of this Mole or breakwater turned out a very
costly undertaking. In April, 1663, it was found that the charge
for one year's work was L13,000. In March, 1665, L36,000 had been
spent upon it. The wind and sea exerted a very destructive
influence over this structure, although it was very strongly built,
and Colonel Norwood reported in 1668 that a breach had been made in
the Mole, which cost a considerable sum to repair.]
of which he brought a very pretty draught. Concerning the making of
the Mole, Mr. Cholmely did also discourse very well, having had some
experience in it. Being broke up, I home by coach to Mr. Bland's, and
there discoursed about sending away of the merchant ship which hangs
so long on hand for Tangier. So to my Lady Batten's, and sat with her
awhile, Sir W. Batten being gone out of town; but I did it out of design
to get some oranges for my feast to-morrow of her, which I did. So home,
and found my wife's new gown come home, and she mightily pleased with
it. But I appeared very angry that there were no more things got ready
against to-morrow's feast, and in that passion sat up long, and went
discontented to bed.
13th. So my poor wife rose by five o'clock in the morning, before day,
and went to market and bought fowls and many other things for dinner,
with which I was highly pleased, and the chine of beef was down also
before six o'clock, and my own jack, of which I was doubtfull, do carry
it very well. Things being put in order, and the cook come, I went
to the office, where we sat till noon and then broke up, and I home,
whither by and by comes Dr. Clerke and his lady, his sister, and a
she-cozen, and Mr. Pierce and his wife, which was all my guests. I had
for them, after oysters, at first course, a hash of rabbits, a lamb, and
a rare chine of beef. Next a great dish of roasted fowl, cost me about
30s., and a tart, and then fruit and cheese. My dinner was noble and
enough. I had my house mighty clean and neat; my room below with a
good fire in it; my dining-room above, and my chamber being made a
withdrawing-chamber; and my wife's a good fire also. I find my new table
very proper, and will hold nine or ten people well, but eight with great
room. After dinner the women to cards in my wife's chamber, and the Dr.
and Mr. Pierce in mine, because the dining-room smokes unless I keep
a good charcoal fire, which I was not then provided with. At night to
supper, had a good s
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