The Diary · Chapter
May 1662 explained
Pepys returns from Portsmouth, deals with naval and personal affairs, visits the Tower with Lady Sandwich's children, has his portrait painted, attends plays, and learns of the Queen's arrival.
What happens
Pepys returns from Portsmouth, deals with naval and personal affairs, visits the Tower with Lady Sandwich's children, has his portrait painted, attends plays, and learns of the Queen's arrival. He also navigates tensions with Sir W. Penn and hears of Mr. Coventry's appointment as a Navy Commissioner.
Themes in this chapter
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys returns to naval office duties, tensions arise over Mr. Coventry's appointment as a Navy Commissioner, and Sir G. Carteret threatens Sir W. Penn.
Social Ambition and Class
Pepys observes fashions at Gray's Inn, notes the neatness of his boy's livery compared to others, and feels out of countenance among fine ladies at Dr. Clerke's.
Money, Debt, and Economy
Pepys reviews Lord Sandwich's debts (over £7,000) and incoming funds, and pays his own debts.
Theatre and Public Entertainment
Pepys sees 'The Knight of the Burning Pestle' and 'Doctor Faustus' (poorly done), and watches wrestling in Moorefields.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Returns from Portsmouth, manages accounts for Lord Sandwich, has his portrait painted, and deals with office and social engagements.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Visits Mrs. Hunt and Lady Carteret, goes to the theatre and Hyde Park, and buys clothes.
- Sir William Penn
Travels with Pepys from Portsmouth, has a tense exchange about confidence, and is threatened by Sir G. Carteret over Mr. Coventry's appointment.
- Sir George Carteret
Travels with Pepys, shares news of the Queen's arrival, and expresses anger at Mr. Coventry's appointment as Navy Commissioner.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Pepys reviews his accounts, finding him over £7,000 in debt but with incoming funds to clear it.
- Mr. Moore
Assists Pepys in reviewing Lord Sandwich's accounts.
- Sir William Batten
Contends for the Mastership of Trinity House but loses to Sir J. Minnes; his lady is noted as proud.
- Sir John Minnes
Elected Master of Trinity House over Sir W. Batten.
Key passages
“He himself made a dish with eggs of the butter of the Sparagus, which is very fine meat, which I will practise hereafter.”
Lord Carlingford prepared a dish using asparagus butter and eggs, which Pepys found delicious and intends to replicate.
Culinary curiosity and note-taking.
“I was much out of countenance, and could hardly carry myself like a man among them; but however, I stayed till my courage was up again, and talked to them.”
Pepys felt shy and awkward among the fine ladies at Dr. Clerke's, but stayed until he regained his composure.
Social anxiety and self-awareness.
“He told me that it is Mr. Coventry that is to come to us as a Commissioner of the Navy; at which he is much vexed, and cries out upon Sir W. Penn, and threatens him highly.”
Sir G. Carteret is angry that Mr. Coventry will join the Navy Board and threatens Sir W. Penn.
Political and personal tensions in naval administration.
