# January 1661–62 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys navigates personal and professional life in early 1662, dealing with domestic mishaps, social engagements, and naval office duties. He attends plays, dines with Lady Sandwich, manages family disputes over Tom's marriage, and faces financial anxieties. The chapter also touches on the execution of King Charles I's murderers and the ongoing threat of Turkish piracy to English shipping.

## Themes in this chapter

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys attends Trinity House dinner and discusses Sir N. Crisp's dock project, reflecting naval administrative affairs.

### Social Ambition and Class

Pepys manages family marriage negotiations for Tom, aiming for a wealthier match, and navigates social circles with Lady Sandwich and the Penns.

### Money, Debt, and Economy

Pepys worries about his expenses, delays account reckoning, and discusses financial matters with cousin Thomas and Mrs. Norbury.

### Daily Life and Domesticity

Domestic scenes include hanging pictures, buying scissors, gardening, and a family dinner at the Three Crane Tavern.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Records his daily activities, including a domestic accident, playgoing, office work, and family negotiations.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Accompanies Pepys to plays, dinners, and visits; her portrait is criticized by Lady Sandwich.

### Sir William Penn

Travels with Pepys, discusses his son's education, and hosts supper.

### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

Mentioned as having left suddenly with the fleet; his commission for ambassador is a concern.

### Mr. Moore

Brings news of Mr. Montagu's departure and accompanies Pepys to Whitehall.

### Roger Pepys

Cousin Thomas Pepys the Executor discusses money matters and uncle Thomas's stance.

### Mrs. Turner

Visited by Pepys and Elizabeth; she remains ill.

## Key lines

> I did with my elbow hit my wife a great blow over her face and nose, which waked her with pain, at which I was sorry, and to sleep again.

Pepys accidentally elbowed his wife in the face, waking her in pain, but he apologized and they went back to sleep.

_Illustrates Pepys's candid recording of domestic mishaps._

> I heard the House had ordered all the King’s murderers, that remain, to be executed, but Fleetwood and Downs.

Pepys learns that Parliament has ordered the execution of the remaining regicides, except for Fleetwood and Downs.

_Highlights the ongoing political aftermath of the English Civil War._

> I am troubled to hear that the Turks do take more and more of our ships in the Straights, and that our merchants here in London do daily break, and are still likely to do so.

Pepys is worried about Turkish piracy in the Mediterranean and the resulting bankruptcies among London merchants.

_Reflects economic and security concerns of the period._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/january-1661-62
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters