another son, my Lady being brought to bed just now, I did not think her
time had been so nigh, but she's well brought to bed, for which God be
praised! and send my Lord to study the laying up of something the more!
Then with Creed to St. James's, and missing Mr. Coventry, to White Hall;
where, staying for him in one of the galleries, there comes out of the
chayre-room Mrs. Stewart, in a most lovely form, with her hair all
about her eares, having her picture taking there. There was the King and
twenty more, I think, standing by all the while, and a lovely creature
she in this dress seemed to be. Thence to the 'Change by coach, and so
home to dinner and then to my office. In the evening Mr. Hill, Andrews
and I to my chamber to sing, which we did very pleasantly, and then to
my office again, where very late and so home, with my mind I bless God
in good state of ease and body of health, only my head at this juncture
very full of business, how to get something. Among others what this
rogue Creed will do before he goes to sea, for I would fain be rid of
him and see what he means to do, for I will then declare myself his firm
friend or enemy.

16th. Up in the morning, my head mightily confounded with the great
deale of business I have upon me to do. But to the office, and there
dispatched Mr. Creed's business pretty well about his bill; but then
there comes W. Howe for my Lord's bill of Imprest for L500 to carry with
him this voyage, and so I was at a loss how to carry myself in it, Creed
being there, but there being no help I delivered it to them both, and
let them contend, when I perceive they did both endeavour to have it,
but W. Howe took it, and the other had the discretion to suffer it. But
I think I cleared myself to Creed that it past not from any practice
of mine. At noon rose and did some necessary business at the 'Change.
Thence to Trinity House to a dinner which Sir G. Carteret makes there
as Maister this year. Thence to White Hall to the Tangier Committee, and
there, above my expectation, got the business of our contract for the
victualling carried for my people, viz., Alsopp, Lanyon, and Yeabsly;
and by their promise I do thereby get L300 per annum to myself, which
do overjoy me; and the matter is left to me to draw up. Mr. Lewes was in
the gallery and is mightily amazed at it, and I believe Mr. Gauden will
make some stir about it, for he wrote to Mr. Coventry to-day about it to
argue why he should for the King'