The Diary · Question
How does The Diary develop the theme of Naval Administration and Corruption?
Answer
The Diary by Samuel Pepys develops Naval Administration and Corruption across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Pepys' work at the Navy Board reveals systemic financial mismanagement, bribery, and the struggle to fund and maintain the fleet, highlighting the gap between official duty and personal gain.
Pepys's appointment as Clerk of the Acts despite lacking naval and accounting knowledge, his hard work to become a model official, and his role in managing naval affairs during the Dutch war and Plague.
Pepys' work at the Navy Office is central, highlighting the administrative and financial challenges of the fleet.
Pepys manages fleet establishments, lists of ships, and orders, highlighting the administrative demands and potential for corruption in naval affairs.
Evidence in the book
- Particulars of the Life of Samuel Pepys
Pepys's appointment as Clerk of the Acts despite lacking naval and accounting knowledge, his hard work to become a model official, and his role in managing naval affairs during the Dutch war and Plague.
- The Diary of Samuel Pepys
Pepys' work at the Navy Office is central, highlighting the administrative and financial challenges of the fleet.
- March 1659–60
Pepys manages fleet establishments, lists of ships, and orders, highlighting the administrative demands and potential for corruption in naval affairs.
- April 1660
Pepys's work on ship commissions, convoy assignments, and the financial state of the Exchequer highlight the administrative and corrupt practices of the Navy.
- May 1660
Pepys's role in drafting votes and proclamations, and his observations of the fleet's command structure, highlight the administrative and patronage aspects of naval life.
- June 1660
Pepys computes ship pay, deals with commissions for captains, and observes the financial and bureaucratic workings of the Navy Office.
- July 1660
Pepys begins his official duties at the Navy Office, signs bills for the first time, and navigates the politics of appointments and lodgings.
- August 1660
Pepys manages Navy accounts, orders money for victuallers, and is tempted by a £1,000 bribe for his clerkship, revealing the financial opportunities and ethical challenges in the Navy Office.
