In a groundbreaking study, historian Dr Michael Edwards has unveiled startling evidence suggesting that the renowned diarist Samuel Pepys deliberately obscured a significant incident from his life involving the offer of an enslaved boy as a bribe. This revelation sheds light on the complexities of Pepys’ character and the ethical implications of his connections to the slave trade during the 17th century.
The Discovery
Dr Edwards, a fellow at Jesus College, Cambridge, meticulously examined hundreds of documents from The Pepys Library at Magdalene College, The National Archives, and the Bodleian Library in Oxford as part of his research titled “Samuel Pepys, the African Companies, and the Archives of Slavery, 1660–1689.” His findings, published in the Historical Journal, suggest that Pepys, who was a senior naval official in the 1670s, actively curated his correspondence to maintain a certain public image, particularly regarding his involvement in the slave trade.
One of the most troubling aspects of the study reveals an April 1675 letter from John Howe, a naval officer, who sought Pepys’ support following the death of a ship’s captain. In a bid to curry favour, Howe offered Pepys a “small” enslaved boy, stating that he had brought the child back to England, hoping he would survive the cold weather. Pepys’ response was one of indignation; however, Dr Edwards argues that his rejection was not founded on moral objections to slavery, but rather on the desire to avoid the appearance of being susceptible to bribery.
The Language of Concealment
Dr Edwards highlights how Pepys’ subsequent writings reflect a deliberate attempt to downplay the offer of the enslaved boy. Instead of mentioning the child directly, Pepys referred to the situation in terms of a “gratuity” or “reward,” effectively reducing a human being to a mere transaction. This language manipulation indicates that Pepys was more concerned with safeguarding his reputation than confronting the ethical implications of slavery, which were not viewed with the same moral outrage in his time as they are today.
“Pepys is quite a kind of compulsive archive maker. He preserves lots of his naval papers. But if you look at the language of the way he writes these letters, he stops talking about a boy and stops talking about a person,” Dr Edwards noted. “He’s not concerned about the ethics of enslavement in the way we would be – he’s worried about concerns that he’s been tempted.”
The Broader Context of Slavery
The study also situates Pepys within the broader framework of England’s involvement in the slave trade during this period. As Secretary to the Admiralty, Pepys played a significant role in the logistics of naval operations, which were intertwined with the burgeoning slave trade. The incident with Howe is not an isolated case; it reflects a time when enslaved African boys were sought after as domestic servants, and such offers were not uncommon.
Dr Edwards points out that Pepys had numerous connections with the Royal African Company, which facilitated the transport of enslaved individuals to the Americas. The implications of this relationship are stark, as records indicate that the ships he loaned to the company were directly involved in the transportation of enslaved people, with documented instances of inhumane treatment, including the deaths of individuals who were thrown overboard.
Pepys’ Contradictory Views on Enslavement
Further complicating Pepys’ legacy, Dr Edwards highlights instances in which the diarist openly discussed enslavement without apparent remorse. In September 1688, Pepys advised a ship’s captain on how to handle a “mischievous” enslaved man, suggesting measures that would ultimately lead to the man being disposed of on a plantation. Additionally, he arranged the sale of another enslaved individual, indicating a clear acceptance of the prevailing attitudes towards slavery.
Edwards asserts, “The English state in this period and the crown are deeply entangled with enslavement in lots of different ways. The presence of substantial numbers of Black people in London in the 17th century is part of the story of the development of England as a global power.”
Why it Matters
Understanding Samuel Pepys’ complex relationship with slavery and his efforts to curate his image highlights the broader societal attitudes towards enslavement during the 17th century. This research prompts a necessary reevaluation of historical figures who contributed to the foundations of modern Britain, urging contemporary society to confront the uncomfortable truths of its past. By exposing the layers of complicity and denial, we can gain insight into how historical narratives are shaped and the importance of acknowledging all facets of our history.
