# December 1660 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

In December 1660, Samuel Pepys navigates his domestic life, naval duties, and social engagements. He deals with household discipline, paints his parlour, and celebrates Christmas. He participates in naval administration discussions about seamen's pay, visits Woolwich to see a sunken ship, and manages his finances, sealing his first £200. He also notes the death of the Princess Royal and rumors of her marriage.

## Themes in this chapter

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys engages in discussions about seamen's pay and inspects a sunken ship, revealing administrative challenges and corruption in the Navy.

### Money, Debt, and Economy

Pepys meticulously tracks his finances, seals his first £200, and considers investments, reflecting his economic prudence.

### Daily Life and Domesticity

Pepys manages household chores, painting, and Christmas preparations, illustrating domestic routines and family interactions.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Records daily activities, including disciplining his maid, managing finances, and attending to naval business.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Accompanies Pepys to Woolwich and attends church; her new mantle pleases Pepys.

### Sir William Batten

Pepys visits his wife and daughter; Lady Batten accompanies them to Woolwich.

### Sir William Penn

Present at Woolwich and at a dinner where he becomes very drunk; Pepys leads him home.

### Sir George Carteret

Discusses seamen's pay propositions with Pepys and other officers.

### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

Pepys dines with him and presents his audit; later informs Pepys of his aunt's illness.

### Mr. Moore

Attends Privy Seal with Pepys and discusses investment opportunities.

### Mr. Sheply

Accompanies Pepys into London and to the tavern.

## Key lines

> I took a broom and basted her till she cried extremely, which made me vexed, but before I went out I left her appeased.

Pepys beat the maid with a broom until she cried, then felt annoyed but calmed her before leaving.

_Shows Pepys's harsh discipline and quick temper in domestic matters._

> I did the first office of a justice of Peace to examine a seaman thereupon, but could find no reason to commit him.

Pepys performed his first duty as a justice of the peace by questioning a seaman, but found no grounds to arrest him.

_Highlights Pepys's new role in legal and naval matters._

> I took out this £100 and sealed it up with the other last night, it being the first £200 that ever I saw together of my own in my life. For which God be praised.

Pepys sealed £100 with the previous night's £100, marking the first time he had £200 of his own money, for which he thanked God.

_Reflects Pepys's pride and gratitude in his financial accumulation._

## Links

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