101Thursday 19th 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning we set away from Hannau at 4 o’clock A.M. and arriv’d at Hunfeld (which is distant 75 Miles,) at about 8 o’clock P.M. The roads this day were for the most part mountainous but in some places there was a very good made road. The mountains in general, which we have pass’d over this day are pretty well cultivated.
10219th. (Adams Papers)
Finished the first book of Horace’s Odes. I went in the afternoon, and pass’d the Evening, at Mr. Johnny White’s. Besides his father’s family, there were, in the course of the Evening Sukey Sargeant, Sally Bernard, Debby Perkins, and Ben Blodget. Mrs. White’s Sister Sally also, who is not handsome, but agreeable. I am more pleased with Debby, than I have been, and think, she might be made...
1033d. Friday. (Adams Papers)
In the forenoon Mr. D went and took a walk. After dinner Mr. Colombi came to see us. I went to the postoffice with Mr. Artaud. Windy weather. Finished the first volume of Watson’s history of Phillip the II. 443 p: and begun the 2d.
10426th. (Adams Papers)
Rainy weather all day. I had a number of the Class at my Chamber in the Afternoon. Immediately after Prayers we had a Class meeting for the Purpose of choosing a Valedictory Orator, and Collectors of Theses. Eaton was moderator. A motion was carried that a majority of the votes of Class should be necessary for an Election. When the votes were collected it was found there was no choice. There...
105Wednesday July the 25th 1781. (Adams Papers)
On Monday at about 1 o’clock P.M. we set away from Leipsig for Berlin, Where we arriv’d this day at about 11 o’clock A.M. The distance is 120 English Miles; The soil, all the way is thin and sandy, and some part of the way foresty. We rode all night on Monday. At about half past eleven at Night, being in the middle of a Forest and the road being at the bottom of a hill, The postilon run our...
10623d. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Thaxter return’d from Exeter Court, (where he went last Tuesday) and dined with us. Mrs. Shaw was out, all the afternoon and evening. This morning I finish’d the 2d. book of Horace’s Odes, and had one, which pleased me, as much, or more than any I have met with yet. It is the 16th. All those that Compose, this book are very fine, and I remember I have heard my father who is very fond of...
10716th. (Adams Papers)
Copied off my Forensic for the Exhibition, and prepared it, to carry for Approbation to the President. I received in the fore noon, a Letter from Delia . White return’d this Evening from Haverhill. Letter not found. Delia was the name JQA gave to Nancy Hazen in his poem, “An Epistle to Delia,” which he completed on 12 Dec. 1785 after resolving to put an end to his feelings toward her. The...
108John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 20 March 1796 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of January 23 d. by Captain Barnard reached me two or three days ago. I am a little surprized that you had not at that date received any letters from me later than July. But indeed the intercourse between America and Holland is so precarious and interrupted that it is scarcely possible that a letter should pass from the one to the other in a shorter time than four or five months....
10930th. (Adams Papers)
The Society met, this morning at Packard’s Chamber agreeable to their Resolution. Mr. Paine presided. Chandler and Cushman were received. Beale and Harris were at length admitted; and it was resolved that they should be received, the morning of the anniversary, which will be next Tuesday. But all attempts to admit two others that were proposed were found useless. It is a misfortune, that small...
11016th. (Adams Papers)
I went to bed immediately on my arrival; rose at about 10 in the morning, sent a man to find out Mr. Barclay. He return’d and told me he was vis-à-vis la maison de Ville. I went and found him very unwell: he had meant to leave L’Orient four or five days ago; but has been very ill with an humour in his head; but he is now much better, and thinks to set off next Thursday. I found Mr. Champion...
111John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I received not untill last Evening your kind favour of Feb y: 10. which however is the latest date that I have from you, and this circumstance is of itself sufficient to give me great concern respecting the state of your health— The Boston Newspapers in April, mention likewise that you were again ill; but I have some comfort in hearing by a letter from D r: Welsh to his son, that you were...
1126th. (Adams Papers)
A stormy day. Very unwell, especially in the former part of the Day. I have had several Times little contests with Bridge, upon the Subject of our forensic. He is to support the negative side of the Question, and will write very ingeniously. He is the only person in the Class who is fond of discussing questions of this kind in Conversation: we frequently dispute, and it always, increases my...
11320th. (Adams Papers)
This Evening, immediately after prayers, the President inform’d us that the Government, and Corporation, had chosen Mr. Jonathan Burr, for a Tutor, he had accepted the Office, and was to be attended accordingly. I went with Sever, to Mr. Tracy’s and to Mr. Gerry’s, but neither of them was at home. Attended the musical Society at Mayo’s chamber, till 9 o’clock. Jonathan Amory, was 16. the 7th....
11415th. (Adams Papers)
Still a fine wind. Yesterday, we ran 50 leagues, and in all probability we shall not do less to day. By yesterday I mean the Solar day from noon to noon, the manner in which all nations compute time, at Sea. At about noon we saw a sail at a considerable distance, but we did not remain long in sight of one another. In the evening our wind fell a little. Mr. Bouchant the surgeon of the Packet is...
11520th. (Adams Papers)
I went down into the Port at about 10 o’clock in the morning. Met Mr. Grub who told me, that Mr. Thevenard, had a packet of Letters for me. I immediately went to his Hôtel, and he gave me the packet: it was from the Marquis de la Fayette and inclosed a number of Letters for America, with a sheet of the Leyden gazette which says that 20,000 Imperial troops have taken possession of Bavaria, in...
116Sunday 9th. (Adams Papers)
Cloudy weather. We din’d at Palentia Palencia which is a city as Large as Corunna. At about 7 oclock P.M. we arrived at Torre quemada Torquemada which is 7 Leagues from Parades de naba.
About 9. O’Clock this Morning we spoke a fishing Schooner from the Grand Bank, belonging and bound to Plymouth—We were in the midst of a thick fog, as we have indeed been most of the time since you left us, and still are. The Schooner was within g speaking distance when we first spied her, and our Captain had barely time to ask them on their arrival to give notice of their having seen us. So I...
11817th. (Adams Papers)
Putnam called at our office this forenoon, and return’d Sullivan’s Lectures, which he borrow’d about a fortnight ago. I pass’d the evening till 9, with Little and Putnam at Thompson’s. We convers’d upon the subject of originality. Thompson opposed my sentiments upon that head, though, I believe he does not differ very widely from me. I told him I was fond of novelty in characters, and was even...
11910th. (Adams Papers)
The ΦBK. met at Burge’s chamber at 11 o’clock. Beale and Burge read dissertations. The extempore disputants were Packard and Chandler. We voted to admit White. Mr. Wigglesworth gave a Lecture in the afternoon. Several fellows in the two lower Classes were very indecent and noisy. The dancing Club met at Bridge’s Chamber. After they broke up, I remained there; took a walk by the fine...
120From John Quincy Adams to Charles Francis Adams, 30 November 1818 (Adams Papers)
Your dear Mother not long since received a Letter from you, in which I read with great pleasure, that you get on at School pretty fast, and that in three weeks you hope to begin College Studies—As it is just three weeks since you wrote that Letter; if your hopes have been fulfilled you will this very day begin upon your College studies; and Oh! how happy shall I be, if you can hereafter write...
12128th. (Adams Papers)
Fine Wind, and good weather. We have for several days run between 40 and 50 leagues every day. In the evening we spoke to an american brig from New London, bound to Santa Cruce loaded with horses. Her Longitude, was 55 from the meridian of London. Ours was 56d. 30m. from that of Paris, so that the difference was very small. We saw another vessel to day, and a sail yesterday, but at a...
1227th. (Adams Papers)
This day at about noon, the news arrived in this Town, that the federal Constitution, was yesterday, adopted and ratified by a majority of nineteen members in our State convention. In this town the Satisfaction is almost universal: for my own part, I have not been pleased with this System, and my acquaintance, have long-since branded me with the name of an antifederalist. But I am now...
1234. (Adams Papers)
My father came home.
124From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 9 July 1821 (Adams Papers)
I take pleasure in introducing to your acquaintance, and recommending specially to your kind attentions, the bearer, Mr. Waldburg, a Gentleman of highly respectable character and connections, who visits Europe with views of instruction and amusement. I understand it would be agreeable to him to be attached to one of the legations of the United States in Europe, as other young Men have...
125To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 8 May 1814 (Adams Papers)
I received some five weeks ago, an order from the President of the United States, an order to repair immediately to Gothenburg, in Sweden, upon an errand, the object of which being public, is well–known to you—It reached me just at a time when the Passage between Russia and Sweden was impracticable, or becoming so before it was possible for me to carry it into Execution. To avoid as much as...
126Thursday 13th. (Adams Papers)
Rose at about day break and set away ½ an hour before sun rise. Passed through several villages and dined at Pan Courbo. Before dinner we went along in a Plain between two ridges of mountains the soil of which is excellent and after dinner we went along another plain betwixt two ridges of rocks some of which were 150 200 and 300 foot in height some right strait up, some hanging over our heads,...
12721st. (Adams Papers)
I began upon the third book of the first part of the Institutes and read a few pages as usual. In the evening I again look’d into Gibbon, and made some progress in his second volume. I have also been reading for these two or three days past, the letters from a Chinese philosopher; which are a number of essays upon various subjects, wrought into a kind of a novel: they are entertaining, and...
128[May 1785] (Adams Papers)
Mr. Jarvis came out and dined with us at Auteuil. In the afternoon, Mr. Jefferson came out; he drank tea with us. No Rain yet: the drought is very great: the verdure is but small, tho’ the trees are covered with Leaves. Mr. A and myself went and dined with the Marquis de la Fayette, Comte and Chevalier de la Luzerne, Comte de la Touche, General du Portail: A Letter was brought after dinner to...
12911th. (Adams Papers)
We have had this day very little studying in the office. Mr. Parsons is so fond of telling of all the manoeuvres which they used in and out of convention, that he has given the same story to every body that came into the office through the course of the day. He mentions with great complaisance, the formidable opposition that was made, as it naturally enhances the merit of the victory. He...
13029th. (Adams Papers)
After spending the day as usual, I walk’d with Stacey and Putnam. After going some way into Newbury we return’d, and walk’d upon a sort of a terrass in high Street. We there saw a number of young Ladies who seemed to expect to be accosted; and some of whom finally sat down on the grass, perhaps to see if that would not call our attention to them; but we were really inexorable: notwithstanding...
131From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 7 August 1817 (Adams Papers)
I have but one instant to inform you that we arrived here yesterday; all well. Mr Coles also arrived in the Evening from Liverpool, and delivered to me your Letter of 17 June with the Dispatch for the Secretary of State, and the Packets from Mr G. Joy & Mr Bentham. W. S. Clarkson is below while I am writing: your family relations are well. We expect to see Mr and Mrs DeWint to-morrow. I go...
132Wednesday 29th. (Adams Papers)
Took private lodgings; at Mr. Stockdale’s, opposite Burlington House Piccadilly. John Stockdale , London publisher and bookseller, became a long-time friend and correspondent of JA and later of JQA . He began shortly hereafter to publish works of American authors, including a reprint of John Almon’s edition of JA ’s Novanglus letters, History of the Dispute with America . . ., in London, 1784...
133[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....
134Saturday March 1st. 1788. (Adams Papers)
The weather is very severe: The month comes in like a Lion, and according to the farmer’s proverb it must go out like a Lamb. I passed my evening in contemplation, and in writing at home; and have very Little to say for this day.
135From John Quincy Adams to John Adams Smith, 19 June 1824 (Adams Papers)
Within a few Months, I have received many letters from you; for which I have not even found time to offer you the thanks to which they so well entitle you.—And even now I cannot write you without coupling with the acknowledgement of those favors, the solicitation of others. I have promised letters of introduction, for Mr. Noah Webster who has just embarked at New York for Liverpool, before I...
13619th. (Adams Papers)
Several of the gentlemen who accompanied the governor, yesterday to Haverhill, went on to Salem with him, and did not return till this evening. I was with Townsend. JQA ’s line-a-day entry for this day reads: “Stacey return’d. Rain. Walk with Putnam. Townsend” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 16).
137[January 1786] (Adams Papers)
The forenoon discourse from Acts XXVI. 22. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, inculcated thankfulness for the goodness of Providence in suffering us to live to this day. That in the afternoon from Psalm CXVI. 12. What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me? was more general, and respected all the blessings, the People have enjoyed during the...
1389. (Adams Papers)
Went over to Milton.
13923d. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Thompson’s, with Mr. Andrews and Townsend. In the afternoon I took a ride with Little to Haverhill. I endeavoured to persuade him to go with me the week after next to Cambridge; but my labour was in vain. We had a very smart thunder shower, while we were on the road, but it was very soon over.
140Monday Novr. 3. 1783. (Adams Papers)
Went in the Evening to the theatre, Drury Lane where Measure for Measure, with the Apprentice were represented. Mrs. Siddons play’d the part of Isabella in measure for measure, because it had been said, she could not speak Shakespeare’s lines; and that she could not play in Comedy; for the first part she prov’d the contrary; as she play’d extremely well, but the critics say she has not yet...
14129th. (Adams Papers)
The junior’s, this forenoon read a forensic in the chapel, upon the question, whether the soul be material: I pass’d the whole day, in indolence, and amusement. Pass’d the evening with Fiske at Mr. Hilliard’s. Mr. Reed and Mr. Ware were there. Isaac Rand , of Cambridge, was 18 the 8th. of this month. He has been if common fame may be believed very idle and dissipated. As he lives not in...
14226th. (Adams Papers)
Office as usual. Dr. Kilham, returned to Town this evening. I passed an hour or two with Mr. Tufts. The most amiable of the roman Emperors, at the close of a day, which had presented no object upon which he might exert his benevolence, exclaimed “I have lost a day.” To a man placed in a situation which enabled him so eminently to be useful to his fellow creatures, it must really be a...
143Saturday Septr. 12th. [i.e. 13th]. (Adams Papers)
Breakfasted in Salem: saw Amory and Learned. Dined at Ipswich. We got to Newbury-Port, at about five. We lodge this night at Mrs. Hooper’s.
144Monday January 1st. 1787. (Adams Papers)
I received, two letters, and a couple of Packets of newspapers, from Europe, they were the more acceptable, as it is almost three months, since I have had any direct news from thence, before. After playing a few tunes to the young Ladies, In the evening, I went with Bridge, and paid a visit to Mr. Hilliard; a sensible man although his Sermons are rather cold. AA2 to JQA , 1 Sept.–12 Oct. 1786...
14519th. (Adams Papers)
This forenoon Mr. Cranch pass’d through here on his way to Boston. We are to return to Braintree in the chaise. Billy went with his father to Boston, and brought back the Chaise this evening. The idea of leaving College threw me into a train of gloomy and disagreeable reflections; which however in the evening were dissipated by conversation. Samuel Williams of Cambridge, son to our professor...
146John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 2 September 1792 (Adams Papers)
I believe I am in arrears with you, for two or three Letters, which is owing in some measure to my indolence, but in a greater degree to the stagnation of events worthy of communication— The purpose of my present Letter is to enquire of you respecting a warrant from the Treasury for some money, which it seems must be sent here to be signed by your father before it can be sent back for payment....
147From John Quincy Adams to Walter Hellen, 5 October 1812 (Adams Papers)
I received so early, early as last January your obliging favour of 18. Novr. to which Notwithstanding the difficulty amounting almost to an impossibility of conveying letters to America I should ooner have replied, but that I was in hopes of having an opportunity to write you on subjects less melancholy and more cheering than those which for two years years have forced themselves upon our...
148John Quincy Adams to Charles Adams, 15 September 1795 (Adams Papers)
The most recent intelligence we have from America is contained in your letter of June 30 & July 23. which arrived some days since, and gave me information unpleasant but not unexpected. I was convinced from a variety of reasons that all the engines of popular agitation would be played off against the ratification of the treaty signed by M r Jay, and I knew that some of its contents were such...
14930th. (Adams Papers)
Attending meeting the whole day at Mr. Carey’s. Dined at Mr. Hooper’s in company with Mr. Symmes, who return’d in the afternoon to Andover. In the evening I walkd with Dr. Kilham to Mr. Carter’s; found nobody at home. We then went and pass’d the evening with Mrs. Emery. The conversation was agreeable, tho’ not extremely interesting. Stephen Hooper, a merchant with interests in Newburyport and...
150From John Quincy Adams to Abigail Smith Adams, 21 September 1813 (Adams Papers)
This day two Months have elapsed since Mr Gallatin and Mr Bayard arrived and delivered to me your favours of 5 and 23 April—Nothing later from you has yet come to hand.—Very shortly after their arrival, the ship Hannibal, belonging to Mr Astor of New-York arrived at Gothenburg—This vessel was furnished with a British licence with a permission even to bring a Cargo, and to carry one back in...