His colleagues were either engaged elsewhere or incompetent , and Pepys had to conduct a great deal of business himself .
In early 1665 , the start of the Second Anglo - Dutch War placed great pressure on Pepys .
Pepys ' colleagues were either engaged elsewhere or incompetent , Pepys Pepys had to conduct a great deal of business himself .
In early 1665 , the start of the Second Anglo - Dutch War placed great pressure on Pepys .