on the memory of this great
man is gone, or, at least, out of mind by the thoughts of who goes next,
which is not yet knowne. My Lord of Oxford, Muskerry, and several others
are discoursed of. It seems my Lord Tiviott's design was to go a mile
and half out of the towne, to cut down a wood in which the enemy did use
to lie in ambush. He had sent several spyes; but all brought word that
the way was clear, and so might be for any body's discovery of an enemy
before you are upon them. There they were all snapt, he and all his
officers, and about 200 men, as they say; there being left now in the
garrison but four captains. This happened the 3d of May last, being not
before that day twelvemonth of his entering into his government there:
but at his going out in the morning he said to some of his officers,
"Gentlemen, let us look to ourselves, for it was this day three years
that so many brave Englishmen were knocked on the head by the Moores,
when Fines made his sally out." Here till almost night, and then home
with Sir J. Minnes by coach, and so to my office a while, and home to
supper and bed, being now in constant pain in my back, but whether it be
only wind or what it is the Lord knows, but I fear the worst.

3rd. Up, still in a constant pain in my back, which much afflicts me
with fear of the consequence of it. All the morning at the office, we
sat at the office extraordinary upon the business of our stores, but,
Lord! what a pitiful account the Surveyor makes of it grieves my heart.
This morning before I came out I made a bargain with Captain Taylor for
a ship for the Commissioners for Tangier, wherein I hope to get L40 or
L50. To the 'Change, and thence home and dined, and then by coach to
White Hall, sending my wife to Mrs. Hunt's. At the Committee for Tangier
all the afternoon, where a sad consideration to see things of so great
weight managed in so confused a manner as it is, so as I would not
have the buying of an acre of land bought by the Duke of York and Mr.
Coventry, for ought I see, being the only two that do anything like men;
Prince Rupert do nothing but swear and laugh a little, with an oathe or
two, and that's all he do. Thence called my wife and home, and I late
at my office, and so home to supper and to bed, pleased at my hopes of
gains by to-day's work, but very sad to think of the state of my health.

4th. Up and to St. James's by coach, after a good deal of talk before
I went forth with J. Noble, who t