The Diary · Chapter
August 1660 explained
Pepys navigates his new duties at the Privy Seal Office, balancing naval administration with personal financial gain.
What happens
Pepys navigates his new duties at the Privy Seal Office, balancing naval administration with personal financial gain. He receives £40 in fees, is offered £1,000 for his clerkship, and deals with his wife's recurring illness. The chapter includes social visits, a first attendance at Common Prayer at St. Margaret's, and a play at the Cockpit.
Themes in this chapter
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys manages Navy accounts, orders money for victuallers, and is tempted by a £1,000 bribe for his clerkship, revealing the financial opportunities and ethical challenges in the Navy Office.
Money, Debt, and Economy
Pepys rejoices in receiving £40 from the Privy Seal, calculates expenses for his former house, and spends on a costly petticoat for his wife, underscoring his focus on personal finance.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys deals with his wife's illness, buys a lobster, has his head combed by servants, and attends to his dog whelping, providing a glimpse into his domestic routines.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Works at the Privy Seal Office, manages naval business, and records his wife's illness and his own financial gains.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Suffers from a recurring pain; Pepys seeks medical help for her and buys her a petticoat.
- Sir William Batten
Travels with Pepys to the Admiralty to order money for victuallers.
- Sir William Penn
Attends the office with Pepys and travels with him to the Admiralty.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Pepys consults with him about Navy affairs; he dines with the King and later departs for Hinchinbroke.
- Mr. Blackburne
Hosts a dinner for Pepys and others; his wife is returning to London.
- Mr. Hewer
Accompanies Pepys to the Privy Seal Office and is sent home early.
- Mr. Creed
Dines with Pepys and shows strange behavior to avoid drinking; attends a play with him.
Key passages
“Mr. Man offered me £1,000 for my office of Clerk of the Acts, which made my mouth water; but yet I dare not take it till I speak with my Lord to have his consent.”
Mr. Man proposed buying Pepys's position as Clerk of the Acts for £1,000, tempting him greatly, but he refrains from accepting until he consults Lord Sandwich.
Highlights the monetary value and potential corruption in naval appointments.
“I received about £40 for yesterday and today, at which my heart rejoiced for God's blessing to me, to give me this advantage by chance, there being of this £40 about £10 due to me for this day's work.”
Pepys earned roughly £40 in fees over two days, feeling grateful for this unexpected windfall, with £10 being his share for that day's labor.
Illustrates Pepys's financial opportunism and the profitability of the Privy Seal Office.
“The first time I ever heard Common Prayer in that Church.”
Pepys attended St. Margaret's Church and heard the Book of Common Prayer used there for the first time.
Reflects the religious shift after the Restoration, with the return of Anglican liturgy.
