The recent revelation about Samuel Pepys, the renowned diarist, has shed light on a disturbing aspect of his past. It seems that beneath the vivid and candid narratives of his journals, there lies a carefully curated version of events, especially when it comes to his involvement with the slave trade.
Unveiling the Truth
Dr. Michael Edwards, a historian from Cambridge University, has delved into Pepys' archives and uncovered a disturbing offer made to the diarist. In 1675, a naval officer, John Howe, attempted to bribe Pepys with an enslaved boy, a gift meant to secure Pepys' support in a legal matter. The offer, though rejected by Pepys, was not due to ethical concerns about slavery, but rather a fear of appearing corruptible.
A Compulsive Archivist
Pepys, known for his meticulous record-keeping, chose to 'erase' and 'curate' this incident from his archives. He referred to the boy as a 'gratuity' or 'reward', a strategic move to protect his reputation. Edwards argues that Pepys' concern was not with the ethics of slavery but with maintaining an image of integrity, especially given his powerful position as a senior naval official and Secretary to the Admiralty.
The Boy's Fate
The fate of the enslaved boy remains a mystery. Pepys' clerk, William Hewer, organized the correspondence in a way that preserved Pepys' innocence, effectively erasing the boy's story. At the time, enslaved African boys were in high demand as servants, and such offers were not uncommon. However, Pepys' decision to conceal this incident raises questions about his true motivations and his role in perpetuating the slave trade.
A Web of Connections
Pepys' involvement with the Royal African Company and his work arranging loans of naval ships for the transportation of enslaved people further complicates his legacy. The Phoenix, a ship on which Howe served, was lent to the RAC and later recorded the deaths of 19 enslaved individuals, all thrown overboard. Pepys' unashamed references to his links with enslavement in other parts of his archives paint a disturbing picture of his acceptance and participation in the slave trade.
A Hidden History
The English state's deep entanglement with enslavement during this period is a crucial aspect of England's development as a global power. Pepys' connections within England's African trading companies and the Navy highlight a side of his life that has largely remained untold. This new research offers a critical perspective on a historical figure, challenging our understanding of his character and the ethical complexities of his era.
Conclusion
As we reflect on this disturbing revelation, it becomes clear that history is often a complex web of curated narratives and hidden truths. Pepys' story serves as a reminder that even the most celebrated figures can have dark chapters, and it is our duty to uncover and confront these truths.
