# June 1668 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys balances naval administration with personal pleasures, including visits to taverns, plays, and romantic encounters. He secures leave from the Duke of York, travels to Brampton, and returns to find domestic tensions with Elizabeth over his frequent outings. A fire alarm briefly disrupts the household, and Elizabeth expresses a desire to go to France.

## Themes in this chapter

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys attends Treasury and Council meetings about fleet funding, highlighting the tension between royal orders and parliamentary scrutiny.

### Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality

Pepys's extramarital encounters and Elizabeth's jealous outburst reveal the strains in their marriage.

### Daily Life and Domesticity

Domestic routines, including a fire alarm, household management, and family tensions, are vividly depicted.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Records his daily activities, including naval business, social visits, and personal indiscretions.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Shows melancholy and anger over Pepys's absences, eventually requesting to go to France.

### Sir John Minnes

Accompanies Pepys to Westminster and Whitehall for naval business.

### Sir W. Warren

Discusses difficulties with his accounts before the Commissioners of Parliament.

### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

Mentioned in connection with a controversy over signing the treaty with Portugal.

### Roger Pepys

Eager for Pepys to stay in town and bring his family for a visit.

### Lord Brouncker

Dines with Pepys and others; noted as being ill later in the chapter.

### Sir George Carteret

Dines with Pepys and others regarding accounts.

## Key lines

> I did present the Duke of York with an account of the charge of the present fleet, to his satisfaction; and this being done, did ask his leave for my going out of town five or six days, which he did give me, saying, that my diligence in the King's business was such, that I ought not to be denied when my own business called me any whither.

Pepys gave the Duke of York a satisfactory fleet expense report and then requested a five- or six-day leave, which the Duke granted, praising his diligence.

_Highlights Pepys's valued role in naval administration and his ability to secure personal time._

> I find that there have been great fallings out between my father and her, whom, forever hereafter, I must keep asunder, for they cannot possibly agree.

Pepys realizes that his father and wife have serious conflicts and decides to keep them apart permanently.

_Reveals ongoing family discord that affects Pepys's domestic life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/june-1668
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters