Biography of John Roettiers Engraver 1631-1703

Diary of Samuel Pepys 26 March 1666. 26 Mar 1666. Up, and a meeting extraordinary there was of Sir W. Coventry (38), Lord Bruncker (46), and myself, about the business of settling the ticket office, where infinite room is left for abusing the King (35) in the wages of seamen.

Our [meeting] being done, my Lord Bruncker (46) and I to the Tower, to see the famous engraver (34), to get him to grave a seale for the office. And did see some of the finest pieces of work in embossed work, that ever I did see in my life, for fineness and smallness of the images thereon, and I will carry my wife thither to shew them her. Here I also did see bars of gold melting, which was a fine sight.

So with my Lord to the Pope's Head Taverne in Lombard Street to dine by appointment with Captain Taylor, whither Sir W. Coventry (38) come to us, and were mighty merry, and I find reason to honour him every day more and more.

Thence alone to Broade Street to Sir G. Carteret (56) by his desire to confer with him, who is I find in great pain about the business of the office, and not a little, I believe, in fear of falling there, Sir W. Coventry (38) having so great a pique against him, and herein I first learn an eminent instance how great a man this day, that nobody would think could be shaken, is the next overthrown, dashed out of countenance, and every small thing of irregularity in his business taken notice of, where nobody the other day durst cast an eye upon them, and next I see that he that the other day nobody durst come near is now as supple as a spaniel, and sends and speaks to me with great submission, and readily hears to advice.

Thence home to the office, where busy late, and so home a little to my accounts publique and private, but could not get myself rightly to know how to dispose of them in order to passing.