Pepys The Clerk
As the diary began Pepys was a Clerk of the Exchequer and "he and his wife lived in a humble way" (Tanner 13). During the restoration of Charles the second, however, Pepys was awarded the position of Clerk of the Acts which was a far more influential and lucrative position.
Who did he work with as Clerk of the Acts?
As Clerk of the Acts Pepys worked with a treasurer, a surveyor, a comptroller, and two commisioners beneath the Lord High Admiral.
What was his pay?
"In addition to a salary of 350 [pounds] a year, the appointment of Clerk of the Acts carried with it the right to a house in the Navy Office in Seething Lane" (Tanner 19).
How desirable was the position?
Pepys was offered "1000 [pounds] for his place" (Tanner 19), but declined.
What type of knowledge was required?
Pepys was a Naval officer without any experience in the Navy. J. R. Tanner says Pepys
embarked upon what was to be a busy and diligent official life... [He was] ignorant of naval matters, but he at once began to equip himself with amazing energy for his post, exhibiting... ambition to understand his business and a voracious appetite for new naval knowledge.
(19-20)
What did he do?
There does not seem to be set rules for what the Clerk of the Acts would do in a days work. The need for certain things to be done would arrise and Pepys would do them. He did keep business records of the Navy. Pepys took an "inventory of the papers and goods and books of the office" (Tanner 25). What his real purpose, Tanner says, and
His most important enterprise... was the 'great letter' to the Duke of York [the Duke of York was interested and enthusiastic about the Navy]on the 'miscarriages' of the Navy Office, and his subsequent suggestions 'for better managing' of it.
He went a good deal on 'Change to discuss with the merchants the prices of commodities required in the navy... and he paid frequent visits of inspection to the dockyards down the River.
(Tanner 27-28)
Pepys would, however, rise above his position of Clerk of the Acts to something very close to the Lord High Admiral. To read about that click on the link below.
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