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.
                           AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
                                 1660

August 1st. Up very early, and by water to Whitehall to my Lord's, andthere 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, andhow I was now to wait today at the Privy Seal. Commissioner Pett wentwith me, whom I desired to make my excuse at the office for my absencethis day. Hence to the Privy Seal Office, where I got (by Mr. Mathews'means) possession of the books and table, but with some expectation ofBaron's bringing of a warrant from the King to have this month. Nothingdone this morning, Baron having spoke to Mr. Woodson and Groome (clerks toMr. Trumbull of the Signet) to keep all work in their hands till theafternoon, at which time he expected to have his warrant from the King forthis month.—[The clerks of the Privy Seal took the duty of attendance fora 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 whollymyself at the Privy Seal, but I told him that I could not, because I hadother 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, andthere got my Lord to sign the first bill, and the rest all myself; butreceived no money today. After I had signed all, I went with Dick Scobelland Luellin to drink at a bottle beer house in the Strand, and afterstaying there a while (had sent W. Hewer home before), I took boat andhomewards went, and in Fish Street bought a Lobster, and as I had boughtit I met with Winter and Mr. Delabarr, and there with a piece of sturgeonof theirs we went to the Sun Tavern in the street and ate them. Late homeand to bed.

2d. To Westminster by water with Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen (ourservants in another boat) to the Admiralty; and from thence I went to myLord's to fetch him thither, where we stayed in the morning about orderingof money for the victuailers, and advising how to get a sum of money tocarry on the business of the Navy. From thence dined with Mr. Blackburneat his house with his friends (his wife being in the country and just uponher return to London), where we were very well treated and merry. Fromthence W. Hewer and I to the office of Privy Seal, where I stayed all theafternoon, and received about L40 for yesterday and to-day, at which myheart rejoiced for God's blessing to me, to give me this advantage bychance, 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 theKing's time; there being the last month about 300 bills; whereas in thelate 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 shutsince I came to the Navy office. When I came home I found my wife notvery well of her old pain . . . . which she had when we were marriedfirst.

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