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From the diary of Samuel Pepys (1663-1703)

I had opportunity of much talk with Sir W. Penn today ...; and he
doth much undervalue the honour that is given to the conduct of
the late business of Holmes in burning the ships and town, saying
it was a great thing endeed, and of great profit to us, in being
of great loss to the enemy; but that is was wholly a business of
chance, and no conduct imployed in it.  I find Sir W. Penn doth
hold up his head at this time higher than evey he did in his life.
I perceive he doth look after Sir J. Mennes's place if he dies;
and though I love him not, nor do desire to have him in, yet I do
think him the ablest man in England for it.
		-- Pepys' Diary, 22 Aug. 1666

Tags: england ships desire diary honour evey mennes endeed