# November 1664 explained — The Diary

> Chapter companion for The Diary by Samuel Pepys.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters/november-1664
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_diary_se/chapters