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Often appears with: conquest, plunder, and captives · siege and fortification · battle and tactics · supply, logistics, and encampment · strategy and the aims of war · diplomacy and embassies · military discipline and training · mobilization and recruitment · fate, destiny, and necessity · trade, markets, and merchants · treaties, truces, and peacemaking · religious persecution and toleration
Usually: narrative (978) · detachment (583) · curiosity (257) · sudden reversal of fortune (206) · argument (168) · confronting death (150) · wonder (143) · skepticism (109) · crisis of belief (108) · indignation (100)
“Conquest may be effected under the pretence of friendship; and ourselves, after a long and brave resistance, be at last cheated into slavery.” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · insight
“How are ye blind, Ye treaders down of cities, ye that cast Temples to desolation, and lay waste Tombs, the untrodden sanctuaries where lie The ancient dead; yourselves so soon to die!” Euripides, The Trojan women of Euripides · precept
“A standing force, therefore, is a dangerous, at the same time that it may be a necessary, provision.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · observation
“Her seacoast is extensive. A very important district of the State is an island.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · vivid
“O Trojan race, your needless aid forbear, / And know, my ships are my peculiar care.” Virgil, The Aeneid · observation
“These tremendous tokens were soon followed by a great famine: and not long after, on the sixth day before the ides of January in the same year, the harrowing inroads of heathen men made lamentable havoc in the church of God in Holy-island, by rapine and slaughter.” (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle; translator/editor) James Ingram, The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle · observation
“No slaughter yet was greater made e'er in this island, of people slain, before this same, with the edge of the sword;” (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle; translator/editor) James Ingram, The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle · observation
“There was slain Harald the Fair-hair'd, King of Norway, and Earl Tosty, and a multitude of people with them, both of Normans and English;” (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle; translator/editor) James Ingram, The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle · observation
“Then was proclaimed a general council without London; and all the earls and the best men in the land were at the council.” (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle; translator/editor) James Ingram, The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle · observation
“To the Romans the ocean remained an object of terror rather than of curiosity; the whole extent of the Mediterranean, after the destruction of Carthage, and the extirpation of the pirates, was included within their provinces.” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · insight
“Conscript fathers,” says the emperor, “know that three hundred and twenty thousand Goths have invaded the Roman territory. If I vanquish them, your gratitude will reward my services. Should I fall, remember that I am the successor of Gallienus.” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · observation
“The haughtiest of men, clothed in his purple, but humbled by the sense of his fault and misfortune, was obliged to follow the emperor’s chariot above a mile on foot, and to exhibit, before the whole court, the spectacle of his disgrace.” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · vivid
The editor’s preface praises Samuel Pepys’s career and collections, noting his Royal Society presidency, naval contributions, Pepysian Library holdings at Magdalene College, and a long encomium of Pepys’s integrity and patronage.
and architecture. In 1684, he was elected President of the Royal Society, and held that honourable office two years. He contributed no less than 60 plates to Willoughby's HISTORIA PISCIUM. To Magdalene College, Cambridge, he left an invaluable collection of manuscript naval memoirs, of prints, and ancient English poetry, which has often been consulted by critics and commentators, and is, indeed, unrivalled of its ki…
In early March Pepys reports high-level political appointments, votes and oaths being debated, hopes for Charles’s return, assignments for Pepys’s role in naval service, and warnings about uncertainty between Parliament and soldiers.
to town, being sent with Sir H. Yelverton, my old school-fellow at Paul's School, to bring the thanks of the county to General Monk for the return of the Parliament. 2nd. I went early to my Lord at Mr. Crewe's where I spoke to him. Here were a great many come to see him, as Secretary Thurloe, [John Thurloe, who had been Secretary of State to the two Protectors, but was never employed after the Restoration, though …
Near mid-March Pepys rushes between his lord and government offices, hears fears the King will return, receives business on letters and the fleet, and notes warrants assigning him as secretary to the two generals.
think that he is honest yet, and some or more think him to be a fool that would raise himself, but think that he will undo himself by endeavouring it. 7th. Ash Wednesday. Going homeward, my Lord overtook me in his coach, and called me in, and so I went with him to St. James's, and G. Montagu [George Montagu, afterwards M.P. for Dover, second son of Edward, second Earl of Manchester, and father of the first Earl of…
Pepys travels to the Tower by barge to meet commanders and, at the Long Beach where the Swiftsure anchors, watches royal-fleet preparations and notes damage from recent high water near Limehouse.
22nd. To Westminster, and received my warrant of Mr. Blackburne, to be Secretary to the two Generals of the Fleet. 23rd. My Lord, Captain Isham, Mr. Thomas, John Crewe, W. Howe, and I to the Tower, where the barges staid for us; my Lord and the Captain in one, and W. Howe and I, &c., in the other, to the Long Beach, where the Swiftsure lay at anchor; (in our way we saw the great breach which the late high water had…
While the fleet stays near Gravesend, Pepys records news and tensions around Parliament and the coming Restoration, including a prisoner’s release plan and chatter of naval captains opposing the General.
his business of being chosen a Parliament-man. My Lord brought him to see my cabbin, when I was hard a-writing. At night supped with my Lord too, with the Captain. 28th. This morning and the whole day busy. At night there was a gentleman very well bred, his name was Banes, going for Flushing, who spoke French and Latin very well, brought by direction from Captain Clerke hither, as a prisoner, because he called out…
In April 1660 at sea off the Thames, Pepys hears that the King will enter, watches fleet preparations and convoy departures, and notes political actions: Lambert released, commissioners consult fleet reductions, and Parliament elections shift toward monarchy.
Sir Gilbert Pickering, Bart.] he tells me that the King will come in, but that Monk did resolve to have the doing of it himself or else to hinder it. 3rd. There come many merchants to get convoy to the Baltique, which a course was taken for. They dined with my Lord, and one of them by name Alderman Wood talked much to my Lord of the hopes that he had now to be settled, (under the King he meant); but my Lord took n…
Pepys shows the King’s Breda declaration to fleet commanders, holds a council of war on board, reads a vote, and hears seamen cry “God bless King Charles,” while he later debates Monk’s role with his lord.
many other commanders. After dinner home, not a little contented to see how I am treated, and with what respect made a fellow to the best commander in the Fleet. 26th. This day come Mr. Donne back from London, who brought letters with him that signify the meeting of the Parliament yesterday. And in the afternoon by other letters I hear, that about twelve of the Lords met and had chosen my Lord of Manchester Speake…
Pepys records General Monk’s letter and directions about drafting a Parliament vote for seamen, news that Pembroke and Salisbury are out of the House of Lords, and talk of courtship and offices after supper.
"May it please your Most Excellent Majesty," and so begins. That he yesterday received from General Monk his Majesty's letter and direction; and that General Monk had desired him to write to the Parliament to have leave to send the vote of the seamen before he did send it to him, which he had done by writing to both Speakers; but for his private satisfaction he had sent it thus privately, (and so the copy of the pro…
Pepys describes early letters to the King, orders from the House of Lords about transporting commissioners, naval movements toward Flushing, and preparation changes such as removing state arms from flags.
King. And also the whole story of what we did the other day in the fleet, at reading of the King's declaration, and my name at the bottom of it. 9th. Up very early, writing a letter to the King, as from the two Generals of the fleet, in answer to his letter to them, wherein my Lord do give most humble thanks for his gracious letter and declaration; and promises all duty and obedience to him. This letter was carrie…
Pepys covers 12th–13th: orders for ships left in the Downes, concern about whether commissioners have arrived, and work cutting crown and C.R. insignia onto flags instead of the state arms.
Kent, and afterwards ambassador to Turkey. Ob. 1689.] whether or no they are come out of London, and then to resolve to-morrow morning of going or not. Which was done. 12th. My Lord give me many orders to make for direction for the ships that are left in the Downes, giving them the greatest charge in the world to bring no passengers with them, when they come after us to Scheveling Bay, excepting Mr. Edward Montagu,…
From 20th–22nd, boats finally get off, storms delay boarding, Pepys records Parliament’s moves against regicides, and then the Duke of York and Duke of Gloucester come aboard, triggering gun salutes and detailed naval assignments.
look upon it as it lay in the portmanteau before it was taken out. My Lord told me, too, that the Duke of York is made High Admiral of England. 17th. Dr. Clerke came to me to tell me that he heard this morning, by some Dutch that are come on board already to see the ships, that there was a Portuguese taken yesterday at the Hague, that had a design to kill the King. But this I heard afterwards was only the mistake …
Pepys records writing a French letter ordered by Lord and then a ceremonial welcome of King Charles II aboard ship, including gun salutes, renaming ships, and royal hand-kissing.
to- night. This evening I was late writing a French letter by my Lord's order to Monsieur Wragh, Embassador de Denmarke a la Haye, which my Lord signed in bed. 23rd. In the morning come infinity of people on board from the King to go along with him. My Lord, Mr. Crewe, and others, go on shore to meet the King as he comes off from shore, where Sir R. Stayner, bringing His Majesty into the boat, I hear that His Maje…
Pepys describes on the 25th the King’s breakfast and arrival at Dover, his reception by General Monk, the Mayor presenting a Bible, and the journey by coach toward Canterbury.
to him to sign, which was the first and only one that ever he signed in the ship Charles. To bed, coming in sight of land a little before night. 25th. By the morning we were come close to the land, and everybody made ready to get on shore. The King and the two Dukes did eat their breakfast before they went, and there being set some ship's diet, they eat nothing else but pease and pork, and boiled beef. Dr. Clerke…
Pepys notes a Kentish Knock during a voyage, hears that the King knighted Vice-admiral Lawson and Sir Richard Stayner, and records Prince Rupert’s arrival at court and early October court and church visits.
Kentish Knock, which put them in great fear for the ship; but got off well. He told me also how the King had knighted Vice-admiral Lawson and Sir Richard Stayner. 29th. This day or yesterday, I hear, Prince Rupert is come to Court; but welcome to nobody. [Son of Frederic, Prince Palatine of the Rhine, afterwards styled King of Bohemia, by Elizabeth, only sister to Charles I. Ob. 1682.] OCTOBER 2, 1660. At Will'…
Pepys notes the Queen’s movement to London, reads a purchased masse book, observes changing attitudes to the Common Prayer, attends abbey organ music, and records payments and auctions of ships for naval purposes.
were I to preach upon him, my text should be--"The memory of the wicked shall rot"); But I found afterwards that he did go away from school before that time. 2nd. To White Hall, where I saw the boats coming very thick to Lambeth, and all the stairs to be full of people. I was told the Queen was a-coming; so I got a sculler for sixpence to carry me thither and back again, but I could not get to see the Queen; so co…
In early January 1661 Pepys continues his naval-office and patronage work: he locks up papers of a suspected ill man, consults on promised income, travels to Lambeth and Portsmouth, and attends Trinity House and theatre with women on stage.
young Jermyn, [Henry Jermyn, Master of the Horse to the Duke of York.] which is worse than the Duke of York's marrying the Chancellor's daughter, which is now publicly owned. 26th. To White Hall by water, and dined with my Lady Sandwich, who at table did tell me how much fault was laid upon Dr. Frazer and the rest of the Doctors, for the death of the Princesse. My Lord, did dine this day with Sir Henry Wright, in …
News reaches Pepys of Princess Henrietta’s measles on the London and the Queen’s return to Portsmouth after grounding, followed by Pepys choosing captains for guards, armed alarms at Deptford, and royal visits to shipbuilding yards.
King hath been this afternoon at Deptford, to see the yacht that Commissioner Pett is building, which will be very pretty; as also that his brother at Woolwich is making. 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. [Thomas Venner, a cooper, and …
Pepys sees the Duke of York play Pelemele in St. James’s Park, meets Dr. Fuller on Ireland where Fanatics and Presbyterians align, visits church and cathedrals, watches the King “heale,” and learns the Duke’s fleet is intended for Algiers.
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. 23rd. To the Red Bull (where I had not been since plays come up again) 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 poore, and the actors but common fellows. At la…
Pepys works in naval provisioning and shipfitting by traveling to Woolwich and Deptford, meets the King on the river, notes heavy rain, and then later participates in official and civic events and court-related observances.
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. 23rd. In my black silk suit (the first day I have put it on this year) 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…
Pepys continues describing Parliament’s session and court tensions: letters from Tangier about Sandwich’s actions against Turks, meetings with the Duke of York, and disputes over foreign ships’ practice of striking sails.
of the fleet at its coming again: and so do endeavour to bring disgrace upon my Lord. But I hope all that will not do, for the King loves him. 21st. At the office all the afternoon; it being the first afternoon that we have sat, which we are now to do always, so long as the Parliament sits, who this day have voted the King 120,000l. to be raised to pay his debts. [According to the Journals 1,200,000l.] 28th. Le…
He writes in December 1661 about East India Company contracting with the Crown, seal and patents, his study of international maritime practice (striking sails), and continued Navy debt estimates and his personal finances.
the business of striking sail, which I am now about. But he do cry out against Sir John Minnes, as the veriest knave and rogue and coward in the world. 9th. At noon to dinner at the Wardrobe; where my Lady Wright was, who did talk much upon the worth and the desert of gallantry; and that there was none fit to be courtiers, but such as have been abroad and know fashions. [See note on Sir Harry Wright, 27th March 16…
Pepys reports travel and governance by the sea: orders at Deptford and Woolwich, a scheduled yearly execution ritual for regicides, news of Tangier and Portuguese conflict, and major weather disaster from an extraordinary wind.
in Chief to the Protector Richard, whose sister, Bridget, widow of Ireton, he had married. After the King's return he lived in contemptible obscurity, and died circa 1689.] and Downes. 25th. At home and the office all the morning. Walking in the garden to give the gardener directions what to do this year (for I intend to have the garden handsome), Sir W. Pen come to me, and did break a business to me about removin…
Pepys focuses on Parliament and court religious-political life: chimney-money passage, sermons before the King, the capture and transfer of regicides from Delft, engineering talk about blowing up ships, and ongoing naval movements toward Portugal.
Argier is broken down, and many of their ships sunk into the mole. So that God Almighty hath now ended that unlucky business for us; which is very good news. 4th. To Westminster Hall, where it was full terme. Here all the morning, and at noon to my Lord Crewe's, where one Mr. Templer (an ingenious man and a person of honour he seems to be) dined; and, discoursing of the nature of serpents, he told us some in the w…
Pepys travels and watches public events from London to Portsmouth: dispatching ships to Portugal, naval inspections, court changes and queen’s arrivals, performances at the playhouse, and news about the Queen’s landing and the fleet’s departure timing.
and thence, after being on ship-board, to Woolwich, and there eat something. The Sir Williams being unwilling to eat flesh, Captn. Cock and I had a breast of veale roasted. 18th. Having agreed with Sir Wm. Pen to meet him at the Opera, and finding by my walking in the streets, which were every where full of brick-bates and tyles flung down by the extraordinary winde the last night (such as hath not been in memory b…
Pepys continues journeying around southern England for naval business, lodging near Portsmouth, attending lectures and sermons with prominent visitors, touring Southampton’s sights and fortifications, and observing the Queen’s establishment and public plate presentation.
heart to be contented, I think I may reckon myself as happy a man as any in the world, for which God be praised. So to prayers and to bed. 25th. Great talk of the effects of this late great wind; and I heard one say that he had five great trees standing together blown down; and, beginning to lop them, one of them, as soon as the lops were cut off, did, by the weight of the root, rise again and fasten. We have lett…
Pepys reports Queen Catherine’s fleet near the Isles of Scilly and Mount’s Bay, news from the Exchange about Ottoman raids by Sir John Lawson, and court and navy personnel tensions involving Prince Rupert, the Duke of Buckingham, and commissioners under Coventry.
of York is brought to bed of a girle, at which I find nobody pleased; and that Prince Rupert and the Duke of Buckingham are sworne of the Privy Councell. 7th. Walked to Westminster; where I understand the news that Mr. Montagu is last night come to the King with news, that he left the Queene and fleete in the Bay of Biscay, coming this wayward; and that he believes she is now at the Isle of Scilly. Thence to Paul'…
Pepys records Whitsunday worship at Whitehall chapel with Bishop Hacket’s sermon and the King taking the sacrament, followed by late-night council business; he also hears Parliament will be prorogued after pressured hours.
view what papers I have relating to passages of the late times, wherein Sir H. Vane's hand is employed, in order to the drawing up his charge; which I did. 23rd. To the Wardrobe, reading of the King's and Chancellor's late speeches at the proroguing of the Houses of Parliament. And while I was reading, news was brought me that my Lord Sandwich is come and gone up to my Lady's chamber; which by and by he did, and l…
Pepys records political unrest over the Act of Uniformity, fears of war with the Dutch, and his naval supervision at Deptford and the Tower, promising to investigate abused Navy chest funds with Mr. Coventry.
he could do a friend of mine there, Saml. Pepys, [Mentioned elsewhere as "My cousin in Ireland."] he told me he would most readily do what I would command him. 28th. Great talk there is of a fear of a war with the Dutch; and we have order to pitch upon twenty ships to be forthwith set out; but I hope it is but; a scare-crow to the world, to let them see that we can be ready for them; though, God knows! the King is…
Pepys narrates September 5 in detail: a yacht race between English and Dutch vessels near Woolwich/Greenwich, and a long anecdote from Sir Jerom Bowes about humiliating an emperor’s courtiers and asserting English precedence.
up to-day, and strict watch is kept in the City by the train-bands, and abettors of a plot are taken. God preserve us, for all these things bode very ill. SEPTEMBER 1, 1662. With Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen by coach to St. James's, this being the first day of our meeting there by the Duke's order; but when we come, we found him going out by coach with his Duchesse, and he told us he was to go abroad with the Queen…
Pepys visits the Tower and the Mint to learn how new money is made, hears speculation about hidden hoards of coin, discusses Navy funding, and records news about the French King’s illness.
will revolt from them there, and they forced to give up their trade. Sir Thomas showed me his picture and Sir Anthony Vandyke's in crayon in little, done exceedingly well. 18th. I walked to White Hall, and into the Parke, seeing the Queene and Maids of Honour passing through the house going to the Parke. But above all, Mrs. Stuart is a fine woman, and they say now a common mistress to the King, as my Lady Castlema…
Pepys visits Hide Park for a King’s Guards muster, later attends the Archbishop’s funeral procession too late, and remarks on Roman letters on a hanging while writing lists of ships at his office.
6th. At my office all the morning, writing of a list of the King's ships in my Navy collections with great pleasure. 7th. In Mr. Pett's garden I eat some of the first cherries I have eat this year, off the tree where the King himself had been gathering some this morning. Deane tells me that Mr. Pett did to-day, that my Lord Bristoll told the King that he will impeach the Chancellor of High Treason: but I find tha…
Pepys describes Bristoll’s formal impeachment of the Chancellor in the Lords with detailed articles of alleged treason, explains how the House orders legal opinions, and then discusses dock-building plans at Portsmouth’s creeks.
this Parliament, (which is likely to be adjourned in a day or two,) and in the mean time the two Lords to remain without prejudice done to either of them. 15th. Captain Grove come and dined with me. He told me of discourse very much to my honour, both as to my care and ability, happening at the Duke of Albemarle's table the other day, both from the Duke and the Duchesse themselves; and how I paid so much a year to…
Pepys reflects on court appointments and patronage affecting Dr. Pierce, discusses accusations of bribery and naval administration, and reports Sir William Petty’s sailing wager between Dublin and Holyhead, concluding with his admiration for Mr. Coventry.
a famous runner. And Lee hath beat him; though the King and Duke of York and all men almost did bet three or four to one upon the tyler's head. 31st. To the Exchange, where I met Dr. Pierce, who tells me of his good luck to get to be groom of the Privy-Chamber to the Queene, and without my Lord Sandwich's help, but only by his good fortune, meeting a man that hath let him have his right for a small matter, about 60…
Pepys wears a new perriwig to church without attracting attention, meets the Duke who claims he does not recognize him, and hears about Algerine demands involving detaining English ships.
in a perriwigg did not prove so strange as I was afraid it would, for I thought that all the church would presently have cast their eyes all upon me. 9th. To the Duke, where, when we come into his closet, he told us that; Mr. Pepys was so altered with his new perriwigg that he did not know him. So to our discourse, and among and above other things we were taken up in talkings upon Sir J. Lawson's coming home, he bein…
He goes to a King’s Bench trial about ship insurance before Lord Chief Justice Hyde, discusses testimony by seamen and a Frenchman, then hears the Navy is out of debt and shops for state and literary books.
account; but yet demands not ready money to pay it, but offers such ways of paying it out of the sale of old decayed provisions as will enrich him finely. 10th. To St. Paul's Church Yard, to my bookseller's, and could not tell whether to lay out my money for books of pleasure, as plays, which my nature was most earnest in; but at last, after seeing Chaucer, Dugdale's History of Paul's, Stow's London, Gesner, Histor…
He watches cock-fighting at Shoe Lane, hears music and an anthem by Lord Sandwich in the withdrawing room, learns Lady Castlemaine has converted to Catholicism, and notes court talk about ship hires by France and public tennis.
France hath hired threescore ships of Holland, and forty of the Swede, but nobody knows what to do: but some great designs he hath on foot; against the next year. 2lst. To Shoe Lane to see a cocke-fighting at a new pit there, a spot I was never at in my life: but Lord! to see the strange variety of people, from Parliament-man (by name Wildes, that was Deputy Governor of the Tower when Robinson was Lord Mayor) to …
Pepys attends Turner’s execution after learning a lease for Sandwich’s house, describes Turner’s final demeanor and a huge crowd, and then visits Deptford to view Sir William Petty’s vessel and hears of a fire in Castlemaine’s lodging.
man he was, and kept his countenance to the end: I was sorry to see him. It was believed there were at least 12 or 14,000 people in the street. 22nd. To Deptford, and there viewed Sir W. Petty's vessel; which hath an odd appearance, but not such as people do make of it. 26th. Tom Killigrew told us of a fire last night in my Lady Castlemaine's lodging, where she bid 40l. for one to adventure the fetching of a cabi…
Pepys notes political tension in Parliament and royal favor, then records visiting Covent Garden coffee-house, examining students at St. Paul’s School, hearing gossip about Charles II’s affairs, and Dutch threats in India affecting English merchants.
business runs high between the Chancellor and my Lord Bristoll against the Parliament; and that my Lord Lauderdale and Cooper open high against the Chancellor; which I am sorry for. 3rd. In Covent Garden to-night, going to fetch my wife, I stopped at the great Coffee-house there, where I never was before: where Dryden the poet (I knew at Cambridge), and all the wits of the town, and Harris the player, and Mr. Hool…
Pepys discusses war strategy and Dutch grievances with Mr. Coventry, debates Lord Sandwich’s potential to go to sea, describes court preaching and visiting Povy’s lavish house, and notes the King’s birthday dancing at Castlemaine’s lodgings.
23rd. The King is gone down with the Duke and a great crew this morning by break of day to Chatham. 29th. Mr. Coventry and I did a long discourse together of the business of the office, and the war with the Dutch; and he seemed to argue mightily with the little reason that there is for all this. For first, as to the wrong we pretend they have done us; that of the East Indys, for their not delivering of Poleron, it…
Reports of Lord Teviott and nineteen officers killed at Tangier by Moorish ambush are followed by play-going during a hailstorm, and detailed retelling of the ambush date and Teviott’s last warning.
the King was at my Lady Castlemaine's lodgings over the hither-gate at Lambert's lodgings, dancing with fiddlers all night almost; and all the world coming by taking notice of it. JUNE 1, 1664. Southwell (Sir W. Pen's friend) tells me the very sad newes of my Lord Teviott's and nineteen more commission officers being killed at Tangier by the Moores, by an ambush of the enemy upon them, while they were surveying the…
Pepys relays King’s and Coventry’s conversation on differing kinds of valour, contrasting figures like Blake, Prince Rupert, and Teviott, then continues with Sandwich’s party at Trinity House.
us look to ourselves, for it was this day three years that so many brave Englishmen were knocked on the head by the Moores, when Fines made his sally out." 4th. Mr. Coventry discoursing this noon about Sir W. Batten, (what a sad fellow he is!) told me how the King told him the other day how Sir W. Batten, being in the ship with him and Prince Rupert when they expected to fight with Warwicke, did walk up and down sw…
After playgoing and domestic amusements, Pepys records long reading of old navy books, a crowded social day and troublesome late night boat travel with anxious noblewomen, then hears De Ruyter’s death at Calais.
than just to make him civill, and to command in words of great obligation to his officers and men; but without any the least disturbance in his judgment or spirit. 6th. By barge with Sir W. Batten to Trinity House. Here were my Lord Sandwich, Mr. Coventry, my Lord Craven, and others. A great dinner, and good company. Mr. Prin also, who would not drink any health, no, not the King's, but sat down with his hat on …
Pepys describes further Dutch war gossip, court wit about ‘Old Pen,’ a reported marriage of widow Lady Gold to Neale, and arrangements for Lord Sandwich’s ship visit with planned royal touring.
fifty men of his own ship, of the plague, at Cales: that the Holland Embassador here do endeavour to sweeten us with fair words; and things like to be peaceable. 20th. I to the Duke, where we did our usual business. And among other discourse of the Dutch, he was merrily saying how they print that Prince Rupert, Duke of Albemarle, and my Lord Sandwich, are to be Generalls; and soon after is to follow them "Vieux Pe…
Pepys reports court and naval news: Prince Rupert and the fleet position, O’Neale’s death, the launching at Woolwich, Dutch raids and rumors of De Ruyter, and debate and preparation for war.
nobly furnished; and there I saw her and the Duke of York and Duchesse. The Duke espied me, and come to me, and talked with me a very great while. 24th. Into the galleries at White Hall to talk with my Lord Sandwich; among other things, about the Prince's writing up to tell us of the danger he and his fleet lie in at Portsmouth, of receiving affronts from the Dutch; which, my Lord said, he would never have done, ha…
In late 1664, Pepys describes theatrical and administrative meetings (Ordnance, Tower), a monster birth tale, naval council discussions, Dutch hostility beginning, and Parliament financing the war.
good play, but admirably acted. Thence home; the coach being forced to go round by London Wall home, because of the bonfires; the day being mightily observed in the City. 8th. At noon, I and Sir J. Minnes and Lord Barkeley (who with Sir J. Duncum, [M.P. for Bury St. Edmunds.] and Mr. Chichly, are made Masters of the Ordnance), to the office of the Ordnance, to discourse about wadding for guns. Thence to dinner, a…
Pepys records political maneuvering to justify war spending, reports of peace terms with Algiers, ongoing Dutch constraints, and anxieties about an impending Dutch war despite other domestic quiet.
to Portsmouth. And I had letters this afternoon, that three are brought into the Downes and Dover: so that the warr is begun: God give a good end to it! 22nd. To my Lord Treasurer's; where with Sir Philip Warwick, studying all we could to make the last year swell as high as we could. And it is much to see how he do study for the King, to do it to get all the money from the Parliament he can: and I shall be servic…
Pepys notes the Duke of York’s return, the renewed Dutch ship preparations, a long conversation about the Duke’s Irish connections and advisers, and discussion of Dutch peace offers and the comet sightings.
a matter of some reputation to us it is, and blemish to them; but in no degree like what it is esteemed at, the weather requiring them to do so. 5th. Up, and to White Hall with Sir J. Minnes; and there, among an infinite crowd of great persons, did kiss the Duke's hand; but had no time to discourse. 6th. To the Old Exchange, and there hear that the Dutch are fitting their ships out again, which puts us to new dis…
At Whitehall Pepys describes disputes about appointments, then news of England’s defeat at Guinea; he hears charges of cowardice, sees the comet again, and records preparations and fear as the Dutch war escalates.
Gazette of the Dutch's boasting of fighting, and having beaten the English: in confidence whereof, (it coming to Bourdeaux,) all the fleet comes out, and so falls into our hands. 19th. With Sir J. Minnes to White Hall, and there we waited on the Duke. And among other things Mr. Coventry took occasion to vindicate himself before the Duke and us, being ill there, about the choosing of Taylor for Harwich. [Silas Tay…
Pepys describes the Royal Society’s book and royal patronage, losses of ships in the Straights, Dutch actions near the North Foreland and Margate Road, and plays like Volpone; he also recounts a Privy Council debate over Turkey ships.
To my Lord of Oxford's, but his Lordship was in bed at past ten o'clock: and, Lord help us! so rude a dirty family I never saw in my life. 9th. I saw the Royal Society bring their new book, wherein is nobly writ their charter and laws, and comes to be signed by the Duke as a Fellow; and all the Fellows' hands are to be entered there, and lie as a monument; and the King hath put his with the word Founder. Holmes wa…
Pepys continues the Privy Council discussion about stopping Turkey merchant ships from going out with insufficient naval escort, explains shortages of sailors, and then records other administrative and naval committee activity.
14th. To the King's house, there to see Vulpone, [A Comedy by Ben Jonson.] a most excellent play: the best I think I ever saw, and well acted. 15th. With Sir W. Pen in his coach to my Lord Chancellor's, where by and by Mr. Coventry, Sir W. Pen, Sir J. Lawson, Sir G. Ascue, and myself were called in to the King, there being several of the Privy Council, and my Lord Chancellor lying at length upon a couch (of the gou…
Pepys reports Parliamentary and policy discussion on indemnity and bullion export, then records February 1664/65 social visits, a court masquerade, naval intelligence about Newark and the King’s movements, extreme cold, sermons, and news of the London warship’s explosion.
is 700,000l. He also made me fully understand that the old law of prohibiting bullion to be exported, is, and ever was a folly and an injury, rather than good. FEBRUARY 3, 1664-65. To visit my Lady Sandwich, and she discoursed largely to me her opinion of a match, if it could be thought fit by my Lord, for my Lady Jemimah, with Sir G. Carteret's eldest son; but I doubt he hath yet no settled estate in land. But I …
From March 1 to March 20, 1664/65, Pepys records his Royal Society admission payment and scientific lectures on a comet, political proclamations about war with Holland, official business with the Duke and Navy, and his appointment/confirmation as Treasurer for Tangier.
Slaning, [Sir Nicholas Slaning K.B., married a daughter of Sir George Carteret.] were admitted of the society: and this day I did pay my admission money, 40s. to the society. 4th. William Howe come to see me, being come up with my Lord from sea: he is grown a discreet, but very conceited fellow. He tells me how little respectfully Sir W. Pen did carry it to my Lord on board the Duke's ship at sea; and that Captai…
In April 1665 Pepys gives Navy cost estimates to the Lord Treasurer and reports chronic money shortages; he attends theatre and discusses new comets, naval seizures and King’s personal recognition of him, and processes Tangier-related approvals.
occasions his good opinion of my service and love for me. I paid my thanks and acknowledgement to him; and so back home, where at the office all the morning. 27th. Up betimes to Mr. Povy's, and there did sign and seal my agreement with him about my place of being treasurer for Tangier. Thence to the Duke of Albemarle, the first time that we officers of the Navy have waited upon him since the Duke of York's going, w…
From April 23 to April 30, 1665, Pepys records the King and Duke’s confidence in his Navy work, the Board’s actions after his letter, river visits to victualling ships, fears of sickness in London, and the Dutch threat near the Texel.
which is the great text that Mr. Selden and others do quote, but imperfectly and upon trust. But he hath the very originall, which he says he will show me. 17th. To the Duke of Albemarle's, where he showed me Mr. Coventry's letters, how three Dutch privateers are taken, in one whereof Everson's son is captaine. But they have killed poor Captaine Golding in The Diamond. Two of them, one of 32 and the other of 20 o…
Pepys records May 23-29, 1665 with Dutch fleet reports from Amsterdam, plague fears and remedies in London, continued delays at the ships in the river, the condemnation of Nixon to be shot for cowardice, and news of prizes and safe merchant arrivals.
the Dutch, within the Texel. Great fears of the sicknesse here in the City, it being said that two or three houses are already shut up. God preserve us all! MAY 1, 1665. I met my Lord Brouncker, Sir Robert Murrey, Dean Wilkins, and Mr. Hooke, going by coach to Colonel Blunt's to dinner. [Wricklesmarsh, in the parish of Charlton, which belonged, in 1617, to Edward Blount, Esq., whose family alienated it towards th…
Pepys records fleet movements after the battle on the Dutch coast, worries over communications to Hambrough/Harwich, describes London gatherings and funerals, and notes early plague signs and rising sickness while awaiting major naval news.
now. And our Hambrough ships, of whom we were so much afraid, are safe in Hambrough. Our fleete resolve to sail out again from Harwich in a day or two. 31st. To the 'Change, where great the noise and trouble of having our Hambrough ships lost; and that very much placed upon Mr. Coventry's forgetting to give notice to them of the going away of our fleet from the coast of Holland. But all without reason, for he did;…
Pepys continues commentary on public praise and burial ceremonies for naval figures, describes the worsening plague statistics in London, and recounts court business with the Duke’s return from sea and political bustle at Whitehall.
a clerk, and the Alderman, and his son; and there was a little grandson also Richard, who will hereafter be Sir Richard Browne. My Lord Mayor very respectfull to me. 14th. I met with Mr. Cowling; who observed to me how he finds every body silent in the praise of my Lord Sandwich, to set up the Duke and the Prince; but that the Duke did both to the King and my Lord Chancellor write abundantly of my Lord's courage an…
Pepys begins 1659–60 with his health and household, then entries in mid-January to late January describe illness fears and plague deaths, naval victory celebrations over the Dutch, city life, and interest/treasury concerns.
of the guns, and could not (as others) be got out, but staid there; for which he will be tried; and is reckoned a prating coxcombe, and of no courage. 17th. It struck me very deep this afternoon going with a hackney coach from Lord Treasurer's down Holborne, the coachman I found to drive easily and easily, at last stood still, and come down hardly able to stand, and told me that he was suddenly struck very sick, an…
Pepys records public thanksgiving for the Dutch victory, financial constraints on the Crown’s debt and payments, people leaving London for the countryside, and the growing plague, while further discussing Tangier-related committee business.
of ten per cent, which they have. I find all the town almost going out of town, the coaches and waggons being all full of people going into the country. 23rd. To a Committee for Tangier, where unknown to me comes my Lord of Sandwich, who, it seems, come to town last night. After the Committee was up, my Lord Sandwich did take me aside in the robe-chamber, telling me how much the Duke and Mr. Coventry did, both in …
Pepys goes to Sheerness and then receives orders about relocating to Greenwich; he details a naval setback at Bergen involving Dutch ships cutting cables and rendering English fire-ships useless.
laying out the ground to be taken in for a yard to lay provisions for cleaning and repairing of ships, and a most proper place it is for the purpose. 19th. Come letters from the King and Lord Arlington, for the removal of our office to Greenwich. I also wrote letters, and made myself ready to go to Sir G. Carteret, at Windsor; and having borrowed a horse of Mr. Blackbrough, sent him to wait for me at the Duke of A…