Monday 3 May 1669
Up, and by coach to my Lord Brouncker’s, where Sir G. Carteret did meet Sir J. Minnes and me, to discourse upon Mr. Deering’s business, who was directed, in the time of the war, to provide provisions at Hamburgh, by Sir G. Carteret’s direction; and now G. Carteret is afeard to own it, it being done without written order. But by our meeting we do all begin to recollect enough to preserve Mr. Deering, I think, which, poor silly man! I shall be glad of, it being too much he should suffer for endeavouring to serve us.
Thence to St. James’s, where the Duke of York was playing in the Pell Mell; and so he called me to him most part of the time that he played, which was an hour, and talked alone to me; and, among other things, tells me how the King will not yet be got to name anybody in the room of Pen, but puts it off for three or four days; from whence he do collect that they are brewing something for the Navy, but what he knows not; but I perceive is vexed that things should go so, and he hath reason; for he told me that it is likely they will do in this as in other things — resolve first, and consider it and the fitness of it afterward.
Thence to White Hall, and met with Creed, and I took him to the Harp and Balls, and there drank a cup of ale, he and I alone, and discoursed of matters; and I perceive by him that he makes no doubt but that all will turn to the old religion, for these people cannot hold things in their hands, nor prevent its coming to that; and by his discourse fits himself for it, and would have my Lord Sandwich do so, too, and me. After a little talk with him, and particularly about the ruinous condition of Tangier, which I have a great mind to lay before the Duke of York, before it be too late, but dare not, because of his great kindness to Lord Middleton, we parted, and I homeward; but called at Povy’s, and there he stopped me to dinner, there being Mr. Williamson, the Lieutenant of the Tower, Mr. Childe, and several others. And after dinner, Povy and I together to talk of Tangier; and he would have me move the Duke of York in it, for it concerns him particularly, more than any, as being the head of us; and I do think to do it.
Thence home, and at the office busy all the afternoon, and so to supper and to bed.
10 Annotations
First Reading
Peter Last • Link
"resolve first, and consider it and the fitness of it afterward."
This is brilliant and (for Australians) topical pronouncement that has repeated and continuing application in our national politics.
This is another example of Sam's ability to toss off pithy pronouncements that add lovely flashes of brilliance to the Diary.
How we are all going to miss it!
Classicist • Link
'resolve first, and consider it and the fitness of it afterward.'
Brilliant indeed--but,alas!--of far wider application than merely in Australia.
languagehat • Link
Actually, it's not nearly as concise and memorable as the modern "Act first, think later."
Robert Gertz • Link
Creed pulling out the old blackcloth and bible, just in case.
Second Reading
Mary Ellen • Link
or as to the point as "Shoot first, ask questions later."
Terry Foreman • Link
"tells me how the King will not yet be got to name anybody in the room of Pen, but puts it off for three or four days;"
Cf. http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1… For the new appointment, see http://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/1…
(L&M)
Terry Foreman • Link
"he and I alone, and discoursed of matters; and I perceive by him that he makes no doubt but that all will turn to the old religion"
Creed was a Puritan. (L&M)
Terry Foreman • Link
"After a little talk with him, and particularly about the ruinous condition of Tangier,"
The four-year programme of fortification begun in 1664 had been much hindered by lack of materials: Tangier, England's lost Atlantic outpost, 1661-1684
by Routh, E. M. G., pp. 74-5: https://archive.org/details/tangi…
Cf. Pepys's comment on the same difficulty in 1683: Tangier Papers, p. 25. (L&M)
Nicolas • Link
"resolve first, and consider it and the fitness of it afterward."
It reminds me of “Marry in haste, repent at leisure”.
Third Reading
Christopher • Link
"resolve first, and consider it and the fitness of it afterward."
Also known as “Ready, fire - aim!”