# August 1665 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys documents the escalating Great Plague in London, with death tolls rising to over 6,000 per week, the city becoming desolate, and his own preparations to move to Woolwich. He settles his accounts, finding himself worth over £2,180, and notes the fleet's departure to engage the Dutch, with personal concern for Lord Sandwich. Domestic tensions arise with his wife and maid Mercer, while he engages in official duties and plague prevention discussions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Money, Debt, and Economy

Pepys meticulously settles his accounts, finding himself worth over £2,180, with £1,800 in cash at home, reflecting his financial prudence amid the plague.

### Daily Life and Domesticity

Pepys manages household moves, domestic disputes with his wife and maid Mercer, and the logistics of living between Woolwich and London.

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys continues his naval office duties, discusses fleet movements, and participates in plague prevention meetings for naval towns.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Records the plague's devastation, settles accounts, moves to Woolwich, and worries about the fleet and Lord Sandwich.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Has a difference with maid Mercer; Pepys meets her at Woolwich with her painter and maids.

### Sir George Carteret

Hosts Pepys at Deptford, lends him a horse, and discusses marriage portion settlement.

### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

Pepys takes leave of Lady Sandwich; fleet goes out again under his command, raising Pepys's hopes and fears.

### Lord Brouncker

Visits Woolwich with Commissioner Pett and a lady; Pepys meets him there.

### Mr. Hewer

Brings Pepys £119 for office disbursements and shows him a letter about the dispute between Elizabeth and Mercer.

### Sir William Coventry

Mentioned in the context of the fleet and naval affairs.

## Key lines

> I did find myself really worth £1,900, for which the great God of Heaven and Earth be praised!

Pepys calculates his net worth at £1,900 and thanks God for his prosperity.

_Reflects his financial self-assessment and gratitude._

> the plague having a great increase this week, beyond all expectation of almost 2,000, making the general Bill 7,000, odd 100; and the plague above 6,000.

The plague's weekly death toll exceeds 6,000, with the total bill over 7,000, shocking everyone.

_Highlights the severity of the plague's escalation._

> Thus this month ends with great sadness upon the public, through the greatness of the plague everywhere through the kingdom almost.

August ends with widespread grief due to the plague's devastation across the kingdom.

_Summarizes the month's somber mood._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/august-1665
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters