"If you feel a withdrawal syndrome tomorrow open today's Glorious Time and read about Papa Charles lust."
The link is now broken to Ruben's post, but I found a Guardian article of the same date about Sarah Poynting of Keele University announcing she had cracked two letters written in code that revealed a bawdy, lustful side of King Charles - proposing a "swiving" to a courtier's stepdaughter, Jane Whorwood, who was a spy and messenger for Charles I.
I suspect Pepys had arranged this date with Betty Lane ahead of time, so she would expect him, and the private room at the Bell on King's Road for them to go to, etc. So this odd lunch with James Harper was a show for Elizabeth: "nothing much on my mind today, dear," It was odd to spontaneously invite dull James to lunch when James had gone there to see Jane Gentleman. I'm sure Jane wasn't included at lunch. Poor wench was probably washing the dishes.
January 16, 1663/64 Pepys went "home and met there J. Harper come to see his kinswoman our Jane. I made much of him and made him dine with us, he talking after the old simple manner that he used to do."
James Harper -- Son of Mary Harper and related to Jane Gentleman, who was a servant to the Pepys. [In March 1660 Mary Harper owned a pub which Pepys visited: "... Mr. Butler and I to Harper’s, where we sat and drank for two hours till ten at night; the old woman she was drunk and began to talk foolishly in commendation of her son James."]
The comments on James' speech pattern indicates they had met on other occasions without Pepys mentioning it in the Diary. Nevertheless, it is odd Pepys would make much of him and insist he stay for lunch. I wonder if Jane Gentleman was invited to lunch with the Elizabeth and Sam as well? More likely she had to wait table.
"... and walked thither and back again from Deptford, where I did do something checking the iron business, ..." http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1…
Anyone know what the iron business there was? Terry Foreman gives a good annotation on this day about the first recorded instance of iron being used in Navy ships being in 1670, but apparently something was going on at Deptford in 1663/64.
"... I did tell him my mind about the Controller his master and all the office, and my mind touching himself too, as he did carry himself either well or ill to me and my clerks, which I doubt not but it will operate well."
64-year-old Sir John Mennes, Controller of the Navy, has become the object of fun and concern with his shaking. Yesterday he refused to delegate his duties at a full meeting of the Navy Board. So now it falls on Clerk of the Acts, Samuel Pepys to activate Plan B as the pressure of work builds to prepare for war.
Thomas Turner -- who is both Purveyor of Petty Provisions 1660-1668 as well as clerk to the Comptroller 1661-1668 -- is key to implement the newly-adopted streamlined accounting, which he was probably familiar with from Cromwellian times. So Pepys praises his work and talents, knowing Turner's reaction will be relaid to the other clerks, for better or worse. Pepys is confident Turner will carry through with the changes well. Stroke, stroke, stroke.
After lunch Pepys goes for a boat ride with William Hater. "... my chief business was my discourse with Mr. Hater about what had passed last night and today about the office business, and my resolution to do him all the good I can therein."
I.E. Be a good fellow and let Turner boss you around. He's old and you are an up-and-coming young fellow who I will promote later. War is coming and ego matches will only make trouble for everyone. Take this one for the team. Stroke, stroke, stroke.
That's how I read today's office politics. Meanwhile, back at the Ranch ...
"... and then up to Sir W. Pen and did express my trouble about this day’s business, he not being there, and plainly told him what I thought of it, and though I know him a false fellow yet I adventured, as I have done often, to tell him clearly my opinion of Sir W. Batten and his design in this business, which is very bad."
Okay, Pepys is playing Penn against Batten, hoping the inevitable shoot-out will take one or both of them down, leaving him as an innocent bystander.
I read "my trouble about this day’s business" to refer to Carteret's determination to keep all the accounting chores which Pepys [and apparently the rest of the board] no longer think he is capable of handling as they prepare for war.
"Sir W. Batten and his design in this business, which is very bad" makes me think I am wrong and there is some other game afoot which Pepys has not explained today. Possibly Wood and his masts again?
I know, I know, this is another question it is impossible to answer.
Perhaps Uncle Wight's proposal is so outrageous Pepys has "shut down" ... can't be jealous or angry with rich Uncle, so he's opted for no emotions at all. Burying his head in work, hoping it will blow over.
No doubt we will find out if Elizabeth found this suggestion horrific or hilarious. Sam's reaction makes me wonder if this situation was as unusual as we all assume. Charles II is owning his illegitimate children. In a few years a certain young wit will offer himself as a solution to women having trouble getting pregnant. And there were many examples of wealthy men leaving inheritances to "nephews". Their options were more limited than ours today, so perhaps we should keep open minds.
SPOILER ALERT "Tuesday 12 January 1663/64 Up and to the office, ... and so home, getting things against dinner ready, and anon comes my uncle Wight and my aunt, with their cozens Mary and Robert, and by chance my uncle Thomas Pepys. We had a good dinner, the chief dish a swan roasted .... At dinner and all day very merry. After dinner to cards ... and lost half-a-crowne. They being gone, my wife did tell me how my uncle did this day accost her alone, ..."
"I took occasion to enquire of Howlett’s daughter, ..., but she [Betty Lane] tells me she is already betrothed to Mrs. Michell’s son, and she in discourse tells me more, that Mrs. Michell herself had a daughter before marriage, which is now near thirty years old, a thing I could not have believed."
Edward Pepys, cousin, husband of [another] Elizabeth. Died in December 1663 at his sister, Jane Pepys Turner's house. He was also brother to Elizabeth Pepys Dike. He was buried in the church of Tattersett St. Andrews, Norfolk in January 1663/64. Jane and Elizabeth Dike had accompanied the body home.
"At noon, all of us to dinner to Sir W. Penn’s, ... Sir J. Lawson among others, and his lady and his daughter, a very pretty lady and of good deportment, with looking upon whom I was greatly pleased, ..." Twelfth Night lunch, January 6, 1663/64
"... and indeed it was in an extraordinary good method, and such as (at least out of design to keep them employed) I do persuade Sir J. Minnes to go upon, which will at least do as much good it may be to keep them for want of something to do from envying those that do something."
I follow the thread up to the point where Pepys says it is a very good method. And then keeping people employed was a good idea, and he persuaded Sir John Mennes to go along with something -- rather than envying people who do something. Any help from L&M on this riddle?
I'm guessing this was a straight razor like my father used to use, and sharpened on a length of leather (as I recall -- doesn't seem likely) which was hung on the wall?
I hope Pepys had some good soap to use.
Perhaps Will Hewer had been doing that in the recent past? Now Will was no longer living with Pepys it was complicated getting a shave in every day? Ahhhh, more questions never to be answered.
Is the Navy Board part of the Admiralty? Was there an Admiralty? What did they do for a living?
Our encyclopedia says, "In 1628, Charles I put the office of Lord High Admiral into commission and control of the Royal Navy passed to a committee in the form of the Board of Admiralty. The office of Lord High Admiral passed a number of times in and out of commission until 1709 ..." and I know James, Duke of York was Lord High Admiral in 1663, with Coventry, Monck and Sandwich as advisers (at least as of 1660).
I just checked my notes, and there are FOUR Navy Board members and three Commissioners -- that makes 21 people to prepare for a war, unless there was a functioning Admiralty office as well that I am not aware of.
"... where my head being willing to take in all business whatever, I am afraid I shall over clogg myself with it. But however, it is my desire to do my duty and shall the willinger bear it. ... I to my office, where busy till late at night, that through my room being over confounded in business I could stay there no longer, but went home, "
Should that be [al]"though my room being over confounded in business" instead of through?
I was wondering when this was going to hit. He has been warned there is going to be another war with the Dutch ... Holmes is out there provoking it right now ... the Navy hasn't paid off the debt left them by Cromwell and Co. even though his boss lied last year when he told them it was paid off ... and Charles II is giving way too much money to Barbara Villiers Palmer, Duchess of Castlemaine. How do you prepare for war with no money?
The Navy Board members have two clerks each. The three Commissioners have two clerks each. That's 24 people to build an entire Navy on a war footing.
No wonder Sam was worried about Barrow quitting. A man of high standards in the dockyard was key to success.
So burnout? I don't think so, not yet ... more like panic and fear. Next we'll be hearing he can't sleep.
Comments
Second Reading
About Monday 18 January 1663/64
San Diego Sarah • Link
"If you feel a withdrawal syndrome tomorrow open today's Glorious Time and read about Papa Charles lust."
The link is now broken to Ruben's post, but I found a Guardian article of the same date about Sarah Poynting of Keele University announcing she had cracked two letters written in code that revealed a bawdy, lustful side of King Charles - proposing a "swiving" to a courtier's stepdaughter, Jane Whorwood, who was a spy and messenger for Charles I.
About Saturday 16 January 1663/64
San Diego Sarah • Link
I suspect Pepys had arranged this date with Betty Lane ahead of time, so she would expect him, and the private room at the Bell on King's Road for them to go to, etc. So this odd lunch with James Harper was a show for Elizabeth: "nothing much on my mind today, dear," It was odd to spontaneously invite dull James to lunch when James had gone there to see Jane Gentleman. I'm sure Jane wasn't included at lunch. Poor wench was probably washing the dishes.
About James Harper
San Diego Sarah • Link
January 16, 1663/64 Pepys went "home and met there J. Harper come to see his kinswoman our Jane. I made much of him and made him dine with us, he talking after the old simple manner that he used to do."
James Harper -- Son of Mary Harper and related to Jane Gentleman, who was a servant to the Pepys. [In March 1660 Mary Harper owned a pub which Pepys visited: "... Mr. Butler and I to Harper’s, where we sat and drank for two hours till ten at night; the old woman she was drunk and began to talk foolishly in commendation of her son James."]
The comments on James' speech pattern indicates they had met on other occasions without Pepys mentioning it in the Diary. Nevertheless, it is odd Pepys would make much of him and insist he stay for lunch. I wonder if Jane Gentleman was invited to lunch with the Elizabeth and Sam as well? More likely she had to wait table.
About Deptford, Kent
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... and walked thither and back again from Deptford, where I did do something checking the iron business, ..." http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1…
Anyone know what the iron business there was? Terry Foreman gives a good annotation on this day about the first recorded instance of iron being used in Navy ships being in 1670, but apparently something was going on at Deptford in 1663/64.
About Friday 15 January 1663/64
San Diego Sarah • Link
"After lunch Pepys goes for a boat ride with William Hater." -- No no, that should be THOMAS HAYTER. Sorry!
About Friday 15 January 1663/64
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... I did tell him my mind about the Controller his master and all the office, and my mind touching himself too, as he did carry himself either well or ill to me and my clerks, which I doubt not but it will operate well."
64-year-old Sir John Mennes, Controller of the Navy, has become the object of fun and concern with his shaking. Yesterday he refused to delegate his duties at a full meeting of the Navy Board. So now it falls on Clerk of the Acts, Samuel Pepys to activate Plan B as the pressure of work builds to prepare for war.
Thomas Turner -- who is both Purveyor of Petty Provisions 1660-1668 as well as clerk to the Comptroller 1661-1668 -- is key to implement the newly-adopted streamlined accounting, which he was probably familiar with from Cromwellian times. So Pepys praises his work and talents, knowing Turner's reaction will be relaid to the other clerks, for better or worse. Pepys is confident Turner will carry through with the changes well. Stroke, stroke, stroke.
After lunch Pepys goes for a boat ride with William Hater. "... my chief business was my discourse with Mr. Hater about what had passed last night and today about the office business, and my resolution to do him all the good I can therein."
I.E. Be a good fellow and let Turner boss you around. He's old and you are an up-and-coming young fellow who I will promote later. War is coming and ego matches will only make trouble for everyone. Take this one for the team. Stroke, stroke, stroke.
That's how I read today's office politics. Meanwhile, back at the Ranch ...
About Thursday 14 January 1663/64
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... and then up to Sir W. Pen and did express my trouble about this day’s business, he not being there, and plainly told him what I thought of it, and though I know him a false fellow yet I adventured, as I have done often, to tell him clearly my opinion of Sir W. Batten and his design in this business, which is very bad."
Okay, Pepys is playing Penn against Batten, hoping the inevitable shoot-out will take one or both of them down, leaving him as an innocent bystander.
I read "my trouble about this day’s business" to refer to Carteret's determination to keep all the accounting chores which Pepys [and apparently the rest of the board] no longer think he is capable of handling as they prepare for war.
"Sir W. Batten and his design in this business, which is very bad" makes me think I am wrong and there is some other game afoot which Pepys has not explained today. Possibly Wood and his masts again?
I know, I know, this is another question it is impossible to answer.
About Wednesday 13 January 1663/64
San Diego Sarah • Link
Perhaps Uncle Wight's proposal is so outrageous Pepys has "shut down" ... can't be jealous or angry with rich Uncle, so he's opted for no emotions at all. Burying his head in work, hoping it will blow over.
About Tuesday 12 January 1663/64
San Diego Sarah • Link
No doubt we will find out if Elizabeth found this suggestion horrific or hilarious. Sam's reaction makes me wonder if this situation was as unusual as we all assume. Charles II is owning his illegitimate children. In a few years a certain young wit will offer himself as a solution to women having trouble getting pregnant. And there were many examples of wealthy men leaving inheritances to "nephews". Their options were more limited than ours today, so perhaps we should keep open minds.
About William Wight (Uncle Wight)
San Diego Sarah • Link
SPOILER ALERT "Tuesday 12 January 1663/64
Up and to the office, ... and so home, getting things against dinner ready, and anon comes my uncle Wight and my aunt, with their cozens Mary and Robert, and by chance my uncle Thomas Pepys. We had a good dinner, the chief dish a swan roasted .... At dinner and all day very merry. After dinner to cards ... and lost half-a-crowne. They being gone, my wife did tell me how my uncle did this day accost her alone, ..."
Remember "accost" doesn't necessarily mean what you and I immediately think it means.
http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1…
About Ludgate
San Diego Sarah • Link
"So homeward, and called at Ludgate, at Ashwell’s uncle’s, ..."
http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1…
About Ann Mitchell
San Diego Sarah • Link
"I took occasion to enquire of Howlett’s daughter, ..., but she [Betty Lane] tells me she is already betrothed to Mrs. Michell’s son, and she in discourse tells me more, that Mrs. Michell herself had a daughter before marriage, which is now near thirty years old, a thing I could not have believed."
http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1…
About Thursday 7 January 1663/64
San Diego Sarah • Link
Edward Pepys, cousin, husband of [another] Elizabeth. Died in December 1663 at his sister, Jane Pepys Turner's house. He was also brother to Elizabeth Pepys Dike. He was buried in the church of Tattersett St. Andrews, Norfolk in January 1663/64. Jane and Elizabeth Dike had accompanied the body home.
About William Coventry
San Diego Sarah • Link
On January 7, 1663/64 we hear Sir William Coventry has a mistress. L&M says she has never been identified. He died a bachelor.
http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1…
About Isabella Norton (b. Lawson)
San Diego Sarah • Link
"At noon, all of us to dinner to Sir W. Penn’s, ... Sir J. Lawson among others, and his lady and his daughter, a very pretty lady and of good deportment, with looking upon whom I was greatly pleased, ..." Twelfth Night lunch, January 6, 1663/64
http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1…
About Thursday 7 January 1663/64
San Diego Sarah • Link
Thank you, Terry. That makes perfect sense. I hadn't thought about Mennes still having a learning curve in his job.
About Thursday 7 January 1663/64
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... and indeed it was in an extraordinary good method, and such as (at least out of design to keep them employed) I do persuade Sir J. Minnes to go upon, which will at least do as much good it may be to keep them for want of something to do from envying those that do something."
I follow the thread up to the point where Pepys says it is a very good method. And then keeping people employed was a good idea, and he persuaded Sir John Mennes to go along with something -- rather than envying people who do something. Any help from L&M on this riddle?
About Wednesday 6 January 1663/64
San Diego Sarah • Link
"to trimme myself with a razer:"
I'm guessing this was a straight razor like my father used to use, and sharpened on a length of leather (as I recall -- doesn't seem likely) which was hung on the wall?
I hope Pepys had some good soap to use.
Perhaps Will Hewer had been doing that in the recent past? Now Will was no longer living with Pepys it was complicated getting a shave in every day? Ahhhh, more questions never to be answered.
About Tuesday 5 January 1663/64
San Diego Sarah • Link
Is the Navy Board part of the Admiralty? Was there an Admiralty? What did they do for a living?
Our encyclopedia says, "In 1628, Charles I put the office of Lord High Admiral into commission and control of the Royal Navy passed to a committee in the form of the Board of Admiralty. The office of Lord High Admiral passed a number of times in and out of commission until 1709 ..." and I know James, Duke of York was Lord High Admiral in 1663, with Coventry, Monck and Sandwich as advisers (at least as of 1660).
I just checked my notes, and there are FOUR Navy Board members and three Commissioners -- that makes 21 people to prepare for a war, unless there was a functioning Admiralty office as well that I am not aware of.
Pepys' penny just dropped.
About Tuesday 5 January 1663/64
San Diego Sarah • Link
"... where my head being willing to take in all business whatever, I am afraid I shall over clogg myself with it. But however, it is my desire to do my duty and shall the willinger bear it. ... I to my office, where busy till late at night, that through my room being over confounded in business I could stay there no longer, but went home, "
Should that be [al]"though my room being over confounded in business" instead of through?
I was wondering when this was going to hit. He has been warned there is going to be another war with the Dutch ... Holmes is out there provoking it right now ... the Navy hasn't paid off the debt left them by Cromwell and Co. even though his boss lied last year when he told them it was paid off ... and Charles II is giving way too much money to Barbara Villiers Palmer, Duchess of Castlemaine. How do you prepare for war with no money?
The Navy Board members have two clerks each. The three Commissioners have two clerks each. That's 24 people to build an entire Navy on a war footing.
No wonder Sam was worried about Barrow quitting. A man of high standards in the dockyard was key to success.
So burnout? I don't think so, not yet ... more like panic and fear. Next we'll be hearing he can't sleep.