[The "Nonsuch" was a fourth-rate of thirty-two guns, built at
Deptford in 1646 by Peter Pett, jun. The captain was John Parker.]
(he being now in the Cheriton), for which he gave me a French pistole. Captain H. Cuttance has commission for the Cheriton. After dinner to nine-pins, and won something. The rest of the afternoon in my cabin writing and piping. While we were at supper we heard a great noise upon the Quarter Deck, so we all rose instantly, and found it was to save the coxon of the Cheriton, who, dropping overboard, could not be saved, but was drowned. To-day I put on my suit that was altered from the great skirts to little ones. To-day I hear they were very merry at Deal, setting up the King's flag upon one of their maypoles, and drinking his health upon their knees in the streets, and firing the guns, which the soldiers of the Castle threatened; but durst not oppose.
2nd. In the morning at a breakfast of radishes at the Purser's cabin. After that to writing till dinner. At which time comes Dunne from London, with letters that tell us the welcome news of the Parliament's votes yesterday, which will be remembered for the happiest May-day that bath been many a year to England. The King's letter was read in the House, wherein he submits himself and all things to them, as to an Act of Oblivion to all,
["His Majesty added thereunto an excellent Declaration for the
safety and repose of those, who tortured in their consciences, for
having partaken in the rebellion, might fear the punishment of it,
and in that fear might oppose the tranquillity of the Estate, and
the calling in of their lawful Prince. It is printed and published
as well as the letter, but that shall not hinder me to say, that
there was never seen a more perfect assemblage of all the most
excellent natural qualities, and of all the venues, as well Royal as
Christian, wherewith a great Prince may be endowed, than was found
in those two wonderful productions."—Sir William Lowers 'Relation
... of the voiage and Residence Which... Charles the II.
Hath made in Holland,' Hague, 1660, folio, p. 3.]
unless they shall please to except any, as to the confirming of the sales of the King's and Church lands, if they see good. The House upon reading the letter, ordered L50,000 to be forthwith provided to send to His Majesty for his present supply; and a committee chosen to return an answer of thanks to His Majesty for his gracious letter; and that the letter be kept among the records of the Parliament; and in all this not so much as one No. So that Luke Robinson himself stood up and made a recantation for what he had done, and promises to be a loyal subject to his Prince for the time to come. The City of London have put a Declaration, wherein they do disclaim their owing any other government but that of a King, Lords, and Commons. Thanks was given by the House to Sir John Greenville,
[Created Earl of Bath, 1661; son of Sir Bevil Grenville, killed at
the battle of Lansdowne; he was, when a boy, left for dead on the
field at the second battle of Newbury, and said to have been the
only person entrusted by Charles II. and Monk in bringing about the
Restoration.]
one of the bedchamber to the King, who brought the letter, and they continued bare all the time it was reading. Upon notice made from the Lords to the Commons, of their desire that the Commons would join with them in their vote for King, Lords, and Commons; the Commons did concur and voted that all books whatever that are out against the Government of King, Lords, and Commons, should be brought into the House and burned. Great joy all yesterday at London, and at night more bonfires than ever, and ringing of bells, and drinking of the King's health upon their knees in the streets, which methinks is a little too much. But every body seems to be very joyfull in the business, insomuch that our sea-commanders now begin to say so too, which a week ago they would not do.
["The picture of King Charles II. was often set up in houses,
without the least molestation, whereas a while ago, it was almost a
hanging matter so to do; but now the Rump Parliament was so hated
and jeered at, that the butchers' boys would say, 'Will you buy any
Parliament rumps and kidneys?' And it was a very ordinary thing to
see little children make a fire in the streets, and burn rumps."
—Rugge's Diurnal.—B.]
And our seamen, as many as had money or credit for drink, did do nothing else this evening. This day came Mr. North (Sir Dudley North's son) on board, to spend a little time here, which my Lord was a little troubled at, but he seems to be a fine gentleman, and at night did play his part exceeding well at first sight. After musique I went up to the Captain's Cabin with him and Lieutenant Ferrers, who came hither to-day from London to bring this news to my Lord, and after a bottle of wine we all to bed.
3d. This morning my Lord showed me the King's declaration and his letter to the two Generals to be communicated to the fleet.