Council was up, with Sir G. Carteret, Sir W. Coventry, Lord Bruncker, and
myself, I did lay the state of our condition before the Duke of York, that
the fleete could not go out without several things it wanted, and we could
not have without money, particularly rum and bread, which we have promised
the man Swan to helpe him to L200 of his debt, and a few other small sums
of L200 a piece to some others, and that I do foresee the Duke of York
would call us to an account why the fleete is not abroad, and we cannot
answer otherwise than our want of money; and that indeed we do not do the
King any service now, but do rather abuse and betray his service by being
there, and seeming to do something, while we do not. Sir G. Carteret
asked me (just in these words, for in this and all the rest I set down the
very words for memory sake, if there should be occasion) whether L50 or
L60 would do us any good; and when I told him the very rum man must have
L200, he held up his eyes as if we had asked a million. Sir W. Coventry
told the Duke of York plainly he did rather desire to have his commission
called in than serve in so ill a place, where he cannot do the King
service, and I did concur in saying the same. This was all very plain,
and the Duke of York did confess that he did not see how we could do
anything without a present supply of L20,000, and that he would speak to
the King next Council day, and I promised to wait on him to put him in
mind of it. This I set down for my future justification, if need be, and
so we broke up, and all parted, Sir W. Coventry being not very well, but I
believe made much worse by this night's sad discourse. So I home by coach,
considering what the consequence of all this must be in a little time.
Nothing but distraction and confusion; which makes me wish with all my
heart that I were well and quietly settled with what little I have got at
Brampton, where I might live peaceably, and study, and pray for the good
of the King and my country. Home, and to Sir W. Batten's, where I saw my
Lady, who is now come down stairs after a great sickness. Sir W. Batten
was at the pay to-day, and tells me how rude the men were, but did go away