September 1660 explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Naval Administration and Corruption

  Pepys works on paying off ships and presenting accounts to the Committee of Parliament, highlighting the administrative challenges and political pressures of naval finance.

• Social Ambition and Class

  Pepys navigates social circles, dines with influential figures, and manages his finances to improve his standing, reflecting his upward mobility.

• Daily Life and Domesticity

  Pepys deals with household matters, including workmen's laziness, his wife's mourning clothes, and the sale of his house, illustrating domestic concerns.

Characters to notice

• Samuel Pepys

  Narrator and central figure; manages Lord Sandwich's affairs, settles accounts, and attends to office duties.

• Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich

  Pepys's patron; departs for the Downs, takes leave of the King, and prepares for the Princess's voyage.

• Elizabeth Pepys

  Pepys's wife; buys mourning clothes, attends a burial, and dines with Pepys at the Mitre tavern.

• Mr. Moore

  Assists Pepys with accounts and shares a dinner at the Bullhead; disputes with Dr. Clerke about tragedy.

• Mr. Sheply

  Dines with Pepys and shares a bed at Lord Sandwich's house.

• Sir William Batten

  Accompanies Pepys to the Committee of Parliament regarding Navy debts.

• Sir William Penn

  Accompanies Pepys to the Committee of Parliament regarding Navy debts.

• Mr. Hewer

  Sent home by Pepys to inform his wife; attends Common Prayer for the first time.

Key passages

• “I took care to get a vessel to carry my Lord's things to the Downs on Monday next, and so to Whitehall to my Lord, where he and I did look over the Commission drawn for him by the Duke's Council, which I do not find my Lord displeased with, though short of what Dr. Walker did formerly draw for him.”

  Pepys arranged a ship to transport Lord Sandwich's belongings to the Downs and then went with him to review a commission from the Duke's Council, which Sandwich accepted despite it being less comprehensive than a previous draft.

  Pepys assists Lord Sandwich with logistical and administrative preparations for his voyage.

• “This day the Duke of Gloucester died of the smallpox, by the great negligence of the doctors.”

  The Duke of Gloucester passed away from smallpox, and Pepys blames the doctors for their carelessness.

  Pepys notes the death of the Duke of Gloucester and criticizes the medical treatment.

• “I did give my wife £15 this morning to go to buy mourning things for her and me, which she did.”

  Pepys gave his wife £15 to purchase mourning attire for both of them.

  Pepys provides money for mourning clothes following the Duke of Gloucester's death.

• “I met with Mr. Hawly, who was removing his things from Mr. Bowyer's, where he has lodged a great while, and I took him and W. Bowyer to the Swan and drank, and Mr. Hawly did give me a little black rattoon painted and gilt.”

  Pepys encountered Mr. Hawly moving out of Mr. Bowyer's lodging, and they went to the Swan tavern for a drink, where Hawly gave Pepys a small painted and gilded black rattoon.

  Pepys socializes with Mr. Hawly and receives a small gift.