Court politics abound as Sam starts the month with an admission that “little merit do prevail in the world, but only favour; and that for myself, chance without merit brought me in; and that diligence only keeps me so” (1). Knowing he is not as highly placed as others and being surrounded by lazy men, Sam tries to remain focused on his work amidst an uprising of sorts of 100 seamen wanting their pay (4). He busies himself with issues surrounding the Tangier boats, prize good profits (13) and the Hambro fleet (25). He does find time to share some enjoyable interactions with John Evelyn (2, 5, 24).