which we did very pleasantly, and then to my office again, where very late
and so home, with my mind I bless God in good state of ease and body of
health, only my head at this juncture very full of business, how to get
something. Among others what this rogue Creed will do before he goes to
sea, for I would fain be rid of him and see what he means to do, for I
will then declare myself his firm friend or enemy.

16th. Up in the morning, my head mightily confounded with the great deale
of business I have upon me to do. But to the office, and there dispatched
Mr. Creed's business pretty well about his bill; but then there comes W.
Howe for my Lord's bill of Imprest for L500 to carry with him this voyage,
and so I was at a loss how to carry myself in it, Creed being there, but
there being no help I delivered it to them both, and let them contend,
when I perceive they did both endeavour to have it, but W. Howe took it,
and the other had the discretion to suffer it. But I think I cleared
myself to Creed that it past not from any practice of mine. At noon rose
and did some necessary business at the 'Change. Thence to Trinity House
to a dinner which Sir G. Carteret makes there as Maister this year.
Thence to White Hall to the Tangier Committee, and there, above my
expectation, got the business of our contract for the victualling carried
for my people, viz., Alsopp, Lanyon, and Yeabsly; and by their promise I
do thereby get L300 per annum to myself, which do overjoy me; and the
matter is left to me to draw up. Mr. Lewes was in the gallery and is
mightily amazed at it, and I believe Mr. Gauden will make some stir about
it, for he wrote to Mr. Coventry to-day about it to argue why he should
for the King's convenience have it, but Mr. Coventry most justly did argue
freely for them that served cheapest. Thence walked a while with Mr.
Coventry in the gallery, and first find that he is mighty cold in his
present opinion of Mr. Peter Pett for his flagging and doing things so
lazily there, and he did also surprise me with a question why Deane did