The Diary · Chapter
December 1663 explained
In December 1663, Pepys records his daily life, including a trial at King's Bench about a fraudulent insurance claim, arbitration over a freight dispute, and the death of Mrs.
What happens
In December 1663, Pepys records his daily life, including a trial at King's Bench about a fraudulent insurance claim, arbitration over a freight dispute, and the death of Mrs. Turner's brother. He reflects on his family's fortunes, the political situation, and his own resolve to advance his career and finances.
Themes in this chapter
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys's involvement in arbitration and contract disputes reveals the complexities and potential corruption in naval supply and shipping.
Money, Debt, and Economy
The trial over insurance fraud and the freight dispute underscore the financial risks and economic practices of the era.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys's domestic routines, his wife's toothache, and family concerns illustrate everyday life in 1663.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Narrator and central figure; attends trial, engages in arbitration, visits Mrs. Turner, and reflects on his year.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Pepys's wife; suffers from toothache, studies arithmetic with Pepys, and provides companionship.
- Mrs. Turner
Grieves the death of her brother; consults Pepys about arranging a funeral achievement.
- Sir William Batten
Mentioned in context of a contract dispute over masts; Pepys plans to use information against him.
- Sir W. Warren
Referenced in connection with the mast contract that caused Pepys trouble.
- Mr. Creed
Appears in the list of canonical characters but not explicitly mentioned in the excerpts; included as a placeholder.
Key passages
“Up and to the office, where we sat all the morning. At noon I home to dinner with my poor wife, with whom nowadays I enjoy great pleasure in her company and learning of Arithmetic.”
Pepys starts his day at the office, then dines at home with his wife, finding joy in her company and their arithmetic lessons.
Highlights Pepys's domestic contentment and his wife's role in his daily life.
“There was all the great counsel in the kingdom in the cause; but after one witness or two for the plaintiff, it was cried down as a most notorious cheate; and so the jury, without going out, found it for the plaintiff.”
Despite the presence of top lawyers, the case was quickly dismissed as a blatant fraud, and the jury immediately ruled for the plaintiff.
Illustrates the swift justice in cases of obvious fraud in 17th-century courts.
“I find that it is absolutely necessary for me to do thus once a weeke at least all the yeare round, which will do me great good, and so home with great ease and content.”
Pepys resolves to inspect the dockyards weekly, finding it beneficial for his work and personal satisfaction.
Shows Pepys's dedication to his naval duties and his methodical approach to work.