Diary of the times of Charles II/Volume 1/Diary continued, September 8 to September 13
8th.Monsieur D'Overkirk and several of that gang dined with me. After dinner, Burgomaster Mays came to me; he has a very good understanding, he would be glad to do Mr. Bracey any service, except bringing him into the town; but for the place of Drosser, he will assist him all he can.
10th.The Prince sent for me to go to Monsieur Van Beuninghen before I went, which I did, and found him still in the same opinion, and being against the guarantee; and now he saith that the Parliament will not like that we should engage to maintain France in the height it is now; he has no mind to guarantee the peace, and is afraid to enter into an act of guarantee for securing the Spanish Low Country. After I was with him, I went to Breda, where I found the Princess; soon after the Prince came; a kind meeting.
11th.I went with the Prince to see the fortification, which was very fine; the soldiers work there; the horse have sixpence, the foot three-pence per day. In the afternoon they were drawn out, and then they looked as well as ever I saw any. Collier's and Mackay's troops are much better than Wesley's. After that I went to see two woods, one of fir, the other of oaks, both very fine. I supt with Lady Inchiquin.
12th.I came from Breda at three in the morning; the Prince at the same time. After dinner, Monsieur Van Beuninghen came to me, and told me he approved of the guarantee, and added some words: he is mightily concerned for the King and Kingdom, and insists much on our treating with Spain.
13th.The Prince sent to me at eleven o'clock, to let me know that he would dine with me. I had before invited Monsieur Sas, Secretary of the Admiralty at Rotterdam, and Monsieur de Wylde, Secretary of the Admiralty at Amsterdam. After dinner, I spoke to him of Mr. Bracey; he saith he will do him all the service he can. I told him Monsieur Van Beuninghen had been with me, that he seems now well satisfied with the guarantee, and that he was gone to Amsterdam to propose it. The Prince thinks it indifferent whether it be treated of here or in London, but, because of this addition, he thinks it would be best there. I wrote to Sir William Temple, and sent him some boxes of pills and beef. I received some letters.