pillow (which overnight I flung from
me) stand upright, but not bethinking myself what it might be, I was a
little afeard, but sleep overcame all and so lay till high morning,
at which time I had a candle brought me and a good fire made, and in
general it was a great pleasure all the time I staid here to see how I
am respected and honoured by all people; and I find that I begin to know
now how to receive so much reverence, which at the beginning I could not
tell how to do. Sir William and I by coach to the dock and there viewed
all the storehouses and the old goods that are this day to be sold,
which was great pleasure to me, and so back again by coach home, where
we had a good dinner, and among other strangers that come, there was Mr.
Hempson and his wife, a pretty woman, and speaks Latin; Mr. Allen and
two daughters of his, both very tall and the youngest very handsome, so
much as I could not forbear to love her exceedingly, having, among other
things, the best hand that ever I saw. After dinner, we went to fit
books and things (Tom Hater being this morning come to us) for the sale,
by an inch of candle, and very good sport we and the ladies that stood
by had, to see the people bid. Among other things sold there was all the
State's arms, which Sir W. Batten bought; intending to set up some of
the images in his garden, and the rest to burn on the Coronacion night.
The sale being done, the ladies and I and Captain Pett and Mr. Castle
took barge and down we went to see the Sovereign, which we did, taking
great pleasure therein, singing all the way, and, among other pleasures,
I put my Lady, Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Hempson, and the two Mrs. Allens into
the lanthorn and I went in and kissed them, demanding it as a fee due to
a principall officer, with all which we were exceeding merry, and drunk
some bottles of wine and neat's tongue, &c. Then back again home and so
supped, and after much mirth to bed.
10th. In the morning to see the Dockhouses. First, Mr. Pett's, the
builder, and there was very kindly received, and among other things he
did offer my Lady Batten a parrot, the best I ever saw, that knew Mingo
so soon as it saw him, having been bred formerly in the house with them;
but for talking and singing I never heard the like. My Lady did accept
of it: Then to see Commissioner Pett's house, he and his family being
absent, and here I wondered how my Lady Batten walked up and down with
envious looks to see how neat and rich everything is (and indeed both
the house and garden is most handsome), saying that she would get it,
for it belonged formerly to the Surveyor of the Navy. Then on board the
Prince, now in the dock, and indeed it has one and no more rich cabins
for carved work, but no gold in her. After that back home, and there eat
a little dinner. Then to Rochester, and there saw the Cathedrall, which
is now fitting for use, and the organ then a-tuning. Then away thence,
observing the great doors of the church, which, they say, was covered
with the skins of the Danes,
[Traditions similar to that at Rochester, here alluded to, are to be
found in other places in England. Sir Harry Englefield, in a
communication made to the Society of Antiquaries, July 2nd, 1789,
called attention to the curious popular tale preserved in the
village of Hadstock, Essex, that the door of the church had been
covered with the skin of a Danish pirate, who had plundered the
church. At Worcester, likewise, it was asserted that the north
doors of the cathedral had been covered with the skin of a person
who had sacrilegiously robbed the high altar. The date of these
doors appears to be the latter part of the fourteenth century, the
north porch having been built about 1385. Dart, in his "History of
the Abbey Church of St. Peter's, Westminster," 1723 (vol. i., book
ii., p. 64), relates a like tradition then preserved in reference to
a door, one of three which closed off a chamber from the south
transept--namely, a certain building once known as the Chapel of
Henry VIII., and used as a "Revestry." This chamber, he states, "is
inclosed with three doors, the inner cancellated, the middle, which
is very thick, lined with skins like parchment, and driven full of
nails. These skins, they by tradition tell us, were some skins of
the Danes, tann'd and given here as a memorial of our delivery from
them." Portions of this supposed human skin were examined under the
microscope by the late Mr. John Quekett of the Hunterian Museum, who
ascertained, beyond question, that in each of the cases the skin was
human. From a communication by the late Mr. Albert Way, F.S.A., to
the late Lord Braybrooke.]
and also had much mirth at a tomb, on which was "Come sweet Jesu," and
I read "Come sweet Mall," &c., at which Captain Pett and I had good
laughter. So to the Salutacion tavern, where Mr. Alcock and many of the
town came and entertained us with wine and oysters and other things,
and hither come Sir John Minnes to us, who is come to-day to see "the
Henery," in which he intends to ride as Vice-Admiral in the narrow seas
all this summer. Here much mirth, but I was a little troubled to stay
too long, because of going to Hempson's, which afterwards we did, and
found it in all things a most pretty house, and rarely furnished, only
it had a most ill access on all sides to it, which is a greatest fault
that I think can be in a house. Here we had, for my sake, two fiddles,
the one a base viall, on which he that played, played well some lyra
lessons, but both together made the worst musique that ever I heard.
We had a fine collacion, but I took little pleasure in that, for the
illness of the musique and for the intentness of my mind upon Mrs.
Rebecca Allen. After we had done eating, the ladies went to dance, and
among the men we had, I was forced to dance too; and did make an ugly
shift. Mrs. R. Allen danced very well, and seems the best humoured woman
that ever I saw. About 9 o'clock Sir William and my Lady went home, and
we continued dancing an hour or two, and so broke up very pleasant and
merry, and so walked home, I leading Mrs. Rebecca, who seemed, I know
not why, in that and other things, to be desirous of my favours and
would in all things show me respects. Going home, she would needs have
me sing, and I did pretty well and was highly esteemed by them. So to
Captain Allen's (where we were last night, and heard him play on the
harpsicon, and I find him to be a perfect good musician), and there,
having no mind to leave Mrs. Rebecca, what with talk and singing (her
father and I), Mrs. Turner and I staid there till 2 o'clock in the
morning and was most exceeding merry, and I had the opportunity of
kissing Mrs. Rebecca very often. Among other things Captain Pett was
saying that he thought that he had got his wife with child since I came
thither. Which I took hold of and was merrily asking him what he would
take to have it said for my honour that it was of my getting? He merrily
answered that he would if I would promise to be godfather to it if it
did come within the time just, and I said that I would. So that I must
remember to compute it when the time comes.
11th. At 2 o'clock, with very great mirth, we went to our lodging and to
bed, and lay till 7, and then called up by Sir W. Batten, so I arose and
we did some business, and then came Captn. Allen, and he and I withdrew
and sang a song or two, and among others took pleasure in "Goe and bee
hanged, that's good-bye." The young ladies come too, and so I did again
please myself with Mrs. Rebecca, and about 9 o'clock, after we had
breakfasted, we sett forth for London, and indeed I was a little
troubled to part with Mrs. Rebecca, for which God forgive me. Thus we
went away through Rochester, calling and taking leave of Mr. Alcock
at the door, Capt. Cuttance going with us. We baited at Dartford, and
thence to London, but of all the journeys that ever I made this was the
merriest, and I was in a strange mood for mirth.
Among other things, I got my Lady to let her maid, Mrs. Anne, to ride
all the way on horseback, and she rides exceeding well; and so I called
her my clerk, that she went to wait upon me. I met two little schoolboys
going with pitchers of ale to their schoolmaster to break up against
Easter, and I did drink of some of one of them and give him two pence.
By and by we come to two little girls keeping cows, and I saw one of
them very pretty, so I had a mind to make her ask my blessing, and
telling her that I was her godfather, she asked me innocently whether I
was not Ned Wooding, and I said that I was, so she kneeled down and very
simply called, "Pray, godfather, pray to God to bless me," which made
us very merry, and I gave her twopence. In several places, I asked women
whether they would sell me their children, but they denied me all, but
said they would give me one to keep for them, if I would. Mrs. Anne and
I rode under the man that hangs upon Shooter's Hill,
[Shooter's Hill, Kent, between the eighth and ninth milestones on
the Dover road. It was long a notorious haunt of highwaymen. The
custom was to leave the bodies of criminals hanging until the bones
fell to the ground.]
and a filthy sight it was to see how his flesh is shrunk to his bones.
So home and I found all well, and a deal of work done since I went. I
sent to see how my wife do, who is well, and my brother John come from
Cambridge. To Sir W. Batten's and there supped, and very merry with the
young ladles. So to bed very sleepy for last night's work, concluding
that it is the pleasantest journey in all respects that ever I had in my
life.
12th. Up among my workmen, and about 7 o'clock comes my wife to see me
and my brother John with her, who I am glad to see, but I sent them away
because of going to the office, and there dined with Sir W. Batten,
all fish dinner, it being Good Friday. Then home and looking over my
workmen, and then into the City and saw in what forwardness all things
are for the Coronacion, which will be very magnificent. Then back again
home and to my chamber, to set down in my diary all my late journey,
which I do with great pleasure; and while I am now writing comes one
with a tickett to invite me to Captain Robert Blake's buriall, for whose
death I am very sorry, and do much wonder at it, he being a little while
since a very likely man to live as any I knew. Since my going out of
town, there is one Alexander Rosse taken and sent to the Counter by Sir
Thomas Allen, for counterfeiting my hand to a ticket, and we this day at
the office have given order to Mr. Smith to prosecute him. To bed.
13th. To Whitehall by water from Towre-wharf, where we could not pass
the ordinary way, because they were mending of the great stone steps
against the Coronacion. With Sir W. Pen, then to my Lord's, and thence
with Capt. Cuttance and Capt. Clark to drink our morning draught
together, and before we could get back again my Lord was gone out. So to
Whitehall again and, met with my Lord above with the Duke; and after a
little talk with him, I went to the Banquethouse, and there saw the King
heal, the first time that ever I saw him do it; which he did with great
gravity, and it seemed to me to be an ugly office and a simple one. That
done to my Lord's and dined there, and so by water with parson Turner
towards London, and upon my telling of him of Mr. Moore to be a fit man
to do his business with Bishop Wren, about which he was going, he went
back out of my boat into another to Whitehall, and so I forwards home
and there by and by took coach with Sir W. Pen and Captain Terne and
went to the buriall of Captain Robert Blake, at Wapping, and there had
each of us a ring, but it being dirty, we would not go to church with
them, but with our coach we returned home, and there staid a little, and
then he and I alone to the Dolphin (Sir W. Batten being this day gone
with his wife to Walthamstow to keep Easter), and there had a supper by
ourselves, we both being very hungry, and staying there late drinking I
became very sleepy, and so we went home and I to bed.
14th (Easter. Lord's day). In the morning towards my father's, and by
the way heard Mr. Jacomb, at Ludgate, upon these words, "Christ loved
you and therefore let us love one another," and made a lazy sermon, like
a Presbyterian. Then to my father's and dined there, and Dr. Fairbrother
(lately come to town) with us. After dinner I went to the Temple and
there heard Dr. Griffith, a good sermon for the day; so with Mr. Moore
(whom I met there) to my Lord's, and there he shewed me a copy of my
Lord Chancellor's patent for Earl, and I read the preamble, which is
very short, modest, and good. Here my Lord saw us and spoke to me about
getting Mr. Moore to come and govern his house while he goes to sea,
which I promised him to do and did afterwards speak to Mr. Moore, and
he is willing. Then hearing that Mr. Barnwell was come, with some of my
Lord's little children, yesterday to town, to see the Coronacion, I went
and found them at the Goat, at Charing Cross, and there I went and drank
with them a good while, whom I found in very good health and very merry
Then to my father's, and after supper seemed willing to go home, and
my wife seeming to be so too I went away in a discontent, but she, poor
wretch, followed me as far in the rain and dark as Fleet Bridge to fetch
me back again, and so I did, and lay with her to-night, which I have not
done these eight or ten days before.
15th. From my father's, it being a very foul morning for the King and
Lords to go to Windsor, I went to the office and there met Mr. Coventry
and Sir Robt. Slingsby, but did no business, but only appoint to go to
Deptford together tomorrow. Mr. Coventry being gone, and I having at
home laid up L200 which I had brought this morning home from Alderman
Backwell's, I went home by coach with Sir R. Slingsby and dined with
him, and had a very good dinner. His lady' seems a good woman and very
desirous they were to hear this noon by the post how the election has
gone at Newcastle, wherein he is concerned, but the letters are not come
yet. To my uncle Wight's, and after a little stay with them he and I to
Mr. Rawlinson's, and there staid all the afternoon, it being very foul,
and had a little talk with him what good I might make of these ships
that go to Portugal by venturing some money by them, and he will give me
an answer to it shortly. So home and sent for the Barber, and after that
to bed.
16th. So soon as word was brought me that Mr. Coventry was come with the
barge to the Towre, I went to him, and found him reading of the Psalms
in short hand (which he is now busy about), and had good sport about the
long marks that are made there for sentences in divinity, which he is
never like to make use of. Here he and I sat till the Comptroller came
and then we put off for Deptford, where we went on board the King's
pleasure boat that Commissioner Pett is making, and indeed it will be a
most pretty thing. From thence to Commr. Pett's lodging, and there had a
good breakfast, and in came the two Sir Wms. from Walthamstow, and so
we sat down and did a great deal of public business about the fitting
of the fleet that is now going out. That done we went to the Globe and
there had a good dinner, and by and by took barge again and so home. By
the way they would have me sing, which I did to Mr. Coventry, who went
up to Sir William Batten's, and there we staid and talked a good while,
and then broke up and I home, and then to my father's and there lay with
my wife.
17th. By land and saw the arches, which are now almost done and are very
fine, and I saw the picture of the ships and other things this morning,
set up before the East Indy House, which are well done. So to the
office, and that being done I went to dinner with Sir W. Batten, and
then home to my workmen, and saw them go on with great content to me.
Then comes Mr. Allen of Chatham, and I took him to the Mitre and there
did drink with him, and did get of him the song that pleased me so well
there the other day, "Of Shitten come Shites the beginning of love." His
daughters are to come to town to-morrow, but I know not whether I shall
see them or no. That done I went to the Dolphin by appointment and there
I met Sir Wms. both and Mr. Castle, and did eat a barrel of oysters and
two lobsters, which I did give them, and were very merry. Here we had
great talk of Mr. Warren's being knighted by the King, and Sir W. B.
seemed to be very much incensed against him. So home.
18th. Up with my workmen and then about 9 o'clock took horse with both
the Sir Williams for Walthamstow, and there we found my Lady and her
daughters all; and a pleasant day it was, and all things else, but that
my Lady was in a bad mood, which we were troubled at, and had she
been noble she would not have been so with her servants, when we came
thither, and this Sir W. Pen took notice of, as well as I. After dinner
we all went to the Church stile, and there eat and drank, and I was as
merry as I could counterfeit myself to be. Then, it raining hard, we
left Sir W. Batten, and we two returned and called at Mr.----and drank
some brave wine there, and then homewards again and in our way met with
two country fellows upon one horse, which I did, without much ado, give
the way to, but Sir W. Pen would not, but struck them and they him, and
so passed away, but they giving him some high words, he went back again
and struck them off their horse, in a simple fury, and without much
honour, in my mind, and so came away. Home, and I sat with him a good
while talking, and then home and to bed.
19th. Among my workmen and then to the office, and after that dined with
Sir W. Batten, and then home, where Sir W. Warren came, and I took him
and Mr. Shepley and Moore with me to the Mitre, and there I cleared with
Warren for the deals I bought lately for my Lord of him, and he went
away, and we staid afterwards a good while and talked, and so parted, it
being so foul that I could not go to Whitehall to see the Knights of
the Bath made to-day, which do trouble me mightily. So home, and having
staid awhile till Will came in (with whom I was vexed for staying
abroad), he comes and then I went by water to my father's, and then
after supper to bed with my wife.
20th. Here comes my boy to tell me that the Duke of York had sent for
all the principal officers, &c., to come to him to-day. So I went by
water to Mr. Coventry's, and there staid and talked a good while with
him till all the rest come. We went up and saw the Duke dress himself,
and in his night habitt he is a very plain man. Then he sent us to his
closett, where we saw among other things two very fine chests, covered
with gold and Indian varnish, given him by the East Indy Company of
Holland. The Duke comes; and after he had told us that the fleet was
designed for Algier (which was kept from us till now), we did advise
about many things as to the fitting of the fleet, and so went away. And
from thence to the Privy Seal, where little to do, and after that took
Mr. Creed and Moore and gave them their morning draught, and after that
to my Lord's, where Sir W. Pen came to me, and dined with my Lord. After
dinner he and others that dined there went away, and then my Lord looked
upon his pages' and footmen's liverys, which are come home to-day, and
will be handsome, though not gaudy. Then with my Lady and my Lady Wright
to White Hall; and in the Banqueting-house saw the King create my Lord
Chancellor and several others, Earls, and Mr. Crew and several others,
Barons: the first being led up by Heralds and five old Earls to the
King, and there the patent is read, and the King puts on his vest, and
sword, and coronet, and gives him the patent. And then he kisseth the
King's hand, and rises and stands covered before the king. And the same
for the Barons, only he is led up but by three of the old Barons, and
are girt with swords before they go to the King. That being done (which
was very pleasant to see their habits), I carried my Lady back, and I
found my Lord angry, for that his page had let my Lord's new beaver
be changed for an old hat; then I went away, and with Mr. Creed to the
Exchange and bought some things, as gloves and bandstrings, &c. So back
to the Cockpitt, and there, by the favour of one Mr. Bowman, he and I
got in, and there saw the King and Duke of York and his Duchess (which
is a plain woman, and like her mother, my Lady Chancellor). And so saw
"The Humersome Lieutenant" acted before the King, but not very well
done.
But my pleasure was great to see the manner of it, and so many great
beauties, but above all Mrs. Palmer, with whom the King do discover a
great deal of familiarity. So Mr. Creed and I (the play being done)
went to Mrs. Harper's, and there sat and drank, it being about twelve at
night. The ways being now so dirty, and stopped up with the rayles which
are this day set up in the streets, I would not go home, but went with
him to his lodging at Mr. Ware's, and there lay all night.
21st (Lord's day). In the morning we were troubled to hear it rain as it
did, because of the great show tomorrow. After I was ready I walked to
my father's and there found the late maid to be gone and another come by
my mother's choice, which my father do not like, and so great difference
there will be between my father and mother about it. Here dined Doctor
Thos. Pepys and Dr. Fayrebrother; and all our talk about to-morrow's
show, and our trouble that it is like to be a wet day. After dinner
comes in my coz. Snow and his wife, and I think stay there till the show
be over. Then I went home, and all the way is so thronged with people
to see the triumphal arches, that I could hardly pass for them. So home,
people being at church, and I got home unseen, and so up to my chamber
and saw done these last five or six days' diarys. My mind a little
troubled about my workmen, which, being foreigners,--[Foreigners were
workmen dwelling outside the city.]--are like to be troubled by a couple
of lazy rogues that worked with me the other day, that are citizens, and
so my work will be hindered, but I must prevent it if I can.
22d. KING'S GOING FROM YE TOWER TO WHITE HALL.
[The king in the early morning of the 22nd went from Whitehall to
the Tower by water, so that he might proceed from thence through the
City to Westminster Abbey, there to be crowned.]
Up early and made myself as fine as I could, and put on my velvet coat,
the first day that I put it on, though made half a year ago. And being
ready, Sir W. Batten, my Lady, and his two daughters and his son
and wife, and Sir W. Pen and his son and I, went to Mr. Young's, the
flag-maker, in Corne-hill;
[The members of the Navy Office appear to have chosen Mr. Young's
house on account of its nearness to the second triumphal arch,
situated near the Royal Exchange, which was dedicated to the Navy.]
and there we had a good room to ourselves, with wine and good cake, and
saw the show very well. In which it is impossible to relate the glory
of this day, expressed in the clothes of them that rid, and their horses
and horses clothes, among others, my Lord Sandwich's. Embroidery and
diamonds were ordinary among them. The Knights of the Bath was a brave
sight of itself; and their Esquires, among which Mr. Armiger was
an Esquire to one of the Knights. Remarquable were the two men that
represent the two Dukes of Normandy and Aquitane. The Bishops come next
after Barons, which is the higher place; which makes me think that the
next Parliament they will be called to the House of Lords. My Lord Monk
rode bare after the King, and led in his hand a spare horse, as being
Master of the Horse. The King, in a most rich embroidered suit and
cloak, looked most noble. Wadlow,
[Simon Wadlow was the original of "old Sir Simon the king," the
favourite air of Squire Western in "Tom Jones."
"Hang up all the poor hop-drinkers,
Cries old Sim, the king of skinkers."
Ben Jonson, Verses over the door into the Apollo.]
the vintner, at the Devil; in Fleetstreet, did lead a fine company of
soldiers, all young comely men, in white doublets. There followed the
Vice-Chamberlain, Sir G. Carteret, a company of men all like Turks; but
I know not yet what they are for. The streets all gravelled, and the
houses hung with carpets before them, made brave show, and the ladies
out of the windows, one of which over against us I took much notice of,
and spoke of her, which made good sport among us. So glorious was the
show with gold and silver, that we were not able to look at it, our eyes
at last being so much overcome with it. Both the King and the Duke
of York took notice of us, as he saw us at the window. The show being
ended, Mr. Young did give us a dinner, at which we were very merry,
and pleased above imagination at what we have seen. Sir W. Batten going
home, he and I called and drunk some mum
[Mum. Ale brewed with wheat at Brunswick.
"Sedulous and stout
With bowls of fattening mum."
J. Phillips, Cyder, Vol. ii. p. 231.]
and laid our wager about my Lady Faulconbridge's name,
[Mary, third daughter of Oliver Cromwell, and second wife of Thomas
Bellasis, second Viscount Fauconberg, created Earl of Fauconberg,
April 9th, 1689.]
which he says not to be Mary, and so I won above 20s. So home, where
Will and the boy staid and saw the show upon Towre Hill, and Jane at
T. Pepys's, The. Turner, and my wife at Charles Glassecocke's, in Fleet
Street. In the evening by water to White Hall to my Lord's, and there I
spoke with my Lord. He talked with me about his suit, which was made in
France, and cost him L200, and very rich it is with embroidery. I lay
with Mr. Shepley, and
CORONACION DAY.
23d. About 4 I rose and got to the Abbey, where I followed Sir J.
Denham, the Surveyor, with some company that he was leading in. And with
much ado, by the favour of Mr. Cooper, his man, did get up into a great
scaffold across the North end of the Abbey, where with a great deal of
patience I sat from past 4 till 11 before the King came in. And a great
pleasure it was to see the Abbey raised in the middle, all covered with
red, and a throne (that is a chair) and footstool on the top of it;
and all the officers of all kinds, so much as the very fidlers, in red
vests. At last comes in the Dean and Prebends of Westminster, with
the Bishops (many of them in cloth of gold copes), and after them the
Nobility, all in their Parliament robes, which was a most magnificent
sight. Then the Duke, and the King with a scepter (carried by my Lord
Sandwich) and sword and mond
[Mond or orb of gold, with a cross set with precious stones, carried
by the Duke of Buckingham.]
before him, and the crown too. The King in his robes, bare-headed, which
was very fine. And after all had placed themselves, there was a sermon
and the service; and then in the Quire at the high altar, the King
passed through all the ceremonies of the Coronacon, which to my great
grief I and most in the Abbey could not see. The crown being put upon
his head, a great shout begun, and he came forth to the throne, and
there passed more ceremonies: as taking the oath, and having things read
to him by the Bishop; and his lords (who put on their caps as soon as
the King put on his crown)
[As yet barons had no coronet. A grant of that outward mark of
dignity was made to them by Charles soon after his coronation.
Queen Elizabeth had assigned coronets to viscounts.--B.]
and bishops come, and kneeled before him. And three times the King at
Arms went to the three open places on the scaffold, and proclaimed, that
if any one could show any reason why Charles Stewart should not be King
of England, that now he should come and speak. And a Generall Pardon
also was read by the Lord Chancellor, and meddalls flung up and down by
my Lord Cornwallis, of silver, but I could not come by any. But so great
a noise that I could make but little of the musique; and indeed, it was
lost to every body. But I had so great a lust to.... that I went out a
little while before the King had done all his ceremonies, and went round
the Abbey to Westminster Hall, all the way within rayles, and 10,000
people, with the ground covered with blue cloth; and scaffolds all
the way. Into the Hall I got, where it was very fine with hangings and
scaffolds one upon another full of brave ladies; and my wife in one
little one, on the right hand. Here I staid walking up and down, and at
last upon one of the side stalls I stood and saw the King come in with
all the persons (but the soldiers) that were yesterday in the cavalcade;
and a most pleasant sight it was to see them in their several robes. And
the King came in with his crown on, and his sceptre in his hand, under
a canopy borne up by six silver staves, carried by Barons of the Cinque
Ports,
[Pepys was himself one of the Barons of the Cinque Ports at the
Coronation of James II.]
and little bells at every end. And after a long time, he got up to the
farther end, and all set themselves down at their several tables; and
that was also a brave sight: and the King's first course carried up
by the Knights of the Bath. And many fine ceremonies there was of
the Heralds leading up people before him, and bowing; and my Lord of
Albemarle's going to the kitchin and eat a bit of the first dish that
was to go to the King's table. But, above all, was these three Lords,
Northumberland, and Suffolk, and the Duke of Ormond, coming before the
courses on horseback, and staying so all dinner-time, and at last to
bring up [Dymock] the King's Champion, all in armour on horseback, with
his spear and targett carried before him. And a Herald proclaims "That
if any dare deny Charles Stewart to be lawful King of England, here was
a Champion that would fight with him;"
[The terms of the Champion's challenge were as follows: "If any
person of what degree soever, high or low, shall deny or gainsay our
Soveraigne Lord King Charles the Second, King of England, Scotland,
France and Ireland, defender of the faith, Sonne and next heire to
our Soveraigne Lord Charles the First, the last King deceased, to be
right heire to the Imperiall Crowne of this Realme of England, or
that bee ought not to enjoy the same; here is his champion, who
sayth that he lyeth and is a false Traytor, being ready in person to
combate with him, and in this quarrell will venture his life against
him, on what day soever hee shall be appointed."]
and with these words, the Champion flings down his gauntlet, and all
this he do three times in his going up towards the King's table. At
last when he is come, the King drinks to him, and then sends him the cup
which is of gold, and he drinks it off, and then rides back again with
the cup in his hand. I went from table to table to see the Bishops and
all others at their dinner, and was infinitely pleased with it. And at
the Lords' table, I met with William Howe, and he spoke to my Lord for
me, and he did give me four rabbits and a pullet, and so I got it and
Mr. Creed and I got Mr. Michell to give us some bread, and so we at a
stall eat it, as every body else did what they could get. I took a great
deal of pleasure to go up and down, and look upon the ladies, and to
hear the musique of all sorts, but above all, the 24 violins: About six
at night they had dined, and I went up to my wife, and there met with a
pretty lady (Mrs. Frankleyn, a Doctor's wife, a friend of Mr. Bowyer's),
and kissed them both, and by and by took them down to Mr. Bowyer's. And
strange it is to think, that these two days have held up fair till now
that all is done, and the King gone out of the Hall; and then it fell
a-raining and thundering and lightening as I have not seen it do for
some years: which people did take great notice of; God's blessing of the
work of these two days, which is a foolery to take too much notice of
such things. I observed little disorder in all this, but only the King's
footmen had got hold of the canopy, and would keep it from the Barons of
the Cinque Ports,
[Bishop Kennett gives a somewhat fuller account of this unseemly
broil: "No sooner had the aforesaid Barons brought up the King to
the foot of the stairs in Westminster Hall, ascending to his throne,
and turned on the left hand (towards their own table) out of the
way, but the King's footmen most insolently and violently seized
upon the canopy, which the Barons endeavouring to keep and defend,
were by their number and strength dragged clown to the lower end of
the Hall, nevertheless still keeping their hold; and had not Mr.
Owen York Herald, being accidentally near the Hall door, and seeing
the contest, caused the same to be shut, the footmen had certainly
carried it away by force. But in the interim also (speedy notice
hereof having been given the King) one of the Querries were sent
from him, with command to imprison the footmen, and dismiss them out
of his service, which put an end to the present disturbance. These
footmen were also commanded to make their submission to the Court of
Claims, which was accordingly done by them the 30th April following,
and the canopy then delivered back to the said Barons." Whilst this
disturbance happened, the upper end of the first table, which had
been appointed for the Barons of the Cinque Ports, was taken up by
the Bishops, judges, &c., probably nothing loth to take precedence
of them; and the poor Barons, naturally unwilling to lose their
dinner, were necessitated to eat it at the bottom of the second
table, below the Masters of Chancery and others of the long
robe.-B.]
which they endeavoured to force from them again, but could not do it
till my Lord Duke of Albemarle caused it to be put into Sir R. Pye's'
hand till tomorrow to be decided. At Mr. Bowyer's; a great deal of
company, some I knew, others I did not. Here we staid upon the leads and
below till it was late, expecting to see the fire-works, but they were
not performed to-night: only the City had a light like a glory round
about it with bonfires. At last I went to Kingstreet, and there sent
Crockford to my father's and my house, to tell them I could not come
home tonight, because of the dirt, and a coach could not be had. And
so after drinking a pot of ale alone at Mrs. Harper's I returned to Mr.
Bowyer's, and after a little stay more I took my wife and Mrs. Frankleyn
(who I proffered the civility of lying with my wife at Mrs. Hunt's
to-night) to Axe-yard, in which at the further end there were three
great bonfires, and a great many great gallants, men and women; and
they laid hold of us, and would have us drink the King's health upon our
knees, kneeling upon a faggot, which we all did, they drinking to us one
after another. Which we thought a strange frolique; but these gallants
continued thus a great while, and I wondered to see how the ladies did
tipple. At last I sent my wife and her bedfellow to bed, and Mr. Hunt
and I went in with Mr. Thornbury (who did give the company all their
wine, he being yeoman of the wine-cellar to the King) to his house; and
there, with his wife and two of his sisters, and some gallant sparks
that were there, we drank the King's health, and nothing else, till one
of the gentlemen fell down stark drunk, and there lay spewing; and I
went to my Lord's pretty well. But no sooner a-bed with Mr. Shepley but
my head began to hum, and I to vomit, and if ever I was foxed it was
now, which I cannot say yet, because I fell asleep and slept till
morning. Only when I waked I found myself wet with my spewing. Thus did
the day end with joy every where; and blessed be God, I have not heard
of any mischance to any body through it all, but only to Serjt. Glynne,
whose horse fell upon him yesterday, and is like to kill him, which
people do please themselves to see how just God is to punish the rogue
at such a time as this; he being now one of the King's Serjeants,
and rode in the cavalcade with Maynard, to whom people wish the same
fortune. There was also this night in King-street, [a woman] had her eye
put out by a boy's flinging a firebrand into the coach. Now, after
all this, I can say that, besides the pleasure of the sight of these
glorious things, I may now shut my eyes against any other objects, nor
for the future trouble myself to see things of state and show, as being
sure never to see the like again in this world.
24th. Waked in the morning with my head in a sad taking through the last
night's drink, which I am very sorry for; so rose and went out with Mr.
Creed to drink our morning draft, which he did give me in chocolate
[Chocolate was introduced into England about the year 1652. In the
"Publick Advertiser" of Tuesday, June 16-22, 1657, we find the
following; "In Bishopsgate Street in Queen's Head Alley, at a
Frenchman's house, is an excellent West India drink called
chocolate, to be sold, where you may have it ready at any time, and
also unmade at reasonable rates."--M. B.]
to settle my stomach. And after that I to my wife, who lay with Mrs.
Frankelyn at the next door to Mrs. Hunt's, and they were ready, and so I
took them up in a coach, and carried the ladies to Paul's, and there
set her down, and so my wife and I home, and I to the office. That being
done my wife and I went to dinner to Sir W. Batten, and all our talk
about the happy conclusion of these last solemnities. After dinner home,
and advised with my wife about ordering things in my house, and then
she went away to my father's to lie, and I staid with my workmen, who do
please me very well with their work. At night, set myself to write down
these three days' diary, and while I am about it, I hear the noise of
the chambers,--[A chamber is a small piece of ordnance.]--and other
things of the fire-works, which are now playing upon the Thames before
the King; and I wish myself with them, being sorry not to see them. So
to bed.
25th. All the morning with my workmen with great pleasure to see them
near coming to an end. At noon Mr. Moore and I went to an Ordinary
at the King's Head in Towre Street, and there had a dirty dinner.
Afterwards home and having done some business with him, in comes Mr.
Sheply and Pierce the surgeon, and they and I to the Mitre and there
staid a while and drank, and so home and after a little rending to bed.
26th. At the office all the morning, and at noon dined by myself at home
on a piece of meat from the cook's, and so at home all the afternoon
with my workmen, and at night to bed, having some thoughts to order
my business so as to go to Portsmouth the next week with Sir Robert
Slingsby.
27th. In the morning to my Lord's, and there dined with my Lady, and
after dinner with Mr. Creed and Captain Ferrers to the Theatre to see
"The Chances," and after that to the Cock alehouse, where we had a harp
and viallin played to us, and so home by coach to Sir W. Batten's, who
seems so inquisitive when my house will be made an end of that I am
troubled to go thither. So home with some trouble in my mind about it.
28th (Lord's day). In the morning to my father's, where I dined, and in
the afternoon to their church, where come Mrs. Turner and Mrs. Edward
Pepys, and several other ladies, and so I went out of the pew into
another. And after sermon home with them, and there staid a while and
talked with them and was sent for to my father's, where my cozen Angier
and his wife, of Cambridge, to whom I went, and was glad to see them,
and sent for wine for them, and they supped with my father. After supper
my father told me of an odd passage the other night in bed between my
mother and him, and she would not let him come to bed to her out of
jealousy of him and an ugly wench that lived there lately, the most
ill-favoured slut that ever I saw in my life, which I was ashamed to
hear that my mother should be become such a fool, and my father bid me
to take notice of it to my mother, and to make peace between him and
her. All which do trouble me very much. So to bed to my wife.
29th. Up and with my father towards my house, and by the way met with
Lieut. Lambert, and with him to the Dolphin in Tower Street and drank
our morning draught, he being much troubled about his being offered
a fourth rate ship to be Lieutenant of her now he has been two years
Lieutenant in a first rate. So to the office, where it is determined
that I should go to-morrow to Portsmouth. So I went out of the office
to Whitehall presently, and there spoke with Sir W. Pen and Sir George
Carteret and had their advice as to my going, and so back again home,
where I directed Mr. Hater what to do in order to our going to-morrow,
and so back again by coach to Whitehall and there eat something in the
buttery at my Lord's with John Goods and Ned Osgood. And so home again,
and gave order to my workmen what to do in my absence. At night to Sir
W. Batten's, and by his and Sir W. Pen's persuasion I sent for my wife
from my father's, who came to us to Mrs. Turner's, where we were all
at a collacion to-night till twelve o'clock, there being a gentlewoman
there that did play well and sang well to the Harpsicon, and very merry
we were. So home and to bed, where my wife had not lain a great while.
30th. This morning, after order given to my workmen, my wife and I and
Mr. Creed took coach, and in Fishstreet took up Mr. Hater and his wife,
who through her mask seemed at first to be an old woman, but afterwards
I found her to be a very pretty modest black woman. We got a small bait
at Leatherhead, and so to Godlyman, where we lay all night, and were
very merry, having this day no other extraordinary rencontre, but my
hat falling off my head at Newington into the water, by which it was
spoiled, and I ashamed of it. I am sorry that I am not at London, to be
at Hide-parke to-morrow, among the great gallants and ladies, which will
be very fine.
MAY 1661
May 1st. Up early, and bated at Petersfield, in the room which the King
lay in lately at his being there. Here very merry, and played us and our
wives at bowls. Then we set forth again, and so to Portsmouth, seeming
to me to be a very pleasant and strong place; and we lay at the Red
Lyon, where Haselrigge and Scott and Walton did hold their councill,
when they were here, against Lambert and the Committee of Safety.
Several officers of the Yard came to see us to-night, and merry we were,
but troubled to have no better lodgings.
2nd. Up, and Mr. Creed and I to walk round the town upon the walls. Then
to our inn, and there all the officers of the Yard to see me with great
respect, and I walked with them to the Dock and saw all the stores, and
much pleased with the sight of the place. Back and brought them all
to dinner with me, and treated them handsomely; and so after dinner by
water to the Yard, and there we made the sale of the old provisions.
Then we and our wives all to see the Montagu, which is a fine ship, and
so to the town again by water, and then to see the room where the Duke
of Buckingham was killed by Felton.--1628. So to our lodging, and to
supper and to bed. To-night came Mr. Stevens to town to help us to pay
off the Fox.
3rd. Early to walk with Mr. Creed up and down the town, and it was in
his and some others' thoughts to have got me made free of the town, but
the Mayor, it seems, unwilling, and so they could not do it. Then to
the payhouse, and there paid off the ship, and so to a short dinner,
and then took coach, leaving Mrs. Hater there to stay with her husband's
friends, and we to Petersfield, having nothing more of trouble in all
my journey, but the exceeding unmannerly and most epicure-like palate
of Mr. Creed. Here my wife and I lay in the room the Queen lately lay at
her going into France.
4th. Up in the morning and took coach, and so to Gilford, where we lay
at the Red Lyon, the best Inn, and lay in the room the King lately lay
in, where we had time to see the Hospital, built by Archbishop Abbott,
and the free school, and were civilly treated by the Mayster. So to
supper, and to bed, being very merry about our discourse with the
Drawers concerning the minister of the Town, with a red face and a
girdle. So to bed, where we lay and sleep well.
5th (Lord's day). Mr. Creed and I went to the red-faced Parson's church,
and heard a good sermon of him, better than I looked for. Then home, and
had a good dinner, and after dinner fell in some talk in Divinity with
Mr. Stevens that kept us till it was past Church time. Anon we walked
into the garden, and there played the fool a great while, trying who of
Mr. Creed or I could go best over the edge of an old fountain well, and
I won a quart of sack of him. Then to supper in the banquet house, and
there my wife and I did talk high, she against and I for Mrs. Pierce
(that she was a beauty), till we were both angry. Then to walk in the
fields, and so to our quarters, and to bed.
6th. Up by four o'clock and took coach. Mr. Creed rode, and left us that
we know not whither he went. We went on, thinking to be at home before
the officers rose, but finding we could not we staid by the way and eat
some cakes, and so home, where I was much troubled to see no more work
done in my absence than there was, but it could not be helped. I sent my
wife to my father's, and I went and sat till late with my Lady Batten,
both the Sir Williams being gone this day to pay off some ships at
Deptford. So home and to bed without seeing of them. I hear to-night
that the Duke of York's son is this day dead, which I believe will
please every body; and I hear that the Duke and his Lady themselves are
not much troubled at it.
7th. In the morning to Mr. Coventry, Sir G. Carteret, and my Lord's to
give them an account of my return. My Lady, I find, is, since my going,
gone to the Wardrobe. Then with Mr. Creed into London, to several places
about his and my business, being much stopped in our way by the City
traynebands, who go in much solemnity and pomp this day to muster before
the King and the Duke, and shops in the City are shut up every where
all this day. He carried me to an ordinary by the Old Exchange, where we
come a little too late, but we had very good cheer for our 18d. a-piece,
and an excellent droll too, my host, and his wife so fine a woman; and
sung and played so well that I staid a great while and drunk a great
deal of wine. Then home and staid among my workmen all day, and took
order for things for the finishing of their work, and so at night to
Sir W. Batten's, and there supped and so home and to bed, having sent my
Lord a letter to-night to excuse myself for not going with him to-morrow
to the Hope, whither he is to go to see in what condition the fleet is
in.
8th. This morning came my brother John to take his leave of me, he being
to return to Cambridge to-morrow, and after I had chid him for going
with my Will the other day to Deptford with the principal officers, I
did give him some good counsell and 20s. in money, and so he went away.
All this day I staid at home with my workmen without eating anything,
and took much pleasure to see my work go forward. At night comes my wife
not well from my father's, having had a fore-tooth drawn out to-day,
which do trouble me, and the more because I am now in the greatest of
all my dirt. My Will also returned to-night pretty well, he being gone
yesterday not very well to his father's. To-day I received a letter from
my uncle, to beg an old fiddle of me for my Cozen Perkin, the miller,
whose mill the wind hath lately broke down, and now he hath nothing to
live by but fiddling, and he must needs have it against Whitsuntide to
play to the country girls; but it vexed me to see how my uncle writes to
me, as if he were not able to buy him one. But I intend tomorrow to send
him one. At night I set down my journal of my late journey to this time,
and so to bed. My wife not being well and I very angry with her for her
coming hither in that condition.
9th. With my workmen all the morning, my wife being ill and in great
pain with her old pain, which troubled me much because that my house
is in this condition of dirt. In the afternoon I went to Whitehall and
there spoke with my Lord at his lodgings, and there being with him my
Lord Chamberlain, I spoke for my old waterman Payne, to get into White's
place, who was waterman to my Lord Chamberlain, and is now to go master
of the barge to my Lord to sea, and my Lord Chamberlain did promise that
Payne should be entertained in White's place with him. From thence to
Sir G. Carteret, and there did get his promise for the payment of the
remainder of the bill of Mr. Creed's, wherein of late I have been so
much concerned, which did so much rejoice me that I meeting with Mr.
Childe took him to the Swan Tavern in King Street, and there did give
him a tankard of white wine and sugar,--[The popular taste was formerly
for sweet wines, and sugar was frequently mixed with the wine.]--and so
I went by water home and set myself to get my Lord's accounts made up,
which was till nine at night before I could finish, and then I walked
to the Wardrobe, being the first time I was there since my Lady came
thither, who I found all alone, and so she shewed me all the lodgings as
they are now fitted, and they seem pretty pleasant. By and by comes in
my Lord, and so, after looking over my accounts, I returned home, being
a dirty and dark walk. So to bed.
10th. At the office all the morning, and the afternoon among my workmen
with great pleasure, because being near an end of their work. This
afternoon came Mr. Blackburn and Creed to see me, and I took them to the
Dolphin, and there drank a great deal of Rhenish wine with them and so
home, having some talk with Mr. Blackburn about his kinsman my Will,
and he did give me good satisfaction in that it is his desire that his
kinsman should do me all service, and that he would give him the best
counsel he could to make him good. Which I begin of late to fear that
he will not because of the bad company that I find that he do begin to
take. This afternoon Mr. Hater received for me the L225 due upon Mr.
Creed's bill in which I am concerned so much, which do make me very
glad. At night to Sir W. Batten and sat a while. So to bed.
11th. This morning I went by water with Payne (Mr. Moore being with me)
to my Lord Chamberlain at Whitehall, and there spoke with my Lord, and
he did accept of Payne for his waterman, as I had lately endeavoured
to get him to be. After that Mr. Cooling did give Payne an order to
be entertained, and so I left him and Mr. Moore, and I went to Graye's
Inne, and there to a barber's, where I was trimmed, and had my haire
cut, in which I am lately become a little curious, finding that the
length of it do become me very much. So, calling at my father's, I went
home, and there staid and saw my workmen follow their work, which this
night is brought to a very good condition. This afternoon Mr. Shepley,
Moore, and Creed came to me all about their several accounts with me,
and we did something with them all, and so they went away. This evening
Mr. Hater brought my last quarter's salary, of which I was very glad,
because I have lost my first bill for it, and so this morning was forced
to get another signed by three of my fellow officers for it. All this
evening till late setting my accounts and papers in order, and so to
bed.
12th. My wife had a very troublesome night this night and in great pain,
but about the morning her swelling broke, and she was in great ease
presently as she useth to be. So I put in a vent (which Dr. Williams
sent me yesterday) into the hole to keep it open till all the matter
be come out, and so I question not that she will soon be well again.
I staid at home all this morning, being the Lord's day, making up my
private accounts and setting papers in order. At noon went with my Lady
Montagu at the Wardrobe, but I found it so late that I came back again,
and so dined with my wife in her chamber. After dinner I went awhile
to my chamber to set my papers right. Then I walked forth towards
Westminster and at the Savoy heard Dr. Fuller preach upon David's words,
"I will wait with patience all the days of my appointed time until my
change comes;" but methought it was a poor dry sermon. And I am afeard
my former high esteem of his preaching was more out of opinion than
judgment. From thence homewards, but met with Mr. Creed, with whom I
went and walked in Grayes-Inn-walks, and from thence to Islington, and
there eat and drank at the house my father and we were wont of old to go
to; and after that walked homeward, and parted in Smithfield: and so I
home, much wondering to see how things are altered with Mr. Creed, who,
twelve months ago, might have been got to hang himself almost as soon as
go to a drinking-house on a Sunday.
13th. All the morning at home among my workmen. At noon Mr. Creed and I
went to the ordinary behind the Exchange, where we lately were, but I do
not like it so well as I did. So home with him and to the office, where
we sat late, and he did deliver his accounts to us. The office being
done I went home and took pleasure to see my work draw to an end.
14th. Up early and by water to Whitehall to my Lord, and there had
much talk with him about getting some money for him. He told me of his
intention to get the Muster Master's place for Mr. Pierce, the purser,
who he has a mind to carry to sea with him, and spoke very slightingly
of Mr. Creed, as that he had no opinion at all of him, but only he was
forced to make use of him because of his present accounts. Thence to
drink with Mr. Shepley and Mr. Pinkny, and so home and among my workmen
all day. In the evening Mr. Shepley came to me for some money, and so he
and I to the Mitre, and there we had good wine and a gammon of bacon.
My uncle Wight, Mr. Talbot, and others were with us, and we were pretty
merry. So at night home and to bed. Finding my head grow weak now-a-days
if I come to drink wine, and therefore hope that I shall leave it off of
myself, which I pray God I could do.
15th. With my workmen all day till the afternoon, and then to the
office, where Mr. Creed's accounts were passed. Home and found all my
joyner's work now done, but only a small job or two, which please
me very well. This afternoon there came two men with an order from a
Committee of Lords to demand some books of me out of the office, in
order to the examining of Mr. Hutchinson's accounts, but I give them
a surly answer, and they went away to complain, which put me into some
trouble with myself, but I resolve to go to-morrow myself to these Lords
and answer them. To bed, being in great fear because of the shavings
which lay all up and down the house and cellar, for fear of fire.
16th. Up early to see whether the work of my house be quite done, and I
found it to my mind. Staid at home all the morning, and about 2 o'clock
went in my velvet coat by water to the Savoy, and there, having staid a
good while, I was called into the Lords, and there, quite contrary to my
expectations, they did treat me very civilly, telling me that what they
had done was out of zeal to the King's service, and that they would
joyne with the governors of the chest with all their hearts, since they
knew that there was any, which they did not before. I give them very
respectful answer and so went away to the Theatre, and there saw the
latter end of "The Mayd's Tragedy," which I never saw before, and
methinks it is too sad and melancholy. Thence homewards, and meeting Mr.
Creed I took him by water to the Wardrobe with me, and there we found
my Lord newly gone away with the Duke of Ormond and some others, whom
he had had to the collation; and so we, with the rest of the servants in
the hall, sat down and eat of the best cold meats that ever I eat on
in all my life. From thence I went home (Mr. Moore with me to the
waterside, telling me how kindly he is used by my Lord and my Lady since
his coming hither as a servant), and to bed.
17th. All the morning at home. At noon Lieutenant Lambert came to me,
and he and I to the Exchange, and thence to an ordinary over against
it, where to our dinner we had a fellow play well upon the bagpipes
and whistle like a bird exceeding well, and I had a fancy to learn to
whistle as he do, and did promise to come some other day and give him an
angell to teach me. To the office, and sat there all the afternoon till
9 at night. So home to my musique, and my wife and I sat singing in my
chamber a good while together, and then to bed.
18th. Towards Westminster, from the Towre, by water, and was fain to
stand upon one of the piers about the bridge,
[The dangers of shooting the bridge were so great that a popular
proverb has it--London Bridge was made for wise men to go over and
fools to go under.]
before the men could drag their boat through the lock, and which they
could not do till another was called to help them. Being through bridge
I found the Thames full of boats and gallys, and upon inquiry found that
there was a wager to be run this morning. So spying of Payne in a gully,
I went into him, and there staid, thinking to have gone to Chelsy with
them. But upon, the start, the wager boats fell foul one of another,
till at last one of them gives over, pretending foul play, and so the
other row away alone, and all our sport lost. So, I went ashore, at
Westminster; and to the Hall I went, where it was very pleasant to see
the Hall in the condition it is now with the judges on the benches at
the further end of it, which I had not seen all this term till now.
Thence with Mr. Spicer, Creed and some others to drink. And so away
homewards by water with Mr. Creed, whom I left in London going about
business and I home, where I staid all the afternoon in the garden
reading "Faber Fortunae" with great pleasure. So home to bed.
19th. (Lord's day) I walked in the morning towards Westminster, and
seeing many people at York House, I went down and found them at mass, it
being the Spanish ambassodors; and so I go into one of the gallerys,
and there heard two masses done, I think, not in so much state as I have
seen them heretofore. After that into the garden, and walked a turn or
two, but found it not so fine a place as I always took it for by the
outside. Thence to my Lord's and there spake with him about business,
and then he went to Whitehall to dinner, and Capt. Ferrers and Mr. Howe
and myself to Mr. Wilkinson's at the Crown, and though he had no meat of
his own, yet we happened to find our cook Mr. Robinson there, who had a
dinner for himself and some friends, and so he did give us a very fine
dinner. Then to my Lord's, where we went and sat talking and laughing
in the drawing-room a great while. All our talk about their going to sea
this voyage, which Capt. Ferrers is in some doubt whether he shall go
or no, but swears that he would go, if he were sure never to come back
again; and I, giving him some hopes, he grew so mad with joy that he
fell a-dancing and leaping like a madman. Now it fell out so that the
balcone windows were open, and he went to the rayle and made an offer
to leap over, and asked what if he should leap over there. I told him I
would give him L40 if he did not go to sea. With that thought I shut the
doors, and W. Howe hindered him all we could; yet he opened them again,
and, with a vault, leaps down into the garden:--the greatest and most
desperate frolic that ever I saw in my life. I run to see what was
become of him, and we found him crawled upon his knees, but could not
rise; so we went down into the garden and dragged him to the bench,
where he looked like a dead man, but could not stir; and, though he had
broke nothing, yet his pain in his back was such as he could not endure.
With this, my Lord (who was in the little new room) come to us in amaze,
and bid us carry him up, which, by our strength, we did, and so laid him
in East's bed, by the door; where he lay in great pain. We sent for a
doctor and chyrurgeon, but none to be found, till by-and-by by chance
comes in Dr. Clerke, who is afeard of him. So we sent to get a lodging
for him, and I went up to my Lord, where Captain Cooke, Mr. Gibbons, and
others of the King's musicians were come to present my Lord with some
songs and symphonys, which were performed very finely. Which being done
I took leave and supped at my father's, where was my cozen Beck come
lately out of the country. I am troubled to see my father so much decay
of a suddain, as he do both in his seeing and hearing, and as much
to hear of him how my brother Tom do grow disrespectful to him and my
mother. I took leave and went home, where to prayers (which I have not
had in my house a good while), and so to bed.
20th. At home all the morning; paid L50 to one Mr. Grant for Mr. Barlow,
for the last half year, and was visited by Mr. Anderson, my former
chamber fellow at Cambridge, with whom I parted at the Hague, but I did
not go forthwith him, only gave him a morning draft at home. At noon Mr.
Creed came to me, and he and I to the Exchange, and so to an ordinary to
dinner, and after dinner to the Mitre, and there sat drinking while it
rained very much. Then to the office, where I found Sir Williams both,
choosing of masters for the new fleet of ships that is ordered to be set
forth, and Pen seeming to be in an ugly humour, not willing to gratify
one that I mentioned to be put in, did vex me. We sat late, and so home.
Mr. Moore came to me when I was going to bed, and sat with me a good
while talking about my Lord's business and our own and so good night.
21st. Up early, and, with Sir R. Slingsby (and Major Waters the deaf
gentleman, his friend, for company's sake) to the Victualling-office
(the first time that I ever knew where it was), and there staid while he
read a commission for enquiry into some of the King's lands and houses
thereabouts, that are given his brother. And then we took boat to
Woolwich, where we staid and gave order for the fitting out of some more
ships presently. And then to Deptford, where we staid and did the same;
and so took barge again, and were overtaken by the King in his barge, he
having been down the river with his yacht this day for pleasure to try
it; and, as I hear, Commissioner Pett's do prove better than the Dutch
one, and that that his brother built. While we were upon the water, one
of the greatest showers of rain fell that ever I saw. The Comptroller
and I landed with our barge at the Temple, and from thence I went to my
father's, and there did give order about some clothes to be made, and
did buy a new hat, cost between 20 and 30 shillings, at Mr. Holden's. So
home.
22nd. To Westminster, and there missed of my Lord, and so about noon I
and W. Howe by water to the Wardrobe, where my Lord and all the officers
of the Wardrobe dined, and several other friends of my Lord, at a
venison pasty. Before dinner, my Lady Wright and my Lady Jem. sang songs
to the harpsicon. Very pleasant and merry at dinner. And then I went
away by water to the office, and there staid till it was late. At night
before I went to bed the barber came to trim me and wash me, and so to
bed, in order to my being clean to-morrow.
23rd. This day I went to my Lord, and about many other things at
Whitehall, and there made even my accounts with Mr. Shepley at my
Lord's, and then with him and Mr. Moore and John Bowles to the Rhenish
wine house, and there came Jonas Moore, the mathematician, to us, and
there he did by discourse make us fully believe that England and France
were once the same continent, by very good arguments, and spoke very
many things, not so much to prove the Scripture false as that the time
therein is not well computed nor understood. From thence home by water,
and there shifted myself into my black silk suit (the first day I have
put it on this year), and so to my Lord Mayor's by coach, with a great
deal of honourable company, and great entertainment. At table I had very
good discourse with Mr. Ashmole, wherein he did assure me that frogs
and many insects do often fall from the sky, ready formed. Dr. Bates's
singularity in not rising up nor drinking the King's nor other healths
at the table was very much observed.
[Dr. William Bates, one of the most eminent of the Puritan divines,
and who took part in the Savoy Conference. His collected writings
were published in 1700, and fill a large folio volume. The
Dissenters called him silver-tongued Bates. Calamy affirmed that if
Bates would have conformed to the Established Church he might have
been raised to any bishopric in the kingdom. He died in 1699, aged
seventy-four.]
From thence we all took coach, and to our office, and there sat till
it was late; and so I home and to bed by day-light. This day was kept a
holy-day through the town; and it pleased me to see the little boys walk
up and down in procession with their broom-staffs in their hands, as I
had myself long ago gone.
[Pepys here refers to the perambulation of parishes on Holy
Thursday, still observed. This ceremony was sometimes enlivened by
whipping the boys, for the better impressing on their minds the
remembrance of the day, and the boundaries of the parish, instead of
beating houses or stones. But this would not have harmonized well
with the excellent Hooker's practice on this day, when he "always
dropped some loving and facetious observations, to be remembered
against the next year, especially by the boys and young people."
Amongst Dorsetshire customs, it seems that, in perambulating a manor
or parish, a boy is tossed into a stream, if that be the boundary;
if a hedge, a sapling from it is applied for the purpose of
flagellation.--B.]
24th. At home all the morning making up my private accounts, and this is
the first time that I do find myself to be clearly worth L500 in money,
besides all my goods in my house, &c. In the afternoon at the office
late, and then I went to the Wardrobe, where I found my Lord at supper,
and therefore I walked a good while till he had done, and I went in to
him, and there he looked over my accounts. And they were committed
to Mr. Moore to see me paid what remained due to me. Then down to the
kitchen to eat a bit of bread and butter, which I did, and there I took
one of the maids by the chin, thinking her to be Susan, but it proved to
be her sister, who is very like her. From thence home.
25th. All the morning at home about business. At noon to the Temple,
where I staid and looked over a book or two at Playford's, and then to
the Theatre, where I saw a piece of "The Silent Woman," which pleased
me. So homewards, and in my way bought "The Bondman" in Paul's
Churchyard, and so home, where I found all clean, and the hearth and
range, as it is now enlarged, set up, which pleases me very much.
26th (Lord's day). Lay long in bed. To church and heard a good sermon at
our own church, where I have not been a great many weeks. Dined with my
wife alone at home pleasing myself in that my house do begin to look as
if at last it would be in good order. This day the Parliament received
the communion of Dr. Gunning at St. Margaret's, Westminster. In the
afternoon both the Sir Williams came to church, where we had a dull
stranger. After church home, and so to the Mitre, where I found Dr.
Burnett, the first time that ever I met him to drink with him, and my
uncle Wight and there we sat and drank a great deal, and so I to Sir W.
Batten's, where I have on purpose made myself a great stranger, only
to get a high opinion a little more of myself in them. Here I heard how
Mrs. Browne, Sir W. Batten's sister, is brought to bed, and I to be one
of the godfathers, which I could not nor did deny. Which, however, did
trouble me very much to be at charge to no purpose, so that I could not
sleep hardly all night, but in the morning I bethought myself, and I
think it is very well I should do it. Sir W. Batten told me how Mr. Prin
(among the two or three that did refuse to-day to receive the sacrament
upon their knees) was offered by a mistake the drink afterwards, which
he did receive, being denied the drink by Dr. Gunning, unless he would
take it on his knees; and after that by another the bread was brought
him, and he did take it sitting, which is thought very preposterous.
Home and to bed.
27th. To the Wardrobe, and from thence with my Lords Sandwich and
Hinchinbroke to the Lords' House by boat at Westminster, and there I
left them. Then to the lobby, and after waiting for Sir G. Downing's
coming out, to speak with him about the giving me up of my bond for my
honesty when I was his clerk, but to no purpose, I went to Clerke's at
the Legg, and there I found both Mr. Pierces, Mr. Rolt, formerly too
great a man to meet upon such even terms, and there we dined very merry,
there coming to us Captain Ferrers, this being the first day of his
going abroad since his leap a week ago, which I was greatly glad to see.
By water to the office, and there sat late, Sir George Carteret coming
in, who among other things did inquire into the naming of the maisters
for this fleet, and was very angry that they were named as they are, and
above all to see the maister of the Adventure (for whom there is some
kind of difference between Sir W. Pen and me) turned out, who has been
in her list. The office done, I went with the Comptroller to the Coffee
house, and there we discoursed of this, and I seem to be fond of him,
and indeed I find I must carry fair with all as far as I see it safe,
but I have got of him leave to have a little room from his lodgings to
my house, of which I am very glad, besides I do open him a way to get
lodgings himself in the office, of which I should be very glad. Home and
to bed.
28th. This morning to the Wardrobe, and thence to a little alehouse hard
by, to drink with John Bowies, who is now going to Hinchinbroke this
day. Thence with Mr. Shepley to the Exchange about business, and there,
by Mr. Rawlinson's favour, got into a balcone over against the Exchange;
and there saw the hangman burn, by vote of Parliament, two old acts, the
one for constituting us a Commonwealth, and the others I have forgot.
Which still do make me think of the greatness of this late turn, and
what people will do tomorrow against what they all, through profit or
fear, did promise and practise this day. Then to the Mitre with Mr.
Shepley, and there dined with D. Rawlinson and some friends of his very
well. So home, and then to Cheapside about buying a piece of plate to
give away to-morrow to Mrs. Browne's child. So to the Star in Cheapside,
where I left Mr. Moore telling L5 out for me, who I found in a great
strait for my coming back again, and so he went his way at my coming.
Then home, where Mr. Cook I met and he paid me 30s., an old debt of
his to me. So to Sir W. Pen's, and there sat alone with him till ten at
night in talk with great content, he telling me things and persons that
I did not understand in the late times, and so I home to bed. My cozen
John Holcroft (whom I have not seen many years) this morning came to see
me.
29th (King's birth-day). Rose early and having made myself fine, and put
six spoons and a porringer of silver in my pocket to give away to-day,
Sir W. Pen and I took coach, and (the weather and ways being foul) went
to Walthamstowe; and being come there heard Mr. Radcliffe, my former
school fellow at Paul's (who is yet a mere boy), preach upon "Nay, let
him take all, since my Lord the King is returned," &c. He reads all, and
his sermon very simple, but I looked for new matter. Back to dinner to
Sir William Batten's; and then, after a walk in the fine gardens, we
went to Mrs. Browne's, where Sir W. Pen and I were godfathers, and Mrs.
Jordan and Shipman godmothers to her boy. And there, before and after
the christening; we were with the woman above in her chamber; but
whether we carried ourselves well or ill, I know not; but I was directed
by young Mrs. Batten. One passage of a lady that eat wafers with her dog
did a little displease me. I did give the midwife 10s. and the nurse
5s. and the maid of the house 2s. But for as much I expected to give the
name to the child, but did not (it being called John), I forbore then
to give my plate till another time after a little more advice. All being
done, we went to Mrs. Shipman's, who is a great butter-woman, and I did
see there the most of milk and cream, and the cleanest that ever I saw
in my life. After we had filled our bellies with cream, we took our
leaves and away. In our way, we had great sport to try who should drive
fastest, Sir W. Batten's coach, or Sir W. Pen's chariott, they having
four, and we two horses, and we beat them. But it cost me the spoiling
of my clothes and velvet coat with dirt. Being come home I to bed, and
give my breeches to be dried by the fire against to-morrow.
30th. To the Wardrobe and there, with my Lord, went into his new barge
to try her, and found her a good boat, and like my Lord's contrivance
of the door to come out round and not square as they used to do. Back
to the Wardrobe with my Lord, and then with Mr. Moore to the Temple, and
thence to. Greatorex, who took me to Arundell-House, and there showed
me some fine flowers in his garden, and all the fine statues in the
gallery, which I formerly had seen, and is a brave sight, and thence to
a blind dark cellar, where we had two bottles of good ale, and so after
giving him direction for my silver side-table, I took boat at Arundell
stairs, and put in at Milford.... So home and found Sir Williams both
and my Lady going to Deptford to christen Captain Rooth's child, and
would have had me with them, but I could not go. To the office, where
Sir R. Slingsby was, and he and I into his and my lodgings to take a
view of them, out of a desire he has to have mine of me to join to his,
and give me Mr. Turner's. To the office again, where Sir G. Carteret
came and sat a while, he being angry for Sir Williams making of the
maisters of this fleet upon their own heads without a full table. Then
the Comptroller and I to the Coffee House, and there sat a great while
talking of many things. So home and to bed. This day, I hear, the
Parliament have ordered a bill to be brought in for the restoring the
Bishops to the House of Lords; which they had not done so soon but to
spite Mr. Prin, who is every day so bitter against them in his discourse
in the House.
31st. I went to my father's thinking to have met with my cozen John
Holcroft, but he came not, but to my great grief I found my father and
mother in a great deal of discontent one with another, and indeed my
mother is grown now so pettish that I know not how my father is able to
bear with it. I did talk to her so as did not indeed become me, but I
could not help it, she being so unsufferably foolish and simple, so that
my father, poor man, is become a very unhappy man. There I dined, and so
home and to the office all the afternoon till 9 at night, and then home
and to supper and to bed. Great talk now how the Parliament intend to
make a collection of free gifts to the King through the Kingdom; but I
think it will not come to much.
JUNE 1661
June 1st. Having taken our leaves of Sir W. Batten and my Lady, who are
gone this morning to keep their Whitsuntide, Sir W. Pen and I and Mr.
Gauden by water to Woolwich, and there went from ship to ship to give
order for and take notice of their forwardness to go forth, and then to
Deptford and did the like, having dined at Woolwich with Captain Poole
at the tavern there. From Deptford we walked to Redriffe, calling at the
half-way house, and there come into a room where there was infinite of
new cakes placed that are made against Whitsuntide, and there we were
very merry. By water home, and there did businesses of the office. Among
others got my Lord's imprest of L1000 and Mr. Creed's of L10,000 against
this voyage their bills signed. Having wrote letters into the country
and read some things I went to bed.
2nd (Whitsunday). The barber having done with me, I went to church, and
there heard a good sermon of Mr. Mills, fit for the day. Then home to
dinner, and then to church again, and going home I found Greatorex
(whom I expected today at dinner) come to see me, and so he and I in
my chamber drinking of wine and eating of anchovies an hour or two,
discoursing of many things in mathematics, and among others he showed
me how it comes to pass the strength that levers have, and he showed me
that what is got as to matter of strength is lost by them as to matter
of time. It rained very hard, as it hath done of late so much that we
begin to doubt a famine, and so he was forced to stay longer than I
desired. At night after prayers to bed.
3rd. To the Wardrobe, where discoursing with my Lord, he did instruct
me as to the business of the Wardrobe, in case, in his absence, Mr.
Townsend should die, and told me that he do intend to joyne me and Mr.
Moore with him as to the business, now he is going to sea, and spoke to
me many other things, as to one that he do put the greatest confidence
in, of which I am proud. Here I had a good occasion to tell him (what
I have had long in my mind) that, since it has pleased God to bless me
with something, I am desirous to lay out something for my father, and so
have pitched upon Mr. Young's place in the Wardrobe, which I desired he
would give order in his absence, if the place should fall that I might
have the refusal. Which my Lord did freely promise me, at which I was
very glad, he saying that he would do that at the least. So I saw my
Lord into the barge going to Whitehall, and I and Mr. Creed home to my
house, whither my father and my cozen Scott came to dine with me, and so
we dined together very well, and before we had done in comes my father
Bowyer and my mother and four daughters, and a young gentleman and his
sister, their friends, and there staid all the afternoon, which cost me
great store of wine, and were very merry. By and by I am called to the
office, and there staid a little. So home again, and took Mr. Creed and
left them, and so he and I to the Towre, to speak for some ammunition
for ships for my Lord; and so he and I, with much pleasure, walked quite
round the Towre, which I never did before. So home, and after a walk
with my wife upon the leads, I and she went to bed. This morning I and
Dr. Peirce went over to the Beare at the Bridge foot, thinking to have
met my Lord Hinchinbroke and his brother setting forth for France; but
they being not come we went over to the Wardrobe, and there found that
my Lord Abbot Montagu being not at Paris, my Lord hath a mind to have
them stay a little longer before they go.
4th. The Comptroller came this morning to get me to go see a house or
two near our office, which he would take for himself or Mr. Turner, and
then he would have me have Mr. Turner's lodgings and himself mine and
Mr. Davis's. But the houses did not like us, and so that design at
present is stopped. Then he and I by water to the bridge, and then
walked over the Bank-side till we came to the Temple, and so I went over
and to my father's, where I met with my cozen J. Holcroft, and took him
and my father and my brother Tom to the Bear tavern and gave them wine,
my cozen being to go into the country again to-morrow. From thence to my
Lord Crew's to dinner with him, and had very good discourse about having
of young noblemen and gentlemen to think of going to sea, as being as
honourable service as the land war. And among other things he told us
how, in Queen Elizabeth's time, one young nobleman would wait with
a trencher at the back of another till he came to age himself. And
witnessed in my young Lord of Kent, that then was, who waited upon my
Lord Bedford at table, when a letter came to my Lord Bedford that the
Earldom of Kent was fallen to his servant, the young Lord; and so he
rose from table, and made him sit down in his place, and took a lower
for himself, for so he was by place to sit. From thence to the Theatre
and saw "Harry the 4th," a good play. That done I went over the water
and walked over the fields to Southwark, and so home and to my lute. At
night to bed.
5th. This morning did give my wife L4 to lay out upon lace and other
things for herself. I to Wardrobe and so to Whitehall and Westminster,
where I dined with my Lord and Ned Dickering alone at his lodgings.
After dinner to the office, where we sat and did business, and Sir W.
Pen and I went home with Sir R. Slingsby to bowls in his ally, and there
had good sport, and afterwards went in and drank and talked. So home Sir
William and I, and it being very hot weather I took my flageolette and
played upon the leads in the garden, where Sir W. Pen came out in
his shirt into his leads, and there we staid talking and singing, and
drinking great drafts of claret, and eating botargo
["Botarga. The roe of the mullet pressed flat and dried; that of
commerce, however, is from the tunny, a large fish of passage which
is common in the Mediterranean. The best kind comes from Tunis."
--Smyth's Sailor's Word-Book. Botargo was chiefly used to promote
drinking by causing thirst, and Rabelais makes Gargantua eat it.]
and bread and butter till 12 at night, it being moonshine; and so to
bed, very near fuddled.
6th. My head hath aked all night, and all this morning, with my last
night's debauch. Called up this morning by Lieutenant Lambert, who is
now made Captain of the Norwich, and he and I went down by water to
Greenwich, in our way observing and discoursing upon the things of a
ship, he telling me all I asked him, which was of good use to me. There
we went and eat and drank and heard musique at the Globe, and saw the
simple motion that is there of a woman with a rod in her hand keeping
time to the musique while it plays, which is simple, methinks. Back
again by water, calling at Captain Lambert's house, which is very
handsome and neat, and a fine prospect at top. So to the office, where
we sat a little, and then the Captain and I again to Bridewell to Mr.
Holland's, where his wife also, a plain dowdy, and his mother was. Here
I paid Mrs. Holland the money due from me to her husband. Here came two
young gentlewomen to see Mr. Holland, and one of them could play pretty
well upon the viallin, but, good God! how these ignorant people did cry
her up for it! We were very merry. I staid and supped there, and so home
and to bed. The weather very hot, this night I left off my wastecoat.
7th. To my Lord's at Whitehall, but not finding him I went to the
Wardrobe and there dined with my Lady, and was very kindly treated by
her. After dinner to the office, and there till late at night. So home,
and to Sir William Batten's, who is come this day from Chatham with my
Lady, who is and has been much troubled with the toothache. Here I staid
till late, and so home and to bed.
8th. To Whitehall to my Lord, who did tell me that he would have me go
to Mr. Townsend, whom he had ordered to discover to me the whole mystery
of the Wardrobe, and none else but me, and that he will make me deputy
with him for fear that he should die in my Lord's absence, of which I
was glad. Then to the Cook's with Mr. Shepley and Mr. Creed, and dined
together, and then I went to the Theatre and there saw Bartholomew
Faire, the first time it was acted now a-days. It is a most admirable
play and well acted, but too much prophane and abusive. From thence,
meeting Mr. Creed at the door, he and I went to the tobacco shop under
Temple Bar gate, and there went up to the top of the house and there sat
drinking Lambeth ale a good while. Then away home, and in my way called
upon Mr. Rawlinson (my uncle Wight being out of town), for his advice to
answer a letter of my uncle Robert, wherein he do offer me a purchase to
lay some money upon, that joynes upon some of his own lands, and plainly
telling me that the reason of his advice is the convenience that it will
give me as to his estate, of which I am exceeding glad, and am advised
to give up wholly the disposal of my money to him, let him do what he
will with it, which I shall do. So home and to bed.
9th (Lord's day). This day my wife put on her black silk gown, which is
now laced all over with black gimp lace, as the fashion is, in which she
is very pretty. She and I walked to my Lady's at the Wardrobe, and there
dined and was exceeding much made of. After dinner I left my wife there,
and I walked to Whitehall, and then went to Mr. Pierce's and sat with
his wife a good while (who continues very pretty) till he came, and
then he and I, and Mr. Symons (dancing master), that goes to sea with my
Lord, to the Swan tavern, and there drank, and so again to White Hall,
and there met with Dean Fuller, and walked a great while with him;
among other things discoursed of the liberty the Bishop (by name the of
Galloway) takes to admit into orders any body that will; among others,
Roundtree, a simple mechanique that was a person [parson?] formerly in
the fleet. He told me he would complain of it. By and by we went and got
a sculler, and landing him at Worcester House, I and W. Howe, who came
to us at Whitehall, went to the Wardrobe, where I met with Mr. Townsend,
who is very willing he says to communicate anything for my Lord's
advantage to me as to his business. I went up to Jane Shore's towre, and
there W. Howe and I sang, and so took my wife and walked home, and so to
bed. After I came home a messenger came from my Lord to bid me come to
him tomorrow morning.
10th. Early to my Lord's, who privately told me how the King had made
him Embassador in the bringing over the Queen.
[Katherine of Braganza, daughter of John IV. of Portugal, born 1638,
married to Charles II., May 21st, 1662. After the death of the king
she lived for some time at Somerset House, and then returned to
Portugal, of which country she became Regent in 1704 on the
retirement of her brother Don Pedro. She died December 31st, 1705.]
That he is to go to Algier, &c., to settle the business, and to put the
fleet in order there; and so to come back to Lisbone with three ships,
and there to meet the fleet that is to follow him. He sent for me, to
tell me that he do intrust me with the seeing of all things done in his
absence as to this great preparation, as I shall receive orders from my
Lord Chancellor and Mr. Edward Montagu. At all which my heart is above
measure glad; for my Lord's honour, and some profit to myself, I hope.
By and by, out with Mr. Shepley Walden, Parliament-man for Huntingdon,
Rolt, Mackworth, and Alderman Backwell, to a house hard by, to drink
Lambeth ale. So I back to the Wardrobe, and there found my Lord going to
Trinity House, this being the solemn day of choosing Master, and my Lord
is chosen, so he dines there to-day. I staid and dined with my Lady;
but after we were set, comes in some persons of condition, and so the
children and I rose and dined by ourselves, all the children and I,
and were very merry and they mighty fond of me. Then to the office, and
there sat awhile. So home and at night to bed, where we lay in Sir R.
Slingsby's lodgings in the dining room there in one green bed, my house
being now in its last work of painting and whiting.
11th. At the office this morning, Sir G. Carteret with us; and we agreed
upon a letter to the Duke of York, to tell him the sad condition of this
office for want of money; how men are not able to serve us more without
some money; and that now the credit of the office is brought so low,
that none will sell us any thing without our personal security given
for the same. All the afternoon abroad about several businesses, and at
night home and to bed.
12th. Wednesday, a day kept between a fast and a feast, the Bishops not
being ready enough to keep the fast for foul weather before fair weather
came; and so they were forced to keep it between both.
[A Form of Prayer was published to be used in London on the 12th,
and in the country on the 19th of June, being the special days
appointed for a general fast to be kept in the respective places for
averting those sicknesses and diseases, that dearth and scarcity,
which justly may be feared from the late immoderate rain and waters:
for a thanksgiving also for the blessed change of weather; and the
begging the continuance of it to us for our comfort: And likewise
for beseeching a Blessing upon the High Court of Parliament now
assembled: Set forth by his Majesty's authority. A sermon was
preached before the Commons by Thomas Greenfield, preacher of
Lincoln's Inn. The Lords taxed themselves for the poor--an earl,
30s., a baron, 20s. Those absent from prayers were to pay a
forfeit.--B.]
I to Whitehall, and there with Captain Rolt and Ferrers we went to
Lambeth to drink our morning draft, where at the Three Mariners, a place
noted for their ale, we went and staid awhile very merry, and so away.
And wanting a boat, we found Captain Bun going down the river, and so
we went into his boat having a lady with him, and he landed them at
Westminster and me at the Bridge. At home all day with my workmen,
and doing several things, among others writing the letter resolved of
yesterday to the Duke. Then to White Hall, where I m
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