Around 1640 Henry Mordaunt 2nd Earl Peterborough (age 18) lived at 8 Great Piazza Covent Garden.

Pepy's Diary. 26 Oct 1661. This morning Sir W. Pen (age 40) and I should have gone out of town with my Lady Batten, to have met Sir William coming back from Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map]; at Kingston, but could not, by reason that my Lord of Peterborough (age 39) (who is to go Governor of Tangier) came this morning, with Sir G. Carteret (age 51), to advise with us about completing of the affairs and preparacions for that place.

Pepy's Diary. 14 Jun 1662. So home and to bed. This day, I hear, my Lord Peterborough (age 40) is come unexpected from Tangier, to give the King (age 32) an account of the place, which, we fear, is in none of the best condition. We had also certain news to-day that the Spaniard is before Lisbon with thirteen sail; six Dutch, and the rest his own ships; which will, I fear, be ill for Portugall. I writ a letter of all this day's proceedings to my Lord, at Hinchingbroke, who, I hear, is very well pleased with the work there.

Pepy's Diary. 20 Aug 1662. By and by comes my Lord Peterborough (age 40) in, with whom we talked a good while, and he is going tomorrow towards Tangier again. I perceive there is yet good hopes of peace with Guyland¹, which is of great concernment to Tangier. And many other things I heard which yet I understand not, and so cannot remember. My Lord and Lord Peterborough (age 40) going out to the Solicitor General about the drawing up of this Commission, I went to Westminster Hall [Map] with Mr. Moore, and there meeting Mr. Townsend, he would needs take me to Fleet Street, to one Mr. Barwell, squire sadler to the King, and there we and several other Wardrobe-men dined. We had a venison pasty, and other good plain and handsome dishes; the mistress of the house a pretty, well-carriaged woman, and a fine hand she hath; and her maid a pretty brown lass. But I do find my nature ready to run back to my old course of drinking wine and staying from my business, and yet, thank God, I was not fully contented with it, but did stay at little ease, and after dinner hastened home by water, and so to my office till late at night.

Note 1. A Moorish usurper, who had put himself at the head of an army for the purpose of attacking Tangier. B.

Pepy's Diary. 24 Sep 1662. Up betimes and among my workmen, and among them all the morning till noon, and then to my Lord Crew's, and there dined alone with him, and among other things he do advise me by all means to keep my Lord Sandwich (age 37) from proceeding too far in the business of Tangier. First, for that he is confident the King (age 32) will not be able to find money for the building the Mole; and next, for that it is to be done as we propose it by the reducing of the garrison; and then either my Lord must oppose the Duke of York (age 28), who will have the Irish regiment under the command of Fitzgerald continued, or else my Lord Peterborough (age 40), who is concerned to have the English continued, and he, it seems, is gone back again merely upon my Lord Sandwich's (age 37) encouragement.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Oct 1662. After dinner he and I into another room over a pot of ale and talked. He showed me our commission, wherein the Duke of York (age 29), Prince Rupert (age 42), Duke of Albemarle (age 53), Lord Peterborough (age 40), Lord Sandwich (age 37), Sir G. Carteret (age 52), Sir William Compton (age 37), Mr. Coventry (age 34), Sir R. Ford (age 48), Sir William Rider, Mr. Cholmley, Mr. Povy (age 48), myself, and Captain Cuttance, in this order are joyned for the carrying on the service of Tangier, which I take for a great honour to me.

Pepy's Diary. 16 Mar 1663. Up very betimes and to my office, where, with several Masters of the King's ships, Sir J. Minnes (age 64) and I advising upon the business of Slopps, wherein the seaman is so much abused by the Pursers, and that being done, then I home to dinner, and so carried my wife to her mother's, set her down and Ashwell to my Lord's lodging, there left her, and I to the Duke (age 29), where we met of course, and talked of our Navy matters. Then to the Commission of Tangier, and there, among other things, had my Lord Peterborough's (age 41) Commission read over; and Mr. Secretary Bennet (age 45) did make his querys upon it, in order to the drawing one for my Lord Rutherford more regularly, that being a very extravagant thing. Here long discoursing upon my Lord Rutherford's despatch, and so broke up, and so going out of the Court I met with Mr. Coventry (age 35), and so he and I walked half an hour in the long Stone Gallery, where we discoursed of many things, among others how the Treasurer doth intend to come to pay in course, which is the thing of the world that will do the King (age 32) the greatest service in the Navy, and which joys my heart to hear of. He tells me of the business of Sir J. Minnes (age 64) and Sir W. Pen (age 41), which I knew before, but took no notice or little that I did know it. But he told me it was chiefly to make Mr. Pett's (age 52) being joyned with Sir W. Batten (age 62) to go down the better, and do tell me how he well sees that neither one nor the other can do their duties without help. But however will let it fall at present without doing more in it to see whether they will do their duties themselves, which he will see, and saith they do not. We discoursed of many other things to my great content and so parted, and I to my wife at my Lord's lodgings, where I heard Ashwell play first upon the harpsicon, and I find she do play pretty well, which pleaseth me very well.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Apr 1663. Thence away back again by water to Whitehall, and there to the Tangier Committee, where we find ourselves at a great stand; the establishment being but £70,000 per annum, and the forces to be kept in the town at the least estimate that my Lord Rutherford can be got to bring it is £53,000. The charge of this year's work of the Mole will be £13,000; besides £1000 a-year to my Lord Peterborough (age 41) as a pension, and the fortifications and contingencys, which puts us to a great stand, and so unsettled what to do therein we rose, and I to see my Lord Sandwich (age 37), whom I found merry at cards, and so by coach home, and after supper a little to my office and so home and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 10 Aug 1663. Thence by coach with my Lords Peterborough (age 41) and Sandwich to my Lord Peterborough's house; and there, after an hour's looking over some fine books of the Italian buildings, with fine cuts; and also my Lord Peterborough's (age 41) bowes and arrows, of which he is a great lover, we sat down to dinner, my [his wife] Lady (age 41) coming down to dinner also, and there being Mr. Williamson (age 30), that belongs to Sir H. Bennet (age 45), whom I find a pretty understanding and accomplished man, but a little conceited.

Pepy's Diary. 10 Aug 1663. By and by by water to White Hall, and so to St. James's, and anon called into the Duke's (age 29) chamber, and being dressed we were all as usual taken in with him and discoursed of our matters, and that being done, he walked, and I in the company with him, to White Hall, and there he took barge for Woolwich, Kent [Map], and, I up to the Committee of Tangier, where my Lord Sandwich (age 38), pay Lord Peterborough (age 41), (whom I have not seen before since his coming back,) Sir Wm. Compton (age 38), and Mr. Povy (age 49). Our discourse about supplying my Lord Teviott with money, wherein I am sorry to see, though they do not care for him, yet they are willing to let him for civility and compliment only have money almost without expecting any account of it; but by this means, he being such a cunning fellow as he is, the King (age 33) is like to pay dear for our courtiers' ceremony.

Pepy's Diary. 12 Aug 1663. So home again, and having put up the bedstead and done other things in order to my wife's coming, I went out to several places and to Mrs. Turner's (age 40), she inviting me last night, and there dined; with her and Madam Morrice and a stranger we were very merry and had a fine dinner, and thence I took leave and to White Hall, where my Lords Sandwich, Peterborough (age 41), and others made a Tangier Committee; spent the afternoon in reading and ordering with a great deal of alteration, and yet methinks never a whit the better, of a letter drawn by Creed to my Lord Rutherford. The Lords being against anything that looked to be rough, though it was in matter of money and accounts, wherein their courtship may cost the King (age 33) dear. Only I do see by them, that speaking in matters distasteful to him that we write to, it is best to do it in the plainest way and without ambages or reasoning, but only say matters of fact, and leave the party to collect your meaning.

Pepy's Diary. 13 Feb 1664. Up, and after I had told my wife in the morning in bed the passages yesterday with Creed my head and heart was mightily lighter than they were before, and so up and to the office, and thence, after sitting, at 11 o'clock with Mr. Coventry (age 36) to the African House, and there with Sir W. Ryder by agreement we looked over part of my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) accounts, these being by Creed and Vernaty.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Feb 1664. Called up to the office and much against my will I rose, my head aching mightily, and to the office, where I did argue to good purpose for the King (age 33), which I have been fitting myself for the last night against Mr. Wood about his masts, but brought it to no issue. Very full of business till noon, and then with Mr. Coventry (age 36) to the African House, and there fell to my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) accounts, and by and by to dinner, where excellent discourse, Sir G. Carteret (age 54) and others of the African Company with us, and then up to the accounts again, which were by and by done, and then I straight home, my head in great pain, and drowsy, so after doing a little business at the office I wrote to my father about sending him the mastiff was given me yesterday. I home and by daylight to bed about 6 o'clock and fell to sleep, wakened about 12 when my wife came to bed, and then to sleep again and so till morning, and then:

Pepy's Diary. 25 Feb 1664. Up and to the office, where we sat, and thence with Mr. Coventry (age 36) by coach to the glasshouse and there dined, and both before and after did my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) accounts.

Pepy's Diary. 26 Feb 1664. Among others talking with W. Howe, he told me how my Lord in his hearing the other day did largely tell my Lord Peterborough (age 42) and Povy (age 50) (who went with them down to Hinchinbrooke) how and when he discarded Creed, and took me to him, and that since the Duke of York (age 30) has several times thanked him for me, which did not a little please me, and anon I desiring Mr. Howe to tell me upon (what) occasion this discourse happened, he desired me to say nothing of it now, for he would not have my Lord to take notice of our being together, but he would tell me another time, which put me into some trouble to think what he meant by it.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Feb 1664. At noon with Mr. Coventry (age 36) to the African House, and to my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) business again, and then to dinner, where, before dinner, we had the best oysters I have seen this year, and I think as good in all respects as ever I eat in my life. I eat a great many. Great, good company at dinner, among others Sir Martin Noell (age 64), who told us the dispute between him, as farmer of the Additional Duty, and the East India Company, whether callicos be linnen or no; which he says it is, having been ever esteemed so: they say it is made of cotton woole, and grows upon trees, not like flax or hempe. But it was carried against the Company, though they stand out against the verdict.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Mar 1664. Up pretty early and so to the office, where we sat all the morning making a very great contract with Sir W. Warren for provisions for the yeare coming, and so home to dinner, and there was W. Howe come to dine with me, and before dinner he and I walked in the garden, and we did discourse together, he assuring me of what he told me the other day of my Lord's speaking so highly in my commendation to my Lord Peterborough (age 42) and Povy (age 50), which speaks my Lord having yet a good opinion of me, and also how well my Lord and Lady both are pleased with their children's being at my father's, and when the bigger ladies were there a little while ago, at which I am very glad.

Pepy's Diary. 04 Mar 1664. Up, my eye being pretty well, and then by coach to my Lord Sandwich (age 38), with whom I spoke, walking a good while with him in his garden, which and the house is very fine, talking of my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) accounts, wherein he is concerned both for the foolery as also inconvenience which may happen upon my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) ill-stating of his matters, so as to have his gaine discovered unnecessarily. We did talk long and freely that I hope the worst is past and all will be well. There were several people by trying a new-fashion gun¹ brought my Lord this morning, to shoot off often, one after another, without trouble or danger, very pretty.

Note 1. Many attempts to produce a satisfactory revolver were made in former centuries, but it was not till the present one that Colt's revolver was invented. On February 18th, 1661, Edward, Marquis of Worcester (age 61), obtained Letters Patent for "an invencon to make certeyne guns or pistolls which in the tenth parte of one minute of an houre may, with a flaske contrived to that purpose, be re-charged the fourth part of one turne of the barrell which remaines still fixt, fastening it as forceably and effectually as a dozen thrids of any scrue, which in the ordinary and usual way require as many turnes". On March 3rd, 1664, Abraham Hill obtained Letters Patent for a "gun or pistoll for small shott, carrying seaven or eight charges of the same in the stocke of the gun"..

Pepy's Diary. 26 Mar 1664. Up very betimes and to my office, and there read over some papers against a meeting by and by at this office of Mr. Povy (age 50), Sir W. Rider, Creed, and Vernaty, and Mr. Gauden about my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) accounts for Tangier, wherein we proceeded a good way; but, Lord! to see how ridiculous Mr. Povy (age 50) is in all he says or do; like a man not more fit for to be in such employments as he is, and particularly that of Treasurer (paying many and very great sums without the least written order) as he is to be King of England, and seems but this day, after much discourse of mine, to be sensible of that part of his folly, besides a great deal more in other things.

Pepy's Diary. 31 Mar 1664. Up betimes, and to my office, where by and by comes Povy (age 50), Sir W. Rider, Mr. Bland, Creed, and Vernaty, about my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) accounts, which we now went through, but with great difficulty, and many high words between Mr. Povy (age 50) and I; for I could not endure to see so many things extraordinary put in, against truthe and reason. He was very angry, but I endeavoured all I could to profess my satisfaction in my Lord's part of the accounts, but not in those foolish idle things, they say I said, that others had put in. Anon we rose and parted, both of us angry, but I contented, because I knew all of them must know I was in the right.

Pepy's Diary. 04 Apr 1664. And at last W. Joyce was called in; and by the consequences, and what my Lord Peterborough (age 42) told me, I find that he did speak all he said to his disadvantage, and so was committed to the Black Rod: which is very hard, he doing what he did by the advice of my Lord Peters' (age 38) own steward. But the Sergeant of the Black Rod did direct one of his messengers to take him in custody, and so he was peaceably conducted to the Swan with two Necks, in Tuttle Street, to a handsome dining-room; and there was most civilly used, my uncle Fenner, and his brother Anthony, and some other friends being with him. But who would have thought that the fellow that I should have sworn could have spoken before all the world should in this be so daunted, as not to know what he said, and now to cry like a child. I protest, it is very strange to observe.

Pepy's Diary. 04 Apr 1664. Afterwards I spoke with my Lord Barkeley (age 62) and my Lord Peterborough (age 42) about it. And so staid without a good while, and saw my Lady Peters, an impudent jade, soliciting all the Lords on her behalf.

Pepy's Diary. 05 Apr 1664. Thence back, and there spoke to several Lords, and so did his solicitor (one that W. Joyce hath promised £5 to if he be released). Lord Peterborough (age 42) presented a petition to the House from W. Joyce: and a great dispute, we hear, there was in the House for and against it. At last it was carried that he should be bayled till the House meets again after Easter, he giving bond for his appearance. This was not so good as we hoped, but as good as we could well expect.

Pepy's Diary. 05 Apr 1664. Up very betimes, and walked to my cozen Anthony Joyce's, and thence with him to his brother Will, in Tuttle Street, where I find him pretty cheery over (what) he was yesterday (like a coxcomb), his wife being come to him, and having had his boy with him last night. Here I staid an hour or two and wrote over a fresh petition, that which was drawn by their solicitor not pleasing me, and thence to the Painted Chamber [Map], and by and by away by coach to my Lord Peterborough's (age 42), and there delivered the petition into his hand, which he promised most readily to deliver to the House today.

Pepy's Diary. 14 Apr 1664. Up betimes, and after my father's eating something, I walked out with him as far as Milk Streete, he turning down to Cripplegate to take coach; and at the end of the streete I took leave, being much afeard I shall not see him here any more, he do decay so much every day, and so I walked on, there being never a coach to be had till I came to Charing Cross, and there Col. Froud took me up and carried me to St. James's, where with Mr. Coventry (age 36) and Povy (age 50), &c., about my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) accounts, but, Lord! to see still what a puppy that Povy (age 50) is with all his show is very strange.

Pepy's Diary. 16 Apr 1664. Up and to the office, where all the morning upon the dispute of Mr. Wood's masts, and at noon with Mr. Coventry (age 36) to the African House; and after a good and pleasant dinner, up with him, Sir W. Rider, the simple Povy (age 50), of all the most ridiculous foole that ever I knew to attend to business, and Creed and Vernaty, about my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) accounts; but the more we look into them, the more we see of them that makes dispute, which made us break off, and so I home, and there found my wife and Besse gone over the water to Half-way house, and after them, thinking to have gone to Woolwich, Kent [Map], but it was too late, so eat a cake and home, and thence by coach to have spoke with Tom Trice about a letter I met with this afternoon from my cozen Scott, wherein he seems to deny proceeding as my father's attorney in administering for him in my brother Tom's (deceased) estate, but I find him gone out of town, and so returned vexed home and to the office, where late writing a letter to him, and so home and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 25 Apr 1664. Thence down with Mr. Coventry (age 36) and Sir W. Rider, who was there (going along with us from the East Indya house to-day) to discourse of my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) accounts, and then walked over the Parke, and in Mr. Cutler's coach with him and Rider as far as the Strand, and thence I walked to my Lord Sandwich's (age 38), where by agreement I met my wife, and there dined with the young ladies; my Lady, being not well, kept her chamber. Much simple discourse at table among the young ladies.

Pepy's Diary. 29 Apr 1664. Up betimes, and with Sir W. Rider and Cutler to White Hall. Rider and I to St. James's, and there with Mr. Coventry (age 36) did proceed strictly upon some fooleries of Mr. Povy's (age 50) in my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) accounts, which will touch him home, and I am glad of it, for he is the most troublesome impertinent man that ever I met with.

Pepy's Diary. 03 May 1664. Thence, after long staying to speak with my Lord Sandwich (age 38), at last he coming out to me and speaking with me about business of my Lord Peterborough (age 42), I by coach home to the office, where all the afternoon, only stept home to eat one bit and to the office again, having eaten nothing before to-day.

Pepy's Diary. 03 May 1664. Up, and being ready, went by agreement to Mr. Bland's and there drank my morning draft in good chocollatte, and slabbering my band sent home for another, and so he and I by water to White Hall, and walked to St. James's, where met Creed and Vernaty, and by and by Sir W. Rider, and so to Mr. Coventry's (age 36) chamber, and there upon my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) accounts, where I endeavoured to shew the folly and punish it as much as I could of Mr. Povy (age 50); for, of all the men in the world, I never knew any man of his degree so great a coxcomb in such imployments. I see I have lost him forever, but I value it not; for he is a coxcomb, and, I doubt, not over honest, by some things which I see; and yet, for all his folly, he hath the good lucke, now and then, to speak his follies in as good words, and with as good a show, as if it were reason, and to the purpose, which is really one of the wonders of my life.

Pepy's Diary. 04 May 1664. Thence to attend my Lord Peterborough (age 42) in bed and give him an account of yesterday's proceeding with Povy (age 50). I perceive I labour in a business will bring me little pleasure; but no matter, I shall do the King (age 33) some service.

Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1664. In the evening came Mr. Vernaty to see me and discourse about my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) business, and also my uncle Wight (age 62) and Norbury, but I took no notice nor showed any different countenance to my uncle Wight (age 62), or he to me, for all that he carried himself so basely to my wife the last week, but will take time to make my use of it. So, being exceeding hot, to bed, and slept well.

Pepy's Diary. 19 May 1664. Up, and it being very rayny weather, which makes it cooler than it was, by coach to Charing Cross with Sir W. Pen (age 43), who is going to Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map] this day, and left him going to St. James's to take leave of the Duke (age 30), and I to White Hall to a Committee of Tangier; where God forgive how our Report of my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) accounts was read over and agreed to by the Lords, without one of them understanding it! And had it been what it would, it had gone: and, besides, not one thing touching the King's profit in it minded or hit upon.

Pepy's Diary. 10 Jun 1664. Up and by water to White Hall, and there to a Committee of Tangier, and had occasion to see how my Lord Ashworth (age 42)¹ deports himself, which is very fine indeed, and it joys my heart to see that there is any body looks so near into the King's business as I perceive he do in this business of my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) accounts.

Note 1. Lord Ashworth is probably a miswriting for Lord Ashley (age 42) (afterwards Earl of Shaftesbury).

Pepy's Diary. 22 Jun 1664. Thence home, there coming to me my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) Sollicitor with a letter from him to desire present dispatch in his business of freight, and promises me £50, which is good newes, and I hope to do his business readily for him. This much rejoiced me. All the afternoon at his business, and late at night comes the Sollicitor again, and I with him at 9 o'clock to Mr. Povy's (age 50), and there acquainted him with the business. The money he won't pay without warrant, but that will be got done in a few days.

Pepy's Diary. 08 Jul 1664. Up and called out by my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) gentleman to Mr. Povy's (age 50) to discourse about getting of his money, wherein I am concerned in hopes of the £50 my Lord hath promised me, but I dare not reckon myself sure of it till I have it in my main, [hand.] for these Lords are hard to be trusted. Though I well deserve it. I staid at Povy's (age 50) for his coming in, and there looked over his stables and every thing, but notwithstanding all the times I have been there I do yet find many fine things to look on.

Pepy's Diary. 09 Jul 1664. Up, and at the office all the morning. In the afternoon by coach with Sir J. Minnes (age 65) to White Hall, and there to a Committee for Fishing; but the first thing was swearing to be true to the Company, and we were all sworne; but a great dispute we had, which, methought, is very ominous to the Company; some, that we should swear to be true to the best of our power, and others to the best of our understanding; and carried in the last, though in that we are the least able to serve the Company, because we would not be obliged to attend the business when we can, but when we list. This consideration did displease me, but it was voted and so went. We did nothing else, but broke up till a Committee of Guinny was set and ended, and then met again for Tangier and there I did my business about my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) order and my own for my expenses for the garrison lately.

Pepy's Diary. 12 Jul 1664. And so rose, called up by my Lord Peterborough's (age 42) gentleman about getting his Lord's money to-day of Mr. Povy (age 50), wherein I took such order, that it was paid, and I had my £50 brought me, which comforts my heart. We sat at the office all the morning, then at home. Dined alone; sad for want of company and not being very well, and know not how to eat alone.

Pepy's Diary. 19 Jan 1665. Up, and it being yesterday and to-day a great thaw it is not for a man to walk the streets, but took coach and to Mr. Povy's (age 51), and there meeting all of us again agreed upon an answer to the Lords by and by, and thence we did come to Exeter House [Map], and there was a witness of most [base] language against Mr. Povy (age 51), from my Lord Peterborough (age 43), who is most furiously angry with him, because the other, as a foole, would needs say that the £26,000 was my Lord Peterborough's (age 43) account, and that he had nothing to do with it. The Lords did find fault also with our answer, but I think really my Lord Ashly (age 43) would fain have the outside of an Exchequer¹, but when we come better to be examined.

Note 1. This word is blotted, and the whole sentence is confused.

Pepy's Diary. 08 Feb 1665. Up and by coach to my Lord Peterborough's (age 43), where anon my Lord Ashly (age 43) and Sir Thomas Ingram (age 50) met, and Povy (age 51) about his accounts, who is one of the most unhappy accountants that ever I knew in all my life, and one that if I were clear in reference to my bill of £117 he should be hanged before I would ever have to do with him, and as he understands nothing of his business himself, so he hath not one about him that do. Here late till I was weary, having business elsewhere, and thence home by coach, and after dinner did several businesses and very late at my office, and so home to supper and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 17 Mar 1665. Thence to the Committee of Tangier, where the Duke (age 31) a little, and then left us and we staid. A very great Committee, the Lords Albemarle (age 56), Sandwich (age 39), Barkely (age 63), Fitzharding (age 35), Peterborough (age 43), Ashley (age 43), Sir Thos. Ingram (age 50), Sir G. Carteret (age 55) and others. The whole business was the stating of Povy's (age 51) accounts, of whom to say no more, never could man say worse himself nor have worse said of him than was by the company to his face; I mean, as to his folly and very reflecting words to his honesty. Broke up without anything but trouble and shame, only I got my businesses done to the signing of two bills for the Contractors and Captain Taylor, and so come away well pleased, and home, taking up my wife at the 'Change [Map], to dinner.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Mar 1665. So to my Lord Peterborough's (age 43); where Povy (age 51), Creed, Williamson, Auditor Beale, and myself, and mighty merry to see how plainly my Lord and Povy (age 51) did abuse one another about their accounts, each thinking the other a foole, and I thinking they were not either of them, in that point, much in the wrong, though in everything, and even in this manner of reproaching one another, very witty and pleasant. Among other things, we had here the genteelest dinner and the neatest house that I have seen many a day, and the latter beyond anything I ever saw in a nobleman's house.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Apr 1665. Up, and to my office, where all the morning, at noon Creed dined with me; and, after dinner, walked in the garden, he telling me that my Lord Treasurer (age 58) now begins to be scrupulous, and will know what becomes of the £26,000 saved by my Lord Peterborough (age 43), before he parts with any more money, which puts us into new doubts, and me into a great fear, that all my cake will be doe still¹. But I am well prepared for it to bear it, being not clear whether it will be more for my profit to have it, or go without it, as my profits of the Navy are likely now to be.

Note 1. An obsolete proverb, signifying to lose one's hopes, a cake coming out of the oven in a state of dough being considered spoiled. "My cake is dough; but I'll in among the rest; Out of hope of all, but my share in the feast". Shakespeare, Taming of the Shrew, act v., sc. i.-M. B.

Pepy's Diary. 28 Apr 1665. Thence he and I out to Sir Philip Warwicke's (age 55), but being not up we took a turn in the garden hard by, and thither comes Povy (age 51) to us. After some discourse of the reason of the difficulty that Sir Philip Warwicke (age 55) makes in issuing a warrant for my striking of tallys, namely, the having a clear account of the £26,000 saved by my Lord of Peterborough (age 43), we parted, and I to Sir P. Warwicke (age 55), who did give me an account of his demurr, which I applied myself to remove by taking Creed with me to my Lord Ashly (age 43), from whom, contrary to all expectation, I received a very kind answer, just as we could have wished it, that he would satisfy my Lord Treasurer (age 58).

Pepy's Diary. 09 Jun 1666. So to White Hall, and there when we were come all together in certain expectation of doing our business to Yeabsly's full content, and us that were his friends, my Lord Peterborough (age 44) (whether through some difference between him and my Lord Ashly (age 44), or him and me or Povy (age 52), or through the falsenesse of Creed, I know not) do bring word that the Duke of Yorke (age 32) (who did expressly bid me wait at the Committee for the dispatch of the business) would not have us go forward in this business of allowing the losse of the ships till Sir G. Carteret (age 56) and Sir W. Coventry (age 38) were come to towne, which was the very thing indeed which we would have avoided. This being told us, we broke up doing nothing, to my great discontent, though I said nothing, and afterwards I find by my Lord Ashly's (age 44) discourse to me that he is troubled mightily at it, and indeed it is a great abuse of him and of the whole Commissioners that nothing of that nature can be done without Sir G. Carteret (age 56) or Sir W. Coventry (age 38). No sooner was the Committee up, and I going [through] the Court homeward, but I am told Sir W. Coventry (age 38) is come to town; so I to his chamber, and there did give him an account how matters go in our office, and with some content I parted from him, after we had discoursed several things of the haste requisite to be made in getting the fleete out again and the manner of doing it. But I do not hear that he is at all pleased or satisfied with the late fight; but he tells me more newes of our suffering, by the death of one or two captains more than I knew before. But he do give over the thoughts of the safety of The Swiftsure or Essex.

Pepy's Diary. 13 Jun 1666. After we had done with the Duke of Yorke (age 32), I with others to White Hall, there to attend again a Committee of Tangier, but there was none, which vexed me to the heart, and makes me mighty doubtfull that when we have one, it will be prejudiced against poor Yeabsly and to my great disadvantage thereby, my Lord Peterborough (age 44) making it his business, I perceive (whether in spite to me, whom he cannot but smell to be a friend to it, or to my Lord Ashly (age 44), I know not), to obstruct it, and seems to take delight in disappointing of us; but I shall be revenged of him. Here I staid a very great while, almost till noon, and then meeting Balty (age 26) I took him with me, and to Westminster to the Exchequer about breaking of two tallys of £2000 each into smaller tallys, which I have been endeavouring a good while, but to my trouble it will not, I fear, be done, though there be no reason against it, but only a little trouble to the clerks; but it is nothing to me of real profit at all.

Pepy's Diary. 31 Jul 1666. The Court being empty, the King (age 36) being gone to Tunbridge [Map], and the Duke of Yorke (age 32) a-hunting. I had some discourse with Povy (age 52), who is mightily discontented, I find, about his disappointments at Court; and says, of all places, if there be hell, it is here. No faith, no truth, no love, nor any agreement between man and wife, nor friends. He would have spoke broader, but I put it off to another time; and so parted. Then with Creed and read over with him the narrative of the late [fight], which he makes a very poor thing of, as it is indeed, and speaks most slightingly of the whole matter. Povy (age 52) discoursed with me about my Lord Peterborough's (age 44) £50 which his man did give me from him, the last year's salary I paid him, which he would have Povy (age 52) pay him again; but I have not taken it to myself yet, and therefore will most heartily return him, and mark him out for a coxcomb. Povy (age 52) went down to Mr. Williamson's (age 33), and brought me up this extract out of the Flanders' letters to-day come: That Admiral Everson, and the Admiral and Vice-Admiral of Freezeland, with many captains and men, are slain; that De Ruyter (age 59) is safe, but lost 250 men out of his own ship; but that he is in great disgrace, and Trump in better favour; that Bankert's ship is burned, himself hardly escaping with a few men on board De Haes; that fifteen captains are to be tried the seventh of August; and that the hangman was sent from Flushing [Map] to assist the Council of Warr. How much of this is true, time will shew.

Pepy's Diary. 14 Aug 1666. So I away not pleased, and to White Hall, where I find them at Chappell, and met with Povy (age 52), and he and I together, who tells me how mad my letter makes my Lord Peterborough (age 44), and what a furious letter he hath writ to me in answer, though it is not come yet. This did trouble me; for though there be no reason, yet to have a nobleman's mouth open against a man may do a man hurt; so I endeavoured to have found him out and spoke with him, but could not.

Pepy's Diary. 05 Oct 1666. Up, and with my father talking awhile, then to the office, and there troubled with a message from Lord Peterborough (age 44) about money; but I did give as kind answer as I could, though I hate him. Then to Sir G. Carteret (age 56) to discourse about paying of part of the great ships come in, and so home again to compare the comparison of the two Dutch wars' charges for Sir W. Coventry (age 38), and then by water (and saw old Mr. Michell digging like a painfull father for his son) to him, and find him at dinner.

Pepy's Diary. 20 Oct 1666. After dinner home, and there met Mr. Povy (age 52) by appointment, and there he and I all the afternoon, till late at night, evening of all accounts between us, which we did to both our satisfaction; but that which troubles me most is, that I am to refund to the ignoble Lord Peterborough (age 44) what he had given us six months ago, because we did not supply him with money; but it is no great matter. He gone I to the office, and there did some business; and so home, my mind in good ease by having done with Povy (age 52) in order to the adjusting of all my accounts in a few days.

Pepy's Diary. 05 Nov 1666. Thence by coach to my [his wife] Lady Peterborough (age 44), and there spoke with my Lady, who had sent to speak with me. She makes mighty moan of the badness of the times, and her family as to money. My Lord's (age 44) passionateness for want thereof, and his want of coming in of rents, and no wages from the Duke of York (age 33). No money to be had there for wages nor disbursements, and therefore prays my assistance about his pension. I was moved with her story, which she largely and handsomely told me, and promised I would try what I could do in a few days, and so took leave, being willing to keep her Lord fair with me, both for his respect to my Lord Sandwich (age 41) and for my owne sake hereafter, when I come to pass my accounts.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Dec 1666. Up, and, among a great many people that come to speak with me, one was my Lord Peterborough's (age 45) gentleman, who comes to me to dun me to get some money advanced for my Lord; and I demanding what newes, he tells me that at Court they begin to fear the business of Scotland more and more; and that the Duke of York (age 33) intends to go to the North to raise an army, and that the King (age 36) would have some of the Nobility and others to go and assist; but they were so served the last year, among others his Lord, in raising forces at their own charge, for fear of the French invading us, that they will not be got out now, without money advanced to them by the King (age 36), and this is like to be the King's case for certain, if ever he comes to have need of any army. He and others gone, I by water to Westminster, and there to the Exchequer, and put my tallys in a way of doing for the last quarter. But my not following it the last week has occasioned the clerks some trouble, which I am sorry for, and they are mad at.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Oct 1667. He gone, I thence to my [his wife] Lady Peterborough (age 45), who sent for me; and with her an hour talking about her husband's pension, and how she hath got an order for its being paid again; though, I believe, for all that order, it will hardly be; but of that I said nothing; but her design is to get it paid again: and how to raise money upon it, to clear it from the engagement which lies upon it to some citizens, who lent her husband money, without her knowledge, upon it, to vast loss. She intends to force them to take their money again, and release her husband (age 45) of those hard terms. The woman is a very wise woman, and is very plain in telling me how her plate and jewels are at pawne for money, and how they are forced to live beyond their estate, and do get nothing by his being a courtier. The lady I pity, and her family. Having done with her, and drunk two glasses of her meade, which she did give me, and so to the Treasurer's Office, and there find my Lord Bruncker (age 47) and Sir W. Pen (age 46) at dinner with Sir G. Carteret (age 57) about his accounts, where I dined and talked and settled some business, and then home, and there took out my wife and Willet, thinking to have gone to a play, but both houses were begun, and so we to the 'Change [Map], and thence to my tailor's, and there, the coachman desiring to go home to change his horses, we went with him into a nasty end of all St. Giles's [Map], and there went into a nasty room, a chamber of his, where he hath a wife and child, and there staid, it growing dark too, and I angry thereat, till he shifted his horses, and then home apace, and there I to business late, and so home, to supper, and walk in the garden with my wife and girle, with whom we are mightily pleased, and after talking and supping, to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 27 Jan 1668. Thence to my [his wife] Lady Peterborough's (age 46), she desiring to speak with me. She loves to be taken dressing herself, as I always find her; and there, after a little talk, to please her, about her husband's (age 46) pension, which I do not think he will ever get again, I away thence home, and all the afternoon mighty busy at the office, and late, preparing a letter to the Commissioners of Accounts, our first letter to them, and so home to supper, where Betty Turner (age 15) was (whose brother Frank did set out toward the East Indies this day, his father (age 55) and mother (age 45) gone down with him to Gravesend, Kent [Map]), and there was her little brother Moses, whom I examined, and he is a pretty good scholar for a child, and so after supper to talk and laugh, and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Jun 1668. After dinner carried her by coach to St. James's, where she sat in the coach till I to my [his wife] Lady Peterborough's (age 46), who tells me, among other things, her Lord's (age 46) good words to the Duke of York (age 34) lately, about my Lord Sandwich (age 42), and that the Duke of York (age 34) is kind to my Lord Sandwich (age 42), which I am glad to hear: my business here was about her Lord's pension from Tangier. Here met with Povy (age 54), who tells me how hard Creed is upon him, though he did give him, about six months since, I think he said, fifty pieces in gold; and one thing there is in his accounts that I fear may touch me, but I shall help it, I hope. So my wife not speaking a word, going nor coming, nor willing to go to a play, though a new one, I to the Office, and did much business. At night home, where supped Mr. Turner and his wife, and Betty and Mercer and Pelling, as merry as the ill, melancholy humour that my wife was in, would let us, which vexed me; but I took no notice of it, thinking that will be the best way, and let it wear away itself. After supper, parted, and to bed; and my wife troubled all night, and about one o'clock goes out of the bed to the girl's bed, which did trouble me, she crying and sobbing, without telling the cause.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Jan 1669. Thence to the Duke of York (age 35) on the King's side, with our Treasurers of the Navy, to discourse some business of the Navy, about the pay of the yards, and there I was taken notice of, many Lords being there in the room, of the Duke of York's (age 35) conference with me; and so away, and meeting Mr. Sidney Montagu (age 18) and Sheres, a small invitation served their turn to carry them to London, where I paid Sheres his £100, given him for his pains in drawing the plate of Tangier fortifications, &c., and so home to my house to dinner, where I had a pretty handsome sudden dinner, and all well pleased; and thence we three and my wife to the Duke of York's playhouse, and there saw "The Witts", a medley of things, but some similes mighty good, though ill mixed; and thence with my wife to the Exchange [Map] and bought some things, and so home, after I had been at White Hall, and there in the Queen's (age 30) withdrawing-room invited my Lord Peterborough (age 47) to dine with me, with my Lord Sandwich (age 43), who readily accepted it.

Pepy's Diary. 20 Jan 1669. Up; and my wife, and I, and W. Hewer (age 27) to White Hall, where she set us down; and there I spoke with my Lord Peterborough (age 47), to tell him of the day for his dining with me being altered by my Lord Sandwich (age 43) from Friday to Saturday next. And thence heard at the Council-board the City, by their single counsel Symson, and the company of Strangers Merchants, a debate the business of water-baylage; a tax demanded upon all goods, by the City, imported and exported: which these Merchants oppose, and demanding leave to try the justice of the City's demand by a Quo Warranto, which the City opposed, the Merchants did quite lay the City on their backs with great triumph, the City's cause being apparently too weak: but here I observed Mr. Gold, the merchant, to speak very well, and very sharply, against the City.

Evelyn's Diary. 15 May 1677. Came the Earl of Peterborough (age 55), to desire me to be a trustee for Lord Viscount Mordaunt and the Countess, for the sale of certain lands set out by Act of Parliament, to pay debts.

Evelyn's Diary. 03 Jul 1677. I sealed the deeds of sale of the manor of Blechingley [Map] to Sir Robert Clayton (age 48), for payment of Lord Peterborough's (age 55) debts, according to the trust of the Act of Parliament.

Evelyn's Diary. 09 Aug 1677. Dined at the Earl of Peterborough's (age 55) the day after the marriage of my [his son-in-law] Lord of Arundel (age 22) to [his daughter] Lady Mary Mordaunt (age 18), daughter of the Earl of Peterborough.

In 1685 William Williams 1st Baronet (age 51) was elected MP Montgomeryshire. His return was cancelled on petition, on the grounds that the contributory boroughs had no opportunity of voting. The prosecution resumed, and he was fined £10,000. He was also fined £20,000 after similar action was instigated by the Earl of Peterborough (age 63). Supporters worked on his behalf, including the Earl of Rochester (age 42); subsequently, £8,000 was accepted as full payment for the former fine, and Peterborough accepted a token payment for the latter after persuasion from James, now king.

Evelyn's Diary. 17 Feb 1685. This morning his Ma* (age 51) restor'd the staffe and key to Lord Arlington (age 67), Chamberlaine; to Mr. Savell (age 43), Vice-chamberlaine; to Lords Newport (age 64) and Malnard (age 62), Treasurer and Comptroler of the Household; Lord Godolphin (age 39) made Chamberlaine to ye Queene (age 26); Lord Peterborow (age 63) Groome of ye Stole in place of the Earle of Bath (age 56); the Treasurer's staff to the Earle of Rochester (age 42); and his brother the Earle of Clarendon Lord Privie Seale in place of the Marquis of Halifax (age 51), who was made President of the Council; the Secretarys of State remaining as before.

Evelyn's Diary. 18 Dec 1688. I saw the King (age 55) take barge to Gravesend, Kent [Map] at twelve o'clock-a sad sight! The Prince (age 38) comes to St. James's [Map], and fills Whitehall with Dutch guards. A Council of Peers meet about an expedient to call a Parliament; adjourn to the House of Lords. The Chancellor, Earl of Peterborough (age 67), and divers others taken. The Earl of Sunderland (age 47) flies; Sir Edward Hale (age 43), Walker, and others, taken and secured.

Evelyn's Diary. 20 Mar 1692. My son was made one of the Commissioners of the Revenue and Treasury of Ireland, to which employment he had a mind, far from my wishes. I visited the Earl of Peterborough (age 70), who showed me the picture of the Prince of Wales (age 3), newly brought out of France, seeming in my opinion very much to resemble the Queen (age 33) his mother, and of a most vivacious countenance.