Commanders of the frigates that were thereabouts. I to the cabin allotted
for me, which was the best that any had that belonged to my Lord. I got
out some things out of my chest for writing and to work presently, Mr,
Burr and I both. I supped at the deck table with Mr. Sheply. We were
late writing of orders for the getting of ships ready, &c.; and also
making of others to all the seaports between Hastings and Yarmouth, to
stop all dangerous persons that are going or coming between Flanders and
there. After that to bed in my cabin, which was but short; however I made
shift with it and slept very well, and the weather being good I was not
sick at all yet, I know not what I shall be.

24th. At work hard all the day writing letters to the Council, &c. This
day Mr. Creed came on: board and dined very boldly with my Lord, but he
could not get a bed there. At night Capt. Isham who had been at
Gravesend all last night and to-day came and brought Mr. Lucy (one
acquainted with Mrs. Pierce, with whom I had been at her house), I drank
with him in the Captain's cabin, but my business could not stay with him.
I despatch many letters to-day abroad and it was late before we could get
to bed. Mr. Sheply and Howe supped with me in my cabin. The boy Eliezer
flung down a can of beer upon my papers which made me give him a box of
the ear, it having all spoiled my papers and cost me a great deal of work.
So to bed.

25th. (Lord's day). About two o'clock in the morning, letters came from
London by our coxon, so they waked me, but I would not rise but bid him
stay till morning, which he did, and then I rose and carried them in to my
Lord, who read them a-bed. Among the rest, there was the writ and mandate
for him to dispose to the Cinque Ports for choice of Parliament-men.
There was also one for me from Mr. Blackburne, who with his own hand
superscribes it to S.P. Esq., of which God knows I was not a little proud.