The Diary Of John Evelyn Vol-2

1689-90 JOHN EVELYN

ayth November, 1689. I went to London with my
family, to winter at Soho, in the great square.

nth January, 1689-90. This night there was a most
extraordinary storm of wind, accompanied with snow
and sharp weather; it did great harm in many places,
blowing down houses, trees, etc., killing many people.
It began about two in the morning, and lasted till five,
being a kind of hurricane, which mariners observe
have begun of late years to come northward. This
winter has been hitherto extremely wet, warm, and windy.

12th January, 1690. There was read at St. Ann's
Church an exhortatory letter to the clergy of London
from the Bishop, together with a Brief for relieving the
distressed Protestants, and Vaudois, who fled from the
persecution of the French and Duke of Savoy, to
the Protestant Cantons of Switzerland.

The Parliament was unexpectedly prorogued to 2 d of
April to the discontent and surprise of many members who,
being exceedingly averse to the settling of anything, pro-
ceeding with animosities, multiplying exceptions against
those whom they pronounced obnoxious, and producing
as universal a discontent against King William and them-
selves, as there was before against King James. The
new King resolved on an expedition into Ireland in per-
son. About 150 of the members who were of the more
royal party, meeting at a feast at the Apollo Tavern near
St. Dunstan's, sent some of their company to the King,
to assure him of their service; he returned his thanks,
advising, them to repair to their several counties and pre-
serve the peace during his absence, and assuring them
that he would be steady to his resolution of defending
the Laws and Religion established. The great Lord sus-
pected to have counselled this prorogation, universally
denied it. However, it was believed the chief adviser
was the Marquis of Carmarthen, who now seemed to be
most in favor.

2d February, 1690. The Parliament was dissolved by
proclamation, and another called to meet the 2oth of
March. This was a second surprise to the former mem-
bers; and now the Court party, or, as they call themselves,
Church of England, are making their interests in the
country. The Marquis of Halifax lays down his office of
Privy Seal, and ptetends to retire.slaughter and little honor —so strangely negligent andlly,