16th. Up, and met at the office; Sir W. Batten with us, who come from
Portsmouth on Monday last, and hath not been with us to see or discourse
with us about any business till this day. At noon to dinner, Sir W.
Warren with me on boat, and thence I by water, it being a fearfull cold,
snowing day to Westminster to White Hall stairs and thence to Sir G.
Downing, to whom I brought the happy newes of my having contracted, as we
did this day with Sir W. Warren, for a ship's lading of Norway goods here
and another at Harwich to the value of above L3,000, which is the first
that hath been got upon the New Act, and he is overjoyed with it and tells
me he will do me all the right to Court about it in the world, and I am
glad I have it to write to Sir W. Coventry to-night. He would fain have
me come in L200 to lend upon the Act, but I desire to be excused in doing
that, it being to little purpose for us that relate to the King to do it,
for the sum gets the King no courtesy nor credit. So I parted from him
and walked to Westminster Hall, where Sir W. Warren, who come along with
me, staid for me, and there I did see Betty Howlet come after the
sicknesse to the Hall. Had not opportunity to salute her, as I desired,
but was glad to see her and a very pretty wench she is. Thence back,
landing at the Old Swan and taking boat again at Billingsgate, and setting
ashore we home and I to the office . . . . and there wrote my letters,
and so home to supper and to bed, it being a great frost. Newes is come
to-day of our Sounde fleete being come, but I do not know what Sir W.
Warren hath insured.

17th (Lord's day). After being trimmed word brought me that Cutler's
coach is, by appointment, come to the Isle of Doggs for me, and so I over
the water; and in his coach to Hackney, a very fine, cold, clear, frosty
day. At his house I find him with a plain little dinner, good wine, and
welcome. He is still a prating man; and the more I know him, the less I