she believed that I was safe, and had done well; and so, I thank
God! I hear every body speaks of me; and indeed, I think, without
vanity, I may expect to be profited rather than injured by this inquiry,
which the Parliament makes into business.

21st. Up, and betimes got a coach at the Exchange, and thence to St.
James's, where I had forgot that the Duke of York and family were gone
to White Hall, and thence to Westminster Hall and there walked a little,
finding the Parliament likely to be busy all this morning about the
business of Mr. Bruncker for advising Cox and Harman to shorten sail
when they were in pursuit of the Dutch after the first great victory.
I went away to Mr. Creed's chamber, there to meet Sir H. Cholmly, about
business of Mr. Yeabsly, where I was delivered of a great fear that they
would question some of the orders for payment of money which I had got
them signed at the time of the plague, when I was here alone, but all
did pass. Thence to Westminster again, and up to the lobby, where many
commanders of the fleete were, and Captain Cox, and Mr. Pierce, the
Surgeon; the last of whom hath been in the House, and declared that he
heard Bruncker advise; and give arguments to, Cox, for the safety of the
Duke of York's person, to shorten sail, that they might not be in the
middle of the enemy in the morning alone; and Cox denying to observe his
advice, having received the Duke of York's commands over night to keep
within cannon-shot (as they then were) of the enemy, Bruncker did go to
Harman, and used the same arguments, and told him that he was sure it
would be well pleasing to the King that care should be taken of not
endangering the Duke of York; and, after much persuasion, Harman was
heard to say, "Why, if it must be, then lower the topsail." And so
did shorten sail, to the loss, as the Parliament will have it, of the
greatest victory that ever was, and which would have saved all the
expence of blood, and money, and honour, that followed; and this they do
resent, so as to put it to the question, whether Bruncker should not be
carried to the Tower: who do confess that, out of kindness to the Duke
of York's safety, he did advise that they should do so, but did not
use the Duke of York's name therein; and so it was only his error in
advising it, but the greatest theirs in taking it, contrary to order. At
last, it ended that it should be suspended till Harman comes home; and
then the Parliament-men do all te