but women at the King's house, and I am glad of it. Thence to the Fishery
in Thames Street, and there several good discourses about the letting of
the Lotterys, and, among others, one Sir Thomas Clifford, whom yet I knew
not, do speak very well and neatly. Thence I to my cozen Will Joyce to
get him to go to Brampton with me this week, but I think he will not, and
I am not a whit sorry for it, for his company both chargeable and
troublesome. So home and to my office, and then to supper and then to my
office again till late, and so home, with my head and heart full of
business, and so to bed. My wife tells me the sad news of my Lady
Castlemayne's being now become so decayed, that one would not know her; at
least far from a beauty, which I am sorry for. This day with great joy
Captain Titus told us the particulars of the French's expedition against
Gigery upon the Barbary Coast, in the Straights, with 6,000 chosen men.
They have taken the Fort of Gigery, wherein were five men and three guns,
which makes the whole story of the King of France's policy and power to be
laughed at.

12th. This morning all the morning at my office ordering things against
my journey to-morrow. At noon to the Coffeehouse, where very good
discourse. For newes, all say De Ruyter is gone to Guinny before us. Sir
J. Lawson is come to Portsmouth; and our fleete is hastening all speed: I
mean this new fleete. Prince Rupert with his is got into the Downes. At
home dined with me W. Joyce and a friend of his. W. Joyce will go with me
to Brampton. After dinner I out to Mr. Bridges, the linnen draper, and
evened with (him) for 100 pieces of callico, and did give him L208 18s.,
which I now trust the King for, but hope both to save the King money and
to get a little by it to boot. Thence by water up and down all the timber
yards to look out some Dram timber, but can find none for our turne at the
price I would have; and so I home, and there at my office late doing
business against my journey to clear my hands of every thing for two days.