# February 1659–60 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys records the political turmoil of February 1659–60, including mutinies by soldiers demanding pay, the readmission of secluded members to Parliament, and General Monk's maneuvering. He manages his finances, collects money for Lord Sandwich, visits taverns and plays, and prepares his brother John for Cambridge.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Intrigue and Restoration

The chapter focuses on the political crisis, including soldier mutinies, the readmission of secluded members, and Monk's role.

### Money, Debt, and Economy

Pepys handles financial transactions, collects £60, and notes his net worth of £40.

### Daily Life and Domesticity

Pepys describes meals, lute practice, and preparing his brother for Cambridge.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Narrator and protagonist; manages money, observes political events, and socializes.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Dines with Pepys on pease porridge and attends church with him.

### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

Pepys collects £60 on his behalf and sends him letters and goods.

### Mr. Moore

Dines with Pepys and reports on the secluded members' meeting with Monk.

### Roger Pepys

Mentioned as cousin; Pepys sits with him discussing public business.

### Mr. Creed

Not directly mentioned in excerpts, but included as a placeholder; no interaction found.

## Key lines

> In the morning went to my office where afterwards the old man brought me my letters from the carrier. At noon I went home and dined with my wife on pease porridge and nothing else.

Pepys started his day at the office, received letters, and had a simple meal of pease porridge with his wife.

_Shows Pepys's daily routine and modest domestic life._

> I heard that some of the members of the House were gone to meet with some of the secluded members and General Monk in the City.

Pepys learns that Parliament members are meeting with the secluded members and General Monk in the City.

_Highlights the political negotiations leading to the Restoration._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/february-1659-60
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters