The Diary · Chapter
November 1660 explained
Pepys navigates his new role as Clerk of the Acts, dealing with naval finances, attending the first candle auction, and managing domestic tensions with his wife Elizabeth.
What happens
Pepys navigates his new role as Clerk of the Acts, dealing with naval finances, attending the first candle auction, and managing domestic tensions with his wife Elizabeth. He also secures a large sum of money for Lord Sandwich, visits his father's family, and observes the gradual reintroduction of Common Prayer in church.
Themes in this chapter
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys deals with paying off ships, inspecting dockyards, and managing naval finances, including the sale of ships by candle.
Money, Debt, and Economy
Pepys handles large sums of money for Lord Sandwich, discusses bottomry loans, and makes personal financial decisions.
Daily Life and Domesticity
Domestic scenes include Elizabeth baking pies, quarrels over the dog, and family discussions about bringing Pepys's sister to live as a servant.
Religion and Sectarian Conflict
Mr. Mills begins using Common Prayer in church, causing confusion among parishioners; the King's declaration gives Presbyterians a pretext to read it.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Records his daily activities, including office work, social visits, and domestic disputes with his wife.
- Elizabeth Pepys
Wears a black patch for the first time; quarrels with Pepys over the dog; attends church in the new pew.
- Sir William Batten
Accompanies Pepys to Westminster; hosts oysters and supper; goes to Deptford to pay off a ship.
- Sir William Penn
Travels with Pepys and Batten; sups at Batten's house.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Pepys visits him frequently; discusses gratitude and business; signs Pepys's sea accounts.
- Mr. Creed
Meets Pepys at my Lord's; dines with him; involved in financial transactions.
- Mr. Moore
Instructs Pepys in law; assists with business at the Wardrobe and Temple.
- Mr. Sheply
Drinks with Pepys at the Bell and the Devil Tavern; accompanies him to see Lord Sandwich's picture.
Key passages
“Mr. Mills did begin to nibble at the Common Prayer, by saying 'Glory be to the Father, etc.' after he had read the two psalms; but the people had been so little used to it, that they could not tell what to answer.”
Mr. Mills tentatively introduced the Common Prayer by saying 'Glory be to the Father' after the psalms, but the congregation was so unaccustomed to it that they did not know how to respond.
Shows the gradual and awkward reintroduction of Anglican liturgy after the Puritan era.
“I observed how they do invite one another, and at last how they all do cry and we have much to do to tell who did cry last.”
I noticed how they bid against each other, and finally they all shout out, making it difficult to determine the last bidder.
Describes the chaotic process of a candle auction for selling ships.
“I told her plainly what my mind was, to have her come not as a sister in any respect, but as a servant, which she promised me that she would, and with many thanks did weep for joy.”
I explained to my sister that she would come to live with us as a servant, not as a sister, and she agreed tearfully and with gratitude.
Highlights the strict household hierarchy and Pepys's concern about his sister's temperament.
