dence of the Pepys family, an iron pot, full of silver coins,
was discovered, and taken to the Earl of Sandwich, the owner of the
house, in whose possession they still remain. The pot was so much
corroded, that a small piece of it only could be preserved. The
coins were chiefly half-crowns of Elizabeth and the two elder
Stuarts, and all of a date anterior to the Restoration. Although
Pepys states that the treasure which he caused to be buried was gold
exclusively, it is very probable that, in the confusion, a pot full
of silver money was packed up with the rest; but, at all events, the
coincidence appeared too singular to pass over without notice.--B.]

and do leave my father to make a second examination of the dirt, which he
promises he will do, and, poor man, is mightily troubled for this
accident, but I declared myself very well satisfied, and so indeed I am;
and my mind at rest in it, being but an accident, which is unusual; and so
gives me some kind of content to remember how painful it is sometimes to
keep money, as well as to get it, and how doubtful I was how to keep it
all night, and how to secure it to London: and so got all my gold put up
in bags. And so having the last night wrote to my Lady Sandwich to lend
me John Bowles to go along with me my journey, not telling her the reason,
that it was only to secure my gold, we to breakfast, and then about ten
o'clock took coach, my wife and I, and Willet, and W. Hewer, and Murford
and Bowles (whom my Lady lent me), and my brother John on horseback; and
with these four I thought myself pretty safe. But, before we went out,
the Huntingdon musick come to me and played, and it was better than that
of Cambridge. Here I took leave of my father, and did give my sister 20s.
She cried at my going; but whether it was at her unwillingness for my
going, or any unkindness of my wife's, or no, I know not; but, God forgive
me! I take her to be so cunning and ill-natured, that I have no great
love for her; but only [she] is my sister, and must be provided for. My
gold I put into a basket, and set under one of the seats; and so my work
every quarter of an hour was to look to see whether all was well; and I
did ride in great fear all the day, but it was a pleasant day, and good
company, and I mightily contented. Mr. Shepley saw me beyond St. Neots,
and there parted, and we straight to Stevenage, through Bald Lanes, which
are alread