Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665

 John Evelyn's Diary January 1665 John Evelyn's Diary February 1665 John Evelyn's Diary March 1665 John Evelyn's Diary April 1665 John Evelyn's Diary June 1665 John Evelyn's Diary July 1665 John Evelyn's Diary August 1665 John Evelyn's Diary September 1665 John Evelyn's Diary October 1665 John Evelyn's Diary November 1665

John Evelyn's Diary 1665 is in John Evelyn's Diary 1660s.

1665 Sinking of The London

1665 Second Anglo Dutch War

1665 Battle of Lowestoft

1665 Great Plague of London

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665, John Evelyn's Diary January 1665

02 Jan 1665. This day was published by me that part of "The Mystery of Jesuitism" translated and collected by me, though without my name, containing the Imaginary Heresy, with four letters and other pieces.

04 Jan 1665. I went in a coach, it being excessive sharp frost and snow, toward Dover, Kent [Map] and other parts of Kent, to settle physicians, chirurgeons, agents, marshals, and other officers in all the sea ports, to take care of such as should be set on shore, wounded, sick, or prisoners, in pursuance of our commission reaching from the North Foreland, in Kent, to Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map], in Hampshire. The rest of the ports in England were allotted to the other Commissioners. That evening I came to Rochester, Kent [Map], where I delivered the Privy Council's letter to the Mayor to receive orders from me.

05 Jan 1665. I arrived at Canterbury, Kent [Map], and went to the cathedral [Map], exceedingly well repaired since his Majesty's (age 34) return.

06 Jan 1665. To Dover, Kent [Map], where Colonel Stroode (age 37), Lieutenant of the Castle, having received the letter I brought him from the Duke of Albemarle (age 56), made me lodge in it, and I was splendidly treated, assisting me from place to place. Here I settled my first Deputy. The Mayor and officers of the Customs were very civil to me.

09 Jan 1665. To Deal, Kent [Map]. 10th. To Sandwich, Kent [Map], a pretty town, about two miles from the sea. The Mayor and officers of the Customs were very diligent to serve me. I visited the forts in the way, and returned that night to Canterbury, Kent [Map].

11 Jan 1665. To Rochester, Kent [Map], when I took order to settle officers at Chatham, Kent [Map].

12 Jan 1665. To Gravesend, Kent [Map], and returned home. A cold, busy, but not unpleasant journey.

25 Jan 1665. This night being at Whitehall [Map], his Majesty (age 34) came to me standing in the withdrawing-room, and gave me thanks for publishing "The Mysteries of Jesuitism", which he said he had carried two days in his pocket, read it, and encouraged me; at which I did not a little wonder: I suppose Sir Robert Murray (age 57) had given it to him.

27 Jan 1665. Dined at the Lord Chancellor's (age 55), who caused me after dinner to sit two or three hours alone with him in his bedchamber.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665, John Evelyn's Diary February 1665

02 Feb 1665. I saw a Masque performed at Court, by six gentlemen and six ladies, surprising his Majesty (age 34), it being Candlemas day.

08 Feb 1665. Ash Wednesday, 1665. I visited our prisoners at Chelsea College, and to examine how the marshal and sutlers behaved. These were prisoners taken in the war; they only complained that their bread was too fine. I dined at Sir Henry Herbert's (age 70), Master of the Revels.

09 Feb 1665. Dined at my Lord Treasurer's, the Earl of Southampton (age 57), in Bloomsbury, where he was building a noble square or piazza, a little town; his own house stands too low, some noble rooms, a pretty cedar chapel, a naked garden to the north, but good air. I had much discourse with his Lordship, whom I found to be a person of extraordinary parts, but a valetudinarian.-I went to St James' Park [Map], where I saw various animals, and examined the throat of the Onocrotylus, or pelican, a fowl between a stork and a swan; a melancholy water-fowl, brought from Astrakhan by the Russian Ambassador; it was diverting to see how he would toss up and turn a flat fish, plaice, or flounder, to get it right into his gullet at its lower beak, which, being filmy, stretches to a prodigious wideness when it devours a great fish. Here was also a small water-fowl, not bigger than a moorhen, that went almost quite erect, like the penguin of America; it would eat as much fish as its whole body weighed; I never saw so unsatiable a devourer, yet the body did not appear to swell the bigger. The solan geese here are also great devourers, and are said soon to exhaust all the fish in a pond. Here was a curious sort of poultry not much exceeding the size of a tame pigeon, with legs so short as their crops seemed to touch the earth; a milk-white raven; a stork, which was a rarity at this season, seeing he was loose, and could fly loftily; two Balearian cranes, one of which having had one of his legs broken and cut off above the knee, had a wooden or boxen leg and thigh, with a joint so accurately made that the creature could walk and use it as well as if it had been natural; it was made by a soldier. The park was at this time stored with numerous flocks of several sorts of ordinary and extraordinary wild fowl, breeding about the Decoy, which for being near so great a city, and among such a concourse of soldiers and people, is a singular and diverting thing. There were also deer of several countries, white; spotted like leopards; antelopes, an elk, red deer, roebucks, stags, Guinea goats, Arabian sheep, etc. There were withy-pots, or nests, for the wild fowl to lay their eggs in, a little above the surface of the water.

23 Feb 1665. I was invited to a great feast at Mr. Rich's (a relation of my wife's (age 30), now reader at Lincoln's Inn); where was the Duke of Monmouth (age 15), the Archbishop of Canterbury (age 66), Bishops of London (age 33) and Winchester (age 66), the Speaker of the House of Commons (age 48), divers of the Judges, and several other great men.

24 Feb 1665. Dr. Fell (age 39), Canon of Christ Church, preached before the King (age 34), on 15 ch. Romans, v. 2, a very formal discourse, and in blank verse, according to his manner; however, he is a good man. Mr. Philips, preceptor to my son, went to be with the Earl of Pembroke's (age 44) son, my Lord Herbert (age 24).

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665, John Evelyn's Diary March 1665

02 Mar 1665. I went with his Majesty (age 34) into the lobby behind the House of Lords, where I saw the King and the rest of the Lords robe themselves, and got into the House of Lords in a corner near the woolsack, on which the Lord Chancellor sits next below the throne: the King sat in all the regalia, the crown-imperial on his head, the sceptre and globe, etc. The Duke of Albemarle (age 56) bore the sword, the Duke of Ormond (age 54), the cap of dignity. The rest of the Lords robed in their places:-a most splendid and august convention. Then came the Speaker and the House of Commons (age 48), and at the bar made a speech, and afterward presented several bills, a nod only passing them, the clerk saying, Le Roy le veult, as to public bills, as to private, Soit faite commeil est desirè. Then, his Majesty made a handsome but short speech, commanding my Lord Privy Seal (age 59) to prorogue the Parliament, which he did, the Chancellor (age 56) being ill and absent. I had not before seen this ceremony.

09 Mar 1665. I went to receive the poor creatures that were saved out of the London frigate, blown up by accident, with above 200 men. .

29 Mar 1665. Went to Goring House [Map], now Mr. Secretary Bennet's (age 47), ill-built, but the place capable of being made a pretty villa. His Majesty (age 34) was now finishing the Decoy in the Park.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665, John Evelyn's Diary April 1665

02 Apr 1665. Took order about some prisoners sent from Captain Allen's (age 53) ship, taken in the Solomon, viz, the brave men who defended her so gallantly.

05 Apr 1665. Was a day of public humiliation and for success of this terrible war, begun doubtless at secret instigation of the French to weaken the States and Protestant interest. Prodigious preparations on both sides.

06 Apr 1665. In the afternoon, I saw acted "Mustapha", a tragedy written by the Earl of Orrery (age 43).

11 Apr 1665. To London, being now left the only Commissioner to take all necessary orders how to exchange, remove, and keep prisoners, dispose of hospitals, etc.; the rest of the Commissioners being gone to their several districts, in expectation of a sudden engagement.

19 Apr 1665. Invited to a great dinner at the Trinity House, Deptford [Map], where I had business with the Commissioners of the Navy, and to receive the second £5,000, impressed for the service of the sick and wounded prisoners.

20 Apr 1665. To Whitehall [Map], to the King (age 34), who called me into his bedchamber as he was dressing, to whom, I showed the letter written to me from the Duke of York (age 31) from the fleet, giving me notice of young Evertzen, and some considerable commanders newly taken in fight with the Dartmouth and Diamond frigates, whom he had sent me as prisoners at war; I went to know of his Majesty how he would have me treat them, when he commanded me to bring the young captain to him, and to take the word of the Dutch Ambassador (who yet remained here) for the other, that he should render himself to me whenever I called on him, and not stir without leave. Upon which I desired more guards, the prison being Chelsea House. I went also to Lord Arlington (age 47) (the Secretary Bennet lately made a Lord) about other business. Dined at my Lord Chancellor's (age 56); none with him but Sir Sackville Crowe (age 69), formerly Ambassador at Constantinople; we were very cheerful and merry.

24 Apr 1665. I presented young Captain Evertzen (eldest son of Cornelius, Vice-Admiral of Zealand and nephew of John, now Admiral, a most valiant person) to his Majesty (age 34) in his bed-chamber. The King gave him his hand to kiss, and restored him his liberty; asked many questions concerning the fight (it being the first blood drawn), his Majesty remembering the many civilities he had formerly received from his relations abroad, who had now so much interest in that considerable Province. Then, I was commanded to go with him to the Holland Ambassador, where he was to stay for his passport, and I was to give him fifty pieces in broad gold. Next day I had the Ambassador's parole for the other Captain, taken in Captain Allen's (age 53) fight before Calais. I gave the King an account of what I had done, and afterward asked the same favor for another Captain, which his Majesty gave me.

28 Apr 1665. I went to Tunbridge [Map], to see a solemn exercise at the free-school there.

28 Apr 1665. Having taken orders with my marshal about my prisoners, and with the doctor and chirurgeon to attend the wounded enemies, and of our own men, I went to London again, and visited my charge, several with legs and arms off; miserable objects, God knows.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665, John Evelyn's Diary May 1665

16 May 1665. To London, to consider of the poor orphans and widows made by this bloody beginning, and whose husbands and relations perished in London frigate, of which there were fifty widows, and forty-five of them with child. See Sinking of The London.

26 May 1665. To treat with the Holland Ambassador at Chelsea, for release of divers prisoners of war in Holland on exchange here. After dinner, being called into the Council-Chamber at Whitehall, I gave his Majesty (age 34) an account of what I had done, informing him of the vast charge upon us, now amounting to no less than £1,000 weekly.

29 May 1665. I went with my little boy to my district in Kent, to make up accounts with my officers. Visited the Governor of at Dover Castle (age 37), where were some of my prisoners.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665, John Evelyn's Diary June 1665

03 Jun 1665. In my return went to Gravesend, Kent [Map]; the fleets being just now engaged, gave special orders for my officers to be ready to receive the wounded and prisoners.

05 Jun 1665. To London, to speak with his Majesty (age 35) and the Duke of Albemarle (age 56) for horse and foot guards for the prisoners at war, committed more particularly to my charge by a commission apart.

08 Jun 1665. I went again to his Grace, thence to the Council, and moved for another privy seal for £20,000, and that I might have the disposal of the Savoy Hospital for the sick and wounded; all which was granted. Hence to the Royal Society, to refresh among the philosophers.

08 Jun 1665. Came news of his highness's (age 35) victory, which indeed might have been a complete one, and at once ended the war, had it been pursued, but the cowardice of some, or treachery, or both, frustrated that. We had, however, bonfires, bells, and rejoicing in the city. Next day, the 9th, I had instant orders to repair to the Downs, so as I got to Rochester, Kent [Map] this evening. Next day I lay at Deal, Kent [Map], where I found all in readiness: but, the fleet being hindered by contrary winds, I came away on the 12th, and went to Dover, Kent [Map], and returned to Deal, Kent [Map]; and on the 13th, hearing the fleet was at Solbay, I went homeward, and lay at Chatham, Kent [Map], and on the 14th, I got home. On the 15th, came the eldest son of the present Secretary of State to the French King, with much other company, to dine with me. After dinner, I went with him to London, to speak to my Lord General for more guards, and gave his Majesty an account of my journey to the coasts under my inspection. I also waited on his Royal Highness (age 31), now come triumphant from the fleet, gotten into repair. See the whole history of this conflict in my "History of the Dutch War"..

20 Jun 1665. To London, and represented the state of the sick and wounded to His Majesty (age 35) in Council, for want of money, he ordered I should apply to My Lord Treasurer (age 58) and Chancellor of the Exchequer (age 43), upon what funds to raise the money promised. We also presented to his Majesty divers expedients for retrenchment of the charge.

20 Jun 1665. This evening making my court to the Duke (age 31), I spake to Monsieur Comminges, the French Ambassador, and his Highness granted me six prisoners, Embdeners, who were desirous to go to the Barbadoes with a merchant.

22 Jun 1665. We waited on the Chancellor of the Exchequer (age 43), and got an Order of Council for our money to be paid to the Treasurer of the Navy for our Receivers.

23 Jun 1665. I dined with Sir Robert Paston (age 34), since Earl of Yarmouth, and saw the Duke of Verneuille (age 63), base brother to the Queen-Mother (age 55), a handsome old man, a great hunter.

23 Jun 1665. The Duke of York (age 31) told us that, when we were in fight, his dog sought out absolutely the very securest place in all the vessel. In the afternoon, I saw the pompous reception and audience of El Conde de Molino, the Spanish Ambassador, in the Banqueting-house [Map], both their Majesties [Note. King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 35) and Catherine of Braganza Queen Consort England (age 26)] sitting together under the canopy of state.

30 Jun 1665. To Chatham, Kent [Map]; and, 1st July, to the fleet with Lord Sandwich (age 39), now Admiral, with whom I went in a pinnace to the Buoy of the Nore, where the whole fleet rode at anchor; went on board the Prince, of ninety brass ordnance, haply the best ship in the world, both for building and sailing; she had 700 men. They made a great huzza, or shout, at our approach, three times. Here we dined with many noblemen, gentlemen, and volunteers, served in plate and excellent meat of all sorts. After dinner, came his Majesty, the Duke (age 31), and Prince Rupert (age 45). Here I saw the King (age 35) knight Captain Custance for behaving so bravely in the late fight. It was surprising to behold the good order, decency, and plenty of all things in a vessel so full of men. The ship received a hundred cannon shot in her body. Then I went on board the Charles, to which after a gun was shot off, came all the flag officers to his Majesty, who there held a General Council, which determined that his Royal Highness should adventure himself no more this summer. I came away late, having seen the most glorious fleet that ever spread sails. We returned in his Majesty's yacht with my Lord Sandwich and Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, landing at Chatham, Kent [Map] on Sunday morning.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665, John Evelyn's Diary July 1665

05 Jul 1665. I took order for 150 men, who had been recovered of their wounds, to be carried on board the Clove Tree, Carolus Quintus, and Zealand, ships that had been taken by us in the fight; and so returned home.

07 Jul 1665. To London, to Sir William Coventry (age 37); and so to Sion [Map], where his Majesty (age 35) sat at Council during the contagion: when business was over, I viewed that seat belonging to the Earl of Northumberland, built out of an old nunnery, of stone, and fair enough, but more celebrated for the garden than it deserves; yet there is excellent wall-fruit, and a pretty fountain; nothing else extraordinary.

09 Jul 1665. I went to Hampton-Court [Map], where now the whole Court was, to solicit for money; to carry intercepted letters; confer again with Sir William Coventry (age 37), the Duke's secretary; and so home, having dined with Mr. Secretary Morice (age 37).

16 Jul 1665. There died of the plague in London this week 1,100; and in the week following, above 2,000. Two houses were shut up in our parish.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665, John Evelyn's Diary August 1665

02 Aug 1665. A solemn fast through England to deprecate God's displeasure against the land by pestilence and war; our Doctor preaching on 26 Levit. v. 41, 42, that the means to obtain remission of punishment was not to repine at it; but humbly to submit to it.

03 Aug 1665. Came his Grace the Duke of Albemarle (age 56), Lord General of all his Majesty's (age 35) forces, to visit me, and carried me to dine with him.

04 Aug 1665. I went to Wotton, Surrey [Map] with my Son and his tutor, Mr. Bohun, Fellow of New College (recommended to me by Dr. Wilkins (age 51), and the President of New College, Oxford), for fear of the pestilence, still increasing in London and its environs. On my return, I called at Durdans, where I found Dr. Wilkins, Sir William Petty (age 42), and Mr. Hooke (age 30), contriving chariots, new rigging for ships, a wheel for one to run races in, and other mechanical inventions; perhaps three such persons together were not to be found elsewhere in Europe, for parts and ingenuity.

08 Aug 1665. I waited on the Duke of Albemarle (age 56), who was resolved to stay at the Cock-pit, in St. James's Park. Died this week in London, 4,000. See Great Plague of London.

15 Aug 1665. There perished this week 5,000. See Great Plague of London.

28 Aug 1665. The contagion still increasing, and growing now all about us, I sent my wife (age 30) and whole family (two or three necessary servants excepted) to my brother's at Wotton, Surrey [Map], being resolved to stay at my house myself, and to look after my charge, trusting in the providence and goodness of God.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665, John Evelyn's Diary September 1665

05 Sep 1665. To Chatham, Kent [Map], to inspect my charge, with £900 in my coach.

07 Sep 1665. Came home, there perishing near 10,000 poor creatures weekly; however, I went all along the city and suburbs from Kent Street to St James', a dismal passage, and dangerous to see so many coffins exposed in the streets, now thin of people; the shops shut up, and all in mournful silence, not knowing whose turn might be next. I went to the Duke of Albemarle (age 56) for a pest-ship, to wait on our infected men, who were not a few. See Great Plague of London.

14 Sep 1665. I went to Wotton, Surrey [Map]; and on 16th September, to visit old Secretary Nicholas (age 72), being now at his new purchase of West Horsley, once mortgaged to me by Lord Viscount Montague (age 55): a pretty dry seat on the Down. Returned to Wotton, Surrey [Map].

17 Sep 1665. Receiving a letter from Lord Sandwich (age 40) of a defeat given to the Dutch, I was forced to travel all Sunday. I was exceedingly perplexed to find that near 3,000 prisoners were sent to me to dispose of, being more than I had places fit to receive and guard.

25 Sep 1665. My Lord Admiral (age 40) being come from the fleet to Greenwich, I went thence with him to the Cock-pit, to consult with the Duke of Albemarle (age 56). I was peremptory that, unless we had £10,000 immediately, the prisoners would starve, and it was proposed it should be raised out of the East India prizes now taken by Lord Sandwich. They being but two of the commission, and so not empowered to determine, sent an express to his Majesty (age 35) and Council, to know what they should do. In the meantime, I had five vessels, with competent guards, to keep the prisoners in for the present, to be placed as I should think best. After dinner (which was at the General's) I went over to visit his Grace, the Archbishop of Canterbury (age 67), at Lambeth [Map].

28 Sep 1665. To the General (age 56) again, to acquaint him of the deplorable state of our men for want of provisions; returned with orders.

29 Sep 1665. To Erith, to quicken the sale of the prizes lying there, with order to the commissioner who lay on board till they should be disposed of, £5,000 being proportioned for my quarter. Then I delivered the Dutch Vice-Admiral, who was my prisoner, to Mr. Lowman of the Marshalsea [Map], he giving me bond in £500 to produce him at my call. I exceedingly pitied this brave unhappy person, who had lost with these prizes £40,000 after twenty years' negotiation [trading] in the East Indies. I dined in one of these vessels, of 1,200 tons, full of riches.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665, John Evelyn's Diary October 1665

01 Oct 1665. This afternoon, while at evening prayers, tidings were brought me of the birth of a daughter at Wotton, Surrey [Map], after six sons, in the same chamber I had first taken breath in, and at the first day of that month, as I was on the last, forty-five years before.

04 Oct 1665. The monthly fast.

11 Oct 1665. To London, and went through the whole city, having occasion to alight out of the coach in several places about business of money, when I was environed with multitudes of poor, pestiferous creatures begging alms; the shops universally shut up, a dreadful prospect! I dined with my Lord General (age 56); was to receive £10,000, and had guards to convey both myself and it, and so returned home, through God's infinite mercy.

17 Oct 1665. I went to Gravesend, Kent [Map]; next day to Chatham, Kent [Map]; thence to Maidstone, Kent [Map], in order to the march of 500 prisoners to Leeds Castle, Kent [Map], which I had hired of Lord Culpeper (age 39). I was earnestly desired by the learned Sir Roger Twysden (age 68), and Deputy-Lieutenants, to spare Maidstone from quartering any of my sick flock. Here, Sir Edward Brett (age 57) sent me some horse to bring up the rear. This country, from Rochester, Kent [Map] to Maidstone, Kent [Map] and the Downs, is very agreeable for the prospect.

21 Oct 1665. I came from Gravesend, Kent [Map], where Sir J. Griffith, the Governor of the Fort, entertained me very handsomely.

31 Oct 1665. I was this day forty-five years of age wonderfully preserved; for which I blessed God for his infinite goodness toward me.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665, John Evelyn's Diary November 1665

23 Nov 1665. Went home, the contagion having now decreased considerably.

27 Nov 1665. The Duke of Albemarle (age 56) was going to Oxford, Oxfordshire [Map], where both Court and Parliament had been most part of the summer. There was no small suspicion of my Lord Sandwich (age 40) having permitted divers commanders, who were at the taking of the East India prizes, to break bulk, and to take to themselves jewels, silks, etc.: though I believe some whom I could name filled their pockets, my Lord Sandwich himself had the least share. However, he underwent the blame, and it created him enemies, and prepossessed the Lord General, for he spoke to me of it with much zeal and concern, and I believe laid load enough on Lord Sandwich at Oxford.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1665, John Evelyn's Diary December 1665

08 Dec 1665. To my Lord of Albemarle (age 57) (now returned from Oxford), who was declared General at Sea, to the no small mortification of that excellent person, the Earl of Sandwich (age 40), whom the Duke of Albemarle not only suspected faulty about the prizes, but less valiant; himself imagining how easy a thing it were to confound the Hollanders, as well now as heretofore he fought against them upon a more disloyal interest.

25 Dec 1665. Kept Christmas with my hospitable brother (age 48), at Wotton, Surrey [Map].

30 Dec 1665. To Woodcot, where I supped at my Baroness Mordaunt's (age 33) at Ashsted [Note. Possibly in Fulham where Baroness Mordaunt was subsequently buried?] where was a room hung with pintado, full of figures great and small, prettily representing sundry trades and occupations of the Indians, with their habits; here supped also Dr. Duke, a learned and facetious gentleman.

31 Dec 1665. Now blessed be God for his extraordinary mercies and preservation of me this year, when thousands, and ten thousands, perished, and were swept away on each side of me, there dying in our parish this year 406 of the pestilence! See Great Plague of London.