John Evelyn's Diary 1665

 John Evelyn's Diary 1665 January John Evelyn's Diary 1665 February John Evelyn's Diary 1665 March John Evelyn's Diary 1665 April John Evelyn's Diary 1665 June John Evelyn's Diary 1665 July John Evelyn's Diary 1665 August John Evelyn's Diary 1665 September John Evelyn's Diary 1665 October John Evelyn's Diary 1665 November

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 is in John Evelyn's Diary 1660s.

1665 Sinking of The London

1665 Second Anglo Dutch War

1665 Battle of Lowestoft

1665 Great Plague of London

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665 January

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 January 02

02 Jan 1665. This day was published by me that part of "The Mystery of Jesuitism" translated and collected by me, though without my name, containing the Imaginary Heresy, with four letters and other pieces.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 January 04

04 Jan 1665. I went in a coach, it being excessive sharp frost and snow, toward Dover, Kent [Map] and other parts of Kent, to settle physicians, chirurgeons, agents, marshals, and other officers in all the sea ports, to take care of such as should be set on shore, wounded, sick, or prisoners, in pursuance of our commission reaching from the North Foreland, in Kent, to Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map], in Hampshire. The rest of the ports in England were allotted to the other Commissioners. That evening I came to Rochester, Kent [Map], where I delivered the Privy Council's letter to the Mayor to receive orders from me.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 January 05

05 Jan 1665. I arrived at Canterbury, Kent [Map], and went to the cathedral [Map], exceedingly well repaired since his Majesty's (age 34) return.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 January 06

06 Jan 1665. To Dover, Kent [Map], where Colonel Stroode (age 37), Lieutenant of the Castle, having received the letter I brought him from the Duke of Albemarle (age 56), made me lodge in it, and I was splendidly treated, assisting me from place to place. Here I settled my first Deputy. The Mayor and officers of the Customs were very civil to me.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 January 09

09 Jan 1665. To Deal, Kent [Map]. 10th. To Sandwich, Kent [Map], a pretty town, about two miles from the sea. The Mayor and officers of the Customs were very diligent to serve me. I visited the forts in the way, and returned that night to Canterbury, Kent [Map].

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 January 11

11 Jan 1665. To Rochester, Kent [Map], when I took order to settle officers at Chatham, Kent [Map].

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 January 12

12 Jan 1665. To Gravesend, Kent [Map], and returned home. A cold, busy, but not unpleasant journey.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 January 25

25 Jan 1665. This night being at Whitehall [Map], his Majesty (age 34) came to me standing in the withdrawing-room, and gave me thanks for publishing "The Mysteries of Jesuitism", which he said he had carried two days in his pocket, read it, and encouraged me; at which I did not a little wonder: I suppose Sir Robert Murray (age 57) had given it to him.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 January 27

27 Jan 1665. Dined at the Lord Chancellor's (age 55), who caused me after dinner to sit two or three hours alone with him in his bedchamber.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665 February

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 February 02

02 Feb 1665. I saw a Masque performed at Court, by six gentlemen and six ladies, surprising his Majesty (age 34), it being Candlemas day.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Feb 1665. So home, and among other letters found one from Jane, that is newly gone, telling me how her mistresse won't pay her her Quarter's wages, and withal tells me how her mistress will have the boy sit 3 or 4 hours together in the dark telling of stories, but speaks of nothing but only her indiscretion in undervaluing herself to do it, but I will remedy that, but am vexed she should get some body to write so much because of making it publique. Then took coach and to visit my Lady Sandwich (age 40), where she discoursed largely to me her opinion of a match, if it could be thought fit by my Lord, for my Lady Jemimah, with Sir G. Carteret's (age 55) eldest son; but I doubt he hath yet no settled estate in land. But I will inform myself, and give her my opinion. Then Mrs. Pickering (age 23) (after private discourse ended, we going into the other room) did, at my Lady's command, tell me the manner of a masquerade1 before the King (age 34) and Court the other day. Where six women (my Baroness Castlemayne (age 24) and Duchesse of Monmouth being two of them) and six men (the Duke of Monmouth (age 15) and Lord Arran (age 25) and Monsieur Blanfort, being three of them) in vizards, but most rich and antique dresses, did dance admirably and most gloriously. God give us cause to continue the mirthe! So home, and after awhile at my office to supper and to bed.

Note 1. The masquerade at Court took place on the 2nd, and is referred to by Evelyn, who was present, in his Diary. Some amusing incidents connected with the entertainment are related in the "Grammont Memoirs (chapter vii.).

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 February 08

08 Feb 1665. Ash Wednesday, 1665. I visited our prisoners at Chelsea College, and to examine how the marshal and sutlers behaved. These were prisoners taken in the war; they only complained that their bread was too fine. I dined at Sir Henry Herbert's (age 70), Master of the Revels.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 February 09

09 Feb 1665. Dined at my Lord Treasurer's, the Earl of Southampton (age 57), in Bloomsbury, where he was building a noble square or piazza, a little town; his own house stands too low, some noble rooms, a pretty cedar chapel, a naked garden to the north, but good air. I had much discourse with his Lordship (age 57), whom I found to be a person of extraordinary parts, but a valetudinarian.-I went to St James' Park [Map], where I saw various animals, and examined the throat of the Onocrotylus, or pelican, a fowl between a stork and a swan; a melancholy water-fowl, brought from Astrakhan by the Russian Ambassador; it was diverting to see how he would toss up and turn a flat fish, plaice, or flounder, to get it right into his gullet at its lower beak, which, being filmy, stretches to a prodigious wideness when it devours a great fish. Here was also a small water-fowl, not bigger than a moorhen, that went almost quite erect, like the penguin of America; it would eat as much fish as its whole body weighed; I never saw so unsatiable a devourer, yet the body did not appear to swell the bigger. The solan geese here are also great devourers, and are said soon to exhaust all the fish in a pond. Here was a curious sort of poultry not much exceeding the size of a tame pigeon, with legs so short as their crops seemed to touch the earth; a milk-white raven; a stork, which was a rarity at this season, seeing he was loose, and could fly loftily; two Balearian cranes, one of which having had one of his legs broken and cut off above the knee, had a wooden or boxen leg and thigh, with a joint so accurately made that the creature could walk and use it as well as if it had been natural; it was made by a soldier. The park was at this time stored with numerous flocks of several sorts of ordinary and extraordinary wild fowl, breeding about the Decoy, which for being near so great a city, and among such a concourse of soldiers and people, is a singular and diverting thing. There were also deer of several countries, white; spotted like leopards; antelopes, an elk, red deer, roebucks, stags, Guinea goats, Arabian sheep, etc. There were withy-pots, or nests, for the wild fowl to lay their eggs in, a little above the surface of the water.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 February 23

23 Feb 1665. I was invited to a great feast at Mr. Rich's (a relation of my wife's (age 30), now reader at Lincoln's Inn); where was the Duke of Monmouth (age 15), the Archbishop of Canterbury (age 66), Bishops of London (age 33) and Winchester (age 66), the Speaker of the House of Commons (age 48), divers of the Judges, and several other great men.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 February 24

24 Feb 1665. Dr. Fell (age 39), Canon of Christ Church, preached before the King (age 34), on 15 ch. Romans, v. 2, a very formal discourse, and in blank verse, according to his manner; however, he is a good man. Mr. Philips, preceptor to my son, went to be with the Earl of Pembroke's (age 44) son, my Lord Herbert (age 24).

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665 March

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 March 02

02 Mar 1665. I went with his Majesty (age 34) into the lobby behind the House of Lords, where I saw the King (age 34) and the rest of the Lords robe themselves, and got into the House of Lords in a corner near the woolsack, on which the Lord Chancellor sits next below the throne: the King (age 34) sat in all the regalia, the crown-imperial on his head, the sceptre and globe, etc. The Duke of Albemarle (age 56) bore the sword, the Duke of Ormond (age 54), the cap of dignity. The rest of the Lords robed in their places:-a most splendid and august convention. Then came the Speaker and the House of Commons (age 48), and at the bar made a speech, and afterward presented several bills, a nod only passing them, the clerk saying, Le Roy le veult, as to public bills, as to private, Soit faite commeil est desirè. Then, his Majesty (age 34) made a handsome but short speech, commanding my Lord Privy Seal (age 59) to prorogue the Parliament, which he did, the Chancellor (age 56) being ill and absent. I had not before seen this ceremony.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 March 09

09 Mar 1665. I went to receive the poor creatures that were saved out of the London frigate, blown up by accident, with above 200 men. .

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 March 29

29 Mar 1665. Went to Goring House [Map], now Mr. Secretary Bennet's (age 47), ill-built, but the place capable of being made a pretty villa. His Majesty (age 34) was now finishing the Decoy in the Park.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665 April

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 April 02

02 Apr 1665. Took order about some prisoners sent from Captain Allen's (age 53) ship, taken in the Solomon, viz, the brave men who defended her so gallantly.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 April 05

05 Apr 1665. Was a day of public humiliation and for success of this terrible war, begun doubtless at secret instigation of the French to weaken the States and Protestant interest. Prodigious preparations on both sides.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 April 06

06 Apr 1665. In the afternoon, I saw acted "Mustapha", a tragedy written by the Earl of Orrery (age 43).

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 April 11

11 Apr 1665. To London, being now left the only Commissioner to take all necessary orders how to exchange, remove, and keep prisoners, dispose of hospitals, etc.; the rest of the Commissioners being gone to their several districts, in expectation of a sudden engagement.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 April 19

19 Apr 1665. Invited to a great dinner at the Trinity House, Deptford [Map], where I had business with the Commissioners of the Navy, and to receive the second £5,000, impressed for the service of the sick and wounded prisoners.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 April 20

20 Apr 1665. To Whitehall [Map], to the King (age 34), who called me into his bedchamber as he was dressing, to whom, I showed the letter written to me from the Duke of York (age 31) from the fleet, giving me notice of young Evertzen, and some considerable commanders newly taken in fight with the Dartmouth and Diamond frigates, whom he had sent me as prisoners at war; I went to know of his Majesty (age 34) how he would have me treat them, when he commanded me to bring the young captain to him, and to take the word of the Dutch Ambassador (who yet remained here) for the other, that he should render himself to me whenever I called on him, and not stir without leave. Upon which I desired more guards, the prison being Chelsea House. I went also to Lord Arlington (age 47) (the Secretary Bennet lately made a Lord) about other business. Dined at my Lord Chancellor's (age 56); none with him but Sir Sackville Crowe (age 69), formerly Ambassador at Constantinople; we were very cheerful and merry.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 April 24

24 Apr 1665. I presented young Captain Evertzen (eldest son of Cornelius, Vice-Admiral of Zealand and nephew of John, now Admiral, a most valiant person) to his Majesty (age 34) in his bed-chamber. The King (age 34) gave him his hand to kiss, and restored him his liberty; asked many questions concerning the fight (it being the first blood drawn), his Majesty (age 34) remembering the many civilities he had formerly received from his relations abroad, who had now so much interest in that considerable Province. Then, I was commanded to go with him to the Holland Ambassador, where he was to stay for his passport, and I was to give him fifty pieces in broad gold. Next day I had the Ambassador's parole for the other Captain, taken in Captain Allen's (age 53) fight before Calais. I gave the King (age 34) an account of what I had done, and afterward asked the same favor for another Captain, which his Majesty (age 34) gave me.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 April 28

28 Apr 1665. I went to Tunbridge [Map], to see a solemn exercise at the free-school there.

28 Apr 1665. Having taken orders with my marshal about my prisoners, and with the doctor and chirurgeon to attend the wounded enemies, and of our own men, I went to London again, and visited my charge, several with legs and arms off; miserable objects, God knows.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665 May

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 May 16

16 May 1665. To London, to consider of the poor orphans and widows made by this bloody beginning, and whose husbands and relations perished in London frigate, of which there were fifty widows, and forty-five of them with child. See Sinking of The London.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 May 26

26 May 1665. To treat with the Holland Ambassador at Chelsea, for release of divers prisoners of war in Holland on exchange here. After dinner, being called into the Council-Chamber at Whitehall, I gave his Majesty (age 34) an account of what I had done, informing him of the vast charge upon us, now amounting to no less than £1,000 weekly.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 May 29

29 May 1665. I went with my little boy to my district in Kent, to make up accounts with my officers. Visited the Governor of at Dover Castle (age 37), where were some of my prisoners.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665 June

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 June 03

03 Jun 1665. In my return went to Gravesend, Kent [Map]; the fleets being just now engaged, gave special orders for my officers to be ready to receive the wounded and prisoners.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 June 05

05 Jun 1665. To London, to speak with his Majesty (age 35) and the Duke of Albemarle (age 56) for horse and foot guards for the prisoners at war, committed more particularly to my charge by a commission apart.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 June 08

08 Jun 1665. I went again to his Grace, thence to the Council, and moved for another privy seal for £20,000, and that I might have the disposal of the Savoy Hospital for the sick and wounded; all which was granted. Hence to the Royal Society, to refresh among the philosophers.

08 Jun 1665. Came news of his highness's (age 35) victory, which indeed might have been a complete one, and at once ended the war, had it been pursued, but the cowardice of some, or treachery, or both, frustrated that. We had, however, bonfires, bells, and rejoicing in the city. Next day, the 9th, I had instant orders to repair to the Downs, so as I got to Rochester, Kent [Map] this evening. Next day I lay at Deal, Kent [Map], where I found all in readiness: but, the fleet being hindered by contrary winds, I came away on the 12th, and went to Dover, Kent [Map], and returned to Deal, Kent [Map]; and on the 13th, hearing the fleet was at Solbay, I went homeward, and lay at Chatham, Kent [Map], and on the 14th, I got home. On the 15th, came the eldest son of the present Secretary of State to the French King, with much other company, to dine with me. After dinner, I went with him to London, to speak to my Lord General for more guards, and gave his Majesty (age 35) an account of my journey to the coasts under my inspection. I also waited on his Royal Highness (age 31), now come triumphant from the fleet, gotten into repair. See the whole history of this conflict in my "History of the Dutch War"..

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 June 20

20 Jun 1665. To London, and represented the state of the sick and wounded to His Majesty (age 35) in Council, for want of money, he ordered I should apply to My Lord Treasurer (age 58) and Chancellor of the Exchequer (age 43), upon what funds to raise the money promised. We also presented to his Majesty (age 35) divers expedients for retrenchment of the charge.

20 Jun 1665. This evening making my court to the Duke (age 31), I spake to Monsieur Comminges, the French Ambassador, and his Highness (age 31) granted me six prisoners, Embdeners, who were desirous to go to the Barbadoes with a merchant.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 June 22

22 Jun 1665. We waited on the Chancellor of the Exchequer (age 43), and got an Order of Council for our money to be paid to the Treasurer of the Navy for our Receivers.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 June 23

23 Jun 1665. I dined with Sir Robert Paston (age 34), since Earl of Yarmouth, and saw the Duke of Verneuille (age 63), base brother to the Queen-Mother (age 55), a handsome old man, a great hunter.

23 Jun 1665. The Duke of York (age 31) told us that, when we were in fight, his dog sought out absolutely the very securest place in all the vessel. In the afternoon, I saw the pompous reception and audience of El Conde de Molino, the Spanish Ambassador, in the Banqueting-house [Map], both their Majesties [Note. King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 35) and Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 26)] sitting together under the canopy of state.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 June 30

30 Jun 1665. To Chatham, Kent [Map]; and, 1st July, to the fleet with Lord Sandwich (age 39), now Admiral, with whom I went in a pinnace to the Buoy of the Nore, where the whole fleet rode at anchor; went on board the Prince, of ninety brass ordnance, haply the best ship in the world, both for building and sailing; she had 700 men. They made a great huzza, or shout, at our approach, three times. Here we dined with many noblemen, gentlemen, and volunteers, served in plate and excellent meat of all sorts. After dinner, came his Majesty, the Duke (age 31), and Prince Rupert (age 45). Here I saw the King (age 35) knight Captain Custance for behaving so bravely in the late fight. It was surprising to behold the good order, decency, and plenty of all things in a vessel so full of men. The ship received a hundred cannon shot in her body. Then I went on board the Charles, to which after a gun was shot off, came all the flag officers to his Majesty (age 35), who there held a General Council, which determined that his Royal Highness (age 35) should adventure himself no more this summer. I came away late, having seen the most glorious fleet that ever spread sails. We returned in his Majesty's (age 35) yacht with my Lord Sandwich (age 39) and Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, landing at Chatham, Kent [Map] on Sunday morning.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665 July

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 July 05

05 Jul 1665. I took order for 150 men, who had been recovered of their wounds, to be carried on board the Clove Tree, Carolus Quintus, and Zealand, ships that had been taken by us in the fight; and so returned home.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 July 07

07 Jul 1665. To London, to Sir William Coventry (age 37); and so to Sion [Map], where his Majesty (age 35) sat at Council during the contagion: when business was over, I viewed that seat belonging to the Earl of Northumberland, built out of an old nunnery, of stone, and fair enough, but more celebrated for the garden than it deserves; yet there is excellent wall-fruit, and a pretty fountain; nothing else extraordinary.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 July 09

09 Jul 1665. I went to Hampton-Court [Map], where now the whole Court was, to solicit for money; to carry intercepted letters; confer again with Sir William Coventry (age 37), the Duke's secretary; and so home, having dined with Mr. Secretary Morice (age 37).

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 July 16

16 Jul 1665. There died of the plague in London this week 1,100; and in the week following, above 2,000. Two houses were shut up in our parish.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665 August

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 August 02

02 Aug 1665. A solemn fast through England to deprecate God's displeasure against the land by pestilence and war; our Doctor preaching on 26 Levit. v. 41, 42, that the means to obtain remission of punishment was not to repine at it; but humbly to submit to it.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 August 03

03 Aug 1665. Came his Grace the Duke of Albemarle (age 56), Lord General of all his Majesty's (age 35) forces, to visit me, and carried me to dine with him.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 August 04

04 Aug 1665. I went to Wotton, Surrey [Map] with my Son and his tutor, Mr. Bohun, Fellow of New College (recommended to me by Dr. Wilkins (age 51), and the President of New College, Oxford), for fear of the pestilence, still increasing in London and its environs. On my return, I called at Durdans, where I found Dr. Wilkins (age 51), Sir William Petty (age 42), and Mr. Hooke (age 30), contriving chariots, new rigging for ships, a wheel for one to run races in, and other mechanical inventions; perhaps three such persons together were not to be found elsewhere in Europe, for parts and ingenuity.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 August 08

08 Aug 1665. I waited on the Duke of Albemarle (age 56), who was resolved to stay at the Cock-pit, in St. James's Park. Died this week in London, 4,000. See Great Plague of London.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 August 15

15 Aug 1665. There perished this week 5,000. See Great Plague of London.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 August 28

28 Aug 1665. The contagion still increasing, and growing now all about us, I sent my wife (age 30) and whole family (two or three necessary servants excepted) to my brother's at Wotton, Surrey [Map], being resolved to stay at my house myself, and to look after my charge, trusting in the providence and goodness of God.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665 September

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 September 05

05 Sep 1665. To Chatham, Kent [Map], to inspect my charge, with £900 in my coach.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 September 07

07 Sep 1665. Came home, there perishing near 10,000 poor creatures weekly; however, I went all along the city and suburbs from Kent Street to St James', a dismal passage, and dangerous to see so many coffins exposed in the streets, now thin of people; the shops shut up, and all in mournful silence, not knowing whose turn might be next. I went to the Duke of Albemarle (age 56) for a pest-ship, to wait on our infected men, who were not a few. See Great Plague of London.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 September 14

14 Sep 1665. I went to Wotton, Surrey [Map]; and on 16th September, to visit old Secretary Nicholas (age 72), being now at his new purchase of West Horsley, once mortgaged to me by Lord Viscount Montague (age 55): a pretty dry seat on the Down. Returned to Wotton, Surrey [Map].

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 September 17

17 Sep 1665. Receiving a letter from Lord Sandwich (age 40) of a defeat given to the Dutch, I was forced to travel all Sunday. I was exceedingly perplexed to find that near 3,000 prisoners were sent to me to dispose of, being more than I had places fit to receive and guard.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 September 25

25 Sep 1665. My Lord Admiral (age 40) being come from the fleet to Greenwich, I went thence with him to the Cock-pit, to consult with the Duke of Albemarle (age 56). I was peremptory that, unless we had £10,000 immediately, the prisoners would starve, and it was proposed it should be raised out of the East India prizes now taken by Lord Sandwich (age 40). They being but two of the commission, and so not empowered to determine, sent an express to his Majesty (age 35) and Council, to know what they should do. In the meantime, I had five vessels, with competent guards, to keep the prisoners in for the present, to be placed as I should think best. After dinner (which was at the General's) I went over to visit his Grace, the Archbishop of Canterbury (age 67), at Lambeth [Map].

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 September 28

28 Sep 1665. To the General (age 56) again, to acquaint him of the deplorable state of our men for want of provisions; returned with orders.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 September 29

29 Sep 1665. To Erith, to quicken the sale of the prizes lying there, with order to the commissioner who lay on board till they should be disposed of, £5,000 being proportioned for my quarter. Then I delivered the Dutch Vice-Admiral, who was my prisoner, to Mr. Lowman of the Marshalsea [Map], he giving me bond in £500 to produce him at my call. I exceedingly pitied this brave unhappy person, who had lost with these prizes £40,000 after twenty years' negotiation [trading] in the East Indies. I dined in one of these vessels, of 1,200 tons, full of riches.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665 October

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 October 01

01 Oct 1665. This afternoon, while at evening prayers, tidings were brought me of the birth of a daughter at Wotton, Surrey [Map], after six sons, in the same chamber I had first taken breath in, and at the first day of that month, as I was on the last, forty-five years before.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 October 04

04 Oct 1665. The monthly fast.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 October 11

11 Oct 1665. To London, and went through the whole city, having occasion to alight out of the coach in several places about business of money, when I was environed with multitudes of poor, pestiferous creatures begging alms; the shops universally shut up, a dreadful prospect! I dined with my Lord General (age 56); was to receive £10,000, and had guards to convey both myself and it, and so returned home, through God's infinite mercy.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 October 17

17 Oct 1665. I went to Gravesend, Kent [Map]; next day to Chatham, Kent [Map]; thence to Maidstone, Kent [Map], in order to the march of 500 prisoners to Leeds Castle, Kent [Map], which I had hired of Lord Culpeper (age 39). I was earnestly desired by the learned Sir Roger Twysden (age 68), and Deputy-Lieutenants, to spare Maidstone from quartering any of my sick flock. Here, Sir Edward Brett (age 57) sent me some horse to bring up the rear. This country, from Rochester, Kent [Map] to Maidstone, Kent [Map] and the Downs, is very agreeable for the prospect.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 October 21

21 Oct 1665. I came from Gravesend, Kent [Map], where Sir J. Griffith, the Governor of the Fort, entertained me very handsomely.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 October 31

31 Oct 1665. I was this day forty-five years of age wonderfully preserved; for which I blessed God for his infinite goodness toward me.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665 November

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 November 23

23 Nov 1665. Went home, the contagion having now decreased considerably.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 November 27

27 Nov 1665. The Duke of Albemarle (age 56) was going to Oxford, Oxfordshire [Map], where both Court and Parliament had been most part of the summer. There was no small suspicion of my Lord Sandwich (age 40) having permitted divers commanders, who were at the taking of the East India prizes, to break bulk, and to take to themselves jewels, silks, etc.: though I believe some whom I could name filled their pockets, my Lord Sandwich (age 40) himself had the least share. However, he underwent the blame, and it created him enemies, and prepossessed the Lord General (age 56), for he spoke to me of it with much zeal and concern, and I believe laid load enough on Lord Sandwich (age 40) at Oxford.

Pepy's Diary. 19 Aug 1665. Slept till 8 o'clock, and then up and met with letters from the King (age 35) and Lord Arlington (age 47), for the removal of our office to Greenwich, Kent [Map]. I also wrote letters, and made myself ready to go to Sir G. Carteret (age 55), at Windsor; and having borrowed a horse of Mr. Blackbrough, sent him to wait for me at the Duke of Albemarle's (age 56) door: when, on a sudden, a letter comes to us from the Duke of Albemarle (age 56), to tell us that the fleete is all come back to Solebay [Map], and are presently to be dispatched back again. Whereupon I presently by water to the Duke of Albemarle (age 56) to know what news; and there I saw a letter from my Lord Sandwich (age 40) to the Duke of Albemarle (age 56), and also from Sir W. Coventry (age 37) and Teddiman; how my Lord having commanded Teddiman with twenty-two ships1.

Note 1. A news letter of August 19th (Salisbury), gives the following account of this affair:-"The Earl of Sandwich being on the Norway coast, ordered Sir Thomas Teddeman with 20 ships to attack 50 Dutch merchant ships in Bergen harbour; six convoyers had so placed themselves that only four or five of the ships could be reached at once. The Governor of Bergen fired on our ships, and placed 100 pieces of ordnance and two regiments of foot on the rocks to attack them, but they got clear without the loss of a ship, only 500 men killed or wounded, five or six captains among them. The fleet has gone to Sole Bay to repair losses and be ready to encounter the Dutch fleet, which is gone northward" (Calendar of State Papers, 1664-65, pp. 526, 527). Medals were struck in Holland, the inscription in Dutch on one of these is thus translated: "Thus we arrest the pride of the English, who extend their piracy even against their friends, and who insulting the forts of Norway, violate the rights of the harbours of King Frederick; but, for the reward of their audacity, see their vessels destroyed by the balls of the Dutch" (Hawkins's "Medallic Illustrations of the History of Great Britain and Ireland", ed. Franks and Grueber, 1885, vol. i., p. 508). Sir Gilbert Talbot's "True Narrative of the Earl of Sandwich's Attempt upon Bergen with the English Fleet on the 3rd of August, 1665, and the Cause of his Miscarriage thereupon", is in the British Museum (Harl. MS., No. 6859). It is printed in "Archaeologia", vol. xxii., p. 33. The Earl of Rochester, Kent [Map] also gave an account of the action in a letter to his mother (Wordsworth's "Ecclesiastical Biography", fourth edition, vol. iv., p. 611). Sir John Denham (age 50), in his "Advice to a Painter", gives a long satirical account of the affair. A coloured drawing of the attack upon Bergen, on vellum, showing the range of the ships engaged, is in the British Museum. Shortly after the Bergen affair forty of the Dutch merchant vessels, on their way to Holland, fell into the hands of the English, and in Penn's "Memorials of Sir William Pen (age 44)", vol. ii., p. 364, is a list of the prizes taken on the 3rd and 4th September. The troubles connected with these prizes and the disgrace into which Lord Sandwich (age 40) fell are fully set forth in subsequent pages of the Diary. Evelyn writes in his Diary (November 27th, 1665): "There was no small suspicion of my Lord Sandwich (age 40) having permitted divers commanders who were at ye taking of ye East India prizes to break bulk and take to themselves jewels, silkes, &c., tho' I believe some whom I could name fill'd their pockets, my Lo. Sandwich himself had the least share. However, he underwent the blame, and it created him enemies, and prepossess'd ye Lo. Generall (Duke of Albemarle (age 56)), for he spake to me of it with much zeale and concerne, and I believe laid load enough on Lo. Sandwich at Oxford". (of which but fifteen could get thither, and of those fifteen but eight or nine could come up to play) to go to Bergen; where, after several messages to and fro from the Governor of the Castle, urging that Teddiman ought not to come thither with more than five ships, and desiring time to think of it, all the while he suffering the Dutch ships to land their guns to their best advantage; Teddiman on the second pretence, began to play at the Dutch ships, (wherof ten East India-men,) and in three hours' time (the town and castle, without any provocation, playing on our ships,) they did cut all our cables, so as the wind being off the land, did force us to go out, and rendered our fire-ships useless; without doing any thing, but what hurt of course our guns must have done them: we having lost five commanders, besides Mr. Edward Montagu, and Mr. Windham. This Mr. Windham had entered into a formal engagement with the Earl of Rochester, Kent [Map], "not without ceremonies of religion, that if either of them died, he should appear, and give the other notice of the future state, if there was any". He was probably one of the brothers of Sir William Wyndham, Bart. See Wordsworth's "Ecclesiastical Biography", fourth. edition, vol. iv., p. 615. B.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665 December

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 December 08

08 Dec 1665. To my Lord of Albemarle (age 57) (now returned from Oxford), who was declared General at Sea, to the no small mortification of that excellent person, the Earl of Sandwich (age 40), whom the Duke of Albemarle not only suspected faulty about the prizes, but less valiant; himself imagining how easy a thing it were to confound the Hollanders, as well now as heretofore he fought against them upon a more disloyal interest.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 December 25

25 Dec 1665. Kept Christmas with my hospitable brother (age 48), at Wotton, Surrey [Map].

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 December 30

30 Dec 1665. To Woodcot, where I supped at my Baroness Mordaunt's (age 33) at Ashsted [Note. Possibly in Fulham where Baroness Mordaunt was subsequently buried?] where was a room hung with pintado, full of figures great and small, prettily representing sundry trades and occupations of the Indians, with their habits; here supped also Dr. Duke, a learned and facetious gentleman.

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 December 31

31 Dec 1665. Now blessed be God for his extraordinary mercies and preservation of me this year, when thousands, and ten thousands, perished, and were swept away on each side of me, there dying in our parish this year 406 of the pestilence! See Great Plague of London.