jeannine

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jeannine has written 14 articles:

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jeannine has written summaries for eight topics:

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jeannine has posted 1,236 annotations/comments since 16 June 2004.

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First Reading

About Sunday 29 April 1666

jeannine  •  Link

"where I find my uncle and aunt Wight, and supped with them upon my leads with mighty pleasure and mirthe"

Is there some mistake here--'uncle and aunt Wight' and 'mighty pleasure and mirth' in the same sentence?

About Saturday 28 April 1666

jeannine  •  Link

Muster-Master

I wasn't really sure what a Muster-master did so I looked it up. Is is someone "who takes an account of troops, and of their equipment; a mustering officer; an inspector". (from freedictionary.com).

About Saturday 28 April 1666

jeannine  •  Link

This is from the “Further Correspondence of Samuel Pepys” edited by Tanner. 28 April, 1666. Today Sam sent this letter to Admiral Harman. The most delightful footnote to the letter explains that “Admiral, afterwards, Sir John Harman was in command of the ‘Royal Charles’, the Duke of York’s flagship. Pepys’s brother-in-law Balthazar St. Michel, was the recipient of many kindnesses from him, and the cause of frequent anxiety.”

28 April, 1666
This gentleman the bearer is he whom I acquainted you his Royal Highness hath been pleased to appoint muster-master of the division under your command. I assure you I am not more concerned for him from his relation to me, than from the confidence I have in his sobriety and desire of being serviceable in his place, and moreover in his care of behaving himself with all respect and duty to yourself. The favour I beg of you for him is your general countenance and furtherance in the execution of his place, wherein I doubt not after a little trial he will be able to give you and us a perfected account than at first (from the newness of the method established by the Duke and his own want of use) I can expect. The accommodation of a cabin for the better keeping and transcribing of his books (which will be very many) I do further ask of you, and do assure you that as I made it my particular request to Sir William Coventry to [have] him appointed to serve under your command, so also I shall impute his good success in his undertaking to your favour, and accordingly will always acknowledge it.

About Tuesday 24 April 1666

jeannine  •  Link

From “The Rupert and Monck Letter Book”, edited by Powell and Timings. Yesterday (April 23) Rupert and Monk who had replaced Lord Sandwich and are co-Generals at Sea took command of the fleet at Nore. In this Letter Book the editors explain that they track their letters from today through October 3. They add that “at first sight perhaps it may seem that it resembles the schoolmaster in Sinister Street, who created ‘his own rubbish heap and invited the upper fifth to scratch in it for pearls. Always he managed to conceal the nobility of his theme beneath a mass of what he called minor points.’ In reality the book shows that day work of the admirals as they endeavored to get the fleet ready for sea. So thorough were they that the minutest minor point did not escape their attention.”

The book details the difficulties with manning the ship, controlling and maintaining seamen, interacting with the victualler (Gauden) and getting reports of accounts (from Pepys!) as opposed to the supplies that they needed.

Among today’s letters was this little gem to Sir Thomas Allen, Adm,. of the White Squadron. Note that Monck, in his experience dealing with the plague was pretty strict about the possibilities of how the plague could be brought on board and the orders reflect that along with the need to get their ships properly supplied.

“You are carefully to observe the ensuing directions. Turn all the women to shore and suffer none to come aboard. Order the commissary to muster the squadron with all expedition, and once a week, if possible. Take special care that the Muster Masters do observe the Instructions they have received from His Royal Highness the Duke of York, and give us an account of the doing therein. Cause the several captains in the squadron to give us a speedy account of the wet and dry provisions that have on board, also of the powder and shot, Botswains, Carpenters, and Gunners stores, and let them be careful that they spend no ship’s provisions, unless they are necessitated thereunto, and if they are let us have speedy notice of it, and let every ship in the squadron take in as much provisions both dry and wet and Gunners’ stores as they can, to the end they may be better able to help one another. Your lo. Friends. Rupert Albemarle.”

Other letters that they sent today went to

1. Coventry –requesting supplies, flags and streamers ‘for distinguishing the squadrons’ and ketches
2. Carteret –requesting ‘payment of the contingencies of the Navy’
3. Commissioners of Ordinance –requesting ‘50 Rounds apiece’ of powder, canvas and junk
4. Gauden- requesting ‘ketches to fetch water’ and that provisions be sent to them (if the Officers have to leave the ships to get provisions their men will run away and/or they may risk bringing infection [plague] back to the ships).
5. Master of Attendance at Chatham- requesting ‘skillful Pilots for the carrying down to the Bouy of Nore eleven of his Majs, ships”

About Monday 23 April 1666

jeannine  •  Link

I found this interesting and I didn’t know this about Monck (Albermarle), so I thought I’d post it. Its a little background about him, and quite favorable, leading up to today’s entry. It’s from “The Rupert and Monck Letter Book” edited by Powell and Timings.

“With the outbreak of the Second Dutch War Monck acted as the Duke of York’s deputy ashore, and bent his efforts to the supplying of the fleet. When the Duke returned from sea service to administer the Navy from land, Monck was called to a new and dangerous duty. The plague had broken out. Together with Sheldon, Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl of Craven Monck boldly faced the danger, regardless of his own safety. All who could had fled from that stricken city. Only these three remained. The King, Court, and merchants had fled, leaving the poor, who could not, to their fate. By their simple presence the three brought courage to the failing hearts of the poor. They drew up a rough code of sanitary regulations. Infected houses were placed out of bounds to all save doctors and nurses; the clothing of the dead was burnt, and their bodies collected and buried in lime; robbery and theft were severely punished. Above all the three visited the sick and dying, and by their example and words of cheer they encouraged the living to face boldly the danger from which there was no escape.

Thus it was when, in November 1665, Clarendon brought him the news that he was to be appointed General at Sea with Rupert, that Monck said he thought he could do the King better service by staying in London to deal with the plague, but it was pointed out to him that the necessity of going out against the Dutch was pre-eminent; to which he agreed.

The situation was grave, for in January France and Denmark had allied themselves with the Dutch. So, on April 23, 1666, the admirals took command of the fleet at Nore.”

About Thursday 19 April 1666

jeannine  •  Link

The letter that Mary references appears in “The Letters of Samuel Pepys and His Family Cirlce” edited by Helen Trusedell Heath. The letter from Sam to his father leaves only more mystery to John’s ailments. It was dated 1 September, 1677 and the first paragraph reads:

“I hope e’re this come to your hand you will have received mine of the 28th of the last, with one enclosed from Mr Hollyer, to which I much long for an answer, and hope to receive it by Monday’s Post, that I may understand the present condition of your health, with the effects of his advice and what you shall please to direct me to supply your further with from hence, and particularly about some wine…”

About Sunday 22 April 1666

jeannine  •  Link

From Lady Castlemaine’s Diary today…..

"While passing through White Hall I was sorry to see my little Samuel Pepys, for the mourning forceing all the men to go in black, with their hair plain and without any finery, I find him to be a much more ordinary man than ever I durst have thought he was; and, indeed, is not so handsome as Mr. Batten, whom I saw there also..."

About Saturday 21 April 1666

jeannine  •  Link

"but I was sorry to see my Lady Castlemaine, for the mourning forceing all the ladies to go in black, with their hair plain and without any spots, I find her to be a much more ordinary woman than ever I durst have thought she was; and, indeed, is not so pretty as Mrs. Stewart, whom I saw there also."

With the death of her mother, Queen Catherine had ordered her ladies into mourning. Apparently Lady Castlemaine wasn't quite so hot without her makeup. This is probably the equivalent of those celebrity sightings where the celeb is caught in their sweatpants walking their dog at 6 am and not looking all that enticing. Sam almost sounds surprised that the reality of Lady Castlemaine isn't as appealing as he would have expected.

On another note, if Lady C. had any idea that Sam noted that Mrs. Stewart was far better looking I think that Sam's Diary (and Sam) would have come to an abrupt end today!

About Monday 16 April 1666

jeannine  •  Link

"the girl Mercer taking physique can eat nothing"

Poor little Mercer. I wonder how much of the taking of physique was the result of poor diet vs. illness.

About Sunday 15 April 1666

jeannine  •  Link

"how for certain Mrs. Stewart do do everything with the King that a mistress should do;"

Sam and probably many of the King's Court assumed that Frances Stewart 'did' everything that a mistress should do. According to most of her biographers, she most likely did not ever comsummate her relationship with the King, but rather flirted and 'led him on', which drove him crazy with his passion so to speak.

About Thursday 12 April 1666

jeannine  •  Link

For all the homely ladies of the world, there are still those astute men who recognize their value. I think Sam only too well recognizes the angst that goes with having a beauty by his side.

If You Wanna Be Happy
Jimmy Soul
On You Tube here, lyrics below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh…

If you wanna be happy
For the rest of your life,
Never make a pretty woman your wife,
So from my personal point of view,
Get an ugly girl to marry you.

A pretty woman makes her husband look small
And very often causes his downfall.
As soon as he marries her
Then she starts to do
The things that will break his heart.
But if you make an ugly woman your wife,
You'll be happy for the rest of your life,
An ugly woman cooks her meals on time,
She'll always give you peace of mind.

Don't let your friends say
You have no taste,
Go ahead and marry anyway,
Though her face is ugly,
Her eyes don't match,
Take it from me she's a better catch.

Say man.
Hey baby.
Saw your wife the other day.
Yeah?
Yeah, she's ugly.
Yeah, she's ugly but she sure can cook.
Yeah?. Okay.

About Wednesday 14 March 1665/66

jeannine  •  Link

"it growing dark, took two or three wanton turns about the idle places and lanes about Drury Lane, but to no satisfaction, but a great fear of the plague among them"

It seems odd to me that Sam mulls around in spaces and places where the plague is feared and almost seems 'fearless' about getting it himself.

About Sunday 11 March 1665/66

jeannine  •  Link

It should be interesting to see how Sam's relationships with the likes of Mr. Coventry, Albermarle (and the other 'enemies of Lord Sandwich') progress over time. With Lord Sandwich gone Sam won't be in danger of being spotted by one team when he's talking to the other, etc.

About Saturday 10 March 1665/66

jeannine  •  Link

"I think its too bad that the old Valentine’s customs have disappeared. A lot of pressure today on making Valentine’s Day (the day itself) a special event rather than remembering your valentine throughout the year."

Well said Rod and in line with Sam's quote today that we forget to take time along the path to enjoy the walk because we're so focused on getting to the destination. There is always something to celebrate along life's way and we're blessed by those we can celebrate with. Even during the hard and upsetting times finding a little 'spot' of joy or appreciating someone else lifts the heart.

About Monday 5 March 1665/66

jeannine  •  Link

"I was at it till past two o’clock on Monday morning, and then read my vowes, and to bed with great joy and content that I have brought my things to so good a settlement" Now that Sam has his accounts in good order I'm surprised that he is not running wild with the ladies and drinking wine as he checks off a vow from his list!

About Tuesday 27 February 1665/66

jeannine  •  Link

"a harsh word or two"

This really is a delightful little understatement. I am pretty sure there were a lot more that 1-2 words spoken, but if limited to a real word or two I can imagine some unprintable little ditties that could have passed between Sam and Elizabeth!

Anyone know where the phrase 'a word or two' came from?

About Saturday 24 February 1665/66

jeannine  •  Link

"And Hayles is in his 66th year, what a lovely afternoon he had with Pepys and friends there?"

Thanks Lawrence for the information on Hayles. I did a quick Google Images search the other day to see if there was a portrait OF him... why do you ask... I could not for the life of me understand why Sam had no jealousy when Elizabeth went off to see him alone. I figured he was either very ugly or very old and NOTHING like her dashing dance teacher Mr. Pembleton (whom I so dearly miss!).

About Tuesday 20 February 1665/66

jeannine  •  Link

"Mr. Evelyn’s proposition about publique Infirmarys was read and agreed on, he being there: and at noon I took him home to dinner, being desirous of keeping my acquaintance with him; and a most excellent humoured man I still find him, and mighty knowing."

(Spoiler-after the Diary ends) This is delightful. As Sam and John Evelyn will remain friends for the rest of their lives. Their 'business' interactions in the Navy will blossom into a true appreciation for the other.

B Timbrell as time goes on there will be a great deal of personal and friendly correspondence between the two. Although I haven't read the entire Evelyn Diary I do know that in the Evelyn bio that there are quotes from his Diary about Sam (mostly in the future). Perhaps someone else can better answer your question.