January 1st. Lay long, being a bitter, cold, frosty day, the frost beingnow grown old, and the Thames covered with ice. Up, and to the office,where all the morning busy. At noon to the 'Change a little, where Mr.James Houblon and I walked a good while speaking of our ill condition innot being able to set out a fleet (we doubt) this year, and the certainill effect that must bring, which is lamentable. Home to dinner, wherethe best powdered goose that ever I eat. Then to the office again, andto Sir W. Batten's to examine the Commission going down to Portsmouth toexamine witnesses about our prizes, of which God give a good issue!and then to the office again, where late, and so home, my eyes sore. Tosupper and to bed.
2nd. Up, I, and walked to White Hall to attend the Duke of York, asusual. My wife up, and with Mrs. Pen to walk in the fields to frost-bitethemselves. I find the Court full of great apprehensions of the French,who have certainly shipped landsmen, great numbers, at Brest; and mostof our people here guess his design for Ireland. We have orders to sendall the ships we can possible to the Downes. God have mercy on us! forwe can send forth no ships without men, nor will men go without money,every day bringing us news of new mutinies among the seamen; so that ourcondition is like to be very miserable. Thence to Westminster Hall,and there met all the Houblons, who do laugh at this discourse of theFrench, and say they are verily of opinion it is nothing but to send totheir pl