Baron of St. Neot's.
[The motive for Sir Edward Montagu's so suddenly altering his
intended title is not explained; probably, the change was adopted as
a compliment to the town of Sandwich, off which the Fleet was lying
before it sailed to bring Charles from Scheveling. Montagu had also
received marked attentions from Sir John Boys and other principal
men at Sandwich; and it may be recollected, as an additional reason,
that one or both of the seats for that borough have usually been
placed at the disposal of the Admiralty. The title of Portsmouth
was given, in 1673, for her life, to the celebrated Louise de
Querouaille, and becoming extinct with her, was, in 1743, conferred
upon John Wallop, Viscount Lymington, the ancestor of the present
Earl of Portsmouth.--B.]
Home, with my mind pretty quiet: not returning, as I said I would, to
see the bride put to bed.
11th. With Sir W. Pen by water to the Navy office, where we met, and
dispatched business. And that being done, we went all to dinner to the
Dolphin, upon Major Brown's invitation. After that to the office again,
where I was vexed, and so was Commissioner Pett, to see a busy fellow
come to look out the best lodgings for my Lord Barkley, and the
combining between him and Sir W. Pen; and, indeed, was troubled much
at it. Home to White Hall, and took out my bill signed by the King, and
carried it to Mr. Watkins of the Privy Seal to be despatched there, and
going home to take a cap, I borrowed a pair of sheets of Mr. Howe, and
by coach went to the Navy office, and lay (Mr. Hater, my clerk, with me)
at Commissioner Willoughby's' house, where I was received by him very
civilly and slept well.
12th. Up early and by coach to White Hall with Commissioner Pett, where,
after we had talked with my Lord, I went to the Privy Seal and got my
bill perfected there, and at the Signet: and then to the House of Lords,
and met with Mr. Kipps, who directed me to Mr. Beale to get my patent
engrossed; but he not having time to get it done in Chancery-hand, I was
forced to run all up and down Chancery-lane, and the Six Clerks' Office
[The Six Clerks' Office was in Chancery Lane, near the Holborn end.
The business of the office was to enrol commissions, pardons,
patents, warrants, &c., that had passed the Great Seal; also other
business in Chancery. In the early history of the Court of
Chancery, t
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