Multi-Document Summary Viewer

The multi-document summary - The author attended White Hall with Sir J. Minnes and Sir W. Pen, learning the Duke was at St. James's. - Witnessed hundreds gathering in Kensington Park to hear cannon fire. - Received a letter from Strowd, Governor of Dover Castle, clarifying that cannon sounds were mistakenly thought to be thunder; the locals in Deal and Dover heard no fighting. - Major Halsey confirmed sighting the Prince and his fleet at sea, signaling the Prince's successful arrival. - Mr. Daniel arrived from the fleet, dirty and injured, with urgent news of recent events. - The King expressed pleasure upon hearing of the Prince’s successful arrival. - A significant naval battle took place against the Dutch fleet, with approximately 90 Dutch ships versus under 60 English ships, from Friday night through Sunday. - Sir W. Clerke lost a leg in the battle, while the Duke sustained a minor thigh injury. - The King ensured Mr. Daniel and his companion received care after their detailed report. - Further reports indicated the Duke fled upon seeing the Prince, and several crew members were injured or killed, including Captain Bacon of The Bristoll. - Gresham College discussed doubts about the English fleet's success in the naval engagement. - The author reflected critically on the implications of the Prince's arrival and questioned the Duke’s leadership. - The author returned home to discuss the day's events with friends before bed. - He traveled by water to White Hall and met Mr. Coventry, receiving news from Captain Elliott of The Portland, which returned to port after an incident with The Guernsey. - Captain Elliott reported a fierce battle where a Dutch ship was blown up and three were set ablaze starting Friday. - After attending church, the author and his family took a boat to Woolwich and noted the crowded Exchange due to the news. - Bad news from White Hall indicated the Prince arrived in Dover with no information about the fight, diminishing hopes for fleet support. - Reports mentioned the Duke of Albemarle and Holmes needed to anchor due to damage. - A letter from Harman detailed a severe encounter with the Dutch fleet, where he lost over 100 men and sustained a leg injury. - Sir G. Carteret criticized the management of the situation, especially in communication and sailing delays. - The late arrival of the Prince's fleet astonished the court, and the narrator felt mixed emotions about Lord Sandwich's non-involvement. - Mr. Sheply visited early, noting the plague situation worsened locally, albeit with only a slight increase in cases. - The Duke and the narrator discussed constructing ten ships, but funding remained insufficient. - The narrator bid farewell to Lord Bellasses, who was heading north to manage the militia. - Sir W. Pen highlighted critical issues for the fleet, advocating for fighting in a line, keeping distressed ships from abandonment, and refitting minorly damaged ships at sea. - The conversation with Sir W. Pen left the narrator feeling engaged and insightful about fleet conduct. - The entry reflected a mix of personal, professional, and political developments in 17th-century England, including social interactions. - Details about ship repairs indicated they could take two years, with potential readiness for forty ships by May depending on funds. - Concerns were raised about relying on a small fleet or hired vessels for naval operations. - The King expressed a need for funding and held discussions regarding the postponement of Parliament's business. - An evening visit with Sir W. Pen involved discussion of naval history and the overall recognized luck in recent victories. - Mentioned significant discrepancies in ship dimensions and the overall lack of care in maintaining historical records of the Navy. - Wrote contracts for fire-ships and discussed financial matters regarding Tangier at White Hall. - Recognized the need for a clear account for Parliament and personal updates about family members. - Evening activities included a visit with Sir W. Pen and engaging in discussions of naval strategies and morale. - The day concluded with writing vows and reflection on recent events. - Attended church on Sunday with Betty Turner, Mercer, and Captain Deane. - Had dinner at home followed by singing with Mr. Pelling. - Spent the afternoon discussing navy matters with Captain Deane; noted the French preparing to set out their fleet again. - Observed the King reducing his fleet, showing no alarm about the French fleet. - Traveled to White Hall and met with officers and the Duke; commented on Mr. Pepys' new perriwig. - Discussed Sir J. Lawson's return and Captain Berkeley's letter from the Duana of Algier about seizing English ships. - Tensions with Algier mentioned, with threats to detain ships lacking the Duke's pass. - The King plans to send a fleet of five ships back to Algier. - Rumors about Lord Sandwich falling out of favor with the King, who is reportedly infatuated with Mrs. Stewart. - The court atmosphere described as focusing on personal pleasures; Duke of Monmouth to receive new lodgings. - Had lunch with Mr. Pierce discussing court dynamics regarding the King, Lady Castlemaine, and Mrs. Stewart. - Will, a youth in the narrator's household, is preparing to leave; advice was given on his conduct. - Conversations with Mr. Blackburne about religious liberties and public discontent with the clergy. - Blackburne criticized the previous King's policy alienating supporters, particularly the "fanatics." - Observed dissatisfaction with public management, finances, and the Navy’s condition. - Depth of tensions and accusations of cowardice against Sir W. Pen in past engagements discussed. - Noted that Monk arrived from the North contemplating bringing in the King. - Mentioned William Penn's conversion to Quakerism and negative remarks about Lawson. - Discussion about the King's intention to legitimize the Duke of Monmouth interrupted by musicians. - Realization that it was already 11 o'clock; had wine and beer with companions. - Returned home to find his wife troubled by a toothache. - Mr. Blackburne shared information about Captain Oates' alleged conspiratorial activities. - Commented on perceived cowardice and corruption within the King's guards and militia. - Learned of a naval engagement with the Dutch fleet from a letter detailing the conflict and outcomes. - Dutch fleet reportedly burned twelve fire-ships; our side captured one and burned five. - Sir W. Batten's uncertain claims about destroying Dutch men-of-war or actions leading to an explosion. - The narrator worked diligently organizing the contract book, preparing records before Parliament reconvenes. - Had a subdued dinner, then finalized Navy accounts for Parliament, feeling relieved. - Enjoyed an evening ride to Gravesend reading Boyle's "Hydrostatickes"; cannon fire from fleets heard but ceased before arrival. - Landlord in Gravesend clarified details about the Dutch engagement and expressed confidence in local defenses. - Concluded the night with food and drinks before returning home under moonlight, arriving by half-past midnight.