The Diary · Chapter
November 1664 explained
Pepys navigates a month of escalating tensions with the Dutch, marked by the first act of hostility over a seized mast ship, while managing his naval office duties, personal finances, and a troubling encounter with Bagwell's wife.
What happens
Pepys navigates a month of escalating tensions with the Dutch, marked by the first act of hostility over a seized mast ship, while managing his naval office duties, personal finances, and a troubling encounter with Bagwell's wife. He also contends with office politics, seeks a prize office commission, and observes parliamentary fiscal maneuvers.
Themes in this chapter
Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys manages naval stores, accounts, and seeks personal gain through the prize office, highlighting administrative challenges and self-interest.
Political Intrigue and Restoration
Pepys navigates court politics, parliamentary fiscal maneuvers, and the looming war with the Dutch.
Money, Debt, and Economy
Pepys receives an iron chest for his savings, discusses naval accounts to maximize parliamentary funds, and pursues the prize office for financial gain.
Marriage, Gender, and Sexuality
Pepys's encounter with Bagwell's wife involves attempted seduction, reflecting his marital infidelity and gender dynamics.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Narrator and central figure; manages naval business, pursues personal ambitions, and records the onset of war.
- Sir William Batten
Pepys's colleague; involved in prize office schemes and office politics, often at odds with Pepys.
- Sir William Coventry
Naval administrator; informs Pepys of Dutch hostility and discusses office management.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Mentioned as possibly being sent Governor to Tangier, causing Pepys concern.
- Sir George Carteret
Naval official; promises to show the King a letter about the prize office commission.
- Mr. Creed
Dines with Pepys on multiple occasions during the month.
- Mr. Moore
Dines with Pepys and Creed on November 14th.
- Mr. Sheply
Dines with Pepys and takes his leave on November 22nd.
Key passages
“the Dutch, as I afterwards found by Mr. Coventry's letters, have stopped a ship of masts of Sir W. Warren's, coming for us in a Swede's ship, which they will not release upon Sir G. Downing's claiming her: which appears as the first act of hostility”
The Dutch seized a ship carrying masts for England, refusing to release it despite diplomatic claims, marking the first hostile act of the war.
Pepys records the opening of hostilities with the Dutch.
“I did there caress her, but though I did make some offer did not receive any compliance from her in what was bad, but very modestly she denied me, which I was glad to see and shall value her the better for it, and I hope never tempt her to any evil more.”
Pepys attempted to seduce Bagwell's wife but she refused, and he resolved to respect her virtue.
Pepys reflects on his moral failings and her resistance.
“He told me he was prepared to convince the Parliament that the Subsidies are a most ridiculous tax (the four last not rising to £40,000), and unequall. He talks of a tax of Assessment of £70,000 for five years; the people to be secured that it shall continue no longer than there is really a war; and the charges thereof to be paid.”
Sir Philip Warwicke plans to argue that subsidies are ineffective and proposes a five-year assessment tax of £70,000 to fund the war.
Pepys discusses parliamentary taxation strategies with Sir Philip Warwicke.
