propounded to go, who was Governor of Dunkirke, and, they say, a most
worthy brave man, which I shall be very glad of. So by water (H. Russell
coming for me) home to dinner, where W. Howe comes to dine with me; and
after dinner propounds to me my lending him L500, to help him to purchase
a place--the Master of the Patent Office, of Sir Richard Piggott. I did
give him a civil answer, but shall think twice of it; and the more,
because of the changes we are like to have in the Navy, which will not
make it fit for me to divide the little I have left more than I have done,
God knowing what my condition is, I having not attended, and now not being
able to examine what my state is, of my accounts, and being in the world,
which troubles me mightily. He gone, I to the office to enter my journall
for a week. News is lately come of the Algerines taking L3000 in money,
out of one of our Company's East India ships, outward bound, which will
certainly make the war last; which I am sorry for, being so poor as we
are, and broken in pieces. At night my wife to read to me, and then to
supper, where Pelling comes to see and sup with us, and I find that he is
assisting my wife in getting a licence to our young people to be married
this Lent, which is resolved shall be done upon Friday next, my great day,
or feast, for my being cut of the stone. So after supper to bed, my eyes
being very bad.

22nd. Up, and by water, with W. Newer, to White Hall, there to attend the
Lords of the Treasury; but, before they sat, I did make a step to see Sir
W. Coventry at his house, where, I bless God! he is come again; but in my
way I met him, and so he took me into his coach and carried me to White
Hall, and there set me down where he ought not--at least, he hath not yet
leave to come, nor hath thought fit to ask it, hearing that Henry Saville
is not only denied to kiss the King's hand, but the King, being asked it
by the Duke of York, did deny it, and directed that the Duke shall not
receive him, to wait upon him in his chamber, till further orders. Sir W.