Samuel Pepys’s Hidden History: Slavery, Bribery and the Rewriting of the Past
Novel research reveals a troubling side to the famed diarist Samuel Pepys, exposing his involvement with the transatlantic slave trade and his deliberate attempts to conceal a bribe offered in the form of an enslaved boy. The findings, detailed in a study by Cambridge University historian Dr. Michael Edwards, shed light on how Pepys actively curated his public image, even at the expense of historical truth.
The Bribe and the Cover-Up
In April 1675, naval officer John Howe attempted to secure Pepys’s support regarding a disputed ship command by offering him a young, enslaved boy. Howe described the boy as “well seasoned to endure the cold weather,” suggesting preparation for life in England. Even as Pepys rejected the offer in writing, Dr. Edwards argues this wasn’t motivated by moral opposition to slavery, but rather a concern about appearing susceptible to bribery.
To protect his reputation, Pepys and his clerk, William Hewer, systematically altered records, replacing references to the boy with vague terms like “gratuity” or “reward.” This deliberate act effectively erased the boy’s story from the official archive, prioritizing Pepys’s image over the historical record.
Pepys and the Royal African Company
The incident occurred within a broader context of Pepys’s involvement with England’s African trading companies. He facilitated the loan of naval ships to the Royal African Company (RAC), vessels used in the transportation of enslaved people. One such ship, the Phoenix, carried enslaved Africans to Barbados, with the ship’s log documenting the deaths of 19 people who were thrown overboard.
Unashamed Connections to Slavery
Elsewhere in his diary, Pepys openly discussed his connections to slavery. In 1688, he suggested harsh treatment for an enslaved man in his household, advocating for “hard meat” until the man could be sold to a plantation. In 1679, he arranged the sale of another enslaved man, instructing a contact to “Pray not my black-boy add any thing to your care.” Notably, neither the enslaved man in 1688 nor the boy offered as a bribe were named in the records.
The Broader Historical Context
Dr. Edwards emphasizes that Pepys’s actions were not isolated. The English state was deeply entangled with the slave trade, and the presence of enslaved people in 17th-century London was significant. Pepys’s connections to both the Navy and African trading companies positioned him at the center of this complex historical reality.
Future Trends: Re-Examining Historical Narratives and the Legacy of Slavery
The revelations surrounding Samuel Pepys highlight a growing trend: a critical re-examination of historical figures and events through the lens of slavery and colonialism. This re-evaluation is prompting a reassessment of established narratives and a deeper understanding of the pervasive influence of these systems.
Deconstructing “Great Men”
Historically, figures like Pepys were often celebrated for their achievements without acknowledging their complicity in exploitative systems. The current trend involves dismantling these idealized portrayals, revealing the uncomfortable truths about their involvement in slavery and other forms of oppression. This process isn’t about “canceling” historical figures, but about providing a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the past.
The Rise of Digital Archives and Accessibility
The research conducted by Dr. Edwards was made possible by the accessibility of digitized archives, such as those at Magdalene College, Cambridge. The increasing digitization of historical documents is empowering researchers to uncover previously hidden connections and challenge existing interpretations. This trend will likely accelerate, leading to further discoveries and a more inclusive historical record.
Focus on the Silenced Voices
A key aspect of this re-evaluation is a concerted effort to recover the stories of those who were marginalized and silenced by historical systems. In Pepys’s case, the focus is shifting from his perspective to the fate of the enslaved boy whose story was deliberately erased. This trend extends to broader efforts to document the experiences of enslaved people, Indigenous populations, and other groups historically excluded from mainstream narratives.
Reparations and Restorative Justice
As awareness of the historical injustices of slavery and colonialism grows, so too does the demand for reparations and restorative justice. While the form these measures might grab is debated, the underlying principle is to address the lasting harms caused by these systems and to create a more equitable future. This includes acknowledging the economic benefits derived from slavery and colonialism and providing redress to affected communities.
FAQ
Q: Why was Samuel Pepys so concerned with his reputation?
A: Pepys was a politically ambitious man who held a powerful position in the Navy. He was aware of his political enemies and the potential for accusations of corruption, making his public image crucial.
Q: What is Shelton’s Shorthand?
A: Shelton’s Shorthand was a 17th-century system of stenography used by Samuel Pepys to quickly record his diary entries.
Q: What was the Royal African Company?
A: The Royal African Company was an English merchant company that held a monopoly over the slave trade from 1660 to 1672. Pepys facilitated the loan of naval ships to the RAC.
Did you know?
Samuel Pepys’s diary, renowned for its detailed accounts of 17th-century life, was written in shorthand and remained largely unpublished for over two centuries.
Explore more about Samuel Pepys and his diary at Magdalene College, Cambridge.
