Book: Diary of Samuel Pepys, May 1660
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Samuel Pepys >> Diary of Samuel Pepys, May 1660
THE DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS M.A. F.R.S.
CLERK OF THE ACTS AND SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY
TRANSCRIBED FROM THE SHORTHAND MANUSCRIPT IN THE PEPYSIAN LIBRARY
MAGDALENE COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE BY THE REV. MYNORS BRIGHT M.A. LATE FELLOW
AND PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE
(Unabridged)
WITH LORD BRAYBROOKE'S NOTES
EDITED WITH ADDITIONS BY
HENRY B. WHEATLEY F.S.A.
DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS.
MAY
1660
May 1st. This morning I was told how the people of Deal have set up two
or three Maypoles, and have hung up their flags upon the top of them, and
do resolve to be very merry to-day. It being a very pleasant day, I
wished myself in Hide Park. This day I do count myself to have had full
two years of perfect cure for the stone, for which God of heaven be
blessed. This day Captain Parker came on board, and without his
expectation I had a commission for him for the Nonsuch frigate
[The "Nonsuch" was a fourth-rate of thirty-two guns, built at
Deptford in 1646 by Peter Pett, jun. The captain was John Parker.]
(he being now in the Cheriton), for which he gave me a French pistole.
Captain H. Cuttance has commission for the Cheriton. After dinner to
nine-pins, and won something. The rest of the afternoon in my cabin
writing and piping. While we were at supper we heard a great noise upon
the Quarter Deck, so we all rose instantly, and found it was to save the
coxon of the Cheriton, who, dropping overboard, could not be saved, but
was drowned. To-day I put on my suit that was altered from the great
skirts to little ones. To-day I hear they were very merry at Deal,
setting up the King's flag upon one of their maypoles, and drinking his
health upon their knees in the streets, and firing the guns, which the
soldiers of the Castle threatened; but durst not oppose.
2nd. In the morning at a breakfast of radishes at the Purser's cabin.
After that to writing till dinner. At which time comes Dunne from London,
with letters that tell us the welcome news of the Parliament's votes
yesterday, which will be remembered for the happiest May-day that bath
been many a year to England. The King's letter was read in the House,
wherein he submits himself and all things to them, as to an Act of
Oblivion to all,
["His Majesty added thereunto an excellent Declaration for the
safety and repose of those, who tortured in their consciences, for
having partaken in the rebellion, might fear the punishment of it,
and in that fear might oppose the tranquillity of the Estate, and
the calling in of their lawful Prince. It is printed and published
as well as the letter, but that shall not hinder me to say, that
there was never seen a more perfect assemblage of all the most
excellent natural qualities, and of all the venues, as well Royal as
Christian, wherewith a great Prince may be endowed, than was found
in those two wonderful productions."--Sir William Lowers 'Relation
. . . of the voiage and Residence Which . . . Charles the II.
Hath made in Holland,' Hague, 1660, folio, p. 3.]
unless they shall please to except any, as to the confirming of the sales
of the King's and Church lands, if they see good. The House upon reading
the letter, ordered L50,000 to be forthwith provided to send to His
Majesty for his present supply; and a committee chosen to return an answer
of thanks to His Majesty for his gracious letter; and that the letter be
kept among the records of the Parliament; and in all this not so much as
one No. So that Luke Robinson himself stood up and made a recantation for
what he had done, and promises to be a loyal subject to his Prince for the
time to come. The City of London have put a Declaration, wherein they do
disclaim their owing any other government but that of a King, Lords, and
Commons. Thanks was given by the House to Sir John Greenville,
[Created Earl of Bath, 1661; son of Sir Bevil Grenville, killed at
the battle of Lansdowne; he was, when a boy, left for dead on the
field at the second battle of Newbury, and said to have been the
only person entrusted by Charles II. and Monk in bringing about the
Restoration.]
one of the bedchamber to the King, who brought the letter, and they
continued bare all the time it was reading. Upon notice made from the
Lords to the Commons, of their desire that the Commons would join with
them in their vote for King, Lords, and Commons; the Commons did concur
and voted that all books whatever that are out against the Government of
King, Lords, and Commons, should be brought into the House and burned.
Great joy all yesterday at London, and at night more bonfires than ever,
and ringing of bells, and drinking of the King's health upon their knees
in the streets, which methinks is a little too much. But every body seems
to be very joyfull in the business, insomuch that our sea-commanders now
begin to say so too, which a week ago they would not do.
["The picture of King Charles II. was often set up in houses,
without the least molestation, whereas a while ago, it was almost a
hanging matter so to do; but now the Rump Parliament was so hated
and jeered at, that the butchers' boys would say, 'Will you buy any
Parliament rumps and kidneys?' And it was a very ordinary thing to
see little children make a fire in the streets, and burn rumps."
--Rugge's Diurnal.--B.]
And our seamen, as many as had money or credit for drink, did do nothing
else this evening. This day came Mr. North (Sir Dudley North's son) on
board, to spend a little time here, which my Lord was a little troubled
at, but he seems to be a fine gentleman, and at night did play his part
exceeding well at first sight. After musique I went up to the Captain's
Cabin with him and Lieutenant Ferrers, who came hither to-day from London
to bring this news to my Lord, and after a bottle of wine we all to bed.
3d. This morning my Lord showed me the King's declaration and his letter
to the two Generals to be communicated to the fleet.
["King Charles II. his Declaration to all his loving Subjects of the
Kingdome of England, dated from his Court at Breda in Holland 4/14
of April, 1660, and read in Parliament with his Majesties Letter of
the same date to his Excellence the Ld. Gen. Monck to be
communicated to the Ld. President of the Council of State and
to the Officers of the Army under his Command. London, Printed by
W. Godbid for John Playford in the Temple, 1660." 40, pp. 8.]
The contents of the letter are his offer of grace to all that will come in
within forty days, only excepting them that the Parliament shall hereafter
except. That the sales of lands during these troubles, and all other
things, shall be left to the Parliament, by which he will stand. The
letter dated at Breda, April, 4 1660, in the 12th year of his reign. Upon
the receipt of it this morning by an express, Mr. Phillips, one of the
messengers of the Council from General Monk, my Lord summoned a council of
war, and in the mean time did dictate to me how he would have the vote
ordered which he would have pass this council. Which done, the Commanders
all came on board, and the council sat in the coach (the first council of
war that had been in my time), where I read the letter and declaration;
and while they were discoursing upon it, I seemed to draw up a vote, which
being offered, they passed. Not one man seemed to say no to it, though I
am confident many in their hearts were against it. After this was done, I
went up to the quarter-deck with my Lord and the Commanders, and there
read both the papers and the vote; which done, and demanding their
opinion, the seamen did all of them cry out, "God bless King Charles!"
with the greatest joy imaginable. That being done, Sir R. Stayner, who
had invited us yesterday, took all the Commanders and myself on board him
to dinner, which not being ready, I went with Captain Hayward to the
Plimouth and Essex, and did what I had to do there and returned, where
very merry at dinner. After dinner, to the rest of the ships (staid at
the Assistance to hear the harper a good while) quite through the fleet.
Which was a very brave sight to visit all the ships, and to be received
with the respect and honour that I was on board them all; and much more to
see the great joy that I brought to all men; not one through the whole
fleet showing the least dislike of the business. In the evening as I was
going on board the Vice-Admiral, the General began to fire his guns, which
he did all that he had in the ship, and so did all the rest of the
Commanders, which was very gallant, and to hear the bullets go hissing
over our heads as we were in the boat. This done and finished my
Proclamation, I returned to the Nazeby, where my Lord was much pleased to
hear how all the fleet took it in a transport of joy, showed me a private
letter of the King's to him, and another from the Duke of York in such
familiar style as to their common friend, with all kindness imaginable.
And I found by the letters, and so my Lord told me too, that there had
been many letters passed between them for a great while, and I perceive
unknown to Monk. And among the rest that had carried these letters Sir
John Boys is one, and that Mr. Norwood, which had a ship to carry him over
the other day, when my Lord would not have me put down his name in the
book. The King speaks of his being courted to come to the Hague, but do
desire my Lord's advice whither to come to take ship. And the Duke offers
to learn the seaman's trade of him, in such familiar words as if Jack Cole
and I had writ them. This was very strange to me, that my Lord should
carry all things so wisely and prudently as he do, and I was over joyful
to see him in so good condition, and he did not a little please himself to
tell me how he had provided for himself so great a hold on the King.
After this to supper, and then to writing of letters till twelve at night,
and so up again at three in the morning. My Lord seemed to put great
confidence in me, and would take my advice in many things. I perceive his
being willing to do all the honour in the world to Monk, and to let him
have all the honour of doing the business, though he will many times
express his thoughts of him to be but a thick-sculled fool. So that I do
believe there is some agreement more than ordinary between the King and my
Lord to let Monk carry on the business, for it is he that must do the
business, or at least that can hinder it, if he be not flattered and
observed. This, my Lord will hint himself sometimes. My Lord, I perceive
by the King's letter, had writ to him about his father, Crew,--[When only
seventeen years old, Montagu had married Jemima, daughter of John Crew,
created afterwards Baron Crew of Stene.]--and the King did speak well of
him; but my Lord tells me, that he is afeard that he hath too much
concerned himself with the Presbyterians against the House of Lords, which
will do him a great discourtesy.
4th. I wrote this morning many letters, and to all the copies of the vote
of the council of war I put my name, that if it should come in print my
name maybe at it. I sent a copy of the vote to Doling, inclosed in this
letter:
"SIR,
"He that can fancy a fleet (like ours) in her pride, with pendants
loose, guns roaring, caps flying, and the loud 'Vive le Roys,'
echoed from one ship's company to another, he, and he only, can
apprehend the joy this inclosed vote was received with, or the
blessing he thought himself possessed of that bore it, and is
"Your humble servant."
About nine o'clock I got all my letters done, and sent them by the
messenger that came yesterday. This morning came Captain Isham on board
with a gentleman going to the King, by whom very cunningly, my Lord tells
me, he intends to send an account of this day's and yesterday's actions
here, notwithstanding he had writ to the Parliament to have leave of them
to send the King the answer of the fleet. Since my writing of the last
paragraph, my Lord called me to him to read his letter to the King, to see
whether I could find any slips in it or no. And as much of the letter' as
I can remember, is thus:
"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 proceedings yesterday was sent him), and that
this come by a gentleman that came this day on board, intending to
wait upon his Majesty, that he is my Lord's countryman, and one
whose friends have suffered much on his Majesty's behalf. That my
Lords Pembroke and Salisbury are put out of the House of Lords.
That my Lord is very joyful that other countries do pay him the
civility and respect due to him; and that he do much rejoice to see
that the King do resolve to receive none of their assistance (or
some such words), from them, he having strength enough in the love
and loyalty of his own subjects to support him. That his Majesty
had chosen the best place, Scheveling,--[Schevingen, the port of the
Hague]--for his embarking, and that there is nothing in the world of
which he is more ambitious, than to have the honour of attending his
Majesty, which he hoped would be speedy. That he had commanded the
vessel to attend at Helversluce--[Hellevoetsluis, in South Holland]
--till this gentleman returns, that so if his Majesty do not think
it fit to command the fleet himself, yet that he may be there to
receive his commands and bring them to his Lordship. He ends his
letter, that he is confounded with the thoughts of the high
expressions of love to him in the King's letter, and concludes,
"Your most loyall, dutifull, faithfull and obedient subject and
servant, E. M."
The rest of the afternoon at ninepins. In the evening came a packet from
London, among the rest a letter from my wife, which tells me that she has
not been well, which did exceedingly trouble me, but my Lord sending Mr.
Cook at night, I wrote to her and sent a piece of gold enclosed to her,
and wrote also to Mrs. Bowyer, and enclosed a half piece to her for a
token. After supper at the table in the coach, my Lord talking concerning
the uncertainty of the places of the Exchequer to them that had them now;
he did at last think of an office which do belong to him in case the King
do restore every man to his places that ever had been patent, which is to
be one of the clerks of the signet, which will be a fine employment for
one of his sons. After all this discourse we broke up and to bed.
In the afternoon came a minister on board, one Mr. Sharpe, who is going to
the King; who tells me that Commissioners are chosen both of Lords and
Commons to go to the King; and that Dr. Clarges
[Thomas Clarges, physician to the army, created a baronet, 1674,
died 1695. He had been previously knighted; his sister Anne married
General Monk. "The Parliament also permitted General Monk to send
Mr. Clarges, his brother-in-law, accompanied with some officers of
the army, to assure his Majesty of the fidelity and obedience of the
army, which had made publick and solemn protestations thereof, after
the Letter and Declaration was communicated unto them by the
General."--Sir William Lowers Relation . . . of the Voiage and
Residence which . . . Charles the II. Hath made in Holland,
Hague, 1660, folio.]
is going to him from the Army, and that he will be here to-morrow. My
letters at night tell me, that the House did deliver their letter to Sir
John Greenville, in answer to the King's sending, and that they give him
L500 for his pains, to buy him a jewel, and that besides the L50,000
ordered to be borrowed of the City for the present use of the King, the
twelve companies of the City do give every one of them to his Majesty, as
a present, L1000.
5th. All the morning very busy writing letters to London, and a packet to
Mr. Downing, to acquaint him with what had been done lately in the fleet.
And this I did by my Lord's command, who, I thank him, did of himself
think of doing it, to do me a kindness, for he writ a letter himself to
him, thanking him for his kindness to me. All the afternoon at ninepins,
at night after supper good musique, my Lord, Mr. North, I and W. Howe.
After that to bed. This evening came Dr. Clarges to Deal, going to the
King; where the towns-people strewed the streets with herbes against his
coming, for joy of his going. Never was there so general a content as
there is now. I cannot but remember that our parson did, in his prayer
to-night, pray for the long life and happiness of our King and dread
Soveraign, that may last as long as the sun and moon endureth.
6th (Lord's day). This morning while we were at sermon comes in Dr.
Clarges and a dozen gentlemen to see my Lord, who, after sermon, dined
with him; I remember that last night upon discourse concerning Clarges my
Lord told me that he was a man of small entendimiento.--[Entendimiento,
Spanish: the understanding.]--This afternoon there was a gentleman with
me, an officer of Dunkirk going over, who came to me for an order and told
me he was lately with my uncle and Aunt Fenner and that Kate's fits of the
convulsions did hold her still. It fell very well to-day, a stranger
preached here for Mr. Ibbot, one Mr. Stanley, who prayed for King Charles,
by the Grace of God, &c., which gave great contentment to the gentlemen
that were on board here, and they said they would talk of it, when they
come to Breda, as not having it done yet in London so publickly. After
they were gone from on board, my Lord writ a letter to the King and give
it to me to carry privately to Sir William Compton' on board the
Assistance, which I did, and after a health to his Majesty on board there,
I left them under sail for Breda. Back again and found them at sermon. I
went up to my cabin and looked over my accounts, and find that, all my
debts paid and my preparations to sea paid for, I have L640 clear in my
purse. After supper to bed.
7th. This morning Captain Cuttance sent me 12 bottles of Margate ale.
Three of them I drank presently with some friends in the Coach. My Lord
went this morning about the flag-ships in a boat, to see what alterations
there must be, as to the arms and flags. He did give me order also to
write for silk flags and scarlett waistcloathes.
[Waist-cloths are the painted canvas coverings of the hammocks which
are stowed in the waist-nettings.]
For a rich barge; for a noise of trumpets,
[A set or company of musicians, an expression constantly used by old
writers without any disparaging meaning. It is sometimes applied to
voices as well as to instruments.]
and a set of fidlers. Very great deal of company come today, among others
Mr. Bellasses, Sir Thomas Lenthropp, Sir Henry Chichley, Colonel Philip
Honiwood, and Captain Titus, the last of whom my Lord showed all our
cabins, and I suppose he is to take notice what room there will be for the
King's entertainment. Here were also all the Jurates of the town of Dover
come to give my Lord a visit, and after dinner all went away. I could not
but observe that the Vice-Admiral after dinner came into the great cabin
below, where the Jurates and I and the commanders for want of room dined,
and there told us we must drink a health to the King, and himself called
for a bottle of wine, and begun his and the Duke of York's. In the
afternoon I lost 5s. at ninepins. After supper musique, and to bed.
Having also among us at the Coach table wrote a letter to the French
ambassador, in French, about the release of a ship we had taken. After I
was in bed Mr. Sheply and W. Howe came and sat in my cabin, where I gave
them three bottles of Margate ale, and sat laughing and very merry, till
almost one o'clock in the morning, and so good night.
8th. All the morning busy. After dinner come several persons of honour,
as my Lord St. John and others, for convoy to Flushing, and great giving
of them salutes. My Lord and we at nine-pins: I lost 9s. While we were
at play Mr. Cook brings me word of my wife. He went to Huntsmore to see
her, and brought her and my father Bowyer to London, where he left her at
my father's, very well, and speaks very well of her love to me. My
letters to-day tell me how it was intended that the King should be
proclaimed to-day in London, with a great deal of pomp. I had also news
who they are that are chosen of the Lords and Commons to attend the 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. After
supper some musique and to bed. I resolving to rise betimes to-morrow to
write letters to London.
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 carried this
morning to Sir Peter Killigrew,
[Sir Peter Killigrew, Knight, of Arwenack, Cornwall, was known as
"Peter the Post," from the alacrity with which he despatched "like
wild fire" all the messages and other commissions entrusted to him
in the King's cause. His son Peter, who succeeded his uncle as
second baronet in 1665, was M.P. for Camelford in 1660.]
who came hither this morning early to bring an order from the Lords' House
to my Lord, giving him power to write an answer to the King. This morning
my Lord St. John and other persons of honour were here to see my Lord, and
so away to Flushing. After they were gone my Lord and I to write letters
to London, which we sent by Mr. Cook, who was very desirous to go because
of seeing my wife before she went out of town. As we were sitting down to
dinner, in comes Noble with a letter from the House of Lords to my Lord,
to desire him to provide ships to transport the Commissioners to the King,
which are expected here this week. He brought us certain news that the
King was proclaimed yesterday with great pomp, and brought down one of the
Proclamations, with great joy to us all; for which God be praised. After
dinner to ninepins and lost 5s. This morning came Mr. Saunderson,
[Afterwards Sir William Sanderson, gentleman of the chamber, author
of the "History of Mary Queen of Scots, James I., and Charles I."
His wife, Dame Bridget, was mother of the maids.]
that writ the story of the King, hither, who is going over to the King. He
calls me cozen and seems a very knowing man. After supper to bed betimes,
leaving my Lord talking in the Coach with the Captain.
10th. This morning came on board Mr. Pinkney and his son, going to the
King with a petition finely writ by Mr. Whore, for to be the King's
embroiderer; for whom and Mr. Saunderson I got a ship. This morning come
my Lord Winchelsea and a great deal of company, and dined here. In the
afternoon, while my Lord and we were at musique in the great cabin below,
comes in a messenger to tell us that Mr. Edward Montagu,
[Sir Edward Montagu's eldest son, afterwards second Earl of
Sandwich, called by Pepys "The child."]
my Lord's son, was come to Deal, who afterwards came on board with Mr.
Pickering with him. The child was sick in the evening. At night, while
my Lord was at supper, in comes my Lord Lauderdale and Sir John
Greenville, who supped here, and so went away. After they were gone, my
Lord called me into his cabin, and told me how he was commanded to set
sail presently for the King,
["Ordered that General Montagu do observe the command of His Majesty
for the disposing of the fleet, in order to His Majesty's returning
home to England to his kingly government: and that all proceedings
in law be in His Majesty's name."--Rugge's Diurnal.--B.]
and was very glad thereof, and so put me to writing of letters and other
work that night till it was very late, he going to bed. I got him
afterwards to sign things in bed. After I had done some more work I to
bed also.
11th. Up very early in the morning, and so about a great deal of business
in order to our going hence to-day. Burr going on shore last night made
me very angry. So that I sent for Mr. Pitts to come tome from the
Vice-Admiral's, intending not to have employed Burr any more. But Burr by
and by coming and desiring humbly that I would forgive him and Pitts not
coming I did set him to work. This morning we began to pull down all the
State's arms in the fleet, having first sent to Dover for painters and
others to come to set up the King's. The rest of the morning writing of
letters to London which I afterwards sent by Dunne. I had this morning my
first opportunity of discoursing with Dr. Clarke,