As to public business;
by late tidings of the French fleet being come to Rochell, (how
true, though, I know not) our fleet is divided; Prince Rupert
being gone with about thirty ships to the Westward as is
conceived to meet the French, to hinder their coming to join with
the Dutch. My Lord Duke of Albemarle lies in the Downes with the
rest, and intends presently to sail to the Gunfleete.
June 2, 1666. Up, and to the office, where certain news is
brought us of a letter come to the King this morning from the
Duke of Albemarle, dated yesterday at eleven o'clock, as they
were sailing to the Gunfleete, that they were in sight of the
Dutch fleet, and were fitting themselves to fight them; so that
they are ere this certainly engaged: besides, several do averr
they heard the guns yesterday in the afternoon. This put us at
the Board into a tosse. Presently come orders for our sending
away to the fleet a recruite of 200 soldiers. So I rose from the
table, and to the Victualling-office, and thence upon the River
among several vessels, to consider of the sending them away; and
lastly, down to Greenwich, and there appointed two yachts to be
ready for them; and did order the soldiers to march to
Blackewall.
Pages:
830
831
832
833
834
835
836
837
838
839
840
841
842
843
844
845
846
847
848
849
850
851
852
853
854