Pen,
do come to know that he is one of the greatest speakers in the
House of Commons, and the usual second to the great Vaughan. So
was sorry I did observe him no more, and gain more of his
acquaintance. Walked to Woolwich, reading "the Rivall Ladys" [A
Tragi-comedy by Dryden.] all the way, and find it a most
pleasant and fine writ play.
19th. Full of wants of money, and much stores to buy, for to
replenish the stores, and no money to do it with. The fleet is
sailed this morning; God send us good news of them!
21st. At noon walked in the garden with Commissioner Pett,
(newly come to town) who tells me how infinite the disorders are
among the commanders and all officers of the fleet. No
discipline: nothing but swearing and cursing, and every body
doing what they please; and the Generalls, understanding no
better, suffer it, to the reproaching of this Board, or whoever
it will be. He himself hath been challenged twice to the field,
or something as good, by Sir Edward Spragge and Capt. Seamons
[QUERY Seymour?] He tells me that captains carry, for all the
late orders, what men they please.
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