# March 1659–60 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys prepares for his sea voyage with Lord Sandwich, managing naval affairs, personal finances, and his wife's lodging. He navigates political shifts as Parliament votes to end its session and Monk is made a General at Sea. The chapter captures Pepys's daily routines, social interactions, and reflections on health and ambition.

## Themes in this chapter

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys manages fleet establishments, lists of ships, and orders, highlighting the administrative demands and potential for corruption in naval affairs.

### Social Ambition and Class

Pepys's pride in being addressed as 'Esq.' and his careful navigation of social hierarchies among officers and nobles.

### Daily Life and Domesticity

Detailed accounts of Pepys's domestic arrangements, including his wife's caps, the wench's washing, and his cold remedy.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Records his daily activities, preparations for sea, and interactions with naval and political figures.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Troubled by Pepys's departure; helps prepare for his voyage and agrees to stay at Mr. Bowyer's.

### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

Appointed General at Sea; Pepys serves as his secretary aboard the Nazeby.

### Mr. Sheply

Dines with Pepys, discusses family matters, and assists with naval preparations.

### Mr. Howe

Sups with Pepys in his cabin and advises on provisions for the voyage.

### Mr. Blackburne

Sends Pepys a letter addressed to 'S. P. Esq.,' boosting Pepys's pride.

### Mr. Creed

Appointed deputy treasurer to the Fleet, causing Pepys some concern.

### Roger Pepys

Mentioned as speaking kindly of Pepys to Mr. Sheply.

## Key lines

> Among the rest, there was the writ and mandate for him to dispose to the Cinque Ports for choice of Parliament-men.

Lord Sandwich received official orders to manage the election of Parliament members for the Cinque Ports.

_Highlights the political authority delegated to Sandwich during the transition._

> This day it is two years since it pleased God that I was cut of the stone at Mrs. Turner’s in Salisbury Court. And did resolve while I live to keep it a festival.

Pepys commemorates the second anniversary of his successful surgery for bladder stones, vowing to celebrate it annually.

_Shows Pepys's personal gratitude and ritualistic observance of his recovery._

> I took occasion to tell my wife of my going to sea, who was much troubled at it, and was with some dispute at last willing to continue at Mr. Bowyer’s in my absence.

Pepys informed Elizabeth of his sea voyage; she was upset but eventually agreed to board with Mr. Bowyer.

_Reveals the strain of separation and Elizabeth's reluctant accommodation to Pepys's career._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1659-60
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters