# March 1662–63 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys navigates his naval duties, social engagements, and political tensions surrounding the King's Indulgence and Parliament's opposition. He deals with office rivalries, particularly with Sir W. Penn, and attends a christening while reflecting on personal and professional anxieties.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Intrigue and Restoration

Pepys discusses the King's Indulgence, Parliament's dissent, and Irish unrest, highlighting the fragile political landscape.

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys engages in naval inspections, rope trials, and office rivalries, including disputes over patents and conduct.

### Social Ambition and Class

Pepys navigates social obligations, from dining with genteel company to attending a christening, while managing his own rise in the office.

### Daily Life and Domesticity

Pepys records domestic details such as washing day, his wife's work, and a new maid at his brother's.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Records his daily activities, including naval inspections, social visits, and political observations.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Mentioned as being at home alone and later attending a christening with Pepys.

### Sir William Penn

Pepys opposes his patent to assist Sir J. Minnes and later clashes with Captain Holmes.

### Sir John Minnes

Travels with Pepys and opposes Sir W. Penn's patent.

### Sir William Batten

Travels with Pepys to Woolwich and participates in office discussions.

### Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

Visited by Pepys; he is ill and discusses family matters and court politics.

### Mr. Creed

Accompanies Pepys and his wife on a carriage ride before the christening.

### Roger Pepys

Dines with Pepys and reports on the King's anger at Parliament.

## Key lines

> I did fall from the shipside into the ship (Kent), and had like to have broke my left hand, but I only sprained some of my fingers, which, when I came ashore I sent to Mrs. Ackworth for some balsam, and put to my hand, and was pretty well within a little while after.

Pepys fell while boarding a ship, spraining his fingers, but treated them with balsam and recovered quickly.

_Illustrates the physical risks of Pepys's naval inspections._

> I hear for certain that peace is concluded between the King of France and the Pope; and also I heard the reasons given by our Parliament yesterday to the King why they dissent from him in matter of Indulgence, which are very good quite through, and which I was glad to hear.

Pepys learns of a peace between France and the Pope, and hears Parliament's strong arguments against the King's Indulgence, which he supports.

_Highlights Pepys's engagement with international and domestic politics._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1662-63
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters