# August 1660 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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