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“I found Muddiman a good scholar, an arch rogue; and owns that though he writes new books for the Parliament, yet he did declare that he did it only to get money” Samuel Pepys, Diary of Samuel Pepys — Volume 02: January 1659-1660 · wit
“Thence back to Westminster Hall, where I heard how Sir H. Vane was this day voted out of the House, and to sit no more there” Samuel Pepys, Diary of Samuel Pepys — Volume 02: January 1659-1660 · observation
“IN THE USUAL PROGRESS OF THINGS, THE NECESSITIES OF A NATION, IN EVERY STAGE OF ITS EXISTENCE, WILL BE FOUND AT LEAST EQUAL TO ITS RESOURCES.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · insight
“To judge from the history of mankind, we shall be compelled to conclude that the fiery and destructive passions of war reign in the human breast with much more powerful sway than the mild and beneficent sentiments of peace;” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · insight
“We must expose our property and liberty to the mercy of foreign invaders, and invite them by our weakness to seize the naked and defenseless prey, because we are afraid that rulers, created by our choice, dependent on our will, might endanger that liberty, by an abuse of the means necessary to its preservation.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · observation
“There is, perhaps, nothing more likely to disturb the tranquillity of nations than their being bound to mutual contributions for any common object that does not yield an equal and coincident benefit.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · insight
“*Divide et impera* must be the motto of every nation that either hates or fears us.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · wit
“A unity of commercial, as well as political, interests, can only result from a unity of government.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · insight
“Therefore wait to see life’s ending ere thou count one mortal blest; Wait till free from pain and sorrow he has gained his final rest.” Sophocles, Plays of Sophocles: Oedipus the King; Oedipus at Col · precept
“But as soon as I had acquired some general notions respecting physics, and beginning to make trial of them in various particular difficulties, had observed how far they can carry us, and how much they differ from the principles that have been employed up to the present time, I believed that I could not keep them concealed without sinning grievously against the law by which we are bound to promote, as far as in us lies, the general good of mankind.” René Descartes, Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting One's · observation
“Political power, properly so called, is merely the organised power of one class for oppressing another. If the proletariat during its contest with the bourgeoisie is compelled, by the force of circumstances, to organise itself as a class, if, by means of a revolution, it makes itself the ruling class, and, as such, sweeps away by force the old conditions of production, then it will, along with these conditions, have swept away the conditions for the existence of class antagonisms and of classes generally, and will thereby have abolished its own supremacy as a class.” Karl Marx, The Communist Manifesto · insight
“Not having any copy here of what is already written, I know not whether an account is given of the means I used to establish the Philadelphia public library, which, from a small beginning, is now become so considerable, though I remember to have come down to near the time of that transaction (1730).” Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · observation
Douglass maintains Congress has now had time and facts to justify radical reconstruction, contrasting prior half-measures and describing public enthusiasm for equal rights and impartial suffrage.
to obscure the way. Truth shines with brighter light and intenser heat at every moment, and a country torn and rent and bleeding implores relief from its distress and agony. If time was at first needed, Congress has now had time. All the requisite materials from which to form an intelligent judgment are now before it. Whether its members look at the origin, the progress, the termination of the war, or at the mockery…
A string of Qur'anic passages argues God’s power in miracles, urges almsgiving with forgiveness, condemns usury, and gives detailed rules and warnings about wealth, debts, and final judgment.
die!" Abraham said, "Since God bringeth the sun from the East, do thou, then, bring it from the West." The infidel was confounded; for God guideth not the evil doers: Or how he105 demeaned him who passed by a city which had been laid in ruins.106 "How," said he, "shall God give life to this city, after she hath been dead?" And God caused him to die for an hundred years, and then raised him to life. And God said, "Ho…
The text continues with Qur'anic teachings: guidance is God’s alone, charity is rewarded, usury is punished, and believers are warned to fear the day of return to God.
wisdom to whom He will: and he to whom wisdom is given, hath had much good given him; but none will bear it in mind, except the wise of heart. And whatever alms ye shall give, or whatever vow ye shall vow, of a truth God knoweth it: but they who act unjustly shall have no helpers. Give ye your alms openly?109 it is well. Do ye conceal them and give them to the poor? This, too, will be of advantage to you, and will d…
Pepys repeats that the Council granted the Navy orders he helped draft, leaving him glad, and closes the entry with the same satisfaction over the new authority.
night my Lord told me how my orders that I drew last night about giving us power to act, are granted by the Council. At which I was very glad. 5th. This morning my brother Tom brought me my jackanapes coat with silver buttons. It rained this morning, which, makes us fear that the glory of this day will be lost; the King and Parliament being to be entertained by the City to-day with great pomp. Mr. Hater was with …
After meeting Lord and Navy officials, Pepys troubles over delayed appointments and then receives comfort from news that Barlow may not execute a post; he also makes arrangements with a clerk.
proxime futuris interesse non possit; placet vobis ut dictus S. P. admissionem suam necnon creationem recipiat ad gradum Magistri in Artibus sub pepsona Timothei Wellfit, Inceptoris, &c. &c.--June 26, 1660.] 9th. To the Navy-office, where in the afternoon we met and sat, and there I begun to sign bills in the Office the first time. [The Navy Office was erected on the site of Lumley House, formerly belonging to the F…
Pepys, his lord, and senior figures take possession of the Navy Office, then visit the Treasurer’s Office to set things in order, briefly cheering Pepys’s spirits.
the House of Commons, and had the thanks of the House for his great service to his country. [In the Journals this is stated to have taken place July 24th.] 26th. Early to White Hall, thinking to have a meeting of my Lord and the principal officers, but my Lord could not, it being the day that he was to go and be admitted in the House of Lords, his patent being done, which he presented upon his knees to the Speaker;…
At the Navy Office Pepys begins signing bills in his new post, noting it as the first time he performed such work in the office.
Plymouth, who is now ordered to carry my Lord Winchelsea, Embassador to Constantinople. We were very merry, and Judge Advocate did give Captain Hayward his Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy. 10th. With Mr. Moore and Creed to Hide-parke by coach, and saw a fine foot-race three times round the Park, between an Irishman and Crow, that was once my Lord Claypoole's footman. [John Lord Claypoole married, in 1645, Mary, s…
Continuing entries recount Major-general Harrison’s execution and the display of his body parts, Pepys’s viewing of sermons and royal interactions at Whitehall, and further hangings and quarterings at Charing Cross.
though he resigned the part of Othello to Hart. DAVIS'S DRAMATIC MISC.] by the same token, a very pretty lady that sat by me, called out, to see Desdemona smothered. 13th I went out to Charing Cross, to see Major-general Harrison hanged, drawn, and quartered; which was done there, he looking as cheerful as any man could do in that condition. [Thomas Harrison, son of a butcher at Newcastle-under-Line, appointed by C…
Pepys recounts naval and court finance discussions with his superior about a promised 4000l. per annum, discusses virtue and gratitude, continues secretive counsel, and remarks on parliamentary disputes over sea-debts.
they all do cry, and we have much to do to tell who did cry last. The ships were the Indian, sold for 1300l. and the Half-moone, sold for 830l. 7th. Went by water to my Lord, where I dined with him, and he in a very merry humour (present Mr. Borfett and Childe) at dinner: he, in discourse of the great opinion of the virtue--gratitude, (which he did account the greatest thing in the world to him, and had, therefore,…
Samuel Pepys reports daily events in London—seeing the Quakers expanding, meeting Lord Privy Seal, attending plays, assessing Navy finances, and recording deaths from fever and the illness of Monk.
ways being very bad, got to Baldwick. [Baldock.] I find that both here, and every where else that I come, the Quakers do still continue, and rather grow than lessen. 9th. I to White Hall, where, after four o'clock, comes my Lord Privy Seale, [William, first Viscount, and second Baron Say and Sele, made Lord Privy Seal at the Restoration. Ob. April, 1662.] and so we went up to his chamber over the gate at White Hal…
Pepys continues reading Hooker’s Ecclesiastical Polity, gets summoned to the Privy Seale and Worcester House, attends theatres, and laments court vice, poverty, and the sickly fever season.
to read In "Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity," which Mr. Moore did give me last Wednesday very handsomely bound; and which I shall read with great pains and love for his sake. 19th. I am sent for to the Privy Seale, and there I found a thing of my Lord Chancellor's to be sealed this afternoon, and so I am forced to go to Worcester House, where severall Lords are met in Council this afternoon. And while I am waiting …
He reports dinners and household arrangements for sending provisions and fruit to Lord Sandwich at Lisbone and the Queen of England’s court there, then describes the end of a month and concerns about Navy mismanagement and lack of money.
successe; but there is no help for it now. The Queen of England (as she is now owned and called) I hear doth keep open Court, and distinct at Lisbone. 27th. At noon, met my wife at the Wardrobe; and there dined where we found Captn. Country, (my little Captain that I loved, who carried me to the Sound,) with some grapes and millons from my Lord at Lisbone. The first that ever I saw; but the grapes are rare things.…
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,…
Early November 1661 Pepys welcomes a new Navy comptroller, attends plays (including The Bondman), visits church and court circles, and writes about the Commons meeting again and the King receiving 120,000l to pay debts.
his place in the office. The first time that he had come thither, and he seems in a good fair condition, and one that I am glad hath the office. 4th. With my wife to the Opera, where we saw "The Bondman," which of old we both did so doate on, and do still; though to both our thinking not so well acted here, (having too great expectations) as formally at Salisbury-court. But for Beterton, he is called by us both th…
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 witnesses the Navy office’s work under Coventry, including talk of Sir Henry Vane’s guilty verdict; he also observes office infighting over victualling accounts and claims over who should pay, ending in anger.
Sir George claiming it to be his place to save his three-pences. It ended in anger, and I believe will come to be a question before the King and Council. 13th. Up by 4 o'clock in the morning, and read Cicero's Second Oration against Cataline, which pleased me exceedingly: and more I discern therein than ever I thought was to be found in him; but I perceive it was my ignorance, and that he is as good a writer as ev…
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 reports church music at Whitehall chapel, travel to Whitehall by water, dinner at Sheriff Maynell’s, observations of Catholic worship at St James’s, and advice about Tangier’s garrison and the Mole’s financing.
and hath almost cut the fingers of one of his hands off; which I am very sorry for: but this is the vanity of being apt to command and strike. 14th. To White Hall chapel, where sermon almost done, and I heard Captn. Cooke's new musique. This the first day of having vialls and other instruments to play a symphony between every verse of the anthems; but the musique more full than it was the last Sunday, and very fin…
Pepys records Sunday churchgoing in London, then his work at the Navy Office and Whitehall: Monk’s advice about guards passing through the City, payment of fleets from Portugal, and international church politics.
Temple, hearing a bit there too, and observing that in the streets and churches the Sunday is kept in appearance as well as I have known it at any time. 10th. A little to the office, and so with Sir J. Minnes, Sir W. Batten, and myself by coach to White Hall, to the Duke, who, after he was ready, did take us into his closett. Thither come my Lord General Monk, and did privately talk with the Duke about having the …
Pepys describes further Tower investigations and Navy/commission work: inspecting the Chest’s revenues dating to 1617, attending court and theatre, receiving news of Dunkirk money, and discussing fishery subsidies and governance disputes.
I have great confidence that there is no cheat in these people, but that they go upon good grounds, though they have been mistaken in the place of the first. 13th. To my office, and there this afternoon me had our first meeting upon our commission of inspecting the Chest. Sir Francis Clerke, [M.P. for Rochester.] Mr. Heath, Atturney of the Dutchy, Mr. Prinn, Sir W. Rider, Captn. Cooke, and myself. Our first work…
Pepys continues noting a Tangier-related court business involving the Duke and Lady Castlemaine, then describes his meeting with Lord Coventry about Navy payments, and court intrigues over precedence and mistreatment.
but bid me to go through some other way, which I did; so that I see that he is a servant of the King's pleasures too, as well as business. 19th. Singled out Mr. Coventry into the matted gallery, and there I told him the complaints I meet every day about our Treasurer's or his people's paying no money, but at the goldsmith's shops, where they are forced to pay fifteen or twenty sometimes per cent, for their money, w…
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 reports on Parliament’s investigations of revenue and selling offices, discusses an Irish plot among Presbyterians, notes religious and political news, and observes rising public excitement and theatre.
tells me that things do not go right in the House with Mr. Coventry; I suppose he means in the business of selling places; but I am sorry for it. 27th. With Pett to my Lord Ashley, Chancellor of the Exchequer; where we met the auditors about settling the business of the accounts of persons to whom money is due before the King's time in the Navy, and the clearing of their imprests for what little of their debts they…
Pepys goes to the Royal Theatre again, worries about Lady Castlemaine’s decline, records Parliament’s debate over supplying the King, and recounts discussions on spirits and the famous Wiltshire “invisible drummer.”
late is become a great fashion among the ladies, which hides their whole face. So to the Exchange, to buy things with my wife; among others, a vizard for herself. 13th. To the Royal Theatre; and in our way saw my Lady Castlemaine, who, I fear, is not so handsome as I have taken her for, and now she begins to decay something. This is my wife's opinion also. Yesterday, upon conference with the King in the Banquetin…
Pepys visits Lambeth and examines the Privy Seal Office books, hears rumours about French court behaviour and the Queen’s ignorance, and notes improvements in the City’s streets while Parliament seeks the informer of Sir Richard Temple’s words.
with him; and yet he says that, for all this, the Queene do not know of it, for that nobody dares to tell her; but that I dare not believe. 22nd. To Westminster, where all along I find the shops evening with the sides of the houses, even in the broadest streets; which will make the City very much better than it was. It seems the House do consent to send to the King to desire that he would be graciously pleased to …
Pepys records public reaction to Portugal’s victory over Spain and later criticizes Parliament’s funding delays and court extravagance, especially the King’s attention to Castlemaine and Stewart.
ordinary charge of it, and that to be settled upon the Customes. The King gets greatly taken up with Madam Castlemaine and Mrs. Stewart, which Heaven put an end to! JULY 1, 1663. Being in the Parliament lobby, I there saw my Lord of Bristoll come to the Commons House to give his answer to their question, about some words he should tell the King that were spoke by Sir Richard Temple. A chair was set at the bar of t…
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 walks with Mr. Coventry and attends sermons, starts writing a sermon in a silver pen, joins the Tangier committee about funding Lord Teviott, and hears news about Quaker arrests, Queen’s favour, Castlemaine, and Bristoll’s trouble.
I with Mr. Coventry down to the water-side, talking, wherein I see so much goodness and endeavours of doing the King service, that I do more and more admire him. 9th. To church, and heard Mr. Mills (who is lately returned out of the country, and it seems was fetched in by many of the parishioners, with great state,) preach upon the authority of the ministers, upon these words, "We are therefore embassadors of Chris…
Pepys comments on Bristoll fleeing while warrants seek his arrest, meets Mr. Hoole about Sir Samuel Morland’s promises, later hears of Teviott’s further attack at Tangier, reads a poem, and discusses Sandwich’s finances.
warrants issued out against him, to have carried him to the Tower, but he is fled away or hid himself. So much the Chancellor hath got the better of him. 13th. Met with Mr. Hoole [William, son of Robert Hoole of Walkeringham, admitted of Magdalene College June 1648.] my old acquaintance of Magdalene, and walked with him an hour in the Parke, discoursing chiefly of Sir Samuel Morland, whose lady [Susanne de Millevi…
At a dinner with the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, Pepys discusses the age and symbolism of the Lord Mayor’s swords and London’s waterworks costs, hears Irish political news about restored rebel lands, and reads newsbooks and a Bristoll arrest proclamation.
and M.P. for Winchester in James II.'s Parliament. Ob. 1704 aged 88.] This day I read a Proclamation for calling in and commanding every body to apprehend my Lord Bristoll. 5th. I did inform myself well in things relating to the East Indys; both of the country, and the disappointment the King met with the last voyage, by the knavery of the Portugall Viceroy, and the inconsiderableness of the place of Bombaim, [Bomb…
Pepys investigates the East Indies and the failure of the last voyage due to Portuguese deception, questions misinformation about Bombay, meets Sir Philip Warwick about Navy debts, and hears the King and Queen coming to Oxford while the Turks advance toward Hungary.
doubtfulness of myself, and the haste which he was in, some very great personages waiting for him without, while he was with me, that made him willing to be gone. 28th. To White Hall, where Sir J. Minnes and I did spend an hour in the Gallery, looking upon the pictures, in which he hath some judgement. And by and by the Commissioners for Tangier met: and there my Lord Teviott, together with Captain Cuttance, Capt…
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…
A long conversation continues on military discipline, public mismanagement of revenue, and the Navy’s leadership, including accusations and reputations around Sir William Penn and related political-religious figures.
and did desire me to observe it to my Lord Sandwich, among other things, that of all the old army now you cannot see a man begging about the streets; but what? You shall have this captain turned a shoemaker; the lieutenant, a baker; this a brewer; that a haberdasher; this common soldier, a porter; and every man in his apron and frock, &c., as if they had never done anything else: whereas the other go with their belts…
Pepys records scientific talk on sinking ships and AURUM FULMINANS, notes his queen’s birthday celebrations with guns and bonfires, and reports governance discussions about credit and potential quarantine measures.
and it was pleasant to see how Blackburne himself did act it, how when the Commissioners of the Admiralty would enquire of the captains and admirals of such and such men, how they would with a sigh and casting up the eyes say, "such a man fears the Lord," or, "I hope such a man hath the Spirit of God." But he tells me that there was a cruel articling against Pen after one fight, for cowardice, in putting himself wit…
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 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 keeps the revenue-taxation thread, then reports March 2-4 council criticism of officials, a new gun experiment for Peterborough, laying foundations of a major royal house at Greenwich, and his appointment-related profit hopes at the Royal Fishery.
unless from the plainness that he sees I use to him in telling him how much the King may suffer for our want of understanding the case of our Treasury. MARCH 2, 1663-64. This morning Mr. Burgby, one of the writing clerks belonging to the Council, a knowing man, complains to me how most of the Lords of the Council do look after themselves and their own ends, and none the public, unless Sir Edward Nicholas. Sir G. Ca…
Pepys describes further parliamentary action: Vaughan’s speech against repealing the Triennial Bill fails, Parliament allows triennial parliaments without coercion, and he then shifts to April events involving the Duke of York and a petition involving Lady Peters’ debt.
masters or such like thing, in Cheapside, a company of 'prentices come and rescued them, and pulled down the pillory; and they being set up again, did the like again. 28th. The great matter to-day in the House hath been, that Mr. Vaughan, [John Vaughan, afterwards knighted, and made Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.] the great speaker, is this day come to town, and hath declared himself in a speech of an hour and…
Pepys repeats his assurance to the Chancellor and records his conversation with Lord Sandwich about court influence, debts, and a forthcoming sea voyage, emphasizing patience and mistrust of friends.
I parted with great assurance how I acknowledged all I had to come from his Lordship; which he did not seem to refuse, but with great kindness and respect parted. 15th. Up, and to my Lord Sandwich's; where he sent for me up, and I did give my Lord an account of what had passed with my Lord Chancellor yesterday; with which he was pleased, and advised me by all means to study in the best manner I could to serve him i…
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 gives further news and losses connected to Captain Allen, including sinkings in the Bay of Gibraltar and Cales, a Dutch trade embargo for eighteen months, and comments on bullion-export laws and circulating money.
19th, This day was buried; (but I could not be there) my cosen Percivall Angler: and yesterday I received the news that Dr. Tom Pepys is dead, at Impington. 21st. Mr. Povy carried me to Somerset House, and there showed me the Queene-Mother's chamber and closet, most beautiful places for furniture and pictures; and so down the great stone stairs to the garden, and tried the brave echo upon the stairs; which continue…
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…
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 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…
After traveling by boat to Woolwich, Pepys discusses neglect and lack of money in the government, then hears news that the whole Dutch fleet and East India merchant ships have returned from Bergen.
pleasant country to Brainford, and there put me into my boat, and good night. So I wrapped myself warm, and by water got to Woolwich about one in the morning. 9th. I was forced to get a bed at Captain Cocke's, where I find Sir W. Doyly, [Sir William Doyly, of Shottisham, Norfolk, knighted 1642, created Baronet 1663, M.P. for Yarmouth. Ob. 1677. He and Mr. Evelyn were at this time appointed Commissioners for the c…
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 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 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 …
On the 14th Pepys attends to his father’s portrait, then watches a Tangier committee grant Yeabsly up to 7000l., and interprets money’s power on political discretion.
his name be the better by it; he having not had time to will any estate, but is dead poor rather than rich. So we left the church and crowd. 14th. With my wife and father to Hales's, and there looked only on my father's picture, (which is mighty like); and so away to White Hall to a committee for Tangier. Where the Duke of York was, and Sir W. Coventry, and a very full committee: and instead of having a very prej…
On 13th-14th Pepys continues relocating goods from Deptford and makes his house ready with carpenters, deals with public business and Parliamentary accounting, retrieves wine from the ground, and keeps money-chests hidden.
home, and unload them by carts and hands before night, to my exceeding satisfaction: and so after supper to bed in my house, the first time I have lain there. 14th. Up, and to work, having carpenters come to help in setting up bedsteads and hangings; and at that trade my people and I all the morning, till pressed by publick business to leave them against my will in the afternoon: and yet I was troubled in being at…
On 18th-21st Pepys reports Parliament meeting and adjourning, ongoing complaints of lack of money, and preparations for naval and Parliamentary accounts as the King prepares to attend.
our accounts, which now draw near the time they should be ready, the House having ordered Sir G. Carteret, upon his offering them, to bring them in on Saturday next. 23rd. Mr. Wayth and I by water to White Hall, and there at Sir G. Carteret's lodgings Sir W. Coventry met, and we did debate the whole business of our accounts to the Parliament; where it appears to us that the charge of the war from September 1, 1664,…
From 27th-30th Pepys fears renewed fire, tracks fleet movements and rumors about the French and De Ruyter, discusses timber-from-Scotland ventures to profit from rebuilding, and notes Parliament’s severe examination of the Navy accounts.
a design of fetching timber and deals from Scotland, by the help of Mr. Pett upon the place; which, while London is building, will yield good money. I approve it. 29th. Sir W. Coventry and I find to our great joy, that the wages, victuals, wear and tear, cast by the medium of the men, will come to above 3,000,000l.; and that the extraordinaries, which all the world will allow us, will arise to more than will justif…
Pepys records a Cabinet meeting at Whitehall where he argues the Navy’s dire financial and material situation, prompting Prince Rupert to rebut him, leaving Pepys uneasy about political motives and hoping for money.
room; which is a state lesson I never knew before. But when others discover your fear, and that discontent procures fear, they will be discontented too, and impose on you. 7th. To White Hall, where met by Sir W. Batten and Lord Brouncker, to attend the King and Duke of York at the Cabinet; but nobody had determined what to speak of, but only in general to ask for money. So I was forced immediately to prepare in my…
During a fast-day for the Great Fire, Pepys attends meetings and church services, hears sermons, and later lists revenues and costs for the war and Navy, concluding that public sums seem missing.
Royal Ayde . . . . . . L2,450,000 More . . . . . . 1,250,000 Three months tax given the King by a power of ) raising a month's tax of 70,000l. every year for) 0,210,000 three years. ) Customes, out of which the King did promise to ) 0,480,000 pay 240,000l. which for two years come to ) Prizes, which they moderately reckon at 0,300,000 A debt declared…
Pepys summarizes his delay in writing up journal notes after the Fire, reports Parliament cutting Navy wear-and-tear funding, debates funding the King for the next year, and sees court fashion plans affecting the Duke of York.
day have appointed to declare the sum they will give the King, and to propose the way of raising it; so that this is likely to be the great day. 13th. To White Hall, and there the Duke of York (who is gone over to all his pleasures again, and leaves off care of business, what with his woman, my Lady Denham, and his hunting three times a week was just come in from hunting. So I stood and saw him dress himself, and …
Pepys records political and electoral hostility to court influence, a developing naval dispute between Holmes and Smith, and the handling of grievances without real peace; he also notes fallout blamed on the Fire.
the method all the King's work is now done in. The Foresight also and another come to disasters in the same place this week in the cleaning; which is strange. 29th. Up, and to the office to do business, and thither comes to me Sir Thomas Teddiman, and he and I walked a good while in the garden together, discoursing of the disorder and discipline of the fleet, wherein he told me how bad every thing is; but was very …
Pepys discusses Parliament and prisoner releases with Sir George Downing, reports that the King’s party hindered a bill for money with new proposals, and then hears that payments will follow earlier forms once money is raised.
wholly to the unpreparedness of the King's own party, to make their demand and choice; for they have obstructed the giving it by land-tax, which had been done long since. 28th. To White Hall; where, though it blows hard and rains hard, yet the Duke of York is gone a-hunting. We therefore lost our labour, and so to get things ready against dinner at home, and at noon comes my Lord Hinchingbroke, Sir Thomas Crewe, M…