# March 1661–62 explained — The Diary > Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys. ## What happens Pepys records his daily activities, including office work, social visits, and personal reflections. He notes the passage of the chimney tax by Parliament, hears news of the capture of regicides by Sir George Downing, and deals with various naval and domestic affairs. ## Themes in this chapter ### Political Intrigue and Restoration The capture of regicides and the passage of the chimney tax reflect the political maneuvers of the Restoration era. ### Naval Administration and Corruption Pepys's daily office work, dealing with accounts and counterfeit bills, highlights the administrative challenges and corruption in the Navy. ### Daily Life and Domesticity Pepys records domestic details such as his wife's health, maid's illness, and household purchases, illustrating everyday life. ## Character check-ins ### Samuel Pepys Narrator and central figure; busy with office work, social engagements, and personal business. ### Elizabeth Pepys Pepys's wife; accompanies him on walks and visits, and is unwell at times. ### Sir William Penn Naval colleague; joins Pepys in walks, office work, and discussions about house repairs. ### Sir William Batten Naval official; present at office meetings and suffers a coughing fit. ### Sir George Carteret Naval administrator; involved in office business and discussions about Navy finances. ### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich Mentioned as losing expected places due to Lady Monk's influence. ### Mr. Creed Mentioned in passing as part of Pepys's social circle. ## Key lines > I am told that this day the Parliament hath voted 2 s. per annum for every chimney in England, as a constant revenue forever to the Crown. Pepys learns that Parliament has approved a permanent tax of two shillings per chimney for the Crown. _This marks the introduction of the chimney tax as a steady income for the monarchy._ > This morning we had news from Mr. Coventry, that Sir G. Downing (like a perfidious rogue, though the action is good and of service to the King, yet he cannot with any good conscience do it) hath taken Okey, Corbet, and Barkestead at Delfe, in Holland, and sent them home in the Blackmore. Pepys hears that Sir George Downing has captured the regicides in Holland and sent them to England, an act he considers treacherous despite its benefit to the King. _Downing's capture of the regicides is controversial, seen as both useful and morally dubious._ > In the afternoon came the German Dr. Kuffler, to discourse with us about his engine to blow up ships. We doubted not the matter of fact, it being tried in Cromwell's time, but the safety of carrying them in ships; but he do tell us, that when he comes to tell the King his secret (for none but the Kings, successively, and their heirs must know it), it will appear to be of no danger at all. Dr. Kuffler discusses his ship-destroying engine, which was tested under Cromwell, and claims it is safe to transport; the secret is reserved for the King and his heirs. _The secret weapon demonstration reflects the era's interest in military innovation and state secrets._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1661-62 - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters