Mr. Woodson and
Groome (clerks to Mr. Trumbull of the Signet) to keep all work in their
hands till the afternoon, at which time he expected to have his warrant
from the King for this month.--[The clerks of the Privy Seal took the
duty of attendance for a month by turns.]--I took at noon Mr. Harper
to the Leg in King Street, and did give him his dinner, who did still
advise me much to act wholly myself at the Privy Seal, but I told him
that I could not, because I had other business to take up my time. In
the afternoon at, the office again, where we had many things to sign;
and I went to the Council Chamber, and there got my Lord to sign the
first bill, and the rest all myself; but received no money today. After
I had signed all, I went with Dick Scobell and Luellin to drink at a
bottle beer house in the Strand, and after staying there a while (had
sent W. Hewer home before), I took boat and homewards went, and in Fish
Street bought a Lobster, and as I had bought it I met with Winter and
Mr. Delabarr, and there with a piece of sturgeon of theirs we went to
the Sun Tavern in the street and ate them. Late home and to bed.

2d. To Westminster by water with Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Pen (our
servants in another boat) to the Admiralty; and from thence I went to
my Lord's to fetch him thither, where we stayed in the morning about
ordering of money for the victuailers, and advising how to get a sum of
money to carry on the business of the Navy. From thence dined with Mr.
Blackburne at his house with his friends (his wife being in the country
and just upon her return to London), where we were very well treated and
merry. From thence W. Hewer and I to the office of Privy Seal, where
I stayed all the afternoon, and received about L40 for yesterday and
to-day, at which my heart rejoiced for God's blessing to me, to give me
this advantage by chance, there being of this L40 about L10 due to me
for this day's work. So great is the present profit of this office,
above what it was in the King's time; there being the last month about
300 bills; whereas in the late King's time it was much to have 40. With
my money home by coach, it, being the first time that I could get home
before our gates were shut since I came to the Navy office. When I came
home I found my wife not very well of her old pain.... which she had
when we were married first. I went and cast up the expense that I laid
out upon my former house (because there are so many that ar