Mr. Coventry,
among other talk, entered about the great question now in the
House about the Duke's going to sea again; about which the whole
House is divided. The plague encreases mightily, I this day
seeing a house, at a bitt-maker's over against St. Clement's
Church, in the open street shut up; which is a sad sight.
28th. I did take my leave of Sir William Coventry, who it seems
was knighted, and sworn a Privy-Counsellor two days since; who
with his old kindness treated me, and I believe I shall ever find
a noble friend. In my way to Westminster Hall, I observed
several plague houses in King's street and the Palace.
29th. To White Hall, where the Court full of waggons and people
ready to go out of town. This end of the town every day grows
very bad of the plague. The Mortality Bill is come to 267:
which is about ninety more than the last: and of these but four
in the City, which is a great blessing to us. Took leave again
of Mr. Coventry; though I hope the Duke is not gone to stay, and
so do others too. Home; calling at Somerset House, where all
were packing up too: the Queene Mother setting out for France
this day to drink Bourbon waters this year, she being in a
consumption; and intends not to come till winter come twelve-
months.
Pages:
713
714
715
716
717
718
719
720
721
722
723
724
725
726
727
728
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737