Pepy's Diary. 11 Oct 1664. Thence to the Fishery in Thames Street, and there several good discourses about the letting of the Lotterys, and, among others, one Sir Thomas Clifford (age 34), whom yet I knew not, do speak very well and neatly.

Pepy's Diary. 25 Feb 1666. He tells me my Lord of Suffolke (age 47), Lord Arlington (age 48), Archbishop of Canterbury (age 67), Lord Treasurer (age 58), Mr. Atturny Montagu (age 48), Sir Thomas Clifford (age 35) in the House of Commons, Sir G. Carteret (age 56), and some others I cannot presently remember, are friends that I may rely on for him. He tells me my Chancellor (age 57) seems his very good friend, but doubts that he may not think him so much a servant of the Duke of Yorke's (age 32) as he would have him, and indeed my Lord tells me he hath lately made it his business to be seen studious of the King's favour, and not of the Duke's, and by the King (age 35) will stand or fall, for factions there are, as he tells me, and God knows how high they may come.

Calendars. 05 Aug 1666. 86. Instructions given to Sir Thomas Clifford (age 36), returning to the fleet, to be communicated to Prince Rupert (age 46) and the Duke of Albemarle (age 57), generals, viz.: to assure them of the King's satisfaction with their conduct in the last happy engagement; to acquaint them with the state of supplies, the condition of ships sent in disabled, the state of the fleet bound for Gottenburg; to consult about that for Hamburg which waits a convoy, as do the vessels ready to come thence with naval provisions, &c.; to tell them of the disadvantages that may arise from their remaining on the Holland coast, many ships being presumed to be too much: hurt to bear foul weather or the shcck of another engagement, when the Dutch are strengthened with De Beaufort's (age 50) fleet, and perhaps some ships from "Denmark, especially as unless their East India and merchant ships come in a few days, they will put into harbour, on notice that their fleet is disabled, and ours: waiting them on their coasts; to tell them that the complaint of Sir Jeremy Smith's misbehaviour in the late engagement being so universal, unless he have fully satisfied the generals, he should be brought to trial by court martial, and there purged or condemned, but sentence not executed till further orders; to represent that the fleet will run less risk, more easily refresh and refit itself, sooner join the ships making ready, especially the fire-ships, and receive expected recruits, by returning to the Downs, Sole Bay [Map], or the Isle of Wight, but as, on the other hand, the reputation of the victory will be best maintained by the fleet's continuing on the enemy's coast, the generals are to reflect seriously on these points and decide for themselves whether to stay or return; to recommend them to let His Majesty hear often from them, and especially their resolutions upon these several directions. [3 pages, draft, corrected by Lord Arlington.]

Pepy's Diary. 17 Sep 1666. Up betimes, and shaved myself after a week's growth, but, Lord! how ugly I was yesterday and how fine to-day! By water, seeing the City all the way, a sad sight indeed, much fire being still in. To Sir W. Coventry (age 38), and there read over my yesterday's work: being a collection of the particulars of the excess of charge created by a war, with good content. Sir W. Coventry (age 38) was in great pain lest the French fleete should be passed by our fleete, who had notice of them on Saturday, and were preparing to go meet them; but their minds altered, and judged them merchant-men, when the same day the Success, Captain Ball, made their whole fleete, and come to Brighthelmstone, and thence at five o'clock afternoon, Saturday, wrote Sir W. Coventry (age 38) newes thereof; so that we do much fear our missing them. Here come in and talked with him Sir Thomas Clifford (age 36), who appears a very fine gentleman, and much set by at Court for his activity in going to sea, and stoutness everywhere, and stirring up and down.

Pepy's Diary. 17 Sep 1666. Thence by coach over the ruines, down Fleete Streete [Map] and Cheapside [Map] to Broad Streete (age 36) to Sir G. Carteret (age 56), where Sir W. Batten (age 65) (and Sir J. Minnes (age 67), whom I had not seen a long time before, being his first coming abroad) and Lord Bruncker (age 46) passing his accounts.

Evelyn's Diary. 27 Nov 1666. Sir Hugh Pollard (age 63), Comptroller of the Household, died at Whitehall [Map], and his Majesty (age 36) conferred the white staff on my brother Commissioner for sick and wounded, Sir Thomas Clifford (age 36), a bold young gentleman, of a small fortune in Devon, but advanced by Lord Arlington (age 48), Secretary of State, to the great astonishment of all the Court. This gentleman (age 36) was somewhat related to me by the marriage of his [his mother] mother to my nearest kinsman, Gregory Coale, and was ever my noble friend, a valiant and daring person, but by no means fit for a supple and flattering courtier.

Pepy's Diary. 29 Nov 1666. "I doubt not of your lordship's hearing of Sir Thomas Clifford's (age 36) succeeding Sir H. Pollard (deceased) in the Comptrollership of the King's house but perhaps our ill, but confirmed, tidings from the Barbadoes may not [have reached you] yet, it coming but yesterday; viz., that about eleven ships, whereof two of the King's, the Hope and Coventry, going thence with men to attack St. Christopher's, were seized by a violent hurricane, and all sunk-two only of thirteen escaping, and those with loss of masts, &c. My Lord Willoughby himself is involved in the disaster, and I think two ships thrown upon an island of the French, and so all the men, to 500, become their prisoners. 'Tis said, too, that eighteen Dutch men-of-war are passed the Channell, in order to meet with our Smyrna ships; and some, I hear, do fright us with the King of Sweden's (age 11) seizing our mast-ships at Gottenburgh. But we have too much ill newes true, to afflict ourselves with what is uncertain. That which I hear from Scotland is, the Duke of York's (age 33) saying, yesterday, that he is confident the Lieutenant-Generall there hath driven them into a pound, somewhere towards the mountains".

Pepy's Diary. 24 Feb 1667. In the afternoon away to White Hall by water, and took a turn or two in the Park, and then back to White Hall, and there meeting my Lord Arlington (age 49), he, by I know not what kindness, offered to carry me along with him to my Lord Treasurer's (age 59), whither, I told him, I was going. I believe he had a mind to discourse of some Navy businesses, but Sir Thomas Clifford (age 36) coming into the coach to us, we were prevented; which I was sorry for, for I had a mind to begin an acquaintance with him. He speaks well, and hath pretty slight superficial parts, I believe.

Pepy's Diary. 26 Apr 1667. By and by we discoursed of Sir Thomas Clifford (age 36), whom I took for a very rich and learned man, and of the great family of that name. He tells me he is only a man of about seven-score pounds a-year, of little learning more than the law of a justice of peace, which he knows well: a parson's son, got to be burgess in a little borough in the West, and here fell into the acquaintance of my Lord Arlington (age 49), whose creature he is, and never from him; a man of virtue, and comely, and good parts enough; and hath come into his place with a great grace, though with a great skip over the heads of a great many, as Chichly and Duncum, and some Lords that did expect it.

Pepy's Diary. 22 May 1667. Up, and by water to White Hall to Sir G. Carteret (age 57), who tells me now for certain how the Commission for the Treasury is disposed of: viz., to Duke of Albemarle (age 58), Lord Ashly (age 45), Sir W. Coventry (age 39), Sir John Duncomb (age 44), and Sir Thomas Clifford (age 36): at which, he says, all the whole Court is disturbed; it having been once concluded otherwise into the other hands formerly mentioned in yesterday's notes, but all of a sudden the King's choice was changed, and these are to be the men; the first of which is only for a puppet to give honour to the rest. He do presage that these men will make it their business to find faults in the management of the late Lord Treasurer (deceased), and in discouraging the bankers: but I am, whatever I in compliance do say to him, of another mind, and my heart is very glad of it, for I do expect they will do much good, and that it is the happiest thing that hath appeared to me for the good of the nation since the King (age 36) come in.

Pepy's Diary. 03 Jun 1667. By and by, I, upon desire, was called in, and delivered in my report of my Accounts. Present, Lord Ashly (age 45), Clifford (age 36), and Duncomb (age 44), who, being busy, did not read it; but committed it to Sir George Downing (age 42), and so I was dismissed; but, Lord! to see how Duncomb (age 44) do take upon him is an eyesore, though I think he deserves great honour, but only the suddenness of his rise, and his pride. But I do like the way of these lords, that they admit nobody to use many words, nor do they spend many words themselves, but in great state do hear what they see necessary, and say little themselves, but bid withdraw.

Pepy's Diary. 19 Jun 1667. While we were discoursing over our publique misfortunes, I am called in to a large Committee of the Council: present the Duke of Albemarle (age 58), Anglesey (age 52), Arlington (age 49), Ashly (age 45), Carteret (age 57), Duncomb (age 44), Coventry (age 39), Ingram (age 52), Clifford (age 36), Lauderdale (age 51), Morrice (age 64), Manchester (age 65), Craven (age 59), Carlisle (age 38), Bridgewater (age 44).

Pepy's Diary. 13 Nov 1667. Up, and down to the Old Swan [Map], and so to Westminster; where I find the House sitting, and in a mighty heat about Commissioner Pett (age 57), that they would have him impeached, though the Committee have yet brought in but part of their Report: and this heat of the House is much heightened by Sir Thomas Clifford (age 37) telling them, that he was the man that did, out of his own purse, employ people at the out-ports to prevent the King of Scots (age 37) to escape after the battle of Worcester. The House was in a great heat all this day about it; and at last it was carried, however, that it should be referred back to the Committee to make further enquiry. I here spoke with Roger Pepys (age 50), who sent for me, and it was to tell me that the Committee is mighty full of the business of buying and selling of tickets, and to caution me against such an enquiry (wherein I am very safe), and that they have already found out Sir Richard Ford's (age 53) son to have had a hand in it, which they take to be the same as if the father had done it, and I do believe the father may be as likely to be concerned in it as his son. But I perceive by him they are resolved to find out the bottom of the business if it be possible.

Pepy's Diary. 15 Mar 1668. So to White Hall, and there walked with this man and that man till chapel done, and, the King (age 37) dined and then Sir Thomas Clifford (age 37), the Comptroller, took me with him to dinner to his lodgings, where my Lord Arlington (age 50) and a great deal of good and great company; where I very civilly used by them, and had a most excellent dinner: and good discourse of Spain, Mr. Godolphin (age 33) being there; particularly of the removal of the bodies of all the dead Kings of Spain that could be got together, and brought to the Pantheon at the Escuriall, when it was finished, and there placed before the altar, there to lie for ever; and there was a sermon made to them upon this text, "Arida ossa, audite verbum Dei"; and a most eloquent sermon, as they say, who say they have read it.

Pepy's Diary. 19 May 1668. Thence W. Coventry (age 40) and I in the Matted Gallery, and there he did talk very well to me about the way to save the credit of the officers of the Navy, and their places too, by making use of this interval of Parliament to be found to be mending of matters in the Navy, and that nothing but this will do it, and gives an instance in themselves of the Treasury, whereof himself and Sir John Duncombe (age 45) all the world knows have enemies, and my Lord Ashly (age 46) a man obnoxious to most, and Sir Thomas Clifford (age 37) one that as a man suddenly rising and a creature of my Lord Arlington's (age 50) hath enemies enough (none of them being otherwise but the Duke of Albemarle (age 59)), yet with all this fault they hear nothing of the business of the Treasury, but all well spoken of there. He is for the removal of Sir John Minnes (age 69), thinking that thereby the world will see a greater change in the hands than now they do; and I will endeavour it, and endeavour to do some good in the office also.

Pepy's Diary. 09 Sep 1668. Thence by water home and to dinner, and after dinner by water again to White Hall, where Brouncker (age 48), W. Pen (age 47), and I attended the Commissioners of the Treasury about the victualling-contract, where high words between Sir Thomas Clifford (age 38) and us, and myself more particularly, who told him that something, that he said was told him about this business, was a flat untruth. However, we went on to our business in, the examination of the draught, and so parted, and I vexed at what happened, and Brouncker (age 48) and W. Pen (age 47) and I home in a Hackney coach. And I all that night so vexed that I did not sleep almost all night, which shows how unfit I am for trouble. So, after a little supper, vexed, and spending a little time melancholy in making a base to the Lark's song, I to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 19 Mar 1669. Up, and by water to White Hall, there to the Lords of the Treasury, and did some business, and here Sir Thomas Clifford (age 38) did speak to me, as desirous that I would some time come and confer with him about the Navy, which I am glad of, but will take the direction of the Duke of York (age 35) before I do it, though I would be glad to do something to secure myself, if I could, in my employment.

Pepy's Diary. 22 Mar 1669. Thence to the Treasury-Chamber, and there all the morning to my great grief, put to do Sir G. Downing's (age 44) work of dividing the Customes for this year, between the Navy, the Ordnance and Tangier: but it did so trouble my eyes, that I had rather have given £20 than have had it to do; but I did thereby oblige Sir Thomas Clifford (age 38) and Sir J. Duncombe, and so am glad of the opportunity to recommend myself to the former for the latter I need not, he loving me well already. At it till noon, here being several of my brethren with me but doing nothing, but I all. But this day I did also represent to our Treasurers, which was read here, a state of the charge of the Navy, and what the expence of it this year would likely be; which is done so as it will appear well done and to my honour, for so the Lords did take it: and I oblige the Treasurers by doing it, at their request.

Pepy's Diary. 29 Mar 1669. Up, and by water to White Hall; and there to the Duke of York (age 35), to shew myself, after my journey to Chatham, Kent [Map], but did no business to-day with him: only after gone from him, I to Sir T. Clifford's (age 38); and there, after an hour's waiting, he being alone in his closet, I did speak with him, and give him the account he gave me to draw up, and he did like it very well: and then fell to talk of the business of the Navy and giving me good words, did fall foul of the constitution [of the Board], and did then discover his thoughts, that Sir J. Minnes (age 70) was too old, and so was Colonel Middleton, and that my Lord Brouncker (age 49) did mind his mathematics too much. I did not give much encouragement to that of finding fault with my fellow-officers; but did stand up for the constitution, and did say that what faults there were in our Office would be found not to arise from the constitution, but from the failures of the officers in whose hands it was. This he did seem to give good ear to; but did give me of myself very good words, which pleased me well, though I shall not build upon them any thing.

Pepy's Diary. 30 Mar 1669. Up, and to Sir W. Coventry (age 41), to see and discourse with him; and he tells me that he hath lately been with my Lord Keeper, and had much discourse about the Navy; and particularly he tells me that he finds they are divided touching me and my Lord Brouncker (age 49); some are for removing; and some for keeping us. He told my Lord Keeper that it would cost the King (age 38) £10,000 before he hath made another as fit to serve him in the Navy as I am; which, though I believe it is true, yet I am much pleased to have that character given me by W. Coventry (age 41), whatever be the success of it. But I perceive they do think that I know too much, and shall impose upon whomever shall come next, and therefore must be removed, though he tells me that Sir T. Clifford (age 38) is inclined well enough to me, and Sir T. Osborne (age 37); by what I have lately done, I suppose. This news do a little trouble me, but yet, when I consider it, it is but what I ought not to be much troubled for, considering my incapacity, in regard to my eyes, to continue long at this work, and this when I think of and talk with my wife do make me the less troubled for it. After some talk of the business of the navy more with him, I away and to the Office, where all the morning; and Sir W. Pen (age 47), the first time that he hath been here since his being last sick, which, I think, is two or three months; and I think will be the last that he will be here as one of the Board, he now inviting us all to dine with him, as a parting dinner, on Thursday next, which I am glad of, I am sure; for he is a very villain.

Evelyn's Diary. 02 Apr 1669. Dined at Mr. Treasurer's (age 38), where was (with many noblemen) Colonel Titus (age 46) of the bedchamber, author of the famous piece against Cromwell, "Killing no Murder"..

Pepy's Diary. 08 Apr 1669. Up, and to White Hall, to the King's side, to find Sir T. Clifford (age 38), where the Duke of York (age 35) come and found me, which I was sorry for, for fear he should think I was making friends on that side. But I did put it off the best I could, my being there: and so, by and by, had opportunity alone to shew Sir T. Clifford (age 38) the fair account I had drawn up of the Customes, which he liked, and seemed mightily pleased with me; and so away to the Excise-Office, to do a little business there, and so to the Office, where all the morning.

Evelyn's Diary. 20 Aug 1670. At Windsor [Map] I supped with the Duke of Monmouth (age 21); and, the next day, invited by Lord Arlington (age 52), dined with the same Duke and divers Lords. After dinner my Lord and I had a conference of more than an hour alone in his bedchamber, to engage me in the History. I showed him something that I had drawn up, to his great satisfaction, and he desired me to show it to the Treasurer (age 40).

Evelyn's Diary. 28 Aug 1670. I dined with the Treasurer (age 40), and consulted with him what pieces I was to add; in the afternoon the King (age 40) took me aside into the balcony over the terrace, extremely pleased with what had been told him I had begun, in order to his commands, and enjoining me to proceed vigorously in it. He told me he had ordered the Secretaries of State to give me all necessary assistance of papers and particulars relating to it and enjoining me to make it a LITTLE KEEN, for that the Hollanders had very unhandsomely abused him in their pictures, books, and libels.

Evelyn's Diary. 14 Oct 1670. I spent the whole afternoon in private with the Treasurer (age 40) who put into my hands those secret pieces and transactions concerning the Dutch war, and particularly the expedition of Bergen, in which he had himself the chief part, and gave me instructions, till the King (age 40) arriving from Newmarket, we both went up into his bedchamber.

Evelyn's Diary. 21 Oct 1670. Dined with the Treasurer (age 40); and, after dinner, we were shut up together. I received other [further] advices, and ten paper books of dispatches and treaties; to return which again I gave a note under my hand to Mr. Joseph Williamson, Master of the Paper office.

Evelyn's Diary. 24 Nov 1670. I dined with the Treasurer (age 40), where was the Earl of Rochester (age 23), a very profane wit.

Evelyn's Diary. 20 Jan 1671. The King (age 40) came to me in the Queen's (age 32) withdrawing-room from the circle of ladies, to talk with me as to what advance I had made in the Dutch History. I dined with the Treasurer (age 40), and afterward we went to the Secretary's (age 53) Office, where we conferred about divers particulars.

Evelyn's Diary. 28 Feb 1671. The Treasurer (age 40) acquainted me that his Majesty (age 40) was graciously pleased to nominate me one of the Council of Foreign Plantations, and give me a salary of £500 per annum, to encourage me.

Evelyn's Diary. 28 Feb 1671. [Note. Original entry stated 29 Feb 1671 which is clearly incorrect since 1671 isn't a leap year.] I went to thank the Treasurer (age 40), who was my great friend and loved me; I dined with him and much company, and went thence to my Lord Arlington (age 53), Secretary of State, in whose favor I likewise was upon many occasions, though I cultivated neither of their friendships by any mean submissions. I kissed his Majesty's (age 40) hand, on his making me one of the new-established Council.

Evelyn's Diary. 02 Apr 1671. To Sir Thomas Clifford (age 40), the Treasurer, to condole with him on the loss of his [his son] eldest son (deceased), who died at Florence, Italy.

Evelyn's Diary. 17 May 1671. Dined at Mr. Treasurer's (age 40) with the Earl of Arlington (age 53), Carlingford, Lord Arundel of Wardour (age 63), Lord Almoner to the Queen, a French Count and two abbots, with several more of French nobility; and now by something I had lately observed of Mr. Treasurer's (age 40) conversation on occasion, I suspected him a little warping to Rome.

Evelyn's Diary. 26 May 1671. The Earl of Bristol's (age 58) house in Queen's Street was taken for the Commissioners of Trade and Plantations, and furnished with rich hangings of the King's (age 40). It consisted of seven rooms on a floor, with a long gallery, gardens, etc. This day we met the Duke of Buckingham (age 43), Earl of Lauderdale (age 55), Lord Culpeper, Sir George Carteret (age 61), Vice-Chamberlain, and myself, had the oaths given us by the Earl of Sandwich (age 45), our President. It was to advise and counsel his Majesty (age 40), to the best of our abilities, for the well-governing of his Foreign Plantations, etc., the form very little differing from that given to the Privy Council. We then took our places at the Board in the Council-Chamber, a very large room furnished with atlases, maps, charts, globes, etc. Then came the Lord Keeper, Sir Orlando Bridgeman (age 65), Earl of Arlington (age 53), Secretary of State, Lord Ashley, Mr. Treasurer (age 40), Sir John Trevor (age 34), the other Secretary, Sir John Duncomb (age 49), Lord Allington (age 31), Mr. Grey, son to the Lord Grey, Mr. Henry Broncher, Sir Humphrey Winch (age 49), Sir John Finch, Mr. Waller (age 65), and Colonel Titus (age 48), of the bedchamber, with Mr. Slingsby, Secretary to the Council, and two Clerks of the Council, who had all been sworn some days before. Being all set, our Patent was read, and then the additional Patent, in which was recited this new establishment; then, was delivered to each a copy of the Patent, and of instructions: after which, we proceeded to business.

Evelyn's Diary. 29 Aug 1671. To London, with some more papers of my progress in the Dutch War, delivered to the Treasurer (age 41).

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Sep 1671. Dined with the Treasurer (age 41), in company with my Lord Arlington (age 53), Halifax (age 37), and Sir Thomas Strickland [Note. Possibly Thomas Strickland (age 49) or Thomas Strickland 2nd Baronet (age 32).]; and next day, went home, being the anniversary of the late dreadful fire of London.

Evelyn's Diary. 22 Sep 1671. After dinner, the Treasurer (age 41) carried me to Lincoln's Inn, to one of the Parliament Clerks, to obtain of him, that I might carry home and peruse, some of the Journals, which were, accordingly, delivered to me to examine about the late Dutch War. Returning home, I went on shore to see the Custom House, now newly rebuilt since the dreadful conflagration.

Evelyn's Diary. 22 Sep 1671. This over, I went that night with Mr. Treasurer (age 41) to Euston, a palace of Lord Arlington's (age 53), where we found Monsieur Colbert (age 46) (the French Ambassador), and the famous new French Maid of Honor, Mademoiselle Querouaille (age 22), now coming to be in great favor with the King (age 41). Here was also the Countess of Sunderland (age 25), and several lords and ladies, who lodged in the house.

Evelyn's Diary. 22 Sep 1671. I dined at the Treasurer's (age 41), where I had discourse with Sir Henry Jones (now come over to raise a regiment of horse), concerning the French conquests in Lorraine; he told me the King (age 41) sold all things to the soldiers, even to a handful of hay.

Around 1672 Peter Lely (age 53). Portrait of Thomas Clifford 1st Baron Clifford Chudleigh (age 41).

Evelyn's Diary. 12 Mar 1672. To this succeeded the King's (age 41) declaration for an universal toleration; Papists and swarms of Sectaries, now boldly showing themselves in their public meetings. !This was imputed to the same council, Clifford (age 41) warping to Rome as was believed, nor was Lord Arlington (age 54) clear of suspicion, to gratify that party, but as since it has proved, and was then evidently foreseen, to the extreme weakening of the Church of England and its Episcopal Government, as it was projected. I speak not this as my own sense, but what was the discourse and thoughts of others, who were lookers-on; for I think there might be some relaxations without the least prejudice to the present establishment, discreetly limited, but to let go the reins in this manner, and then to imagine they could take them up again as easily, was a false policy, and greatly destructive. The truth is, our Bishops slipped the occasion; for, had they held a steady hand upon his Majesty's (age 41) restoration, as they might easily have done, the Church of England had emerged and flourished, without interruption; but they were then remiss, and covetous after advantages of another kind while his Majesty (age 41) suffered them to come into a harvest, with which, without any injustice he might have remunerated innumerable gallant gentlemen for their services who had ruined themselves in the late rebellion.

Evelyn's Diary. 12 Mar 1672. A few days before this, the Treasurer of the Household, Sir Thomas Clifford (age 41), hinted to me, as a confidant, that his Majesty (age 41) would SHUT UP THE EXCHEQUER (and, accordingly, his Majesty (age 41) made use of infinite treasure there, to prepare for an intended rupture); but, says he, it will soon be open again, and everybody satisfied; for this bold man, who had been the sole adviser of the King (age 41) to invade that sacred stock (though some pretend it was Lord Ashley's counsel, then Chancellor of the Exchequer), was so over-confident of the success of this unworthy design against the Smyrna merchants, as to put his Majesty (age 41) on an action which not only lost the hearts of his subjects, and ruined many widows and orphans, whose stocks were lent him, but the reputation of his Exchequer forever, it being before in such credit, that he might have commanded half the wealth of the nation.

Evelyn's Diary. 30 Apr 1672. Congratulated Mr. Treasurer Clifford's (age 41) new honor, being made a Baron.

Evelyn's Diary. 01 Sep 1672. I spent this week in soliciting for moneys, and in reading to my Lord Clifford (age 42) my papers relating to the first Holland war. Now, our Council of Plantations met at Lord Shaftesbury's (age 51) (Chancellor of the Exchequer) to read and reform the draft of our new Patent, joining the Council of Trade to our political capacities. After this, I returned home, in order to another excursion to the seaside, to get as many as possible of the men who were recovered on board the fleet.

Evelyn's Diary. 06 Oct 1672. Dr. Thistlethwaite preached at Whitehall on Rev. v. 2, - a young, but good preacher. I received the blessed Communion, Dr. Blandford (age 56), Bishop of Worcester, and Dean of the Chapel, officiating. Dined at my Lord Clifford's (age 42), with Lord Mulgrave (age 24), Sir Gilbert Talbot (age 41), and Sir Robert Holmes (age 50).

Evelyn's Diary. 18 Aug 1673. Taking leave of my Lord Clifford (age 43), he wrung me by the hand, and, looking earnestly on me, bid me God-b'ye, adding, "Mr. Evelyn, I shall never see thee more". "No!" said I, "my Lord, what's the meaning of this? I hope I shall see you often, and as great a person again". "No, Mr. Evelyn, do not expect it, I will never see this place, this city, or Court again", or words of this sound. In this manner, not without almost mutual tears, I parted from him; nor was it long after, but the news was that he was dead, and I have heard from some who I believe knew, he made himself away, after an extraordinary melancholy. This is not confidently affirmed, but a servant who lived in the house, and afterward with Sir Robert Clayton (age 44), Lord Mayor, did, as well as others, report it, and when I hinted some such thing to Mr. Prideaux, one of his trustees, he was not willing to enter into that discourse.

Evelyn's Diary. 18 Aug 1673. For the rest, my Lord Clifford (age 43) was a valiant, incorrupt gentleman, ambitious, not covetous; generous, passionate, a most constant, sincere friend, to me in particular, so as when he laid down his office, I was at the end of all my hopes and endeavors. These were not for high matters, but to obtain what his Majesty (age 43) was really indebted to my father-in-law, which was the utmost of my ambition, and which I had undoubtedly obtained, if this friend had stood. Sir Thomas Osborn (age 41), who succeeded him, though much more obliged to my father-in-law and his family, and my long and old acquaintance, being of a more haughty and far less obliging nature, I could hope for little; a man of excellent natural parts; but nothing of generous or grateful.