The Diary · Chapter
April 1666 explained
Pepys navigates financial ventures, naval administration, and family matters.
What happens
Pepys navigates financial ventures, naval administration, and family matters. He lends money to Sir W. Warren, considers a match for his sister, and manages his household staff. He also observes the plague's increase, the fleet's departure, and visits to the theater and portrait painter.
Themes in this chapter
Money, Debt, and Economy
Pepys lends £1,900 to Sir W. Warren, calculates his net worth at £5,000, and discusses Exchequer payments and interest.
Social Ambition and Class
Pepys considers a match for his sister with Mr. Gawden's son, but abandons it due to potential conflicts of interest; he also visits noble houses and takes pride in his rising status.
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys conducts business at the Navy Office, discusses the Chest business with Mr. Prin, and notes the disorder in Tangier due to military governance.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys deals with household staff changes, including a maid who leaves because London disagrees with her, and a new girl from his mother-in-law.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Engages in financial dealings, family negotiations, and naval duties; reflects on his growing wealth.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Accompanies Pepys to Westminster Hall and Hales's studio; approves of a new maid.
- Sir W. Warren
Borrows £1,900 from Pepys on an Exchequer order; advises against Pepys's sister's match with Mr. Gawden.
- Sir William Coventry
Pepys presents Balty to him at Whitehall.
- Sir George Carteret
Pepys visits Lady Carteret and discusses her husband's troubled affairs.
- Mr. Gawden
Discusses his daughter's marriage and proposes a match between his son and Pepys's sister.
- Captain Cocke
Promises Pepys a dozen silver salts and proposes a plate business for Lord Brouncker.
- Mr. Creed
Mentioned in context of his pretenses to Mr. Gawden's daughter.
Key passages
“I was convinced that it would be for neither of our interests to make this alliance, and so am quite off of it again, but with great satisfaction in the motion.”
Pepys decides against arranging a marriage between his sister and Mr. Gawden's son, realizing it would harm both his career and his impartiality.
Reflects Pepys's pragmatic approach to family and professional advancement.
“I do well believe that I am effectually £5,000, the greatest sum I ever was in my life yet, and this day I have as I have said before agreed with Sir W. Warren and got of him £300 gift.”
Pepys calculates his net worth at £5,000, a personal milestone, and notes a £300 gift from Sir W. Warren for his services.
Highlights Pepys's financial success and the intertwining of personal gain with official duties.