through the yard, and so walked a good while talking with him about Sir W.
Batten, and find that he is going down the wind in every body's esteem,
and in that of his honesty by this letter that he wrote to Captn. Allen
concerning Alderman Barker's hemp. Thence by water to White Hall; and so
to St. James's; but there found Mr. Coventry gone to Hampton Court. So to
my Lord's; and he is also gone: this being a great day at the Council
about some business at the Council before the King. Here I met with Mr.
Pierce, the chyrurgeon, who told me how Mr. Edward Montagu hath lately had
a duell with Mr. Cholmely, that is first gentleman-usher to the Queen, and
was a messenger from the King to her in Portugall, and is a fine
gentleman; but had received many affronts from Mr. Montagu, and some
unkindness from my Lord, upon his score (for which I am sorry). He proved
too hard for Montagu, and drove him so far backward that he fell into a
ditch, and dropt his sword, but with honour would take no advantage over
him; but did give him his life: and the world says Mr. Montagu did carry
himself very poorly in the business, and hath lost his honour for ever
with all people in it, of which I am very glad, in hopes that it will
humble him. I hear also that he hath sent to my Lord to borrow L400,
giving his brother Harvey's' security for it, and that my Lord will lend
it him, for which I am sorry. Thence home, and at my office all the
morning, and dined at home, and can hardly keep myself from having a mind
to my wench, but I hope I shall not fall to such a shame to myself. All
the afternoon also at my office, and did business. In the evening came Mr.
Bland the merchant to me, who has lived long in Spain, and is concerned in
the business of Tangier, who did discourse with me largely of it, and
after he was gone did send me three or four printed things that he hath
wrote of trade in general and of Tangier particularly, but I do not find
much in them. This afternoon Mr. Waith was with me, and did tell me much
concerning the Chest, which I am resolved to look into; and I perceive he
is sensible of Sir W. Batten's carriage; and is pleased to see any thing