both the papers and the vote; which done,
and demanding their opinion, the seamen did all of them cry out, "God
bless King Charles!" with the greatest joy imaginable. That being done,
Sir R. Stayner, who had invited us yesterday, took all the Commanders
and myself on board him to dinner, which not being ready, I went with
Captain Hayward to the Plimouth and Essex, and did what I had to do
there and returned, where very merry at dinner. After dinner, to the
rest of the ships (staid at the Assistance to hear the harper a good
while) quite through the fleet. Which was a very brave sight to visit
all the ships, and to be received with the respect and honour that I was
on board them all; and much more to see the great joy that I brought to
all men; not one through the whole fleet showing the least dislike of
the business. In the evening as I was going on board the Vice-Admiral,
the General began to fire his guns, which he did all that he had in the
ship, and so did all the rest of the Commanders, which was very gallant,
and to hear the bullets go hissing over our heads as we were in the
boat. This done and finished my Proclamation, I returned to the Nazeby,
where my Lord was much pleased to hear how all the fleet took it in a
transport of joy, showed me a private letter of the King's to him, and
another from the Duke of York in such familiar style as to their common
friend, with all kindness imaginable. And I found by the letters, and
so my Lord told me too, that there had been many letters passed between
them for a great while, and I perceive unknown to Monk. And among the
rest that had carried these letters Sir John Boys is one, and that Mr.
Norwood, which had a ship to carry him over the other day, when my Lord
would not have me put down his name in the book. The King speaks of
his being courted to come to the Hague, but do desire my Lord's advice
whither to come to take ship. And the Duke offers to learn the seaman's
trade of him, in such familiar words as if Jack Cole and I had writ
them. This was very strange to me, that my Lord should carry all things
so wisely and prudently as he do, and I was over joyful to see him in so
good condition, and he did not a little please himself to tell me how he
had provided for himself so great a hold on the King.

After this to supper, and then to writing of letters till twelve at
night, and so up again at three in the morning. My Lord seemed to put
great confidence in me, and would