command to deliver it to his own hands. I do believe that he do carry
some close business on for the King.

[Pepys's guess at E. Montagu's business is confirmed by Clarendon's
account of his employment of him to negotiate with Lord Sandwich on
behalf of the King. ("History of the Rebellion," book xvi.)--Notes
and Queries, vol. x. p. 3--M. B.]

This day I had a large letter from Mr. Moore, giving me an account of the
present dispute at London that is like to be at the beginning of the
Parliament, about the House of Lords, who do resolve to sit with the
Commons, as not thinking themselves dissolved yet. Which, whether it be
granted or no, or whether they will sit or no, it will bring a great many
inconveniences. His letter I keep, it being a very well writ one.

22d (Easter Sunday). Several Londoners, strangers, friends of the
Captains, dined here, who, among other things told us, how the King's Arms
are every day set up in houses and churches, particularly in Allhallows
Church in Thames-street, John Simpson's church, which being privately done
was, a great eye-sore to his people when they came to church and saw it.
Also they told us for certain, that the King's statue is making by the
Mercers' Company (who are bound to do it) to set up in the Exchange.
After sermon in the afternoon I fell to writing letters against to-morrow
to send to London. After supper to bed.

23rd. All the morning very busy getting my packet ready for London, only
for an hour or two had the Captain and Mr. Sheply in my cabin at the
barrel of pickled oysters that the Captain did give me on Saturday last.
After dinner I sent Mr. Dunn to London with the packet. This afternoon I
had 40s. given me by Captain Cowes of the Paradox.' In the evening the