Produced by David Widger

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 twoor three Maypoles, and have hung up their flags upon the top of them, anddo resolve to be very merry to-day. It being a very pleasant day, Iwished myself in Hide Park. This day I do count myself to have had fulltwo years of perfect cure for the stone, for which God of heaven beblessed. This day Captain Parker came on board, and without hisexpectation 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 tonine-pins, and won something. The rest of the afternoon in my cabinwriting and piping. While we were at supper we heard a great noise uponthe Quarter Deck, so we all rose instantly, and found it was to save thecoxon of the Cheriton, who, dropping overboard, could not be saved, butwas drowned. To-day I put on my suit that was altered from the greatskirts 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 hishealth upon their knees in the streets, and firing the guns, which thesoldiers 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 votesyesterday, which will be remembered for the happiest May-day that bathbeen 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 ofOblivion 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 salesof the King's and Church lands, if they see good. The House upon readingthe letter, ordered L50,000 to be forthwith p

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