Sunday 30 August 1668

(Lord’s day). Walked to St. James’s and Pell Mell, and read over, with Sir W. Coventry, my long letter to the Duke of York, and which the Duke of York hath, from mine, wrote to the Board, wherein he is mightily pleased, and I perceive do put great value upon me, and did talk very openly on all matters of State, and how some people have got the bit into their mouths, meaning the Duke of Buckingham and his party, and would likely run away with all. But what pleased me mightily was to hear the good character he did give of my Lord Falmouth for his generosity, good-nature, desire of public good, and low thoughts of his own wisdom; his employing his interest in the King to do good offices to all people, without any other fault than the freedom he, do learn in France of thinking himself obliged to serve his King in his pleasures: and was W. Coventry’s particular friend: and W. Coventry do tell me very odde circumstances about the fatality of his death, which are very strange.

Thence to White Hall to chapel, and heard the anthem, and did dine with the Duke of Albemarle in a dirty manner as ever. All the afternoon, I sauntered up and down the house and Park. And there was a Committee for Tangier met, wherein Lord Middleton would, I think, have found fault with me for want of coles; but I slighted it, and he made nothing of it, but was thought to be drunk; and I see that he hath a mind to find fault with me and Creed, neither of us having yet applied ourselves to him about anything: but do talk of his profits and perquisites taken from him, and garrison reduced, and that it must be increased, and such things, as; I fear, he will be just such another as my Lord Tiviott and the rest, to ruin that place. So I to the Park, and there walk an hour or two; and in the King’s garden, and saw the Queen and ladies walk; and I did steal some apples off the trees; and here did see my Lady Richmond, who is of a noble person as ever I saw, but her face worse than it was considerably by the smallpox: her sister is also very handsome.

Coming into the Park, and the door kept strictly, I had opportunity of handing in the little, pretty, squinting girl of the Duke of York’s house, but did not make acquaintance with her; but let her go, and a little girl that was with her, to walk by themselves.

So to White Hall in the evening, to the Queen’s side, and there met the Duke of York; and he did tell me and W. Coventry, who was with me, how that Lord Anglesey did take notice of our reading his long and sharp letter to the Board; but that it was the better, at least he said so. The Duke of York, I perceive, is earnest in it, and will have good effects of it; telling W. Coventry that it was a letter that might have come from the Commissioners of Accounts, but it was better it should come first from him. I met Lord Brouncker, who, I perceive, and the rest, do smell that it comes from me, but dare not find fault with it; and I am glad of it, it being my glory and defence that I did occasion and write it.

So by water home, and did spend the evening with W. Hewer, telling him how we are all like to be turned out, Lord Brouncker telling me this evening that the Duke of Buckingham did, within few hours, say that he had enough to turn us all out which I am not sorry for at all, for I know the world will judge me to go for company; and my eyes are such as I am not able to do the business of my Office as I used, and would desire to do, while I am in it. So with full content, declaring all our content in being released of my employment, my wife and I to bed, and W. Hewer home, and so all to bed.

36 Annotations

First Reading

Terry Foreman  •  Link

"But what pleased me mightily was to hear the good character he did give of my Lord Falmouth for his generosity, good-nature, desire of public good, and low thoughts of his own wisdom; his employing his interest in the King to do good offices to all people, without any other fault than the freedom he, do learn in France of thinking himself obliged to serve his King in his pleasures: and was W. Coventry's particular friend: and W. Coventry do tell me very odde circumstances about the fatality of his death, which are very strange. "

L&M note Coventry had been present at the Battle of Lowestoft (June 1665) when Falmouth had been killed by chain-shot. [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chai… ] Falmouth had been an unpopular royal favourite -- 'a man of too much pleasure to do the King any good.' [ http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1… ]

Carl in Boston  •  Link

Today on Facebook, Robert Gertz announced, and I pass on:

My dear wife Gay passed away this morning while I was at work, apparently due to a stroke. She was the finest soul I've ever or will ever encounter. Thanks to all those many friends who made her feel loved and capable of loving.

Terry Foreman  •  Link

O, Carl! God be with you and yours and hers.

Robert Gertz  •  Link

Just the night before she died, Gay collaborated on this little fun piece to celebrate the Diary. It's a bit premature but please consider it her gift to her friends here...

fun with a home made Pepys video while home with Gay.
http://buffyrebecca.com/Pepys1.WMV

Ron Morse  •  Link

Condolences, Robert. May God be with you both.

Jenny  •  Link

Please accept my sincere condolences Robert.

Chris Squire  •  Link

‘ . . in March 1665 [Berkeley] was granted the . . title [of] earl of Falmouth [and] volunteered for service in the royal fleet, and was killed by a cannon shot in the first battle . . he was given a hero's funeral in Westminster Abbey . . The king was more distressed by Falmouth's death than by that of any other person except his own sister . .

No known portrait of him survives, and his character is almost as faintly recorded. He had no outstanding gifts . . and was never employed for any important . . office. Instead he managed the privy purse . . His popularity with the royal brothers derived, indeed, from the fact that he was a devoted servant and affable companion who was content to further their wishes. His unpopularity with the more high principled of the English derived from the same qualities, for he indulged or encouraged what they considered to be the king's lechery and laziness. His prominence in his time and his lack of consequence for it both derive ultimately from his pleasant mediocrity.’ [DNB]

Katherine  •  Link

Robert, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

Terry Foreman  •  Link

Methinks, in Coventry's depiction of Falmouth, Pepys sees his own preferred self-image.

***

Robert, nice video!

Terry Foreman  •  Link

"Lord Middleton would, I think, have found fault with me for want of coles "

Tangier was in constant need of coal since, hemmed in by the Moors, the English garrison could not forage for wood. Samuel Adams of Stepney often supplied it. http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1…

Who major Officer of the Navy Office failed to do his job?

Robert Gertz  •  Link

Thanks Terry, Gay would be pleased.

A. De Araujo  •  Link

My condolences Robert.

Ralph Berry  •  Link

Robert, so sorry to hear of your loss. Congratulations to you both on a great video.

Mary  •  Link

Robert, I join with all your other 'regulars' in sending condolences at this sad time.

Australian Susan  •  Link

don't feel like posting anything today. shocked.

Nate  •  Link

I'm sorry to hear of your loss, Robert.

Geoff Hallett  •  Link

My reaction is the same as Susan's, many condolences.

Phoenix  •  Link

Robert, my condolences. You have over the years provoked much laughter and many smiles. The video was delightful.

htom  •  Link

My condolences, too, Robert.

Teresa Forster  •  Link

Robert, re Mary's post : regulars and lurkers alike, I'm sure we are all so sorry for your loss.

Michael L  •  Link

I'm sorry, Robert. It has been evident through the years in your annotations that she meant a lot to you. Condolences and prayers.

John Eure  •  Link

Robert, I am so deeply sorry for your enormous loss. Thank you to Gay and to you for this gift of wit, and all that have preceded it and brightened so many days. Please know that regulars and lurkers alike will have you both in our thoughts and prayers.

Phil Gyford  •  Link

I'm very sorry to hear this Robert. Take care.

cgs  •  Link

Sorry to read of your Loss.
Just remember all Joys you both shared.

GrahamT  •  Link

My condolences, Robert.

jeannine  •  Link

Robert, so sad to hear of your loss. My condolences to you. Although you've always been the most visible one on this website, I know that Gay added a lot behind the scenes, so the Pepys community has also lost a friend who will be missed.

The video is wonderful ~ thanks for sharing it!

Robert Gertz  •  Link

Thanks everybody...Gay is very touched, I'm sure...And she would want me to say "and now, back to Sam."

Thanks.

laura k  •  Link

And now back to Sam, sure, but I just heard the news. Robert, my most heartfelt condolences on your loss. I'm so very sorry.

Thank you to Carl in Boston for informing us.

Ruben  •  Link

Robert:
I am very sorry to hear of the news.
I always enjoyed your annotations that were probably inspired in part by your wife. I hope to see you come back soon, so you can be hugged, if not personally then by internet interposition.
Have my condolences.

JKM  •  Link

Robert: deepest sympathy on your great loss. You are a bright & perceptive spirit in our midst whom I've come to admire through your writing, and I hope you will return when you are ready.

Second Reading

San Diego Sarah  •  Link

Although Robert Gertz no longer annotates here, 10 years later, I'm happy to report he is alive and well, and as feisty as ever. Pepys and Phil Gyford have helped quite a few of us navigate trying times in the 21st century. Since COVID is raising its nasty head again, I hope their magic continues for us all.

San Diego Sarah  •  Link

'Charles II: August 1668', in Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles II, 1667-8, ed. Mary Anne Everett Green (London, 1893), pp. 516-565. British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/…

@@@
Aug. 30. 1668
Portsmouth.
Capt. Ant. Deane, master shipwright, to the Navy Commissioners.

Asks for a supply of 3-inch plank, as the whole works of this place depend
upon it;
this is the only hindrance to finishing Sir Lawrence Van Heemskirk’s ship,
which was to be launched in October according to his Royal Highness’s orders.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 245, No. 99.]

@@@
Aug. 30. 1668
Edwinstowe.
John Russell to the Navy Commissioners.

Has laden the James hoy with plank at Stockwith, and sends bill of lading;
has supplied her with an anchor, and desires them to order its return.

Asks for more vessels to fetch the timber which lies there and at Hull, in great danger of being carried away with the tide.

Will send Rob. Mayors 2 stem pieces wanted at Woolwich, if the hoy master will load them.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 245, No. 100.]

@@@
Aug. 30. 1668
Chatham.
John Moore and Edward Moorcock to the Navy Commissioners.

Have made the Marmaduke swim, and brought her towards the shore, though one of the holes bored to sink her was as low as the ballast;
she will soon be in a condition to be transported to where they shall order.

Found her full of ouse [ooze?]; cast 50 ton overboard, and a greater quantity is still in her hold.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 245, No. 101.]

@@@
Aug. 30. 1668
Portsmouth.
Huge Salesbury to Williamson.

The Success still remains at Spithead waiting for a fair wind.

The King and Duke of York are expected here shortly.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 245, No. 102.]

@@@
Aug. 30. 1668
Brynkwinatt.
J. Trevor to Rob. Francis.

I have received some of your letters of news, but others stick by the way.
The letter of the Turks’ business was of great diversion to us.
I beg their continuance.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 245, No. 103.]
---
For pictures of Brynkinalt Hall, Chirk, Wrexham, Clwyd, Wales, the home of the
Trevor family and some of the family history, see https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
And https://www.britainexpress.com/at…

@@@
Aug. 31. 1668
Pendennis.
Francis Bellott to Williamson.

The George of London, with salt from Lisbon, has sailed for Plymouth,
and the Thomas of London has come in.

Several vessels have arrived to lade pilchards for the Straits.

The Falmouth frigate, a vessel of 80 or 90 tons, has been launched in the presence of near 2,000 persons, being the ever built in that strand.
[S.P. Dom., Car. II. 245, No. 104.]

San Diego Sarah  •  Link

"... for bowels I bless my god"

Rev. Ralph is too much sometimes ... I wonder what on earth he meant.

San Diego Sarah  •  Link

"Thence to White Hall to chapel, and heard the anthem, and did dine with the Duke of Albemarle in a dirty manner as ever. All the afternoon, I sauntered up and down the house and Park."

This reminds me of another occasion when things looked bleak for the Navy Board, Pepys made himself visible and available at the Exchange and Westminster Hall.
In this case, Gen. Monck, Duke of Albermarle took advantage of his presence ... but to no particular ends so far as Pepys could tell.
Sorry, I can't find the citation.

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