# April 1660 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys prepares to sail with Lord Sandwich on the Nazeby, receiving a private list of ships and noting efforts to exclude Anabaptists. He hears rumors of the King's return and General Monk's role, while managing his cabin, dispatching letters, and feeling heavy-hearted about his wife's absence. The month ends with political maneuvering, music, and merrymaking aboard ship.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Intrigue and Restoration

The chapter is dominated by rumors and discussions about the King's return, General Monk's role, and the power struggle between Presbyterians and Cavaliers.

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys's work on ship commissions, convoy assignments, and the financial state of the Exchequer highlight the administrative and corrupt practices of the Navy.

### Daily Life and Domesticity

Pepys's personal concerns—his wife's absence, his cabin arrangement, and his clothes—are interwoven with the political events.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Busy preparing for voyage, dispatching letters, and troubled by his wife's absence.

### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

Gives Pepys a private list of ships, dines with commanders, and discusses political prospects for the King's return.

### Mr. Creed

Troubled at not being able to accompany Lord Sandwich; plays ninepins with Pepys.

### Mr. Sheply

Sups with Pepys and others; joins in merrymaking and drinking.

### Mr. Blackburne

Dines with Lord Sandwich and reports that the King must come in, praising his future government.

### Sir William Penn

Dines with Lord Sandwich and discusses political matters.

### Mr. Howe

Plays ninepins with Pepys and engages in frolics with ale.

### Mr. Pierce

Comes on board and drinks wine in Pepys's cabin.

## Key lines

> I made a commission for Captain Wilgness, of the Bear , tonight, which got me 30 s.

Pepys earned 30 shillings by preparing a commission for Captain Wilgness.

_Illustrates Pepys's ability to profit from his administrative duties._

> My heart exceeding heavy for not hearing of my dear wife, and indeed I do not remember that ever my heart was so apprehensive of her absence as at this very time.

Pepys felt deeply anxious and sad because he had not received news from his wife.

_Reveals Pepys's emotional vulnerability and attachment to his wife._

> he [Monk] had done his business, though it be with some kind of baseness.

Lord Sandwich thought Monk had achieved his goals but in a somewhat dishonorable way.

_Highlights the moral ambiguity and political maneuvering of the time._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/april-1660
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters