s "not only a great
oppression to the poorer sort, but a badge of slavery upon the whole
people, exposing every man's house to be entered into and searched
at pleasure by persons unknown to him."]

4th. At the office all the morning, dined at home at noon, and then to
the office again in the afternoon to put things in order there, my mind
being very busy in settling the office to ourselves, I having now got
distinct offices for the other two. By and by Sir W. Pen and I and my
wife in his coach to Moore Fields, where we walked a great while, though
it was no fair weather and cold; and after our walk we went to the
Pope's Head, and eat cakes and other fine things, and so home, and I up
to my chamber to read and write, and so to bed.

5th. In the morning to the Painter's about my little picture. Thence to
Tom's about business, and so to the pewterer's, to buy a poore's-box to
put my forfeits in, upon breach of my late vows. So to the Wardrobe and
dined, and thence home and to my office, and there sat looking over my
papers of my voyage, when we fetched over the King, and tore so many of
these that were worth nothing, as filled my closet as high as my knees.
I staid doing this till 10 at night, and so home and to bed.

6th. Up early, my mind full of business, then to the office, where
the two Sir Williams and I spent the morning passing the victualler's
accounts, the first I have had to do withal. Then home, where my Uncle
Thomas (by promise and his son Tom) were come to give me his answer
whether he would have me go to law or arbitracon with him, but he is
unprovided to answer me, and desires two days more. I left them to dine
with my wife, and myself to Mr. Gauden and the two knights at dinner
at the Dolphin, and thence after dinner to the office back again till
night, we having been these four or five days very full of business, and
I thank God I am well pleased with it, and hope I shall continue of that
temper, which God grant. So after a little being at Sir W. Batten's with
Sir G. Carteret talking, I went home, and so to my chamber, and then to
bed, my mind somewhat troubled about Brampton affairs. This night my
new camelott riding coat to my coloured cloth suit came home. More news
to-day of our losses at Brampton by the late storm.

7th. Early to White Hall to the chappell, where by Mr. Blagrave's means
I got into his pew, and heard Dr. Creeton, the great Scotchman, preach
before the King, and Duke