Saturday January 3rd 1679[/80]. Saturday. It is commonly said the Duke has raised 5000 foot and 500 horse in Scotland. but whether there bee any Orders actually given out for raising of them yet, I know not. Mr. Alderman John Jolly died yesterday in the morning somwhat suddenly. It is said Villa Hermosa will have readinesse 30 or 40000 to defend Flanders.

Thursday January 8 1679[/80]. Thursday. The prodigious vastnesse of the French preparacions alarmes the greates part of Europe (that hath either sense or reason left) and especially Flanders, though where he will make his first attempt ; is not easy to bee determin'd. It is comonly said in the streetes a Parliament will sit in January but I know not well upon what that report is grounded. It is said with great confidence that Holland and Wee have made a league exclusive of France : but I know not the reason of this report neither, the direct contrary may bee farr more probable. I do not beleive the Duke is come or coming out of Scotland.

Saturday January 10th 1679[/80]. Saturday. Upon Thursday the 8th January the Dutch Ambassadour Van Lfuen (though his Masters had given him no such Orders nor sent him any such instructions) told his Majesty Hee was very confident the States Generall would proceed no farther in [P246] a Treaty of peace or amity with France, and so are ready to close with us.

Friday January 9th 1679[/80]. On Friday the 9th January Mr. Gadbury and Mrs. Celiere before the Councell swore : That when they were to treate with Sir Robert Payton about bringing him over to the Duke &c The said Sir Robert said he was a person of great interest, and could raise 20000 men in a few dayes upon occasion &c and That in case his Majestie should bee murdered at Windsor, or elswhere, which God forbid : They would kill the Lord Major or any of the Councell that should proclame the Duke thereupon. That he, the said Sir Robert would know wherefore he left his party, and that if he came of, Hee expected to be Liuetenant of the Tower or some such like great preferment.