Diary, Aug/Sep 1660 | Page 4

author's ideas before making
an entire meal of them. D.W.]

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. AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 1660
August 1st. Up very early, and by water to Whitehall to my Lord's, and
there up to my Lord's lodging (Win. Howe being now ill of the gout at
Mr. Pierce's), and there talked with him about the affairs of the Navy,
and how I was now to wait today at the Privy Seal. Commissioner Pett
went with me, whom I desired to make my excuse at the office for my
absence this day. Hence to the Privy Seal Office, where I got (by Mr.
Mathews' means) possession of the books and table, but with some
expectation of Baron's bringing of a warrant from the King to have this
month. Nothing done this morning, Baron having spoke to Mr.
Woodson and Groome (clerks to Mr. Trumbull of the Signet) to keep
all work in their hands till the afternoon, at which time he expected to
have his warrant from the King for this month.--[The clerks of the
Privy Seal took the duty of attendance for a month by turns.]--I took at
noon Mr. Harper to the Leg in King Street, and did give him his dinner,
who did still advise me much to act wholly myself at the Privy Seal,
but I told him that I could not, because I had other business to take up
my time. In the afternoon at, the office again, where we had many
things to sign; and I went to the Council Chamber, and there got my
Lord to sign the first bill, and the rest all myself; but received no
money today. After I had signed all, I went with Dick Scobell and
Luellin to drink at a bottle beer house in the Strand, and after staying
there a while (had sent W. Hewer home before), I took boat and
homewards went, and in Fish Street bought a Lobster, and as I had
bought it I met with Winter and Mr. Delabarr, and there with a piece of
sturgeon of theirs we went to the Sun Tavern in the street and ate them.
Late home and to bed.

2d. To Westminster by water with Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen (our
servants in another boat) to the Admiralty; and from thence I went to
my Lord's to fetch him thither, where we stayed in the morning about
ordering of money for the victuailers, and advising how to get a sum of
money to carry on the business of the Navy. From thence dined with
Mr. Blackburne at his house with his friends (his wife being in the
country and just upon her return to London), where we were very well
treated and merry. From thence W. Hewer and I to the office of Privy
Seal, where I stayed all the afternoon, and received about L40 for
yesterday and to-day, at which my heart rejoiced for God's blessing to
me, to give me this advantage by chance, there being of this L40 about
L10 due to me for this day's work. So great is the present profit of this
office, above what it was in the King's time; there being the last month
about 300 bills; whereas in the late King's time it was much to have 40.
With my money home by coach, it, being the first time that I could get
home before our gates were shut since I came to the Navy office. When
I came home I found my wife not very well of her old pain . . . . which
she had when we were married first. I went and cast up the expense that
I laid out upon my former house (because there are so many that are
desirous of it, and I am, in my mind, loth to let it go out of my hands,
for fear of a turn). I find my layings-out to come to about L20, which
with my fine will come to about L22 to him that shall hire my house of
me.--[Pepys wished to let his house in Axe Yard now that he had
apartments at the Navy Office.]--To bed.

3rd. Up betimes this morning, and after the barber had done with me,
then to the office, where I and Sir William Pen only did meet and
despatch business. At noon my wife and I by coach to Dr. Clerke's to
dinner: I was very much taken