am in good esteeme with everybody, I think. My troubles of my uncle's
estate pretty well over; but it comes to be but of little profit to us, my
father being much supported by my purse. But great vexations remain upon
my father and me from my brother Tom's death and ill condition, both to
our disgrace and discontent, though no great reason for either. Publique
matters are all in a hurry about a Dutch warr. Our preparations great;
our provocations against them great; and, after all our presumption, we
are now afeard as much of them, as we lately contemned them. Every thing
else in the State quiett, blessed be God! My Lord Sandwich at sea with
the fleete at Portsmouth; sending some about to cruise for taking of
ships, which we have done to a great number. This Christmas I judged it
fit to look over all my papers and books; and to tear all that I found
either boyish or not to be worth keeping, or fit to be seen, if it should
please God to take me away suddenly. Among others, I found these two or
three notes, which I thought fit to keep.