The Diary · Chapter
July 1665 explained
Pepys records the escalating plague in London, his domestic and naval administrative duties, and social visits.
What happens
Pepys records the escalating plague in London, his domestic and naval administrative duties, and social visits. He notes the death of Sir John Lawson, the King's pleasure at Greenwich, and his own growing wealth and wine collection, while grappling with fears of infection and moral reflections.
Themes in this chapter
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys deals with disorder in Portsmouth Yard due to lack of money, and manages office business amid the plague.
Money, Debt, and Economy
Pepys calculates his savings, notes his wine stock, and discusses payments and bills of exchange.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys organizes his closet, visits his wife at Woolwich, and enjoys social dinners and coach rides.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Narrator; manages office business, visits Mary at the Harp and Ball, settles accounts, and travels to Woolwich to see his wife.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Pepys's wife; stays at Woolwich, and Pepys visits her there on the night of July 8th.
- Sir William Batten
Accompanies Pepys to Whitehall and Deptford; dines with him and discusses Sir John Lawson's family.
- Sir John Minnes
Travels with Pepys and Batten to Whitehall on July 3rd.
- Mr. Povy
Discusses Tangier payments with Pepys on July 1st and July 7th.
- Mr. Creed
Talks with Pepys about Tangier business on July 7th.
- Sir George Carteret
Sends word about the agreement between Lord Sandwich and himself; Pepys visits him at Deptford.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Mentioned as sailing with the fleet; his agreement with Carteret is approved by the King and Duke of York.
Key passages
“Called up betimes, though weary and sleepy, by appointment by Mr. Povy and Colonel Norwood to discourse about some payments of Tangier.”
Pepys was woken early by Mr. Povy and Colonel Norwood to discuss Tangier payments.
Opening of the month's diary, showing Pepys's busy schedule.
“I hear this night that Sir J. Lawson was buried late last night at St. Dunstan's by us, without any company at all, and that the condition of his family is but very poor.”
Pepys learns that Sir John Lawson was buried with no mourners and his family is destitute.
Reflects the social and financial consequences of Lawson's pride.
“Sad at the news that seven or eight houses in Bazing Hall street, are shut up of the plague.”
Pepys is distressed to hear that several houses on Bazing Hall Street are quarantined due to plague.
Indicates the growing impact of the plague on London.