The Diary · Chapter
June 1662 explained
In June 1662, Pepys navigates a busy month of naval administration, personal finance, and social engagements.
What happens
In June 1662, Pepys navigates a busy month of naval administration, personal finance, and social engagements. He deals with conflicts at the Navy Office, notably a dispute with Sir William Penn over contract duties, and oversees the safe storage of crusados. He visits the Wardrobe, attends church, and enjoys outings with his wife and friends. The chapter also touches on the Queen's reception in London, the execution of Sir Henry Vane, and Pepys's growing interest in his work.
Themes in this chapter
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys deals with office politics, contract disputes, and inspections of naval supplies like yarn and tallow.
Money, Debt, and Economy
Pepys manages crusados, borrows money, and balances his accounts, reflecting on his financial status.
Social Ambition and Class
Pepys visits Mrs. Clarke, attends church, and enjoys social outings, while also navigating his professional rise.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Pepys records his daily activities, including office disputes, financial dealings, and social visits.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Pepys's wife puts on a new slasht waistcoat, attends church, and visits Mrs. Clarke with him.
- Sir William Penn
Pepys accuses Penn of acting like a 'base raskall' in a dispute over contract duties at the Navy Office.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Pepys discusses the exchange of crusados with Lord Sandwich and visits the Wardrobe.
- Mr. Creed
Creed assists Pepys with the crusados and later meets him for business.
- Mr. Moore
Moore visits Pepys, helps with accounts, and accompanies him to Alderman Backwell's.
- Sir William Batten
Batten accompanies Pepys to Woolwich to test yarn and discusses office business.
- Sir George Carteret
Carteret participates in office meetings and supports Pepys in the contract dispute.
Key passages
“Sir W. Penn most basely told me that the Comptroller is to do it, and so begun to employ Mr. Turner about it, at which I was much vexed, and begun to dispute; and what with the letter of the Duke's orders, and Mr. Barlow's letter, and the practice of our predecessors, which Sir G. Carteret knew best when he was Comptroller, it was ruled for me.”
Penn tried to assign the contract drafting to the Comptroller, but after a dispute, the task was awarded to Pepys based on precedent and orders.
Pepys's conflict with Penn over office duties.
“I hear the courage of Sir H. Vane at his death is talked on everywhere as a miracle.”
Pepys notes that Sir Henry Vane's bravery during his execution is widely admired.
Public reaction to Vane's execution.
“I did give the fellow something that showed them us, and promised to come some other time, and he would show me Lady Castlemaine's, which I could not then see, it being locked up!”
Pepys paid the attendant to see paintings and was promised a future view of Lady Castlemaine's portrait.
Pepys's visit to the painter's studio.