l Shepherd," having the curiosity to see whether they did a
comedy better than a tragedy; but they do it both alike, in the meanest
manner, that I was sick of it, but only for to satisfy myself once in
seeing the manner of it, but I shall see them no more, I believe. Thence
to the New Exchange, to take some things home that my wife hath bought,
a dressing-box, and other things for her chamber and table, that cost me
above L4, and so home, and there to the office, and tell W. Hewer of the
letter from Captain Allen last night, to give him caution if any thing
should be discovered of his dealings with anybody, which I should for
his sake as well, or more than for my own, be sorry for; and with great
joy I do find, looking over my memorandum books, which are now of great
use to me, and do fully reward me for all my care in keeping them, that
I am not likely to be troubled for any thing of the kind but what I
shall either be able beforehand to prevent, or if discovered, be able to
justify myself in, and I do perceive, by Sir W. Warren's discourse, that
they [the House] do all they can possibly to get out of him and others,
what presents they have made to the Officers of the Navy; but he tells
me that he hath denied all, though he knows that he is forsworn as to
what relates to me. So home to supper and to bed.

26th. Up, and by water to Charing Cross stairs, and thence to W.
Coventry to discourse concerning the state of matters in the Navy, where
he particularly acquainted me with the trouble he is like to meet with
about the selling of places, all carried on by Sir Fr. Hollis, but
he seems not to value it, being able to justify it to be lawful and
constant practice, and never by him used in the least degree since he
upon his own motion did obtain a salary of L500 in lieu thereof. Thence
to the Treasury Chamber about a little business, and so home by coach,
and in my way did meet W. Howe going to the Commissioners of Accounts.
I stopped and spoke to him, and he seems well resolved what to answer
them, but he will find them very strict, and not easily put off: So home
and there to dinner, and after dinner comes W. Howe to tell me how he
sped, who says he was used civilly, and not so many questions asked as
he expected; but yet I do perceive enough to shew that they do intend
to know the bottom of things, and where to lay the great weight of the
disposal of these East India goods, and that they intend plainly to do
upon my Lord