with his Lordship, about Mr. Yeabsly's business, where having come to
agreement with him abating him L1000 of what he demands for ships lost, I
to Westminster, to Mrs. Martin's lodging, whither I sent for her, and
there hear that her husband is come from sea, which is sooner than I
expected; and here I staid and drank, and so did toucher elle and away,
and so by coach to my tailor's, and thence to my Lord Crew's, and there
did stay with him an hour till almost night, discoursing about the ill
state of my Lord Sandwich, that he can neither be got to be called home,
nor money got to maintain him there; which will ruin his family. And the
truth is, he do almost deserve it, for by all relation he hath, in a
little more than a year and a half, spent L20,000 of the King's money, and
the best part of L10,000 of his own; which is a most prodigious expence,
more than ever Embassador spent there, and more than these Commissioners
of the Treasury will or do allow. And they demand an account before they
will give him any more money; which puts all his friends to a loss what to
answer. But more money we must get him, or to be called home. I offer to
speak to Sir W. Coventry about it; but my Lord will not advise to it,
without consent of Sir G. Carteret. So home, and there to see Sir W.
Batten, who fell sick yesterday morning: He is asleep: and so I could not
see him; but in an hour after, word is brought me that he is so ill, that
it is believed he cannot live till to-morrow, which troubles me and my
wife mightily, partly out of kindness, he being a good neighbour and
partly because of the money he owes me, upon our bargain of the late
prize. So home and to supper and to bed.

5th. Up, and to the Office; and there all the morning; none but my Lord
Anglesey and myself; but much surprized with the news of the death of Sir
W. Batten, who died this morning, having been but two days sick. Sir W.
Pen and I did dispatch a letter this morning to Sir W. Coventry, to
recommend Colonel Middleton, who we think a most honest and understanding
man, and fit for that place. Sir G. Carteret did also come this morning,
and walked with me in the garden; and concluded not to concern [himself]
or have any advice made to Sir W. Coventry, in behalf of my Lord
Sandwich's business; so I do rest satisfied, though I do think they are
all mad, that they will judge Sir W. Coventry an enemy, when he is indeed
no such man to any body, but is severe and ju