Diary, Mar/Apr 1659/60 | Page 7

have, by power
over friends, that this day Mr. G. Montagu was to be made 'Custos
Rotulorum' for Westminster, and that by friends I might get to be
named by him Clerk of the Peace, with which I was, as I am at all new
things, very much joyed, so when I came to Mr. Crew's, I spoke to my
Lord about it, who told me he believed Mr. Montagu had already
promised it, and that it was given him only that he might gratify one
person with the place I look for. Here, among many that were here, I
met with Mr. Lynes, the surgeon, who promised me some seeds of the
sensitive plant.
[Evelyn, about the same date (August 9th, 1661), "tried several
experiments on the sensitive plant and humilis, which contracted with
the least touch of the sun through a burning glass, though it rises and
opens only when it shines on it"]
I spoke too with Mr. Pierce the surgeon, who gave me great
encouragement to go to sea with my Lord. Thence going homewards,
my Lord overtook me in his coach, and called me in, and so I went with
him to St. James's, and G. Montagu being gone to White Hall, we
walked over the Park thither, all the way he discoursing of the times,
and of the change of things since the last year, and wondering how he
could bear with so great disappointment as he did. He did give me the
best advice that he could what was best for me, whether to stay or go
with him, and offered all the ways that could be, how he might do me
good, with the greatest liberty and love that could be. I left him at
Whitehall, and myself went to Westminster to my office, whither
nothing to do, but I did discourse with Mr. Falconbridge about Le
Squire's place, and had his consent to get it if I could. I afterwards in
the Hall met with W. Simons, who put me in the best way how to get it

done. Thence by appointment to the Angel in King Street, where
Chetwind, Mr. Thomas and Doling were at oysters, and beginning Lent
this day with a fish dinner. After dinner Mr. Thomas and I by water to
London, where I went to Herring's and received the L50 of my Lord's
upon Frank's bill from Worcester. I gave in the bill and set my hand to
his bill. Thence I went to the Pope's Head Alley and called on Adam
Chard, and bought a catcall there, it cost me two groats. Thence went
and gave him a cup of ale. After that to the Sun behind the Exchange,
where meeting my uncle Wight by the way, took him with me thither,
and after drinking a health or two round at the Cock (Mr. Thomas being
gone thither), we parted, he and I homewards, parted at Fleet Street,
where I found my father newly come home from Brampton very well.
He left my uncle with his leg very dangerous, and do believe he cannot
continue in that condition long. He tells me that my uncle did acquaint
him very largely what he did intend to do with his estate, to make me
his heir and give my brother Tom something, and that my father and
mother should have likewise something, to raise portions for John and
Pall. I pray God he may be as good as his word. Here I staid and
supped and so home, there being Joyce Norton there and Ch. Glascock.
Going home I called at Wotton's and took home a piece of cheese. At
home Mr. Sheply sat with me a little while, and so we all to bed. This
news and my Lord's great kindness makes me very cheerful within. I
pray God make me thankful. This day, according to order, Sir Arthur
[Haselrigge] appeared at the House; what was done I know not, but
there was all the Rumpers almost come to the House to-day. My Lord
did seem to wonder much why Lambert was so willing to be put into
the Tower, and thinks he has some design in it; but I think that he is so
poor that he cannot use his liberty for debts, if he were at liberty; and so
it is as good and better for him to be there, than any where else.

8th. To Whitehall to bespeak some firing for my father at Short's, and
likewise to speak to Mr. Blackburne about Batters being gunner in the
"Wexford." Then to Westminster Hall, where there was a general damp
over men's minds and faces upon some of the Officers of the Army
being about making a remonstrance against Charles Stuart or any single