s is possible between those for
and those against the Chancellor, and so in other factions, that there
is nothing almost done honestly and with integrity; only some few, he
says, there are, that do keep out of all plots and combinations, and
when their time comes will speak and see right done, if possible; and
that he himself is looked upon to be a man that will be of no faction,
and so they do shun to make him; and I am glad of it. He tells me that
he thanks God he never knew what it was to be tempted to be a knave in
his life; till he did come into the House of Commons, where there is
nothing done but by passion, and faction, and private interest.
Reames did tell me of a fellow last night (one Kelsy, a commander of a
fire-ship, who complained for want of his money paid him) did say
that he did see one of the Commissioners of the Navy bring in three
waggon-loads of prize-goods into Greenwich one night; but that the House
did take no notice of it, nor enquire; but this is me, and I must expect
to be called to account, and answer what I did as well as I can. So
thence away home, and in Holborne, going round, it being dark, I espied
Sir D. Gawden's coach, and so went out of mine into his; and there
had opportunity to talk of the business of victuals, which the Duke of
Albemarle and Prince did complain that they were in want of the last
year: but we do conclude we shall be able to show quite the contrary of
that; only it troubles me that we must come to contend with these great
persons, which will overrun us. So with some disquiet in my mind on this
account I home, and there comes Mr. Yeabsly, and he and I to even some
accounts, wherein I shall be a gainer about L200, which is a seasonable
profit, for I have got nothing a great while; and he being gone, I to
bed.

NOVEMBER 1667

November 1st. Up betimes, and down to the waterside (calling and
drinking a dram of the bottle at Michell's, but saw not Betty), and
thence to White Hall and to Sir W. Coventry's lodging, where he and
I alone a good while, where he gives me the full of the Duke of
Albemarle's and Prince's narratives, given yesterday by the House,
wherein they fall foul of him and Sir G. Carteret in something about
the dividing of the fleete, and the Prince particularly charging the
Commissioners of the Navy with negligence, he says the Commissioners of
the Navy whereof Sir W. Coventry is one. He tells me that he is prepared
to answer any particular most tho