Then with the Duke of York to the King, to receive his commands for
stopping the sale this day of some prize-goods at the Prize-Office, goods
fit for the Navy; and received the King's commands, and carried them to
the Lords' House, to my Lord Ashly, who was angry much thereat, and I am
sorry it fell to me to carry the order, but I cannot help it. So, against
his will, he signed a note I writ to the Commissioners of Prizes, which I
carried and delivered to Kingdone, at their new office in Aldersgate
Streete. Thence a little to the Exchange, where it was hot that the
Prince was dead, but I did rectify it. So home to dinner, and found
Balty, told him the good news, and then after dinner away, I presently to
White Hall, and did give the Duke of York a memorial of the salt business,
against the Council, and did wait all the Council for answer, walking a
good while with Sir Stephen Fox, who, among other things, told me his
whole mystery in the business of the interest he pays as Treasurer for the
Army. They give him 12d. per pound quite through the Army, with condition
to be paid weekly. This he undertakes upon his own private credit, and to
be paid by the King at the end of every four months. If the King pay him
not at the end of the four months, then, for all the time he stays longer,
my Lord Treasurer, by agreement, allows him eight per cent. per annum for
the forbearance. So that, in fine, he hath about twelve per cent. from
the King and the Army, for fifteen or sixteen months' interest; out of
which he gains soundly, his expense being about L130,000 per annum; and
hath no trouble in it, compared, as I told him, to the trouble I must have
to bring in an account of interest. I was, however, glad of being thus
enlightened, and so away to the other council door, and there got in and
hear a piece of a cause, heard before the King, about a ship deserted by
her fellows (who were bound mutually to defend each other), in their way
to Virginy, and taken by the enemy, but it was but meanly pleaded. Then
all withdrew, and by and by the Council rose, and I spoke with the Duke of
York, and he told me my business was done, which I found accordingly in