Busy about this all the morning, and
about the getting off men pressed by our officers of the fleet
into the service; even our own men that are at the office, and
the boats that carry us. So that it is now become impossible to
have so much as a letter carried from place to place, or any
message done for us: nay, out of Victualling ships full loaden
to go down to the fleet, and out of the vessels of the officers
of the Ordnance, they press men, so that for want of discipline
in this respect I do fear all will be undone.
July 1, 1666. Comes Sir W. Pen to town, which I little expected,
having invited my Lady and her daughter Pegg to dine with me to-
day; which at noon they did, and Sir W. Pen with them: and
pretty merry we were. And though I do not love him, yet I find
it necessary to keep in with him: his good service at Shearnesse
in getting out the fleet being much taken notice of; and reported
to the King and Duke, even from the Prince and Duke of Albemarle
themselves, and made the most of to me and them by Sir W.
Coventry; therefore I think it discretion, great and necessary
discretion, to keep in with him.
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