# February 1660–61 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys navigates naval office politics, social engagements, and personal finances. He dines with family and colleagues, attends plays, chooses Valentines, and notes rumors about the King's marriage and coronation preparations. He also settles accounts with Lord Sandwich, securing a £60 bill for his sea service.

## Themes in this chapter

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys engages in office debates about paying off the Fleet and drafting letters to Parliament, highlighting administrative tensions.

### Social Ambition and Class

Pepys begins wearing a coat and sword as a gentleman, chooses Valentines, and hosts dinners, reflecting his social climbing.

### Money, Debt, and Economy

Pepys calculates his net worth at £350, secures a £60 bill from Lord Sandwich, and notes the cost of dinners and gifts.

### Theatre and Public Entertainment

Pepys attends performances of 'The Scornful Lady' and 'The Virgin Martyr,' and hears trumpets and drums at Whitehall.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Records daily activities, office business, and social life; begins wearing coat and sword as a gentleman.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Accompanies Pepys to Valentine choosing and shipboard dinner; dines at home with him.

### Sir William Batten

Participates in office debates, Valentine festivities, and the barge trip to Deptford and Woolwich.

### Sir William Penn

Visits Pepys in the evening, accompanies him to Court, and joins in Valentine celebrations.

### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

Reviews Pepys's accounts and signs a £60 bill for Pepys's sea service; dines with Pepys.

### Sir George Carteret

Works with Pepys on letters to Parliament and attends private consultations with the Duke of York.

### Mr. Creed

Dines with Pepys at the Leg in the Palace and accompanies him to the Theatre.

### Mr. Sheply

Dines with Pepys at Lord Sandwich's and later goes into the city with him.

## Key lines

> This day I first begun to go forth in my coat and sword, as the manner now among gentlemen is.

Pepys starts wearing a gentleman's coat and sword in public.

_Marks a step in his social ascent._

> I found myself to be clear (as I think) £350 in the world, besides my goods in my house and all things paid for.

Pepys calculates his net worth at £350, excluding household goods.

_Reflects his careful financial tracking._

> It is much talked that the King is already married to the niece of the Prince de Ligne, and that he hath two sons already by her: which I am sorry to hear; but yet am gladder that it should be so, than that the Duke of York and his family should come to the crown, he being a professed friend to the Catholics.

Rumors claim the King is secretly married with two sons; Pepys prefers this to the Catholic-leaning Duke of York succeeding.

_Highlights Pepys's political and religious concerns._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/february-1660-61
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters