# August 1662 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys records his daily activities, including a trip to Chatham, attendance at the theatre, and various naval and personal business. He deals with headaches, physical pain, and domestic concerns, while also engaging in social and professional interactions with figures like Mr. Coventry and Lord Sandwich.

## Themes in this chapter

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys inspects Chatham dockyard, discusses naval abuses, and engages with officials like Commissioner Pett and Mr. Coventry.

### Political Intrigue and Restoration

Discussions with Lord Sandwich about discontents of the times and the political climate under Charles II.

### Daily Life and Domesticity

Pepys records his health issues, domestic arrangements, and personal interactions, including his interest in maids.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Narrator and central figure; records his health, work, and social engagements.

### Mr. Creed

Dines with Pepys and Mr. Moore on August 1st.

### Mr. Moore

Dines with Pepys and Mr. Creed on August 1st; walks with Pepys on August 10th.

### Captain Cocke

Travels with Pepys to Chatham; hosts him for dinner and shares lodging.

### Sir William Coventry

Meets with Pepys at the office on August 9th; praised for his ingenuity.

### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

Private discourse with Pepys on August 23rd about political discontents and naval matters.

### Roger Pepys

Mentioned in context of family matters; Pepys writes to his brother John.

## Key lines

> I was sorry to hear that Sir W. Penn’s maid Betty was gone away yesterday, for I was in hopes to have had a bout with her before she had gone, she being very pretty.

Pepys regrets missing a chance to seduce Sir William Penn's maid, Betty, before she left.

_Reveals Pepys's sexual desires and opportunistic attitude toward servants._

> I find him the most ingenuous person I ever found in my life, and am happy in his acquaintance and my interest in him.

Pepys highly esteems Mr. Coventry for his honesty and intelligence, valuing their connection.

_Highlights Pepys's admiration for Coventry's character and their professional relationship._

> He told me the new service-book (which is now lately come forth) was laid upon their deske at St. Sepulchre’s for Mr. Gouge to read; but he laid it aside, and would not meddle with it: and I perceive the Presbyters do all prepare to give over all against Bartholomew-tide.

The new prayer book was rejected by some ministers, who plan to resign rather than conform by the deadline.

_Illustrates the religious tensions following the Restoration and the Puritan resistance to Anglican uniformity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/august-1662
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters