The Diary · Chapter
May 1667 explained
Pepys records a month of administrative work, social visits, and political maneuvering.
What happens
Pepys records a month of administrative work, social visits, and political maneuvering. He observes the dying Lord Treasurer, discusses the new Commission for Accounts and the potential succession to the Treasury, and finalizes a report against Carcasse. He also notes the illness of the Duke of York's sons, the King's naming of Treasury Commissioners, and personal domestic matters.
Themes in this chapter
Political Intrigue and Restoration
Discussions about the Commission for Accounts, the dying Lord Treasurer, and the jockeying for the Treasury position reflect court politics.
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys works on the report against Carcasse, a rogue clerk, and discusses Sir G. Carteret's desire to sell his Navy Treasury post.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys notes milkmaids dancing, sees Nelly, visits his tailor, and deals with household matters like cleaning and looking-glass shopping.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Narrator and protagonist; engaged in naval administration, social visits, and political discussions.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Pepys' wife; goes to the Park incognito and visits her tailor.
- Sir William Batten
Navy Board colleague; joins Pepys in reviewing the Carcasse report.
- Sir William Penn
Navy Board colleague; participates in the Carcasse report review.
- Sir John Minnes
Navy Board colleague; joins the review of the Carcasse report.
- Sir George Carteret
Treasurer of the Navy; dines with Pepys and discusses selling his place.
- Mr. Povy
Tangier Commissioner; meets Pepys at Lord Chancellor's regarding the Tangier Commission.
- Mr. Hewer
Pepys' clerk; accompanies Pepys' wife to the Park.
Key passages
“I there did acquaint them of my knowledge of that disease, which I believe will be told my Lord Treasurer.”
Pepys shares his knowledge of the stone disease, expecting it to be reported to the Lord Treasurer.
Pepys uses his medical knowledge to gain favor.
“My Lord tells me he do believe this Commission will do more hurt than good; it may undo some accounts, if these men shall think fit; but it can never clear an account, for he must come into the Exchequer for all this.”
Lord Crew thinks the Commission for Accounts will cause trouble without providing real resolution.
Skepticism about the effectiveness of the new commission.
“He says that the Treasury will be managed for a while by a Commission, whereof he thinks my Lord Chancellor for the honour of it, and my Lord Ashly, and the two Secretaries will be, and some others he knows not.”
Sir G. Carteret predicts a commission will temporarily run the Treasury, including the Lord Chancellor and others.
Speculation about the interim Treasury management.
“I find everybody mightily concerned for these children, as a matter wherein the State is much concerned that they should live.”
Everyone is deeply worried about the Duke of York's sick sons, as their survival is important for the state.
Public concern over the royal succession.
