years.] was lately returned to sit again. The officers of the
Army all forced to yield. Lawson [Sir John Lawson, the son of a
poor man at Hull, rose to the rank of Admiral, and distinguished
himself during the Protectorate; and, though a republican in his
heart, readily closed with the design of restoring the King. He
was mortally wounded in the sea fight in 1665.] lies still in
the river, and Monk is with his army in Scotland. [George Monk,
afterwards Duke of Albemarle.] Only my Lord Lambert is not yet
come into the Parliament, nor is it expected that he will without
being forced to it. The new Common Council of the City do speak
very high; and had sent to Monk their sword-bearer, to acquaint
him with their desires for a free and full Parliament, which is
at present the desires, and the hopes, and the expectations of
all. Twenty-two of the old secluded members having been at the
House-door the last week to demand entrance, but it was denied
them; and it is believed that neither they nor the people will be
satisfied till the House be filled. My own private condition
very handsome, and esteemed rich, but indeed very poor; besides
my goods of my house, and my office, which at present is somewhat
certain. Mr. Downing master of my office. [George Downing, son
of Calibute Downing, D.D. and Rector of Hackney. Wood calls him
a sider with all times and changes; skilled in the common cant,
and a preacher occasionally. He was sent by Cromwell to Holland
as resident there. About the Restoration he espoused the King's
cause, and was knighted and elected M.P. for Morpeth in 1661.
afterwards, becoming Secretary to the Treasury and Commissioner
of Customs, he was in 1663 created a Baronet of East Hatley, in
Cambridgeshire.] [The office appears to have been in the
Exchequer, and connected with the pay of the army.]