# March 1668–69 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## What happens

Pepys hosts a large party at his house, enjoys domestic comforts, and hears alarming news of Sir William Coventry's imprisonment. He attends plays, visits relatives, and receives a commission as captain of a King's ship for a court-martial. He also delves into naval records and reflects on his diary-keeping.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Intrigue and Restoration

Coventry's fall and Buckingham's rise dominate Pepys's concerns, showing the precarious nature of court favor.

### Naval Administration and Corruption

Pepys's research into naval records and his captain's commission for a court-martial highlight his deep involvement in Navy affairs.

### Daily Life and Domesticity

Pepys describes lodging fifteen guests, his wife's new gown, and domestic routines like reading and gardening.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pepys

Hosts guests, hears of Coventry's imprisonment, receives captain's commission, researches naval records.

### Elizabeth Pepys

Wears her new French gown, attends plays with Pepys, and reads to him.

### Sir William Coventry

Sent to the Tower for challenging the Duke of Buckingham; Pepys visits him there and learns of his petition to the King.

### Mr. Hewer

Accompanies Pepys to the Rolls and St. James's Park, takes notes in shorthand.

### Mrs. Turner

Visited by Pepys; her daughter Betty is mentioned.

### Roger Pepys

Met at cousin Stradwick's; his wife and daughters are visiting.

### Mr. Wren

Sends Pepys the Duke of York's commission to be Captain of The Jerzy.

## Key lines

> This news of Sir W. Coventry did strike me to the heart, and with reason, for by this and my Lord of Ormond's business, I do doubt that the Duke of Buckingham will be so flushed, that he will not stop at anything, but be forced to do anything now, as thinking it not safe to end here; and, Sir W. Coventry being gone, the King will have never a good counsellor, nor the Duke of York any sure friend to stick to him; nor any good man will be left to advise what is good.

Pepys is deeply troubled by Coventry's imprisonment, fearing that Buckingham will become uncontrollable and that the King and Duke of York will lose their best advisors.

_Reflects Pepys's anxiety about political instability and the loss of trusted counsel._

> I did, to my great content, lodge at once in my house, with the greatest ease, fifteen, and eight of them strangers of quality.

Pepys proudly notes that he comfortably accommodated fifteen guests, including eight distinguished strangers, in his home.

_Highlights Pepys's domestic pride and social standing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/march-1668-69
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters