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Often appears with: fate, destiny, and necessity · conquest, plunder, and captives · religious persecution and toleration · crime and punishment · justice as a virtue · medicine, disease, and healing · the fear of death · naval warfare and sea power · custom and the manners of a people · funeral rites and burial · public finance and debt · siege and fortification
Usually: narrative (405) · confronting death (267) · detachment (264) · lament (189) · indignation (140) · argument (134) · curiosity (116) · skepticism (87) · wonder (85) · crisis of belief (81)
“Make peace, ye Latians, and avoid with care\n Th’ impending dangers of a fatal war.” Virgil, The Aeneid · precept
“Doubt not 'tis wrath divine that plagues thee thus, Nor light the debt thou payest; 'tis Orpheus' self, Orpheus unhappy by no fault of his, Yet madly raging for his ravished bride.” Virgil, The Georgics · insight
“See! as he smokes beneath the stubborn share, The bull drops, vomiting foam-dabbled gore, And heaves his latest groans. Sad goes the swain, Unhooks the steer that mourns his fellow's fate, And in mid labour leaves the plough-gear fast.” Virgil, The Georgics · 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
“After the murder of Geta, the Præfect was commanded to exert the powers of his skill and eloquence in a studied apology for that atrocious deed.” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · observation
“That it was easier to commit than to justify a parricide,” was the glorious reply of Papinian; who did not hesitate between the loss of life and that of honor.” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · precept
“Elagabalus was massacred by the indignant Prætorians, his mutilated corpse dragged through the streets of the city, and thrown into the Tiber.” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · vivid
“No cry, no sob was heard amongst the assembled crowd; all were silent.” Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America — Volume 1 · observation
“The Americans of the United States have accomplished this twofold purpose with singular felicity; tranquilly, legally, philanthropically, without shedding blood, and without violating a single great principle of morality in the eyes of the world.” Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America — Volume 1 · wit
“What would be the opinion of a geologist, viewing such an enormous collection of bones, of all kinds of animals and of all ages, thus embedded in one thick earthy mass? Would he not attribute it to a flood having swept over the surface of the land, rather than to the common order of things?” Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the Beagle · insight
“Earthquakes alone are sufficient to destroy the prosperity of any country.” Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the Beagle · insight
“Wherever the European has trod, death seems to pursue the aboriginal.” Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the Beagle · observation
It warns that mockers of God’s signs will face chains and burning in hell, urges patience and trust in God’s promise, and then shifts to God giving cattle for transport and to examples of past peoples punished after rejecting prophets.
It is He who giveth life and death; and when He decreeth a thing, He only saith of it, "Be," and it is. Seest thou not those who cavil at the signs of God? how are they turned aside! They who treat "the Book," and the message with which we have sent our Sent Ones, as a lie, shall know the truth hereafter, When the collars shall be on their necks and the chains to drag them into Hell: then in the fire shall they be…
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 records news of Sir Robert Slingsby’s death, concerns about Navy officials, money and illness in London, and the governance planning around Tangier, including Peterborough’s role.
Sir W. Batten, who is to go to Portsmouth to-morrow to wait upon the Duke of York, who goes to take possession and to set in order the garrison there. 26th. This morning Sir J. Pen and I should have gone out of town with my Lady Batten, to have met Sir William coming back from Portsmouth, at Kingston, but could not, by reason that my Lord of Peterborough (who is to go Governor of Tangier) come this morning, [Henry,…
Pepys hears a sudden death at the Tangier Committee, follows the Queen’s spotted-fever illness at St. James’s, and discusses plague in Amsterdam and Ottoman power in Christian-European politics.
and so said nothing about her; which makes me fear she is dead. But enquiring of Sir J. Minnes, he told me that he heard she was better last night. 19th. Waked with a very high wind, and said to my wife, "I pray God I hear not of the death of any great person, this wind is so high! fearing that the Queene might be dead. So up; and going by coach with Sir W. Batten and Sir J. Minnes to St. James's, they tell me th…
Pepys orders his velvet cloak production stopped as the Queen worsens, then records recovery and the physician Francis Prujeon’s celebrated treatment.
22nd. This morning, hearing that the Queene grows worse again, I sent to stop the making of my velvet cloak, till I see whether she lives or dies. 23rd. The Queene slept pretty well last night, but her fever continues upon her still. It seems she hath never a Portuguese doctor here. 24th. The Queene is in a good way of recovery; and Sir Francis Pridgeon, [Vertue (according to Walpole) had seen a portrait of Dr. …
Pepys describes the Lord Mayor’s banquet preparations and awkward dining arrangements, while the Queen’s recovery continues amid ongoing delirious talk about children.
the physician feeling her pulse, thinking to be better able to judge, she being still and asleep, waked her, and the first word she said was, "How do the children?" 29th. To Guild Hall; and meeting with Mr. Proby, (Sir R. Ford's son,) and Lieutenant-Colonel Baron, a City commander, we went up and down to see the tables; where under every salt there was a bill of fare, and at the end of the table the persons proper …
Pepys notes his own worsened finances from clothes purchases, reports plague fears and Ottoman and European war disputes, then shifts to White Hall and court talk about pensions and periwigs.
they the other. And the whole, Proby says, is reckoned to come to about 7 or 800l. at most. The Queene mends apace, they say; but yet talks idle still. 30th. To my great sorrow find myself 43l. worse than I was the last month, which was then 760l. and now it is but 717l. But it hath chiefly arisen from my layings-out in clothes for myself and wife; viz. for her about 12l. and for myself 55l., or thereabouts: havin…
Pepys describes social and administrative responses: preaching in the Privy Seal pew, rumors of armed fanatics clashing in the North, counterfeit concerns about new money, and a new quarantine plan for ships from Amsterdam and Hamburg.
to him, nor conceal what he had offered him, but so detected the trapan. He also did much insist upon the cowardice and corruption of the King's guards and militia. 11th. At noon to the Coffee-house, were with Dr. Allen some good discourse about physick and chymistry. And among other things, I telling him what Dribble the German Doctor do offer of an instrument to sink ships; he tells me that which is more strange…
Pepys notes a new practice of dropping an import of “indemnity” at Holehaven, then attends book buying and theatre, hears Dutch portraits mock the King, and records court movements on St Andrew’s Day.
import of the word, though in the general acceptation it signifies now the thing, not the time spent in doing it) in Holehaven, a thing never done by us before. 28th. To Paul's Church Yard, and there looked upon the second part of Hudibras, which I buy not, but borrow to read, to see if it be as good as the first, which the world cried so mightily up, though it hath not a good liking in me, though I had tried but t…
Pepys records a run of September–October 1664 entries: celebrating wealth and gifts, attending plays, describing storms, tracking war news against the Dutch, observing fires, and hearing about French and Dutch military movements.
not be known, and were roundly beaten out of the field, and some deeply wounded and bruised; till at last the weavers went out tryumphing, calling 100l. for a butcher. 28th. I am overjoyed in hopes that upon this month's account I shall find myself worth 1000l. besides the rich present of two silver and gilt flaggons, which Mr. Gauden did give me the other day. My Lord Sandwich newly gone to sea, and he did before…
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 reports the naval victory over the Dutch (June 3, 1665), listing commanders killed or wounded, then notes the plague arriving in the City and the town’s accelerating fear, alongside social and political reactions to the battle.
Victory over the Dutch, June 3, 1665. This day they engaged: the Dutch neglecting greatly the opportunity of the wind they had of us; by which they lost the benefit of their fire-ships. The Earl of Falmouth, Muskerry, and Mr. Richard Boyle [Second son to the Earl of Burlington.] killed on board the Duke's ship, the Royall Charles, with one shot: their blood and brains flying in the Duke's face; and the head of Mr…
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 closes the first two-year run of the diary, then continues in early July with plague news, arranging fleet command structure under Sandwich and others, secret financial trouble involving Alderman Backewell, and ongoing restrictions and house shut-ins.
is mightily liked of by the King and the Duke of York. Sir G. Lawson was buried late last night at St. Dunstan's by us, without any company at all. 4th. I hear this day the Duke and Prince Rupert are both come back from sea, and neither of them go back again. Mr. Coventry tells me how matters are ordered in the fleet: my Lord Sandwich goes Admiral; under him Sir G. Ascue, and Sir T. Teddiman: Vice Admiral, Sir W…
During July 9-16, Pepys describes his wine cellar, discusses parish burial patterns amid plague, notes a solemn fast-day and high weekly deaths, manages a wedding shopping visit to Dagenham, and coaches the shy Philip Carteret’s courtship.
13th. Above 700 died of the plague this week. 14th. I by water to Sir G. Carteret's, and there find my Lady Sandwich buying things for my Lady Jem's wedding: and my Lady Jem is beyond expectation come to Dagenham's, [Dagenhams near Romford, now belonging to Sir Thomas Neave, Bart. This estate was devised by Mrs. Anne Rider, only surviving child of Sir Henry Wright, to her relative and friend Edward Carteret, Esq.…
From mid-January to early February, Pepys attends social and religious gatherings, instructs a young man in courtship manners, worries about plague-era burial practices, and tours to learn how widely sickness has spread.
to do; and it was agreed at last to have them go to church together, as the family used to do, though his lameness was a great objection against it. 16th (Lord's day). I up, having lain with Mr. Moore in the chaplin's chamber. And having trimmed myself, down to Mr. Carteret; and we walked in the gallery an hour or two, it being a most noble and pretty house that ever, for the bigness, I saw. Here I taught him what…
Pepys records late-January details of the plague worsening, the emptying of London, talk of war with France and fleet movements, plus letters and ship orders connected to the Duke of Albemarle and diplomacy.
at the publick charge in the last, plague-time, merely for want of room and now none, but such as are able to pay dear for it, can be buried there. 20th. Walked to Redriffe, where I hear the sickness is, and indeed is scattered almost every where. There dying 1089 of the plague this week. My Lady Carteret did this day give me a bottle of plague-water home with me. I received yesterday a letter from my Lord Sandw…
Pepys attends the King and Duke at Greenwich and Woolwich shipworks, observes court discourse, reports plague deaths and expanding sickness in his parish, and considers reorganizing his household affairs for “soul and body.”
about his coming over; and I have sent this night an order from the Duke of Albemarle for a ship of 36 guns to go to Calais to fetch him. 26th. To Greenwich to the Park, where I heard the King and Duke are come by water this morn from Hampton Court. They asked me several questions. The King mightily pleased with his new buildings there. I followed them to Castle's ship in building, and there met Sir W. Batten, a…
Pepys describes plague tolling bells and then, on 31st, delays waiting for transport to a wedding near Deptford, later reports plague deaths and proceeds with the ceremony and prayers.
30th. It was a sad noise to hear our bell to toll and ring so often to-day, either for death or burials: I think five or six times. 31st. Up; and very betimes by six o'clock at Deptford, and there find Sir G. Carteret, and my Lady ready to go: I being in my new coloured silk suit, and coat trimmed with gold buttons and gold broad lace round my hands, very rich and fine. By water to the Ferry, where, when we come,…
In August 1665 Pepys and others check weekly plague bills around Dagenhams, amid fears of sick neighbors, forced burials, and a frantic incident involving a plague-infected maid in a pest coach.
Lady do confess exceedingly, and the latter do also now call me cozen, which I am glad of. So God preserve us all friends long, and continue health among us. AUGUST 3, 1665. To Dagenhams. All the way people, citizens, walking to and fro, enquire how the plague is in the City this week by the Bill; which by chance, at Greenwich, I had heard was 2020 of the plague, and 3000 and odd of all diseases. By and by met my…
Pepys reports escalating plague in London with empty streets and massive death tolls, updates his will, describes people carrying corpses by day, and notes deaths near Deptford, Woolwich, and Court.
over anew my will, which I had bound myself by oath to dispatch by tomorrow night; the town growing so unhealthy, that a man cannot depend upon living two days. 12th. The people die so, that now it seems they are fain to carry the dead to be buried by day-light, the nights not sufficing to do it in. And my Lord Mayor commands people to be within at nine at night all, as they say, that the sick may have liberty to …
After a night at Windsor’s Carteret chamber, Pepys surveys the surroundings, travels by water at night fearing plague corpses, and observes coffins and unburied plague bodies watched by guards.
So to sleep; being very well, but weary, and, the better by having carried with me a bottle of strong water; whereof now and then a sip did me good. 20th. I up and to walk forth to see the place; and I find it to be a very noble seat in a noble forest, with the noblest prospect towards Windsor, and round about over many countys, that can be desired; but otherwise a very melancholy place, and little variety save onl…
Pepys reflects on leaving London streets, stores money in an iron chest, and records the plague’s dramatic spread in his district, describing daily death-focused talk and a forsaken city.
body looks, and discourse in the street is of death, and nothing else, and few people going up and down, that the town is like a place distressed and forsaken. 31st. Up; and after putting several things in order to my removal to Woolwich; the plague having a great encrease this week beyond all expectation of almost 2000, making the general Bill 7000, odd 100; and the plague above 6000. Thus this month ends with gr…
Pepys participates in London parish measures against plague spread, debates crowding at burials, tells a case of saving an uninfected child from an infected house, and continues daily life amid restrictions.
my Lord Brouncker giving me a very neat cane to walk with; but it troubled me to pass by Coome farme where about twenty-one people have died of the plague. 5th. After dinner comes Colonel Blunt in his new chariot made with springs; as that was of wicker, wherein a while since we rode at his house. And he hath rode, he says, now his journey, many miles in it with one horse, and out-drives any coach, and out-goes an…
Pepys reports Tower-checked Weekly Bill totals of deaths and plague, then tours Sir Robert Vyner’s Swakeley House and its wealth, portraits, and curiosities, and returns to Woolwich late at night.
with me; telling me that he is certainly informed, that the Dutch were not come home upon the 1st instant, and so he hopes our fleet may meet with them. 7th. To the Tower, and there sent for the Weekly Bill, and find 8252 dead in all, and of them 6978 of the plague; which is a most dreadful number, and shows reason to fear that the plague hath got that hold that it will yet continue amongst us. To Swakely [Swakele…
On a Sunday Pepys avoids possible plague by not going by water, learns his father-in-law is ill, then gets joyous news from Mr. Coventry about Lord Sandwich taking Dutch prizes near the Well-banke.
all the Dutch fleet, men-of-war and merchant East India ships, are got every one in from Bergen the 3rd of this month, Sunday last; which will make us all ridiculous. 10th (Lord's day). Walked home; being forced thereto by one of my watermen falling sick yesterday, and it was God's great mercy I did not go by water with them yesterday, for he fell sick on Saturday night, and it is to be feared of the plague. So I …
Pepys visits Sir William Hickes at his estate, criticizes the neglected, decaying house and mean dinner, and notes only a fine portrait by Van Dyck as the pleasant exception.
out-done, was the crown of all our mirth. In this humour we sat till about ten at night, and so my Lord and his mistress home, and we to bed. 13th. My Lord Brouncker, Sir J. Minnes, and I took boat, and in my Lord's coach to Sir W. Hickes's, [Sir William Hickes, created a baronet 1619. Ob. 1680, aged 84. His country-seat was called Ruckholts, or Rookwood, at Layton, in Essex, where he entertained King Charles II.…
From Albemarle House Pepys gets Sandwich’s letter about further Dutch captures, then goes to the Exchange amid plague around London, contrasting improved health statistics with dead bodies and sick persons nearby.
to the basest degree. I was only pleased at a very fine picture of the Queene-Mother, when she was young, by Vandike; a very good picture, and a lovely face. 14th. To the Duke of Albemarle, where I find a letter of the 12th. from Solebay, from my Lord Sandwich, of the fleet's meeting with about eighteen more of the Dutch fleet, and his taking of most of them; and the messenger says, they had taken three after the l…
Pepys describes visiting Lord Sandwich aboard a fleet of over 100 ships, learning it suffers from poor provisions and naval complications near Bergen, and then records later dire plague statistics at Lambeth.
on other Occasions.] Sir Thomas Teddiman, and Sir Roger Cuttance. So to our Yacht again, having seen many of my friends there, and continued till we come into Chatham river. 20th. To Lambeth. But, Lord! what a sad time it is to see no boats upon the River; and grass grows all up and down White Hall court, and nobody but poor wretches in the streets! and, which is worst of all, the Duke showed us the number of th…
Pepys tours Nonsuch and Blackwell (wood and rare ancient trees found during dock digging), then later returns to the fleet to bargain for goods and reflects on plague decreases and the broader war.
in the family had been very great, and they too had most of them many children, and grandchildren, and great-grand-children. This he tells as a most known and certain truth. 25th. Found ourselves come to the fleet, and so aboard the Prince, and there, after a good while in discourse, we did agree a bargain of 5000l. for my Lord Sandwich for silk, cinnamon, nutmegs, and indigo. And I was near signing to an undertak…
With war and plague intensifying, Pepys boards the Bezan, visits the Chatham yard with Commissioner Pett, hears of deaths among watermen, and discusses his office’s urgent victualling and prisoner responsibilities.
I ever saw in my life. Thence in his coach to Greenwich, and there to my office, all the way having fine discourse of trees and the nature of vegetables. 7th. Did business, though not much, at the office; because of the horrible crowd and lamentable moan of the poor seamen that lie starving in the streets for lack of money. Which do trouble and perplex me to the heart; and more at noon when we were to go through t…
Pepys records daily plague management and naval bureaucracy: starving sailors beg for money, seized goods are locked up, plague death counts fall, and he celebrates royal approval of his victualling proposal.
of the sickness, and providing for my family, do fill my head very full, besides the infinite business of the office, and nobody here to look after it but myself. 15th. The Parliament, it seems, have voted the King 1,250,000l. at 50,000l. per month, tax for the war; and voted to assist the King against the Dutch, and all that shall adhere to them; and thanks to be given him for his care of the Duke of York, which l…
Pepys walks the Tower amid empty streets and plague death, hears of the king and Parliament speeches, gets messages urging confidence about prize goods, then accepts an appointment as Surveyor-General of victualling.
no expectation but we must fall out with them. The 'Change pretty full, and the town begins to be lively again, though the streets very empty, and most shops shut. 27th. The Duke of Albemarle proposed to me from Mr. Coventry, that I should be Surveyor-Generall of the Victualling business, which I accepted. But, indeed, the terms in which Mr. Coventry proposes it for me are the most obliging that ever I could expec…
Pepys repeats that the plague has decreased, learns from Madam Williams about William How’s stolen gemstones from the Dutch vice-admiral, tours the India ship’s cargo, and reports court factional rumours.
15th. The plague, blessed be God! is decreased 400; making the whole this week but 1300 and odd: for which the Lord be praised! 16th. To Eriffe; where after making a little visit to Madam Williams, she did give me information of W. How's having bought eight bags of precious stones taken from about the Dutch Vice- admirall's neck, of which there were eight dyamonds which cost him 4000l. sterling, in India, and hoped…
Pepys writes that Oxford Gazette news arrives, the Royal Katharine holds William How, the plague is influenced by hard frost, and he continues social visits (including to Evelyn) amid epidemic anxiety.
go and command under the King of Spayne, in Flanders. That his amours to Mrs. Stewart are told the King. So that all is like to be nought among them. 22nd. I was very glad to hear that the plague is come very low; that is, the whole under 1000, and the plague 800 and odd: and great hopes of a further decrease, because of this day's being a very exceeding hard frost, and continues freezing. This day the first of t…
Pepys records Temple’s calculations about the worth and management of “new money” and coinage, then reports renewed plague fears, goldsmith trials, watches, Christmas observations, and his growing wealth through prize goods.
herself very much. I was in hopes others had not minded it, but my Lord Brouncker, after we were come away, took notice of the words to me; with displeasure. 11th. That I may remember it the more particularly, I thought fit to insert this memorandum of Temple's discourse this night with me, which I took in writing from his mouth. Before the Harp and Crosse money was cried down, he and his fellow goldsmiths did mak…
At the year’s start and into January 1666, Pepys travels with the Duke of Albemarle to hear plague declines, then returns to London in a lively coach and observes urban reopening and river encroachments.
the story of the several Archbishops of Canterbury, engrossed in vellum, to hang up in Canterbury Cathedrall in tables, in lieu of the old ones, which are almost worn out. 30th. All the afternoon to my accounts; and there find myself, to my great joy, a great deal worth above 4000l. for which the Lord be praised! and is principally occasioned by my getting 500l. of Cocke, for my profit in his bargains of prize goo…
Pepys continues to track plague increases and decreases, fears Hamburg and naval storms, visits Covent Garden, meets Brouncker and physicians at the reopened Gresham College, and reports chariots and respiration talk.
hath been known these twenty years in the City. Through the want of people in London, is it that must make it so low below the ordinary number for Bills. 5th. I with my Lord Brouncker and Mrs. Williams by coach with four horses to London, to my Lord's house in Covent-Garden. But, Lord! what staring to see a nobleman's coach come to town. And porters every where bow to us; and such begging of beggars! And deligh…
Pepys and Brouncker reopen chests of William How’s jewels at Carteret’s Deptford house, walk back through violent storms and damage on bridges and streets, and then records news of France declaring war.
the lateness of the year, and the fear, we may with reason have, of its continuing with us the next summer. The total being now 375, and the plague 158. 17th. I rode to Dagenhams in the dark. It was my Lord Crewe's desire that I should come, and chiefly to discourse with me of my Lord Sandwich's matters; and therein to persuade, what I had done already, that my Lord should sue out a pardon for his business of the …
Pepys goes with counsel at Hampton Court, receives public thanks from King Charles II for his service, rides with Evelyn on court vice, and fears plague graves in churchyards as lime is proposed.
expectation of the decrease of the plague, being now but 79, and the whole but 272. So home with comfort to bed. A most furious storme all night and morning. 24th. My Lord and I, the weather being a little fairer, by water to Deptford to Sir G. Carteret's house, where W. How met us, and there we opened the chests, and saw the poor sorry rubys which have caused all this ado to the undoing of W. How; though I am not …
After Sandwich returns with the King and Duke, Pepys attends church again after the plague, visits Greenwich and the Exchequer for Tangier, wears mourning for the King of Spain, and records the King’s declaration of war against France.
himself, and told me, "Mr. Pepys," says he, "I do give you thanks for your good service all this year, and I assure you I am very sensible of it." 29th. Mr. Evelyn and I into my Lord Brouncker's coach, and rode together with excellent discourse till we come to Clapham. Talking of the vanity and vices of the Court, which makes it a most contemptible thing; and indeed in all his discourse I find him a most worthy per…
Pepys notes political and naval context for England’s war preparations, then describes plague growth, his visits and meetings in London and Westminster, and news of Sir Jeremy Smith’s fleet near Málaga.
War against the French, but with such mild invitations of both them and the Dutch to come over here with promise of their protection, that every body wonders at it. 12th. Comes Mr. Caesar, my boy's lute-master, whom I have not seen since the plague before, but he hath been in Westminster Hall all this while very well; and tells me in the height of it, how bold people there were, to go in sport to one another's buri…
Pepys repeats his dinner with Mr. Evelyn, then records Duke of York and Navy matters, meetings at Trinity House and Gresham College, a felt-making lecture, and continued worries about plague outbreaks.
and at noon I took him home to dinner, being desirous of keeping my acquaintance with him; and a most excellent humoured man I still find him, and mighty knowing. 21st. The Duke did bring out a book of great antiquity of some of the customs of the Navy, about 100 years since, which he did lend us to read and deliver him back again. To Trinity-house, being invited to an Elder Brother's feast; and there met and sat …
Pepys narrates time at Lord Sandwich’s house, visits to theater circles via Mrs. Knipp, and a trip from London to Windsor, filled with social gatherings, fears about pardons, and concerns about Dunkirk.
and others' parts of the play-house, which she do most excellently; and tells me the whole practices of the play-house and players, and is in every respect most excellent company. 25th. With our coach of four horses to Windsor, and so to Cranborne, about eleven o'clock, and found my Lord [Sandwich.] and the ladies at a sermon in the house; which being ended we to them, and all the company glad to see us, and mighty…
Pepys attends the Order of the Garter ceremonies at Windsor, visits St George’s Chapel, Eton College, reads Latin verse and epitaphs, then shifts to March plague-count updates and begins further sittings for his wife’s portrait.
and other mad sports till towards twelve at night, and then being sleepy, I and my wife in a passage-room to bed, and slept not very well because of noise. 26th. Called up about five in the morning, and my Lord up, and took leave, a little after six, very kindly of me and the whole company. So took coach and to Windsor, to the Garter, and thither sent for Dr. Childe: [William Child, Doctor of Music, Organist of S…
Pepys describes visits and negotiations at court, discusses plague totals and fears for new parishes, follows up portrait progress with John Hales, and reports diplomatic news such as Denmark and Sweden favoring England.
and of them but six in the City: though my Lord Brouncker says, that these six are most of them in new parishes where they were not the last week 3rd. To Hales's, and there saw my wife sit; and I do like her picture mightily, and very like it will be, and a brave piece of work. But he do complain that her nose hath cost him as much work as another's face, and he hath done it finely indeed. 5th. News for certain …
Pepys records work on a seal and excursions in London, including news of the Queen of Portugal’s death, financial transactions via Lombard Street, arrangements for his brother-in-law to go to sea, and continued plague increases through early April.
W. Coventry did take it very quietly, but yet for all did speak his mind soberly and with reason, and went away, saying that he had done his duty therein. 24th. After the Committee up. I had occasion to follow the Duke into his lodgings, into a chamber where the Duchesse was sitting to have her picture drawn by Lilly, who was then at work. But I was well pleased to see that there was nothing near so much resembla…
Pepys describes naval debates under the Duke of York, the sudden death of Thomas Chiffinch, trouble getting into chapel services due to plague fears, and a near-trip to Chelsey halted because a house was shut up for sickness.
guards, and the other Cofferer of the King's household. This day great news of the Swedes declaring for us against the Dutch, and so far as that I believe it. 8th. To the Duke of York, where we all met to hear the debate between Sir Thomas Allen and Mr. Wayth; the former complaining of the latter's ill usage of him at the late pay of his ship. But a very sorry poor occasion he had for it. The Duke did determine i…
Pepys writes that he must stay diligent in the Duke’s business; he leaves at Whitehall with the Prince and Duke, notes Parliament’s winter adjournment and spreading plague, and watches St George’s/Coronation bonfires.
infinitely my concernment in being careful to appear to the King and Duke to continue my care of his business, and to be found diligent as I used to be. 23rd. To White Hall, where I had the opportunity to take leave of the Prince, and again of the Duke of Albemarle; and saw them kiss the King's hands and the Duke's; and much content indeed, there seems to be in all people at their going to sea, and they promise the…
As news arrives that the Duke of Albemarle’s fleet has sighted the Dutch, Pepys orders 200 soldiers and resources to be sent, hears guns from Greenwich, and watches the King and Duke follow events toward the Gunfleet battle area.
French, to hinder their coming to join with the Dutch. My Lord Duke of Albemarle lies in the Downes with the rest, and intends presently to sail to the Gunfleete. June 2, 1666. Up, and to the office, where certain news is brought us of a letter come to the King this morning from the Duke of Albemarle, dated yesterday at eleven o'clock, as they were sailing to the Gunfleete, that they were in sight of the Dutch flee…
Pepys notes that early victory news spreads, a communal fast and church whispering follows, he joins street celebration at bonfires, and hears confirmation of heavy Dutch losses from Sir Daniel Harvy.
success of the fleet, I did not go. No manner of news this day, but of the Rainbow's being put in from the fleet maimed as the other ships are. 6th. By and by walking a little further, Sir Philip Frowde [Secretary to the Duchess of York.] did meet the Duke with an express to Sir W. Coventry (who was by) from Captain Taylor, the Storekeeper at Harwich, being the narration of Captain Hayward of the Dunkirke; who giv…
Pepys records further post-battle news from abroad, then shifts to early August: debate about management and casualties, rumors of Flushing unrest, and mounting plague intelligence about Deptford and Greenwich.
saved. This is all, only we keep the sea, which denotes a victory, or at least that we are not beaten; but no great matters to brag of, God knows. 30th. To Sir W. Coventry, at St. James's, where I find him in his new closet, which is very fine, and well supplied with handsome books. I find him speak very slightly of the late victory: dislikes their staying with the fleet up their coast; believing that the Dutch w…
Pepys reports plague deaths near his acquaintances, talks with scientists about sound and music theories with Robert Hooke, visits court and social gatherings, and notes confirmations that the plague is raging in nearby districts.
to be tried the seventh of August; and that the hangman was sent from Flushing to assist the Council of Warr. How much of this is true, time will show. August 1, 1666. Walked over the Park with Sir W. Coventry, who I clearly see is not thoroughly pleased with the late management of the fight, nor with any thing that the Generalls do; only is glad to hear that De Ruyter is out of favour, and that this fight hath cos…
Pepys continues plague and death reporting about Mr. Rawlinson’s household, then follows up with later confirmations, emphasizing the accumulating toll.
10th. Homeward, and hear in Fenchurch-street, that now the maid also is dead at Mr. Rawlinson's; so that there are three dead in all, the wife, a man-servant, and maid-servant. 14th. Povy tells me how mad my letter makes my Lord Peterborough, and what a furious letter he writ to me in answer, though it is not come yet. This did trouble me; for though there be no reason, yet to have a nobleman's mouth open against …
Pepys and his wife attend Polichinello at Moorfields, then on Sunday learn of the Great Fire starting in Pudding Lane; Pepys observes destruction from the Tower and the river, including St. Magnes Church and Fish Street.
were there horribly frighted to see Young Killigrew come in with a great many more young sparks; but we hid ourselves, so as we think they did not see us. 2nd (Lord's day). Some of our maids sitting up late last night to get things ready against our feast to-day, Jane called us up about three in the morning, to tell us of a great fire they saw in the City. So I rose, and slipped on my night-gown, and went to her wind…
Pepys visits Lady Denham’s case again, receives gold from Mr. Stokes, and views the skeleton of Bishop Robert Braybrooke exposed after the Great Fire, while noting further violence and scientific experiments.
such like; but, as Dr. Croone says, may, if it takes, be of mighty use to man's health, for the amending of bad blood by borrowing from a better body. 15th. To Mrs. Pierce's, where I find her as fine as possible, and Mr. Pierce going to the ball at night at Court, it being the Queene's birthday. I also to the ball, and with much ado got up to the loft, where with much trouble I could see very well. Anon the house…