25110th. (Adams Papers)
In the forenoon I went, and sat about an hour with Mr. King. Mr. Gerry was sitting at the grand Committee of Congress in the City Hall. I left 50 french louis d’ors, which Mr. Gerry wishes to have for bank Bills on Boston. Dined at the Presidents in a large Company, Mr. van Berkel, Mr. Jay, Mr. Paine, Dr. Gordon, Dr. Witherspoon, &c. After Dinner young Mr. van Berkel, and Major L’Enfant, went...
25211th. (Adams Papers)
Breakfasted on board the Packet, which is to sail for L’orient next monday; from thence I went a shore on Long Island, and paid a visit to Madam de Marbois, which I ought to have done before. People here are much more attached to ceremony and etiquette than I expected to find them. I found Mr. Chaumont there and we read part of Phedre together. Mm. de Marbois speaks french very prettily: I...
25312th. (Adams Papers)
This morning Mr. Chaumont came, and proposed to me, to buy an horse, so that we might go to Boston together. I have a great inclination, and have been advised by many friends to go from hence by land to Boston, in order to form some opinion of the Country, and make some acquaintances which may be of use to me hereafter. If I go by the stage, I shall see very little of the Country, as they go...
25413th. (Adams Papers)
This morning the President intended to take a sail down to Sandy-Hook, for the recovery of his Health, but found himself so unwell, that he could not go; the Virginia Delegates went, and Mr. Harrison went down also with his uncle, who came from England in the last British Packet, but finding his Estate here confiscated, sails for England this day. I went early in the morning to Mr. de...
25514th. (Adams Papers)
After several attempts to see Mr. van Berkel, he was at length found at home, and declined taking back the horse, though he de clared he had never discovered any fault in him. The son said he was sorry his father persisted in refusing. At about 4 afternoon I again mounted the horse, and rode him ten miles as far as Mr. Hall’s tavern, which is a very elegant one; and where I found Mr. de...
25615th. (Adams Papers)
Rose at about 6 o’clock in the morning; and tried my horse in the Chaise before one of Mr. Chaumont’s: but we could not make him go at all, so we were obliged to go on as we first set out. Before we got to Kingsbridge, which was 6 miles from Mr. Hall’s, we took a wrong road and proceeded more than two miles out of our way: this delay’d us so much that we did not get to East Chester, which is...
25716th. (Adams Papers)
We were going this morning by 5 o’clock, and proceeded as far as Stamford, 12 miles from Rye; 5 miles from which there is a small river, which seperates the States of N. York and Connecticut, at a place called Horseneck. The roads from Rye, are some of the worst I ever saw. The crops of hay and of grain are all very fine this year, except those of indian corn, which have not had hot weather...
25817th. (Adams Papers)
At 5 o’clock we were going, and reach’d Fairfield by 9. I there delivered my letters to Mr. Burr and Major Davenport: We were obliged to stay there to dinner; through the extreme heat of the weather. At four in the afternoon, we again set out, and rode 10 miles to Stratford. We waited there about half an hour, and set out again. 3 miles from Stratford we cross’d Connecticut River, and rode...
25918th. (Adams Papers)
In the morning I went to pay a visit to Mr. Platt, and found my old friend Brush there. He introduced me to Mr. Broome, for whom I had Letters from his son in law Mr. Jarvis. He immediately went up with me to our lodgings and I introduced Mr. de Chaumont to him. He insisted upon our going, both of us and staying at his house while we remain here. I was in great hopes of seeing Mrs. Jarvis, but...
26019th. (Adams Papers)
This morning I went with Mr. Brush, and delivered the Letters I had for this place. Mr. Chancey for whom Coll. Humphreys gave me a Letter went with me, to Dr. Stiles the President of the College; who is a curious character. Mr. Jefferson once told, me, he thought him an uncommon instance of the deepest learning without a spark of genius. He was very polite to me, and shew me, the Library, and...
26120th. (Adams Papers)
We tried my horse this morning in Mr. Chaumont Chaise, but could not make him go at all: so we put him before one of his horses and Dupré, his servant mounted him, in that manner he went very well. Mr. Broome, and Mr. Brush, who are so kind as to keep us Company as far as Hartford rode in a Chaise of their own. We went only sixteen miles before dinner. The weather is still very warm...
26221st. (Adams Papers)
At six in the morning, we all left Middleton: and rode on to Hartford, where we arrived at about 9. The distance is 14 miles. For several miles on this side of Middleton, we rode along by the side of the river: and after we left it, we had from the top of an hill a most elegant prospect. Indeed there are a number in this Country, which looks as prosperous, and as fertile, as any I remember...
26322d. (Adams Papers)
At about 9 this morning, Mr. Broome, and Mr. Brush, left us and set out to return to New-Haven. Breakfasted with Coll. Wadsworth, who afterwards went with us three or four miles out of town, to shew us his farm. We saw there a couple of the largest oxen I ever beheld; and a number more uncommonly stout. This place is celebrated over the Continent for producing exceeding fine oxen, and it...
26423d. (Adams Papers)
It was almost seven o’clock before we got under way this morning. We rode about 10 miles and then cross’d Connecticut River; which serves there as a boundary between that State and Massachusetts. Two miles after we had cross’d the river we came to Springfield. We breakfasted there, and stopp’d about an hour; after which we proceeded on our Journey about 14 miles further before dinner. The...
26524th. (Adams Papers)
One of the breast plates was broke, and we were obliged to send it a mile and half to be mended this morning, before we could proceed on our journey; so it was past eight when we left our tavern. Before one, we came to a very good inn: the best I think, that we have found on the road except Mr. Hall’s. We had come 16 miles without stopping, and therefore we concluded to dine there. Between 3...
266Thursday. August 25th. 1785. (Adams Papers)
St. Louis’s day, a great holiday all over France, because it is the fête of their king’s patron. Dupré called me up at three o’clock, being determined that we should not set out too late to day. Before 4. we were in the carriage, and rode 14 miles to Marlborough before 9. We breakfasted there; and dined at Waltham, which is 12 miles further. It was almost 5 when we finally set off upon our...
26726th. (Adams Papers)
No person who has not experienced it can conceive how much pleasure there is in returning to our Country after an absence of 6 years especially when it was left at the time of life, that I did, when I went last to Europe. The most trifling objects now appear interesting to me: in the morning I went to see my uncle Smith, but he was not at home. I saw my aunt and Mr. Smith, who went with me to...
26827th. (Adams Papers)
Brother Charles came to town this morning. I paid a number of visits and dined, at Deacon Smith’s, with Mr. Otis and his family. At about 4 o’clock I mounted on horseback: and Mr. Chaumont in his Chaise with Mr. Toscan the french Consul; we went out and stopp’d first at Mr. Swan’s house in Dorchester, where the former governor Mr. Hancock lives, at present. He is much afflicted with the gout,...
26928th. (Adams Papers)
Attended Mr. Wibird’s meeting forenoon, and afternoon. His voice and look was as familiar to me, as if I had not been absent. Among the People that were grown up before I went away, there were few or no new faces in the house: but there were but few young People, that I could recollect, 6 years have very little effect upon the appearance of men, and women, but a surprising one, upon that of...
27029th. (Adams Papers)
At about 9 o’clock I set off for Boston, and stopp’d half an hour, at my uncle Adams’s. Saw my Grandmother. I had agreed with Mr. Tyler, to wait for him at Genl. Warren’s, half an hour. I stay’d more than an hour but he did not come. Mrs. Warren surprized me very much by informing me that Mr. Otis, with whom I dined on Saturday; had failed that evening. She said it was a very unexpected stroke...
27130th. (Adams Papers)
This day the Supreme Judicial Court met, and I went and heard the chief justice, Mr. Cushing deliver the charge to the grand Jury. He spoke with much dignity, and animadverted peculiarly upon the neglect, which many of the towns in the Commonwealth, have shown of late with respect to public schools. After the charge was deliver’d Mr. Thatcher was called upon for a prayer, and although he had...
27231st. (Adams Papers)
This morning Mr. Chaumont came to the College, with Mr. Toscan, and two other french gentlemen, Mr. Issotier, and Mr. Serano. We went and saw all the curiosities belonging to the Col lege, which are not very numerous. There are several exceeding fine pictures done by Mr. Copley, all portraits. The library is good, without being magnificent. We all paid a visit to Mr. Willard the president of...
273[September 1785] (Adams Papers)
Went and sat with Mr. de Chaumont a couple of hours, and afterwards accompanied him, and Mr. Toscan &c to Concert hall; to see Mr. Turner’s scholars dance. Once every fortnight, there is such a forenoon ball, from 1. o’clock to three. There were a number of minuets and country dances performed pretty well: and all the beauties of Boston seem’d to be assembled there in one bright constellation....
274Thursday September 1st. 1785. (Adams Papers)
Went and sat with Mr. de Chaumont a couple of hours, and afterwards accompanied him, and Mr. Toscan &c to Concert hall; to see Mr. Turner’s scholars dance. Once every fortnight, there is such a forenoon ball, from 1. o’clock to three. There were a number of minuets and country dances performed pretty well: and all the beauties of Boston seem’d to be assembled there in one bright constellation....
2752d. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Chaumont intended to set out early in the morning for Philadelphia (or rather Albany,) but it rain’d so hard that he was obliged to postpone it till the afternoon. I went to his lodgings at about 9 o’clock, and stay’d till about noon. We then went to a billiard table, and play’d a game. I dined at Mr. Smith’s. After dinner I return’d to Mr. de Chaumont’s lodgings, and found him, making...
2763d. (Adams Papers)
Visited the Consul in the morning, and spent an hour with him. At about noon I left Boston, and went before dinner as far as Milton. When I got there, I found Mrs. Warren had just left it with her son Charles for Boston where he is now gone to embark; the vessel is to sail on monday or Tuesday. I dined with the genl., and his three remaining sons, James, Harry, and George. The genl. bought...
2774th. (Adams Papers)
Attended the meeting; forenoon, and afternoon. I went after meeting and drank tea, and spent a couple of hours with my uncle Adams. Past 6 o’clock before I got home. If the weather should be good I shall set out to-morrow with my aunt, to go to Haverhill.
2785th. (Adams Papers)
The weather look’d so much like rain in the morning, that we concluded to defer our journey to Haverhill, till to-morrow. Mr. Cranch went to Boston in the morning. I was employ’d, a great part of the day in putting my things in order. I find, that the largest of all my trunks is missing, and I know not where it is. I wrote to my uncle Smith, for Information on the subject. In the afternoon I...
2796th. (Adams Papers)
At about 9 o’clock in the morning I again tackled my horse into my uncle’s Chaise, and we put every thing into it, and set out, and arrived at Boston at about 11. I immediately went to my uncle Smith’s store, and enquired after the missing trunk. I found it was in one corner of the Store. I then went to his House and found there a Letter from the Marquis de la Fayette: I also received Letters...
2807th. (Adams Papers)
We breakfasted early and were on our way by 8 o’clock. We stopp’d at Captain Brookes’s house in Mystic, four miles from Cambridge, and about a quarter of a mile. We then rode 10 miles further; after which we stopp’d an hour to rest our horse. So far we found the roads very good: but the next 6 miles, to Mr. French, (the minister at Andover)’s house are very sandy and heavy. We dined there: Mr....
2818th. (Adams Papers)
I went in the morning down to Mr. Thaxter’s office, and spent all the forenoon with him, talking over, old matters. He dined with us, at my uncle’s; and spent part of the afternoon here. I am told he is paying his addresses to a Miss Duncan, who is reputed the greatest beauty in Haverhill, but he will not own it. Elizabeth Duncan , daughter of James Sr. and Elizabeth (Bell) Duncan, eventually...
2829th. (Adams Papers)
Spent the forenoon with Mr. Thaxter at his office. He went with me, and introduced me, to Mr. White and his family. His Daughter Miss Peggy, is one of the belles of this place. I had heard much said of her before I went to the house; and when I saw her, I supposed that must be Mrs. White. She is very fat and appears much older than she is: I should certainly suppose her not under 30, and she...
28310th. (Adams Papers)
We all dined this day at Mr. White’s. The only other strangers present, were Mr. Smith, the minister of the other meeting house in this place, and Mr. B. Bartlett, a merchant. Mr. Smith proposes going into the Jersies, and to set out in the beginning of next week. A Vessel belonging to Mr. White was launch’d in the afternoon, but we missed seeing it, as it went sooner than was expected....
28411th. (Adams Papers)
Attended Mr. Shaws meeting; forenoon, and afternoon. Took a walk down by the side of the river; with Mr. Thaxter. The Situation of the town is very agreeable.
28512th. (Adams Papers)
Spent part of the forenoon with Mr. Thaxter at his Office. At 12 o’clock, we went, to a Collation, given by Dr. Woodbury who is building an house, and who moreover was yesterday first published for marriage; it seems that upon both these occasions it is Customary here, for a man to invite all his male friends, to an entertainment of this kind, and I as a visitor at Mr. Shaw’s was ask’d. After...
28613th. (Adams Papers)
At about 9 this morning we left Haverhill, cross’d the river, and stopp’d first at Mr. Symmes’s, and afterwards at Mr. French’s, but a few minutes at each. After we had rode, about a mile beyond Mr. French’s house, we turn’d away from the road we came to Haverhill by, and took the Lincoln road: but I was very much surprised, to see that very few persons knew, any thing about Lincoln, although...
28714th. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Lincoln, and immediately after dinner we again proceeded on our journey and by 5 o’clock, got to Cambridge, which is 12 miles: we came through Concord , and Lexington which 12 years ago were of no note, but which have been since rendered ever memorable, by being the place, where the first martyrs in the glorious cause of American Liberty, bled, (April 19th. 1775). Posterity will...
28815th. (Adams Papers)
This morning my brother Charles and Cousin Cranch, came from Cambridge to see us. I at length went, and got my sword and hat, which have been at Mrs. Kilby’s, ever since I arrived here first: Dined with Mr. Smith; I intended to go to Braintree in the afternoon, but was deterred, by an appearance of bad weather, but as it cleared up at about 5 o’clock, I rode, over the neck with my Cousin...
28916th. (Adams Papers)
At about 9 this morning I went to Mr. Foster’s, and found my Cousin Betsey Cranch ready to go with me. We then set out in the Chaise, and at about 11. got to Braintree where we found only Mr. Tyler, and cousin Lucy. She had a letter from Miss Hazen which I had a great curiosity to see; but could not prevail upon her to show it me. Mr. Tyler came up from Boston last Evening. Parson Wibird was...
29017th. (Adams Papers)
Great part of the day was spent in reading; and writing to my friends in Europe; a vessel is to sail e’er long. At about 4 o’clock, Mr. and Mrs. Cranch return’d home. Mr. Tyler too, went out early in the morning and did not return till the evening. The only extant letter written (in part) on this day was to AA2 , 8–18 Sept. ( Adams Papers ).
29118th. (Adams Papers)
The weather in the morning look’d stormy, and was showery at different times all day. I attended however Mr. Wibird’s sermons forenoon and afternoon; he was this day remarkably short, and did not either time keep us more than an hour and an half: A shower fell just as the afternoon meeting, was over; and Mr. Tyler and myself went over the way, to Mrs. Church’s. We borrow’d her Chaise of her,...
29219th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Cranch went to Boston in the morning. I staid a great part of the day at home writing. Mr. Tyler, was engaged all day, in business.
29320th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Tyler was again taken up the whole day. In the afternoon I went with my Cousins, over to Weymouth to see Mrs. Tufts who is recovering from a long and dangerous illness. We spent about an hour and drank tea there. I saw at a distance the solitary house which was my Grandfather’s: but had no inclination. Whence arises this antipathy, to places where those who are dear to us have died? Why...
29421st. (Adams Papers)
Hazy disagreeable weather: was confined all day to the House, and was for the most part employ’d in preparing my trunks, that are to go to Haverhill. Mr. Tyler’s business was finish’d last night, he was the greatest part of this day writing to Europe. If this included letters to the Adamses in Europe, none has been found.
29522d. (Adams Papers)
This morning I sent down a Cart with my two trunks that are going to Haverhill. I intended to go myself in the forenoon, but at length resolv’d to go and dine with Mrs. Quincy, and from thence go forward to Boston. My two good Cousins went in the Chaise; I walk’d it, with Mr. Tyler. We were not expected, and somewhat late: we found Parson Wibird there, who ask’d me abundance, of questions,...
29623d. (Adams Papers)
At 9 this morning I went to see about getting my trunks to Haverhill: Mr. Cranch told me; they have been put on board a vessel, that will sail in two or three days for Newbury Port and from thence, a conveyance will easily be found for sending them to Haverhill. I visited Mr. Toscan; and was afterwards introduced to Mr. Hughes, Mr. Lincoln, and Mr. Gardiner, all three Lawyers. The last, on the...
29724th. (Adams Papers)
This forenoon I was present at the marriage, of Mr. Nash and Miss Apthorp. They were married in the Chapel by Mr. Parker, as Mr. Freeman, the minister there, not having receiv’d orders, cannot perform the Ceremony. He was however present and in the Pulpit, where he was kind enough to give me a place. Mr. Tyler, who is intimate with him, introduced me to him. Mr. Nash was dress’d in his...
29825th. (Adams Papers)
It continued raining all night, and in the morning so that I could not go out of town. We went to the Chapel, and heard Mr. Freeman preach. This gentleman has adopted the antetrinitarian System, which has of late appear’d in this Country. Such religious freedom, as America, enjoys, must always have a tendency to increase the number of religious sects: but if this be a disadvantage, it is more...
29926th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Tyler, was to return last evening, but did not. My two Cousins went last Saturday to Boston and will not return this week. My uncle, went this afternoon to Boston so that my aunt and I are now at home quite alone. In the forenoon, I went out with my gun; and took a long walk: but found no game of any kind. In the afternoon I went down to our house, and looked over many of the things. I can...
30027th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Tyler came from Boston last evening; was pretty busy in the forenoon; I went and paid a visit to Mr. Apthorp, next door neighbour to my uncle: he came from Boston this morning and is going back this afternoon: he is a man of Sense, and much reading, but he has a certain wildness in his eyes, which indicates something extraordinary, in his character, which I am told is really the case. He...