He landed alone the next day, Sunday, at 6 o'clock, and was waited upon by Sir Charles Littleton and Sir Bernard de Gomme; he went on foot out of the town, viewing all the places in relation to fortifications, and examining some drafts offered by Sir Bernard, which he rectified in the field at 2 or 3 stations, with his own hand, by a black lead pen and ruler.
After a 5 miles' walk over high stiles and ploughgrounds, his Royal Highness found him out, and after some discourse and pacing the ground, returned.
The King then went to “his house” (as he called it 5 or 6 times that morning), and drank some chocolate, but his Royal Highness and others drank Canary,
and then to church, as well attended and accommodated as the little town could; his chaplain, Dr. Tully, preached.
He returned to his house to dinner, the King and his Royal Highness dining in the great parlour, the Dukes of Monmouth and Buckinghain in the Duke's lodging chamber, the other nobles dining in the little parlour, and the waiters in the hall.
After dinner the Earl of Oxford presented a petition from the two prisoners that had stolen junk from the hulk. The King pardoued them as to their lives, but ordered them a sound whipping and to be released.
I was busy just then in the yard with Mr. Wren, but the King sent for me, and declared his royal pleasure to me.
The King and most of the lords sailed that evening to Aldborough, and the next day rode by land thence to Ipswich, dined with Viscount Hereford, and returned in the afternoon to Audley End. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. 11. 247, No. 127.]
Charles II, the High Admiral the Duke of York, military engineer Sir Bernard de Gomme, and many courtiers and servants visited Harwich and Languard Fort on October 8, 1668. Capt. Silas Taylor sent this report to Pepys the next day:
The King arrived here on Saturday the 3rd instant at 3 p.m., from Landguard Fort, attended by the Henrietta and Anne yachts with his kitchen.
Not having any boat or barge fit to receive him, I made a stage to run into the water, upon which he landed, and give me his hand to kiss. The Duke of York was with him; he was attended by the Dukes of Monmouth, Buckingham, and Richmond, Earl of Oxford, Lord Cornwallis, Marquis of Blanquefort, &c.; he was received by Sir Charles Littleton and two companies of his Royal Highness's regiment quartered here; then by the Mayor and Aldermen, who presented their maces and keys, which he touched and thanked them.
I was then called to show him the yard, to which he first went, and asked whether the Resolution and Rupert were built at that launch, and, together with the Duke, praised it for a good launch; he viewed the yard, cranes, and situation, and went up the works, and circuiting the greatest part of the town, returned to my house.
He asked to whom the house belonged; I said it was his Majesty's: he then asked if the storehouses in the backyard be longed to it, and what was in them; I told him they were for naval stores; he asked what the house cost; I told him 300/., also how big it was, and upon being told it had 4 rooms on a floor, he replied it was a cheap pennyworth, and the Duke entering the parlour, the King said, “Brother, this house is my house, and it is a pretty one.”
He refused to drink, because it was supper time, and took boat at the stairs near, and was rowed on board the Henrietta while it was light, and came not ashore that night, but sent the Duke of Monmouth to lodge at my house; also cooks and others to make ready his dinner against the morrow.
A ship has arrived for Bristol, laden with tallow and hides; also one with sugar and cotton from the Barbados, bound for London. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 118.]
@@@ Oct. 7 1668. Lyme Anth. Thorold to Hickes.
The Windsor of Lyme has arrived from Morlaix, and reports that the sickness still keeps in Rouen, and that 30 or 40 die weekly, but that it has not spread much further in the country; the inhabitants keep up a good correspondence with the English, and hope their Ambassador will draw them to a nearer union. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 122.]
@@@ Oct. 17.] 1668 Wettmere J. Aldrich to his uncle, Rob. Francis.
We apologize for brevity. Having this morning heard the nothingness of a long-winded Presbyterian, it has put us quite out of conceit of long sentences, so I have only to beg you to convey a letter enclosed, and to acquaint my father that we defer writing, having no business. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 123.]
@@@ Oct. 7 1668. Bury [Lord Arlington] to Williamson.
I have just come hither. I could not speak to the King at Saxham, nor until today, by reason of the uncertainity of his motions; I shall wait upon him early tomorrow, and receive his pleasure upon all the letters sent, and afterwards follow him to Audley End, where he means to sleep tomorrow night.
I have written a large letter to Sir J. Trevor in answer to his. I send some papers.
P.S. 8 Oct. I have got the King to sign the enclosed papers, but have not time to answer Lord Ashley, who has his Majesty's leave to go into the country. [1] pages. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 124.]
Good solution, James. They often used pontoon boats to make temporary bridges ... a version of that would be quicker and cheaper to make, and could be dismantled easily afterwards. Instead of anchoring it physically to both shores, one end would literally use anchors.
Gerald Berg and anyone else interested in theories about who the man in the velvet mask was, this one's for you.
Even if you're not into this speculation, this excerpt from the article gives us an idea of the behind-the-scenes communications between Charles II and Henrietta Anne/Minette and others involved in the lead up to the (secret) Treaty of Dover:
"In the summer of 1669, important and secret negotiations were going on between Charles II of England and Louis XIV. These were being conducted through Charles’ sister Henrietta, duchesse d’Orléans, who was married to Louis’ brother, Philippe. Charles and Henrietta used valets to carry messages back and forth across the English Channel, but these valets frequently engaged other servants to carry messages on their behalf.
"Often, Charles and Henrietta did not know who these people were. Indeed, in a letter to his sister, Charles noted that he had received a letter from her through “the Italian whose name and capasity you do not know, and he delivered your letter to me in a passage where it was so darke as I do not know his face againe if I see him”.
"Eustache [THE NAME OF THE PRISONER WEARING THE VELVET MASK], of course, was not this man, since he was not Italian, but French; however, this comment illustrates the atmosphere of secrecy that surrounded communication during this sensitive period. Shortly before Eustache’s arrest, Louvois and Le Tellier, his father and predecessor at the ministry for war, were included in these negotiations.
"It is possible that Eustache had been employed by one or both of these men, or perhaps even by Henrietta herself, and that he had become privy to secret and sensitive information. This would account for Louvois’ anger towards Eustache, with the minister referring to him as a “wretch”. And the fact that Eustache was arrested near Dunkirk, one of the principal ports to England, adds more weight to this theory."
His Majesty passed through the town on Saturday, on his way from Lord Croft's house, near Bury, to Landguard Fort, but did not stay;
he dined yesterday at the Lord of Hereford's house in this town, where they had all the expressions of joy possible, ringing of bells, discharging of guns, the steeples adorned with flags and streamers, the streets strewn with herbs and flowers, and echoing with the acclamations of the people, and prayers for his Majesty's health and prosperity. The bailiffs, portmen, and commoners attended his Majesty, and presented their mace, which they immediately received again, and after dinner, attended him on horseback, with the trained bands, out of the town. It was reported that the French and Dutch fleets have quarrelled in the Straits about the honour of the flag, and that the Dutch have sunk the French Admiral, and taken some of their ships. [14 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 116.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668. Newcastle Rich. Forster to Williamson.
Alderman Ralph Jenison was yesterday elected Mayor of the town, and his son sheriff, to the great satisfaction of most. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 117.]
Oct. 6 1668. Treasury Chambers Sir George Downing to the Navy Commissioners.
The Treasury Commissioners desire a list of the ships lately come in to be paid off. and of the sums requisite for their discharge, specifying how much is for service before provision was made by the Eleven Months' Tax, how much for service during the time provided for by that Act, and how much since.
At the foot is a list of six ships, and estimates that the sums due to them are - before 1 Jan. 1667, 5,267/. 10s.; thence to 1 Jan. 1668, 10,212/. 10s.; thence to 3 Oct. 1668, 9,625/. 15s.; total, 25,105/. 15s. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 112.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668. Woolwich Edw. Byland to Pepys.
Asks for deals for the Pearl, and timber and plank for the new ship. Proposes buying that East country plank at Deptford.
Reports the goodness of the masts lately come [sent as a present to the King from New England]. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 113.]
Encloses, Particulars of the length and diameter of the said masts, 24 in number. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 1131.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668. Woolwich W. Hannam, master attendant at Woolwich, to the Navy Commissioners.
Wants a boatswain appointed to the Pearl, in the room of the other lying ashore sick; as she is fitting for sea, asks whether to set the masts of the frigates there, or forbear, as the winter is at hand, and they will ride with more safety. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 114.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668. Chatham John Moore and Edw. Moorcock to Col. Thos. Middleton.
Acquainted him that it was probable there were several ordnance, anchors, and cables scattered in the river Medway, by the burning and blowing up the ships when the Dutch were here, and proposed the terms on which they could employ persons to take them up, which was to have one half to themselves, excluding whatever was on board the wrecks they should weigh, and to have the use of a wind lass lighter; if they saved nothing, the King to be at no charge, and they to expect nothing.
Request him, if he thinks it fitting, to propose it to the Board, and to give his resolutions therein. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. Î15.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668. Bonadventure, Blackstakes Capt. John Narbrough to the Navy Commissioners.
Is in Chatham river, for want of a pilot to carry the ship up; Expected to have been supplied by the master of attendance, but the pilots are all out at present. Shall advertise his arrival at Chatham. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 108.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668, The Greenwich, Hope Capt. Rich. Beach to the Navy Commissioners.
Being ordered for Chatham “when the merchants' concerns are out,” asks for a pilot. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 109.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668. Thos. Goose, purser of the Sweepstakes, to the Navy Commissioners.
Wants an order for checking the sick book by his sea book, that he may have his due right, having, according to their orders, discharged all the sick that did not return aboard the day they were set ashore. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 110.]
@@@ Oct. 6 1668. Dublin. Sir George Carteret to the Navy Commissioners.
Has had the Harp frigate surveyed, and as she is unprovided for service, has ordered her to Kinsale, to be paid off and laid up, except any contrary order from them intervenes.
Judges the selling of her is not for the King's profit, because she is of so great charge for her small burden, that no merchant would offer money for her in those parts, where nothing is looked upon but the stowage.
Has acquainted Lord Anglesey with the difficulty of getting money here, and advised him what course to take to pay her off at Kinsale.
Those that surveyed found no fault with her hull, which a little repair will make good. (S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 111.) --- Sir George moved fast ... he and Lady Carteret had Charles II and Queen Catherine to dinner on Sept. 28, 1668. As Treasurer for Ireland, he has been preparing for this trip for a while. https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/… https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
Oct. 5 1668. Teddington Lord Keeper Bridgeman to (Williamson).
I received yours with the several extracts and letter for Lisle, and Seć. Trevor came hither and showed me several packets.
I read over Sir Wm. Temple's long letter and some others, and made remarks upon them, whereof Mr. Secretary took notes, and promised to write to Lord Arlington.
The advice from Lisle, concerning the wools, is of huge importance to endeavour a remedy, though late; the Attorney had order a fortnight since to report to Council how he found the laws concerning wool, and wherein defective. I know not what has been done in it, though order was given by Lord Arlington that I should have extracts of what is done at every Council.
I think that letters ought to be written from the Board to the Mayor of Canterbury, and the justices and deputy lieutenants in East Kent, and the coasts of Sussex, Essex, and Suffolk, enjoining them to search all houses where it may be supposed any wool is, to ascertain the quantities, to take the owners' answers for what uses they intend to dispose of it, and to certify with all speed to the Board;
also to inquire after those that have transported it, that proceedings may be had against them.
If you acquaint Mr. Treasurer or Mr. Secretary with this, and they like it, they will put it into a better form for the Board. Take care of the letter from Lisle, as I intend to make use of it when the Council of Trade sits. I began my letter with my own hand, but could not go through with it. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 104.]
@@@ Oct. 5 1668, R. Mayors to [the Navy Commissioners].
Has surveyed Mr. Fithy's East-country plank at Deptford, 80 loads, and judges it to be worth 3/. 10s. per load. With note that the Board offered 3/. 12s., Mr. Shish, then present, saying he would give as much, but Mr. Fithy refused it, insisting upon 3/. 15s. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 106.]
@@@ AND as Terry told us:
Oct. 5 1668. Treasury Chambers Sir George Downing to Pepys.
Do not fail to meet me at Sir Robert Long's house tomorrow, about the money employed for the Fleet, on which we should have met the week before. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 107]
If you can accommodate my friend with his desire, I crave despatch in it; if it succeeds effectually, he has 20 pieces to present you with, and some for the solicitor. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 101.]
Annexing, Note for Pierre d'Artiague of Bayonne, captain of the Golden Herring, laden with salt, wine, cloth, &c.,
to come from Bayonne to England, and return to Bayonne, on the account of John Westcombe, English Consul there. [French. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 1011.]
@@@ Oct. 5 1668. Coventry Ralph Hope to [Williamson].
I must complain of the miscarriage of my letters for 5 successive Sundays, and of the remissness of the post here. I fear some sinister practice; pray inquire into it.
I hope to see your relations on their return, and to have a more happy opportunity of waiting on them than on the last occasion. Your namesake and Mr. King send their salutes. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 103.]
@@@ Oct. 5 1668. Holyhead Lord O'Brian to [Williamson].
I came to Chester on Wednesday, and shipped my goods on Thursday, resolving to put out the next tide; but the wind came about to the southwest so violently, with most terrible storms of rain, that despairing of a passage, I came to Holyhead through the most heathenish country ever any man travelled.
The packet is expected tomorrow from London, and I shall then put out with it for Dublin.
I hope my lady and my wife with the children got safe to you, and will spend a happy winter. [2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 98.]
@@@ Oct. 5 1668. Pendennis Fras. Bellott to Williamson.
Arrival and departure of ships. Thirty sail are waiting a fair wind. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 100.]
@@@ Oct. 4 1668. Deal Rich. Watts to (Williamson).
Twenty sail of ships have come down outward bound.
I gave the 2 packets to Mr. Callender, bound for Lisbon, and have 2 witnesses to the delivery, but no note would be given, the master not being on board. (S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 97.]
The Hope of Weymouth, arrived from St. Malo, reports that a great earthquake happened there the night before she sailed; also that there has been a great mortality amongst the inhabitants, 1,600 young persons and others having died of the smallpox, &c., within a few months;
also that the English trade is made very bad, there being no vent for our drapery, through the great import of wool from Ireland.
A Galway vessel had lately a great quantity on board, and pretended it was for Londen, but landed it at St. Malo. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 91.]
@@@ Oct. 3 1668. Yarmouth Rich. Bower to Williamson.
A vessel from the East country ran upon the sands, called the Middle grounds, near Winterton, and was lost, but several of her goods, as tar, iron, and deals, have been brought ashore, and the men were all saved.
John Woodroff and Thomas Dunn, both Yarmouth men, are the new bailiffs.
The fishing is mean as yet, but if the weather proves good, they hope to have plenty, now the tides are lifted. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 92.]
@@@ Oct. 3 1668. Weymouth John Pocock to Hickes.
On the 2nd a Dieppe ship was cast away at Portland; she was bound for Rochelle for salt; the men were all saved. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 93.]
@@@ Oct. 3 1668. Col. Walter Slingsby and 4 other [trustees of the Plate lottery] to Williamson.
Ask him to insert the enclosed in the Gazette, and to continue it for a month, or longer. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 94.]
@@@ Oct. 3 1668. Lord Mordaunt to Williamson.
I would have waited on Lord Arlington for his pass and warrant, but was forced into Surrey on account of the militia.
Pray put his lordship in mind of them, and that by Monday I may secure them, and his commands for France.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 95.]
@@@ and of course there is the appeal from Capt. Silas Taylor, so deliciously illuminated by Stephane above.
I find that putting off the Parliament has filled men's minds with suspicions that they are going to be governed in an arbitrary way, and that an army is to be raised; but these are fancies of their own making.
I told Mr. Norris that the way to get an ensigncy in the Guards was by money, and he assured me it could be found, but “wanted a man of honour to make the business with the Colonel”; if that may be done by your favour, Mr. Norris may be advanced as he desires.
I am to be addressed at Hereford. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 88.]
@@@ Oct. 2 1668. Deal Rich. Watts to [Williamson].
A French lord and his lady, with some 5 Frenchmen, arrived at Dover from Calais. The Frenchmen quarselling, about half seas over, had nearly sunk the vessel.
On arriving, they ran upon the rocks to the south of the pier-head, where the vessel broke in pieces, and the lady, to escape, leaped overboard to the shore, but slipped from the rock. Her lord offered a crown for one to fetch her, but none would undertake the work without 6, so the lord paid it, and one brought her out almost dead.
Great search is making for a trunk lost worth 300/., as also for other things of value.
The ship that brought over Lord Sandwich has arrived in the Downs. The wind is high.
With postscript, 3 Oct. There are 22 sail of outward-bound ships come into the Downs; I will take special care of your Lisbon packet. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 89.]
@@@ Oct. 2 1668. Cambridge Sir Nich. Armorer to Williamson.
After the death of a fox and leash of hares, besides a brave horse race at Newmarket, I have reached Cambridge, on my way to Kimbolton, where I shall stay till Monday, when his Majesty will return to Newmarket.
Do not fail to let me have a cast of your office.
Lord Thomond won the great race, and as a frolic, I betted 2 guineas for you, which we have won.
Noted, “At Kimbolton, to be left with the postmaster of Huntingdon; to be sent with speed.” (11 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 85.] --- Kimbolten Castle is the home of Gen. Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester ... Sandwich's cousin. They both quit Cromwell's cause in disgust, and quietly worked for Charles II's return, which is why Manchester is now Lord Chamberlain. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
It's over 40 miles from Kimbolton to Newmarket, so I don't think Armorer is going there for the racing.
@@@ Oct. 2 1668. Newmarket Earl of Thomond to Williamson.
The Lord Steward keeps the best table here.
[Sir Nich.] Armorer brought 2 guineas from himself and you, which were improved on Thump's victory, won by a yard, and so strait the entire 6 miles.
The King is highly pleased with all his Newmarket recreations; up by candle-light yesterday morning, and this morning, hunting the hare; in the afternoon he hawks, and courses with greyhounds;
to Harwich tomorrow,
and on Monday here again.
The Cup will be ridden for next week before the Queen; as you prize earthly paradises, you are to bring a maid of honour behind you next week.
Thanks for intelligences. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 86.]
@@@ Oct. 2 1668. Suffolk Street Elizabeth, Lady Dysart to Williamson.
I desire you to forward a letter enclosed, to [SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND, JOHN MAITLAND, 2nd EARL OF] Lord Lauderdale at Newmarket, and take care for the delivery of it and of the answer, as it is of some importance to me.
I am going out of town, but will return on Monday, and send to your office for any letters. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 87.] --- The widowed Elizabeth Murray Tollemache, the Countess of Dysart in her own right, has known Lauderdale for decades ... she probably saved his life after the second battle of Worcester by pointing out to Cromwell that he was a SCOTTISH lord and could not legally be executed. Their affair becomes so blatent that Elizabeth Home, Duchess of Lauderdale, goes to live in Paris where she dies in 1672. Dysart and Lauderdale wed weeks after her death ... most unseemly!!! This letter leads me think she had designs on him already. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
I finally got around to posting Amb. Mocenigo's lengthy report. IMHO it's easier to comprehend with presumed paragraph breaks: https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
Stephane Chenard posted a link to an amazing Calendar Converter which does far more than Julian/Gregorian ... think Hebrew, Islamic, Persian, Mayan, Indian, French Republic, ISO 8601, Unix, Excel (yes ... they messed up 1900 dates for millions of posts!): https://www.fourmilab.ch/document… https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
Oct. 1. 1668 Harwich Capt. Silas Taylor to Sam. Pepys.
His Majesty is expected here on Saturday;
Sir Charles Littleton, and Major [Nath.] Dorrell, Governor of Languard, are expected this night, with the Henrietta and Anne pleasure boats.
I hope they will not come so soon, as I have neither boat nor barge fit to receive his Majesty into. I desire you to send one by the pleasure boats, if they are not come away. i presume the Board fully understand his Majesty's intentions of being here, so that I question not but I shall have the happiness of waiting upon one of them here.
Sir Bernard de Gomme, Engineer General, will attend his Majesty. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 78.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. Emsworth sloop, Holehaven. Capt. Walter Perry to the Navy Commissioners.
Has stopped, as ordered, several vessels come from Normandy, but the river being wide and the nights dark, if vessels will be obstinate, one can slip by while the boat is on board another.
Is ordered to remain there until the Lenox yacht comes, which was expected 10 days ago. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 79.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. Portsmouth Capt. John Tinker to Sam. Pepys.
Desires orders as to victualling and cleaning the Roebuck, arrived at Spithead. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 80.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. The Roebuck, Portsmouth Capt. George Liddell to the Navy Commissioners.
Is arrived at Spithead. Asks orders for a pinnace, and also for cleaning the frigate, she having been off the ground 5 months. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 81.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. The Roebuck, Portsmouth Same to the same.
Understands by Capt. Tinker that he may have another cable, his own not being fit to venture the frigate by; shall not stay longer than to get his provisions on board. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 82.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. Chatham. John Moore and Edw. Moorcock to the Navy Commissioners.
Particulars of the position of a wreck they have weighed out of the way of the trade up and down. Shall leave her till they have the third wreck, which lies in the middle of the river, which they hope to accomplish before the cold weather; then the channel will be open about Gillingham.
The victualling proves indifferent, and the beef new killed and not well saved, so that it stunk; two hogsheads more have been sent, which is old and rotten.
Pray that the victualler may order his instrument to complete their complement of beef, as the work and season of the year require them to be careful of the health of their men. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 83.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. Gravesend F. Hosier to Sam. Pepys.
The Wevenhoe ketch has arrived from Tangier, having 24 men on board. (S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 84.]
@@@ Oct, 1, 1668 Paris. H. Brouncker to Jos. Williamson.
I send an enclosure, not knowing whether Sir John Trevor is in possession of the seals.
Thanks for favours received from you. I have heard of them, since my departure, through a fair lady and other friends, and am sorry I have no way of returning them. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 73.] --- This is Commissioner Sir William Brouncker’s nasty younger brother. Pepys speaks of Henry Brouncker’s impeachment for causing the English fleet to shortened sail during the night during the 1665 Battle of Lowestoft, supposedly because Henry deluded flag captain John Harman, and the ship’s master, John Cox, into believing he was relaying the (sleeping) Duke of York’s orders to that effect.
On 21 April, 1668 Henry Brouncker fled when the Parliamentary investigation went against him.
This letter sounds as if he took off with his seals of office (Cofferer of the Household to Charles II, and a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to James, Duke of York). By returning them, is he trying to make amends? SPOILER: before six months in exile elapses, Henry is in favor again at Court (see 4 November, 1668).
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. Portsmouth Hugh Salesbury to Williamson.
The Earl of Sandwich has departed for London, and the ship which brought him has sailed for the Downs. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 75.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. Ryde Sir Wm. Morton to Williamson.
I formerly sent a copy of the forged brief, and thank you for acquainting Lord Arlington with it. I will, by his command, proceed against the actors that I can lay hold of at the next sessions; but the principal offenders are in the King's Bench Prison in London. I will deal with them next term.
I think it would not be amiss to publish the forgery in the Gazette, and prevent any further collections upon a forged brief; the moneys already collected should be ordered to be restored to the church wardens, and by them to the persons who gave it, with directions to the justices, &c., to apprehend the carriers of such briefs, and see them punished.
This if done under his lordship's name will endear the country to him, and manifest that love he has for the good of the people. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 76.]
@@@ Oct. 1 1668. Warrant to John Blundell to repair to Canterbury, or any other place, in search of Rob. Gilbert and Edw. Fray, carriers, and to bring them before Sir John Trevor. Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 28, p. 18.]
To obtain enlightenment as to what might be expected from the princes in the matter of procuring peace with the Turks by their protests I asked the Dutch ambassador Borel if he had written about it to the States. He assured me that he had, in the best manner, and that he would acquaint me with the result.
But unwilling to allow myself to be diverted by these remote hopes, I insisted on the most prompt succour and persuaded the ambassador not only to accept as a pledge what the king said to him in the matter of succour, but to raise the question at every opportunity. Since this office, Borel has only seen his Majesty once and I do not know if he has yet had an opportunity of acting, though he seemed well disposed.
Meanwhile I study every means to achieve my end, my sole aim now being to obtain some verbal declaration from the king here, since that is the only thing that can put to the test the boasted good will of the Dutch.
The absence of the king will delay all business. It is foreseen that he will not return to London within a month.
The ambassador of Spain having cooled off about it and France being reluctant to go with his Majesty, I with the other ministers shall be excused from this obligation, as the king has little wish to be followed by ministers amid his diversions, and if the French and Spanish ambassadors enjoy their liberty and escape the new charge of entertaining their Majesties in their own house at dinner and supper with superb tables, I shall be able to go to the country to find his Majesty if some appearance of good results persuades me to press my requests.
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He landed alone the next day, Sunday, at 6 o'clock, and was waited upon by Sir Charles Littleton and Sir Bernard de Gomme;
he went on foot out of the town, viewing all the places in relation to fortifications, and examining some drafts offered by Sir Bernard, which he rectified in the field at 2 or 3 stations, with his own hand, by a black lead pen and ruler.
After a 5 miles' walk over high stiles and ploughgrounds, his Royal Highness found him out, and after some discourse and pacing the ground, returned.
The King then went to “his house” (as he called it 5 or 6 times that morning), and drank some chocolate, but his Royal Highness and others drank Canary,
and then to church, as well attended and accommodated as the little town could; his chaplain, Dr. Tully, preached.
He returned to his house to dinner, the King and his Royal Highness dining in the great parlour, the Dukes of Monmouth and Buckinghain in the Duke's lodging chamber, the other nobles dining in the little parlour, and the waiters in the hall.
After dinner the Earl of Oxford presented a petition from the two prisoners that had stolen junk from the hulk.
The King pardoued them as to their lives, but ordered them a sound whipping and to be released.
I was busy just then in the yard with Mr. Wren, but the King sent for me, and declared his royal pleasure to me.
The King and most of the lords sailed that evening to Aldborough,
and the next day rode by land thence to Ipswich, dined with Viscount Hereford, and returned in the afternoon to Audley End.
[2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. 11. 247, No. 127.]
About Harwich, Essex
San Diego Sarah • Link
Charles II, the High Admiral the Duke of York, military engineer Sir Bernard de Gomme, and many courtiers and servants visited Harwich and Languard Fort on October 8, 1668. Capt. Silas Taylor sent this report to Pepys the next day:
The volume of Domestic State Papers covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at
https://play.google.com/books/rea…
@@@
Oct. 8 1668.
Harwich
Capt. Silas Taylor to Pepys.
The King arrived here on Saturday the 3rd instant at 3 p.m., from Landguard Fort, attended by the Henrietta and Anne yachts with his kitchen.
Not having any boat or barge fit to receive him, I made a stage to run into the water, upon which he landed, and give me his hand to kiss.
The Duke of York was with him;
he was attended by the Dukes of Monmouth, Buckingham, and Richmond, Earl of Oxford, Lord Cornwallis, Marquis of Blanquefort, &c.;
he was received by Sir Charles Littleton and two companies of his Royal Highness's regiment quartered here;
then by the Mayor and Aldermen, who presented their maces and keys, which he touched and thanked them.
I was then called to show him the yard, to which he first went, and asked whether the Resolution and Rupert were built at that launch, and, together with the Duke, praised it for a good launch;
he viewed the yard, cranes, and situation, and went up the works, and circuiting the greatest part of the town, returned to my house.
He asked to whom the house belonged; I said it was his Majesty's:
he then asked if the storehouses in the backyard be longed to it, and what was in them;
I told him they were for naval stores;
he asked what the house cost; I told him 300/., also how big it was, and upon being told it had 4 rooms on a floor, he replied it was a cheap pennyworth, and the Duke entering the parlour, the King said, “Brother, this house is my house, and it is a pretty one.”
He refused to drink, because it was supper time, and took boat at the stairs near, and was rowed on board the Henrietta while it was light, and came not ashore that night, but sent the Duke of Monmouth to lodge at my house;
also cooks and others to make ready his dinner against the morrow.
About Wednesday 7 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
The volume of Domestic State Papers covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at
https://play.google.com/books/rea…
@@@
Oct. 7 1668.
Milford
Jo. Powell to Hickes.
A ship has arrived for Bristol, laden with tallow and hides;
also one with sugar and cotton from the Barbados, bound for London.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 118.]
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Oct. 7 1668.
Lyme
Anth. Thorold to Hickes.
The Windsor of Lyme has arrived from Morlaix, and reports that the sickness still keeps in Rouen, and that 30 or 40 die weekly, but that it has not spread much further in the country;
the inhabitants keep up a good correspondence with the English, and hope their Ambassador will draw them to a nearer union.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 122.]
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Oct. 17.] 1668
Wettmere
J. Aldrich to his uncle, Rob. Francis.
We apologize for brevity. Having this morning heard the nothingness of a long-winded Presbyterian, it has put us quite out of conceit of long sentences, so I have only to beg you to convey a letter enclosed, and to acquaint my father that we defer writing, having no business.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 123.]
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Oct. 7 1668.
Bury
[Lord Arlington] to Williamson.
I have just come hither.
I could not speak to the King at Saxham, nor until today, by reason of the uncertainity of his motions;
I shall wait upon him early tomorrow, and receive his pleasure upon all the letters sent, and afterwards follow him to Audley End, where he means to sleep tomorrow night.
I have written a large letter to Sir J. Trevor in answer to his.
I send some papers.
P.S. 8 Oct. I have got the King to sign the enclosed papers, but have not time to answer Lord Ashley, who has his Majesty's leave to go into the country.
[1] pages. [S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 124.]
About Thursday 8 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Good solution, James. They often used pontoon boats to make temporary bridges ... a version of that would be quicker and cheaper to make, and could be dismantled easily afterwards. Instead of anchoring it physically to both shores, one end would literally use anchors.
About Saturday 14 March 1667/68
San Diego Sarah • Link
Gerald Berg and anyone else interested in theories about who the man in the velvet mask was, this one's for you.
Even if you're not into this speculation, this excerpt from the article gives us an idea of the behind-the-scenes communications between Charles II and Henrietta Anne/Minette and others involved in the lead up to the (secret) Treaty of Dover:
"In the summer of 1669, important and secret negotiations were going on between Charles II of England and Louis XIV. These were being conducted through Charles’ sister Henrietta, duchesse d’Orléans, who was married to Louis’ brother, Philippe. Charles and Henrietta used valets to carry messages back and forth across the English Channel, but these valets frequently engaged other servants to carry messages on their behalf.
"Often, Charles and Henrietta did not know who these people were. Indeed, in a letter to his sister, Charles noted that he had received a letter from her through “the Italian whose name and capasity you do not know, and he delivered your letter to me in a passage where it was so darke as I do not know his face againe if I see him”.
"Eustache [THE NAME OF THE PRISONER WEARING THE VELVET MASK], of course, was not this man, since he was not Italian, but French; however, this comment illustrates the atmosphere of secrecy that surrounded communication during this sensitive period. Shortly before Eustache’s arrest, Louvois and Le Tellier, his father and predecessor at the ministry for war, were included in these negotiations.
"It is possible that Eustache had been employed by one or both of these men, or perhaps even by Henrietta herself, and that he had become privy to secret and sensitive information. This would account for Louvois’ anger towards Eustache, with the minister referring to him as a “wretch”. And the fact that Eustache was arrested near Dunkirk, one of the principal ports to England, adds more weight to this theory."
https://www.historyextra.com/peri…
About Tuesday 6 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 6 1668.
Ipswich
Ch. Ludkin to Williamson.
His Majesty passed through the town on Saturday, on his way from Lord Croft's house, near Bury, to Landguard Fort, but did not stay;
he dined yesterday at the Lord of Hereford's house in this town, where they had all the expressions of joy possible, ringing of bells, discharging of guns, the steeples adorned with flags and streamers, the streets strewn with herbs and flowers, and echoing with the acclamations of the people, and prayers for his Majesty's health and prosperity.
The bailiffs, portmen, and commoners attended his Majesty, and presented their mace, which they immediately received again, and after dinner, attended him on horseback, with the trained bands, out of the town.
It was reported that the French and Dutch fleets have quarrelled in the Straits about the honour of the flag, and that the Dutch have sunk the French Admiral, and taken some of their ships.
[14 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 116.]
@@@
Oct. 6 1668.
Newcastle
Rich. Forster to Williamson.
Alderman Ralph Jenison was yesterday elected Mayor of the town,
and his son sheriff, to the great satisfaction of most.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 117.]
About Tuesday 6 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 6 1668.
Treasury Chambers
Sir George Downing to the Navy Commissioners.
The Treasury Commissioners desire a list of the ships lately come in to be paid off. and of the sums requisite for their discharge,
specifying how much is for service before provision was made by the Eleven Months' Tax,
how much for service during the time provided for by that Act,
and how much since.
At the foot is a list of six ships, and estimates that the sums due to them are - before 1 Jan. 1667, 5,267/. 10s.;
thence to 1 Jan. 1668, 10,212/. 10s.;
thence to 3 Oct. 1668, 9,625/. 15s.;
total, 25,105/. 15s.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 112.]
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Oct. 6 1668.
Woolwich
Edw. Byland to Pepys.
Asks for deals for the Pearl, and timber and plank for the new ship.
Proposes buying that East country plank at Deptford.
Reports the goodness of the masts lately come [sent as a present to the King from New England].
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 113.]
Encloses,
Particulars of the length and diameter of the said masts, 24 in number.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 1131.]
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Oct. 6 1668.
Woolwich
W. Hannam, master attendant at Woolwich, to the Navy Commissioners.
Wants a boatswain appointed to the Pearl, in the room of the other lying ashore sick;
as she is fitting for sea, asks whether to set the masts of the frigates there, or forbear, as the winter is at hand, and they will ride with more safety.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 114.]
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Oct. 6 1668.
Chatham
John Moore and Edw. Moorcock to Col. Thos. Middleton.
Acquainted him that it was probable there were several ordnance, anchors,
and cables scattered in the river Medway, by the burning and blowing up the ships when the Dutch were here,
and proposed the terms on which they could employ persons to take them up,
which was to have one half to themselves, excluding whatever was on board the wrecks they should weigh, and to have the use of a wind lass lighter;
if they saved nothing, the King to be at no charge, and they to expect nothing.
Request him, if he thinks it fitting, to propose it to the Board,
and to give his resolutions therein.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. Î15.]
About Tuesday 6 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
The volume of Domestic State Papers covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at
https://play.google.com/books/rea…
@@@
Oct. 6 1668.
Bonadventure, Blackstakes
Capt. John Narbrough to the Navy Commissioners.
Is in Chatham river, for want of a pilot to carry the ship up;
Expected to have been supplied by the master of attendance, but the pilots are all out at present.
Shall advertise his arrival at Chatham.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 108.]
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Oct. 6 1668,
The Greenwich, Hope
Capt. Rich. Beach to the Navy Commissioners.
Being ordered for Chatham “when the merchants' concerns are out,” asks for a pilot.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 109.]
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Oct. 6 1668.
Thos. Goose, purser of the Sweepstakes, to the Navy Commissioners.
Wants an order for checking the sick book by his sea book, that he may have his due right, having, according to their orders, discharged all the sick that did not return aboard the day they were set ashore.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 110.]
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Oct. 6 1668.
Dublin.
Sir George Carteret to the Navy Commissioners.
Has had the Harp frigate surveyed, and as she is unprovided for service,
has ordered her to Kinsale, to be paid off and laid up,
except any contrary order from them intervenes.
Judges the selling of her is not for the King's profit,
because she is of so great charge for her small burden,
that no merchant would offer money for her in those parts,
where nothing is looked upon but the stowage.
Has acquainted Lord Anglesey with the difficulty of getting money here, and advised him what course to take to pay her off at Kinsale.
Those that surveyed found no fault with her hull, which a little repair will make good.
(S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 111.)
---
Sir George moved fast ... he and Lady Carteret had Charles II and Queen Catherine to dinner on Sept. 28, 1668.
As Treasurer for Ireland, he has been preparing for this trip for a while.
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
About Monday 5 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 5 1668.
Teddington
Lord Keeper Bridgeman to (Williamson).
I received yours with the several extracts and letter for Lisle,
and Seć. Trevor came hither and showed me several packets.
I read over Sir Wm. Temple's long letter and some others, and made remarks upon them, whereof Mr. Secretary took notes, and promised to write to Lord Arlington.
The advice from Lisle, concerning the wools, is of huge importance to endeavour a remedy, though late;
the Attorney had order a fortnight since to report to Council how he found the laws concerning wool, and wherein defective.
I know not what has been done in it, though order was given by Lord Arlington that I should have extracts of what is done at every Council.
I think that letters ought to be written from the Board to the Mayor of Canterbury, and the justices and deputy lieutenants in East Kent, and the coasts of Sussex, Essex, and Suffolk, enjoining them to search all houses where it may be supposed any wool is, to ascertain the quantities, to take the owners' answers for what uses they intend to dispose of it, and to certify with all speed to the Board;
also to inquire after those that have transported it, that proceedings may be had against them.
If you acquaint Mr. Treasurer or Mr. Secretary with this, and they like it, they will put it into a better form for the Board.
Take care of the letter from Lisle, as I intend to make use of it when the Council of Trade sits.
I began my letter with my own hand, but could not go through with it.
S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 104.]
@@@
Oct. 5 1668,
R. Mayors to [the Navy Commissioners].
Has surveyed Mr. Fithy's East-country plank at Deptford, 80 loads, and judges it to be worth 3/. 10s. per load.
With note that the Board offered 3/. 12s., Mr. Shish, then present, saying he would give as much, but Mr. Fithy refused it, insisting upon 3/. 15s.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 106.]
@@@
AND as Terry told us:
Oct. 5 1668.
Treasury Chambers
Sir George Downing to Pepys.
Do not fail to meet me at Sir Robert Long's house tomorrow, about the money employed for the Fleet, on which we should have met the week before.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 107]
About Monday 5 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 5 1668.
London
Thos. Gardiner to Williamson.
If you can accommodate my friend with his desire, I crave despatch in it;
if it succeeds effectually, he has 20 pieces to present you with, and some for the solicitor.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 101.]
Annexing,
Note for Pierre d'Artiague of Bayonne, captain of the Golden Herring,
laden with salt, wine, cloth, &c.,
to come from Bayonne to England, and return to Bayonne, on the account of John Westcombe, English Consul there.
[French. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 1011.]
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Oct. 5 1668.
Coventry
Ralph Hope to [Williamson].
I must complain of the miscarriage of my letters for 5 successive Sundays,
and of the remissness of the post here.
I fear some sinister practice; pray inquire into it.
I hope to see your relations on their return,
and to have a more happy opportunity of waiting on them than on the last occasion.
Your namesake and Mr. King send their salutes.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 103.]
About Monday 5 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
The volume of Domestic State Papers covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at
https://play.google.com/books/rea…
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Oct. 5 1668.
Holyhead
Lord O'Brian to [Williamson].
I came to Chester on Wednesday, and shipped my goods on Thursday, resolving to put out the next tide;
but the wind came about to the southwest so violently, with most terrible storms of rain, that despairing of a passage, I came to Holyhead through the most heathenish country ever any man travelled.
The packet is expected tomorrow from London, and I shall then put out with it for Dublin.
I hope my lady and my wife with the children got safe to you, and will spend a happy winter.
[2 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 98.]
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Oct. 5 1668.
Pendennis
Fras. Bellott to Williamson.
Arrival and departure of ships.
Thirty sail are waiting a fair wind.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 100.]
About Sunday 4 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
It's Sunday ... only one letter written today:
The volume of Domestic State Papers covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at
https://play.google.com/books/rea…
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Oct. 4 1668.
Deal
Rich. Watts to (Williamson).
Twenty sail of ships have come down outward bound.
I gave the 2 packets to Mr. Callender, bound for Lisbon,
and have 2 witnesses to the delivery, but no note would be given,
the master not being on board.
(S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 97.]
About Saturday 3 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
The volume of Domestic State Papers covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at
https://play.google.com/books/rea…
@@@
Oct. 3 1668.
Lyme
Ant. Thorold to Hickes.
The Hope of Weymouth, arrived from St. Malo, reports that a great earthquake happened there the night before she sailed;
also that there has been a great mortality amongst the inhabitants, 1,600 young persons and others having died of the smallpox, &c., within a few months;
also that the English trade is made very bad, there being no vent for our drapery, through the great import of wool from Ireland.
A Galway vessel had lately a great quantity on board, and pretended it was for Londen, but landed it at St. Malo.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 91.]
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Oct. 3 1668.
Yarmouth
Rich. Bower to Williamson.
A vessel from the East country ran upon the sands, called the Middle grounds, near Winterton, and was lost, but several of her goods, as tar, iron, and deals, have been brought ashore, and the men were all saved.
John Woodroff and Thomas Dunn, both Yarmouth men, are the new bailiffs.
The fishing is mean as yet, but if the weather proves good, they hope to have plenty, now the tides are lifted.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 92.]
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Oct. 3 1668.
Weymouth
John Pocock to Hickes.
On the 2nd a Dieppe ship was cast away at Portland;
she was bound for Rochelle for salt; the men were all saved.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 93.]
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Oct. 3 1668.
Col. Walter Slingsby and 4 other [trustees of the Plate lottery] to Williamson.
Ask him to insert the enclosed in the Gazette, and to continue it for a month, or longer.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 94.]
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Oct. 3 1668.
Lord Mordaunt to Williamson.
I would have waited on Lord Arlington for his pass and warrant, but was forced into Surrey on account of the militia.
Pray put his lordship in mind of them, and that by Monday I may secure them, and his commands for France.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 95.]
@@@
and of course there is the appeal from Capt. Silas Taylor, so deliciously illuminated by Stephane above.
About Friday 2 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 2 1668.
Fras. Rogers to Williamson.
I find that putting off the Parliament has filled men's minds with suspicions that they are going to be governed in an arbitrary way, and that an army is to be raised; but these are fancies of their own making.
I told Mr. Norris that the way to get an ensigncy in the Guards was by money, and he assured me it could be found, but “wanted a man of honour to make the business with the Colonel”;
if that may be done by your favour, Mr. Norris may be advanced as he desires.
I am to be addressed at Hereford.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 88.]
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Oct. 2 1668.
Deal
Rich. Watts to [Williamson].
A French lord and his lady, with some 5 Frenchmen, arrived at Dover from Calais.
The Frenchmen quarselling, about half seas over, had nearly sunk the vessel.
On arriving, they ran upon the rocks to the south of the pier-head, where the vessel broke in pieces, and the lady, to escape, leaped overboard to the shore, but slipped from the rock.
Her lord offered a crown for one to fetch her, but none would undertake the work without 6, so the lord paid it, and one brought her out almost dead.
Great search is making for a trunk lost worth 300/., as also for other things of value.
The ship that brought over Lord Sandwich has arrived in the Downs.
The wind is high.
With postscript,
3 Oct.
There are 22 sail of outward-bound ships come into the Downs;
I will take special care of your Lisbon packet.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 89.]
About Friday 2 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
The volume covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at https://play.google.com/books/rea…
@@@
Oct. 2 1668.
Cambridge
Sir Nich. Armorer to Williamson.
After the death of a fox and leash of hares, besides a brave horse race at Newmarket, I have reached Cambridge, on my way to Kimbolton, where I shall stay till Monday, when his Majesty will return to Newmarket.
Do not fail to let me have a cast of your office.
Lord Thomond won the great race, and as a frolic, I betted 2 guineas for you, which we have won.
Noted, “At Kimbolton, to be left with the postmaster of Huntingdon; to be sent with speed.”
(11 pages. S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 85.]
---
Kimbolten Castle is the home of Gen. Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester ... Sandwich's cousin. They both quit Cromwell's cause in disgust, and quietly worked for Charles II's return, which is why Manchester is now Lord Chamberlain. https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
It's over 40 miles from Kimbolton to Newmarket, so I don't think Armorer is going there for the racing.
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Oct. 2 1668.
Newmarket
Earl of Thomond to Williamson.
The Lord Steward keeps the best table here.
[Sir Nich.] Armorer brought 2 guineas from himself and you, which were improved on Thump's victory, won by a yard, and so strait the entire 6 miles.
The King is highly pleased with all his Newmarket recreations; up by candle-light yesterday morning, and this morning, hunting the hare;
in the afternoon he hawks, and courses with greyhounds;
to Harwich tomorrow,
and on Monday here again.
The Cup will be ridden for next week before the Queen;
as you prize earthly paradises, you are to bring a maid of honour behind you next week.
Thanks for intelligences.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 86.]
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Oct. 2 1668.
Suffolk Street
Elizabeth, Lady Dysart to Williamson.
I desire you to forward a letter enclosed, to [SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND, JOHN MAITLAND, 2nd EARL OF] Lord Lauderdale at Newmarket, and take care for the delivery of it and of the answer, as it is of some importance to me.
I am going out of town, but will return on Monday, and send to your office for any letters.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 87.]
---
The widowed Elizabeth Murray Tollemache, the Countess of Dysart in her own right, has known Lauderdale for decades ... she probably saved his life after the second battle of Worcester by pointing out to Cromwell that he was a SCOTTISH lord and could not legally be executed. Their affair becomes so blatent that Elizabeth Home, Duchess of Lauderdale, goes to live in Paris where she dies in 1672. Dysart and Lauderdale wed weeks after her death ... most unseemly!!! This letter leads me think she had designs on him already.
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Thursday 17 September 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
I finally got around to posting Amb. Mocenigo's lengthy report. IMHO it's easier to comprehend with presumed paragraph breaks:
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
About Calendar
San Diego Sarah • Link
Stephane Chenard posted a link to an amazing Calendar Converter which does far more than Julian/Gregorian ... think Hebrew, Islamic, Persian, Mayan, Indian, French Republic, ISO 8601, Unix, Excel (yes ... they messed up 1900 dates for millions of posts!):
https://www.fourmilab.ch/document…
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
Thank you again, Stephane.
About Thursday 1 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Oct. 1. 1668
Harwich
Capt. Silas Taylor to Sam. Pepys.
His Majesty is expected here on Saturday;
Sir Charles Littleton, and Major [Nath.] Dorrell, Governor of Languard, are expected this night, with the Henrietta and Anne pleasure boats.
I hope they will not come so soon, as I have neither boat nor barge fit to receive his Majesty into.
I desire you to send one by the pleasure boats, if they are not come away.
i presume the Board fully understand his Majesty's intentions of being here, so that I question not but I shall have the happiness of waiting upon one of them here.
Sir Bernard de Gomme, Engineer General, will attend his Majesty.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 78.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
Emsworth sloop, Holehaven.
Capt. Walter Perry to the Navy Commissioners.
Has stopped, as ordered, several vessels come from Normandy,
but the river being wide and the nights dark, if vessels will be obstinate, one can slip by while the boat is on board another.
Is ordered to remain there until the Lenox yacht comes, which was expected 10 days ago.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 79.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
Portsmouth
Capt. John Tinker to Sam. Pepys.
Desires orders as to victualling and cleaning the Roebuck, arrived at Spithead.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 80.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
The Roebuck, Portsmouth
Capt. George Liddell to the Navy Commissioners.
Is arrived at Spithead.
Asks orders for a pinnace, and also for cleaning the frigate, she having been off the ground 5 months.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 81.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
The Roebuck, Portsmouth
Same to the same.
Understands by Capt. Tinker that he may have another cable, his own not being fit to venture the frigate by;
shall not stay longer than to get his provisions on board.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 82.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
Chatham.
John Moore and Edw. Moorcock to the Navy Commissioners.
Particulars of the position of a wreck they have weighed out of the way of the trade up and down.
Shall leave her till they have the third wreck, which lies in the middle of the river, which they hope to accomplish before the cold weather; then the channel will be open about Gillingham.
The victualling proves indifferent, and the beef new killed and not well saved, so that it stunk; two hogsheads more have been sent, which is old and rotten.
Pray that the victualler may order his instrument to complete their complement of beef, as the work and season of the year require them to be careful of the health of their men.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 83.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
Gravesend
F. Hosier to Sam. Pepys.
The Wevenhoe ketch has arrived from Tangier, having 24 men on board.
(S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 84.]
About Thursday 1 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
Thank you, Stephane:
The volume covering correspondence from Oct. 1668 to Dec. 1669 is at https://play.google.com/books/rea…
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Oct, 1, 1668
Paris.
H. Brouncker to Jos. Williamson.
I send an enclosure, not knowing whether Sir John Trevor is in possession of the seals.
Thanks for favours received from you.
I have heard of them, since my departure, through a fair lady and other friends, and am sorry I have no way of returning them.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 73.]
---
This is Commissioner Sir William Brouncker’s nasty younger brother.
Pepys speaks of Henry Brouncker’s impeachment for causing the English fleet to shortened sail during the night during the 1665 Battle of Lowestoft, supposedly because Henry deluded flag captain John Harman, and the ship’s master, John Cox, into believing he was relaying the (sleeping) Duke of York’s orders to that effect.
On 21 April, 1668 Henry Brouncker fled when the Parliamentary investigation went against him.
This letter sounds as if he took off with his seals of office (Cofferer of the Household to Charles II, and a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to James, Duke of York). By returning them, is he trying to make amends?
SPOILER: before six months in exile elapses, Henry is in favor again at Court (see 4 November, 1668).
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Oct. 1 1668.
Portsmouth
Hugh Salesbury to Williamson.
The Earl of Sandwich has departed for London, and the ship which brought him has sailed for the Downs.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 75.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
Ryde
Sir Wm. Morton to Williamson.
I formerly sent a copy of the forged brief, and thank you for acquainting Lord Arlington with it.
I will, by his command, proceed against the actors that I can lay hold of at the next sessions; but the principal offenders are in the King's Bench Prison in London.
I will deal with them next term.
I think it would not be amiss to publish the forgery in the Gazette, and prevent any further collections upon a forged brief; the moneys already collected should be ordered to be restored to the church wardens, and by them to the persons who gave it, with directions to the justices, &c., to apprehend the carriers of such briefs, and see them punished.
This if done under his lordship's name will endear the country to him, and manifest that love he has for the good of the people.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 247, No. 76.]
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Oct. 1 1668.
Warrant
to John Blundell to repair to Canterbury, or any other place,
in search of Rob. Gilbert and Edw. Fray, carriers,
and to bring them before Sir John Trevor.
Minute. [S.P. Dom., Entry Book 28, p. 18.]
About Monday 12 October 1668
San Diego Sarah • Link
To obtain enlightenment as to what might be expected from the princes in the matter of procuring peace with the Turks by their protests I asked the Dutch ambassador Borel if he had written about it to the States.
He assured me that he had, in the best manner, and that he would acquaint me with the result.
But unwilling to allow myself to be diverted by these remote hopes, I insisted on the most prompt succour and persuaded the ambassador not only to accept as a pledge what the king said to him in the matter of succour, but to raise the question at every opportunity.
Since this office, Borel has only seen his Majesty once and I do not know if he has yet had an opportunity of acting, though he seemed well disposed.
Meanwhile I study every means to achieve my end, my sole aim now being to obtain some verbal declaration from the king here, since that is the only thing that can put to the test the boasted good will of the Dutch.
The absence of the king will delay all business.
It is foreseen that he will not return to London within a month.
The ambassador of Spain having cooled off about it and France being reluctant to go with his Majesty, I with the other ministers shall be excused from this obligation, as the king has little wish to be followed by ministers amid his diversions, and if the French and Spanish ambassadors enjoy their liberty and escape the new charge of entertaining their Majesties in their own house at dinner and supper with superb tables, I shall be able to go to the country to find his Majesty if some appearance of good results persuades me to press my requests.
London, the 12th October, 1668.
[Italian.]