of my uncle Thomas and his son Thomas being gone into the country without giving notice thereof to anybody, which puts us to a stand, but I fear them not.  At night at home I found a letter from my Lord Sandwich, who is now very well again of his feaver, but not yet gone from Alicante, where he lay sick, and was twice let blood.  This letter dated the 22nd July last, which puts me out of doubt of his being ill.  In my coming home I called in at the Crane tavern at the Stocks by appointment, and there met and took leave of Mr. Fanshaw, who goes to-morrow and Captain Isham toward their voyage to Portugal.  Here we drank a great deal of wine, I too much and Mr. Fanshaw till he could hardly go.  So we took leave one of another.

27th.  This morning to the Wardrobe, and there took leave of my Lord Hinchingbroke and his brother, and saw them go out by coach toward Rye in their way to France, whom God bless.  Then I was called up to my Lady’s bedside, where we talked an hour about Mr. Edward Montagu’s disposing of the L5000 for my Lord’s departure for Portugal, and our fears that he will not do it to my Lord’s honour, and less to his profit, which I am to enquire a little after.  Hence to the office, and there sat till noon, and then my wife and I by coach to my cozen, Thos.  Pepys, the Executor, to dinner, where some ladies and my father and mother, where very merry, but methinks he makes but poor dinners for such guests, though there was a poor venison pasty.  Hence my wife and I to the Theatre, and there saw “The Joviall Crew,” where the King, Duke and Duchess, and Madame Palmer, were; and my wife, to her great content, had a full sight of them all the while.  The play full of mirth.  Hence to my father’s, and there staid to talk a while and so by foot home by moonshine.  In my way and at home, my wife making a sad story to me of her brother Balty’s a condition, and would have me to do something for him, which I shall endeavour to do, but am afeard to meddle therein for fear I shall not be able to wipe my hands of him again, when I once concern myself for him.  I went to bed, my wife all the while telling me his case with tears, which troubled me.

28th.  At home all the morning setting papers in order.  At noon to the Exchange, and there met with Dr. Williams by appointment, and with him went up and down to look for an attorney, a friend of his, to advise with about our bond of my aunt Pepys of L200, and he tells me absolutely that we shall not be forced to pay interest for the money yet.  I do doubt it very much.  I spent the whole afternoon drinking with him and so home.  This day I counterfeited a letter to Sir W. Pen, as from the thief that stole his tankard lately, only to abuse and laugh at him.