The Diary · Chapter
September 1662 explained
Pepys begins the month with his first meeting at St.
What happens
Pepys begins the month with his first meeting at St. James's by the Duke's order, moves his goods out of Sir W. Penn's house, and deals with various naval administrative duties including paying off the Breda and selling hulks. He enjoys music with Will Howe, discusses political and religious tensions with Dr. Fairbrother, and attends the Trinity House dinner. He also worries about his lodgings and a lost key, and receives news from his wife about troublesome servants.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the news of the impending naval battle throws the Board into…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Naval Administration and Corruption
Pepys engages in paying off ships, selling hulks, and inspecting dockyards, highlighting the routine and challenges of naval administration.
- Political Intrigue and Restoration
Discussions about the Fanatics' planned uprising, the Presbyters' hopes for indulgence, and the Bishop of London's influence reflect the political landscape of the Restoration.
- Daily Life and Domesticity
Pepys deals with moving goods, lost keys, servant troubles, and concerns about his lodgings, illustrating domestic concerns.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pepys
Narrates his daily activities, including office work, moving goods, and social engagements.
- Sir William Batten
Accompanies Pepys to St. James's and dines with him.
- Sir William Penn
Accompanies Pepys to St. James's and discusses lodgings and servant issues.
- Edward Montagu, Earl of Sandwich
Pepys visits his lodgings and has kind talk before his departure to Hinchingbroke.
- Sir William Coventry
Pepys spends time with him at St. James's, discussing office business and political news.
- Mr. Howe
Plays music with Pepys and Mr. Paget.
- Mr. Moore
Lodges with Pepys and discusses law business.
- Sir George Carteret
Pepys dines with him and notes his sprained foot.
Key passages
“Up betimes at my lodging and to my office and among my workmen, and then with Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Penn by coach to St. James’s, this being the first day of our meeting there by the Duke’s order”
Pepys rises early, goes to his office and workmen, then travels with Sir W. Batten and Sir W. Penn to St. James's for the first meeting ordered by the Duke.
Describes the start of a new administrative routine.
“In our discourse in the boat Mr. Coventry told us how the Fanatics and the Presbyters, that did intend to rise about this time, did choose this day as the most auspicious to them in their endeavours against monarchy: it being fatal twice to the King, and the day of Oliver’s death.”
Mr. Coventry informs Pepys that the Fanatics and Presbyters chose this day for a planned uprising because it was historically unlucky for the King and marked Oliver Cromwell's death.
Highlights political unrest and historical superstition.
“He tells me, what I heard confirmed since, that it was fully resolved by the King’s new Council that an indulgence should be granted the Presbyters; but upon the Bishop of London’s speech (who is now one of the most powerful men in England with the King), their minds were wholly turned.”
Dr. Fairbrother reports that the King's Council initially decided to grant indulgence to Presbyters, but the Bishop of London's speech reversed their decision.
Shows the Bishop of London's influence over religious policy.
