1551[March 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. We had no meeting at Parson Carey’s. I was employ’d in writing all the forenoon; but after dinner, went to hear Mr. Spring. The speculative sentiments of this...
155231st. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Parsons held a Justice’s Court for the trial of a trifling action of trover and conversion. The dispute was about 600 feet of pine boards. The witnesses on both sides were examined and after a trial of two hours; Mr. Parsons advised them to settle the matter between themselves without any judgment; which they accordingly did. The weather for a day or two past has been very mild and...
155330th. (Adams Papers)
Parson Toppan of Newtown preach’d at our meeting this day. I attended all day and was very much pleased with his ingenuity: he is quite orthodox enough, although he has contended with Mr. Spring upon some very knotty points. His delivery is not graceful, nor even agreeable; but the sound sense, and ingenuity, which appear in his sermons, more than compensate for defects which are so common. I...
155429th. (Adams Papers)
I received two or three Letters for Little, and after finishing the day at the office, I went and delivered them. He went with me and pass’d the evening with Townsend: Mr. Morland came in to wait on Miss Knight home; but she preferr’d staying a day or two longer where she was. Mr. Cutler was an hour or two with us. Sometime after ten I came home.
155528th. (Adams Papers)
The weather was pleasant. Townsend rode, this day. I pass’d the evening with him: and found Miss Knight at Mrs. Hooper’s. After having dismiss’d two or three inconstant suitors, she is now address’d by a Mr. Gregory from Boston, to whom she will probably soon be united. With all the charms of beauty richly fraught, Lucinda’s form my fond attention caught. A faultless person and a lovely mind,...
155627th. (Adams Papers)
I went with Pickman, Amory Stacey and Putnam to Salisbury, to see a vessel launch’d: She stuck as she went off. We dined there but the party was very far from being agreeable. A. Orne, is an habitual debauchee, who at the age of five or six and twenty has brought upon himself the infirmities of old age. He is one of those human beings whom to see is to despise. The description in the choice of...
155726th. (Adams Papers)
I took a long walk, this afternoon with Putnam, and as we came back we stop’d at Mrs. Hooper’s. Townsend is still there the weather being so unsettled, that he has not ventured to go much from the house yet; He must however go in a few days to Ipswich as he is to be sworn in at that Court. We play’d quadrill. Miss Knight and Miss Phillips were there. With the latter of these Ladies I have...
155825th. (Adams Papers)
Copies of all the actions which are to be entered at the next Court of Common Pleas were this day sent to Salem, to be filed in the clerk’s office; seven days before the sitting of the court, as the law directs: And as we have now got through the hurry of business, we have this day been very idle: Mr. Parsons has been talking all day with some one or other who came to the office: much of our...
155924th. (Adams Papers)
I attended at Mr. Atkins’s Court; and appeared to the actions. Mr. Marquand who had been summoned there, appeared, and somewhat diverted us by his impetuosity. I met young Thomas in the street who gave me some information from Cambridge. This being the last day of service, we have been uncommonly busy in the office in copying the writs and making out records, according to the Justice’s act,...
156023d. (Adams Papers)
Pickman had agreed to go with me, and hear Parson Tucker preach this forenoon; but some circumstance prevented him; so I went alone. The Dr. gave us a very good sermon upon the education of children. I went home with Mr. Tracey to dinner, and Pickman soon came in. We dined and pass’d the afternoon with Mr. Tracey. This gentleman, was in the course of the war, peculiarly fortunate and...
156122d. (Adams Papers)
Amory and Stacey, return’d from their expedition: They got to Cape-Ann at about twelve on Wednesday night, and were about two hours at the ball. On Thursday they proceeded to Marblehead, and attended at the assembly which was held there: Last Night they patrol’d the streets of Salem, serenading the houses, and came home this afternoon compleately fatigued. Mr. Parsons arrived in town too this...
156221st. (Adams Papers)
I can read tolerably well when I am alone in the office, and make as much progress in one day, as I can sometimes in a week, when all the other gentlemen are here. I have read through the first volume, and have made some progress in the second of Blackstone... And I read it I think with more advantage, than I did the first time; but my progress is slow; too slow. JQA ’s ellipses. In his...
156320th. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
We met this evening at Thompson’s. Pickman came; but rather late in the evening. Young Sawyer was there likewise: he spends the present quarter at home, by order of the college government. I have not a very high opinion of his abilities; still less of his improvements, and least of all of his moral character. One thing however may be said in his favour. He is handsome in his person. His father...
156419th. (Adams Papers)
The weather was dull, gloomy, and part of the day rainy. Amory invited me to dine with him and Stacey and Azor Orne at Davenport’s, but I did not feel inclined that way. I call’d at Mrs. Hooper’s in the evening and spent a couple of hours with Townsend. The lads who dined at Davenport’s warm’d themselves so well with Madeira, that at about seven o’clock this evening, they all set out upon an...
156518th. (Adams Papers)
I am sinking again into the same insipidity which I have so often lamented. The circumstances which daily occur, are now more than ever alike, for I not only spend the whole day in the same occupation at the office; but as Townsend is unwell, and confined to his lodgings I pass almost all my evenings with him: We have no news stirring of any kind, and as Dr. Kilham said to me, a short time...
156617th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Parsons held a court this forenoon at ten; and at the same hour I attended at Mr. Atkins’s, with several actions, brought before him. Mr. Parsons in the afternoon went from home to return to Boston. I pass’d the evening at Mrs. Hooper’s. Play’d quadrill as usual. JQA adds, in his line-a-day entries, “Townsend unwell” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 16).
156716th. (Adams Papers)
In the forenoon I attended at Mr. Carey’s meeting. The man that appeared in the pulpit I concluded very soon, was a son of Dartmouth. All was common-place: his ideas were trifling, his language was inelegant and his manner, was an unsuccessful attempt to the florid. He apostrophised Innocence, and said she was charming. In short he appeared to me to have all the defects without one of the...
156815th. (Adams Papers)
I called this evening at Putnam’s lodgings, and pass’d an hour or two with him. He went home last Sunday intending to be absent about a week; but he return’d yesterday, without compleating his visit. I told him some time ago, that I expected he would not be absent long from this town with any satisfaction to himself. He says he is happy as the day is long. He admires Newbury-Port exceedingly,...
156914th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Parsons return’d this afternoon from Boston, where the supreme judicial Court, and the general assembly are now sitting. I called with Pickman, to see Townsend, who is now confined to the house; and pass’d an hour or two with him: And for this day I have nothing more to say.
157013th. (Adams Papers)
Thompson, Pickman and Little, pass’d the eve at my lodgings: Townsend, was so unwell, that he could not come, and Putnam, went home some days since, and has not yet return’d. The office, for a week past, has been tolerably clear; and I have made considerable progress in Blackstone.
157112th. (Adams Papers)
I Dined with Townsend at Mrs. Hooper’s. Amory went to Portsmouth on Monday, with several of his friends. They return’d this day to dinner at Davenport’s. We called to see them; and sat with them drinking and singing till five o’clock, when they went for Ipswich. I pass’d the evening with Pickman, at Doctor Smith’s. Townsend, went there with us, but found himself so unwell, that he went home...
157211th. (Adams Papers)
Townsend and Pickman, returned, this afternoon from Salem. Townsend, has been on to Boston and to Medfield; he brought me two or three Letters. I passed the evening with Thompson at Captain Coombs’s. Mr. Cutler came in, soon after us. There are several young Ladies there. The Miss Coombs’s are neither of them handsome, and I have not sufficient acquaintance with them to form an accurate...
157310th. (Adams Papers)
Pass’d the evening and supped with Thompson at Dr. Sawyer’s. Mr. Russell was there: he came from Portsmouth this morning and returns to Boston with Mrs. Hay, to’morrow. We play’d Quadrill. Mr. Farnham took an hand; and is skilled, in all the trifling conversation of a card-table. Every one, it is said possesses his peculiar excellence. Mr. Farnham’s talent lies in the science of politeness. He...
15749th. (Adams Papers)
Parson Carey got out to meeting this forenoon; but he was still so weak, that the effort was too great: he was scarcely able to get through the morning exercises: and in the afternoon the church was again destitute. I went to hear Parson Spring rattle away upon disinterested benevolence, and pass’d the evening at home.
15758th. (Adams Papers)
I this day got through, my folio of Lord Coke, which has been hanging heavy upon me, these ten weeks. It contains a vast deal of Law learning; but heaped up in such an incoherent mass that I have derived very little benefit from it. Indeed I think it a very improper book to put into the hands of a student just entering upon the acquisition of the profession. I am perswaded I might have spent...
15767th. (Adams Papers)
The weather begins to abate of its severity; yet people cross’d the river on the ice all this day. Townsend and Pickman this afternoon went to Salem. I was at home all the evening and Thompson spent part of it with me. He intends to quit his school, in three or four weeks; and I hope I shall then enjoy more of his company.
15776th. (Adams Papers)
We met in the evening at Putnam’s chamber. I did not pass my time so agreeably as I usually do these evenings. Townsend and Amory were there, and instead of devoting our hours to free and unrestrained conversation, we lost them in playing on the violin, and flute. Between 9 and 10 we retired.
15785th. (Adams Papers)
I pass’d the evening with Thompson and Putnam at Mr. Bradbury’s. Frank came from Boston this morning, and bro’t an account of the interment of his Honor Thomas Cushing Esqr. who died last week. He has been lieutenant governor of this Commonwealth, ever since the establishment of the Constitution; and it is probable, there will be a vast deal of electioneering intrigue, for the diverse...
15794th. (Adams Papers)
Doctor Kilham, went to Boston this day to attend the general court. His opposition to the federal constitution, has made him so unpopular in this town, that I do not expect he will be chosen as representative at the next election, and he may I think with this Session, take his leave of the legislative body for the present. I passd the evening with Townsend and Thompson at Mrs. Atkins’s. The...
15803d. (Adams Papers)
The weather continues extreme cold. The river is fast as low as this Town, and many persons have this day cross’d it upon the ice. Townsend set out to go with me this evening to Mrs. Emery’s; but would not go in when he found there was company there. It was Judge Greenleaf s family. We play’d at cards and backgammon as usual; and between ten and eleven, I came home. Miss Prince, is not...
15812d. (Adams Papers)
We had no meeting at Parson Carey’s. I was employ’d in writing all the forenoon; but after dinner, went to hear Mr. Spring. The speculative sentiments of this gentleman, upon religion, are not such as I should admire. They may I think safely be called illiberal; though I am sensible such charges, are not in general very liberal. He has adopted all the fancies of the Hop kintonian sect as they...
1582Saturday 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.
1583[February 1788] (Adams Papers)
Pass’d a great part of the fore noon at Mr. Thaxter’s. He is now quite in the family way: he dined with us at Mr. Shaw’s; as did Leonard White and Sam Walker. In the afternoon we rode in a couple of sleighs about 6 miles down upon the river, and return’d just after dark. The party was agreeable; but Walker was an object of great pity. He has ruined his reputation irrevocably; the fairest Life...
158429th. (Adams Papers)
A number of us spent the evening at Dr. Swett’s. I play’d on the flute, an hour or so. I have heretofore mentioned Mrs. Swett. The Doctor perhaps may come under the denomination of a reformed rake: in his youth he was wild; but he has become quite a useful man: Such instances are rare!
158528th. (Adams Papers)
The severity of the weather has been increasing, and is this night but little inferior to the greatest extremities of the winter. Our social club, met this evening at Little’s. The walk was rather long, and bleak; but our enjoyment was sufficient to compensate for that. Notwithstanding Mrs. Jones’s opinion, I confess I do not dislike clubs. I think they may be sociable and friendly without...
158627th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Hutchinson sailed yesterday for Ireland. The weather for several days past has been quite moderate; but this afternoon blew up very cold again. I pass’d the evening with Townsend and Pickman at Dr. Sawyer’s. Play’d quadrill with Mrs. Sawyer and Mrs. Hay; the family is very agreeable.
158726th. (Adams Papers)
This forenoon while I was at the office I received a billet from Mr. Dalton, with an invitation to spend the evening at his house. Between six and seven I went, and was introduced into a room full of Ladies, with no other gentleman, but the master of the house. The situation was not perfectly agreeable, but I was relieved by a proposal of cards. I sat down to a game of whist with Mrs. Jones, a...
158825th. (Adams Papers)
Pass’d the evening at Merrill’s, with Mr. Hutchinson: and had some very agreeable musical entertainment. Mr. H. is a performer upon the flute, and has a good collection of books. He has been waiting a fortnight or three weeks for favorable winds to sail for Ireland. Captain Cazneau, and Captain Casey were there part of the evening.
158924th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Carey is still very sick, and we had no divine service this day at his meeting. I again pass’d the whole day at home; I was tired in the evening, and took a walk as far as Deacon Thompson’s; and desired Tom, to come, and pass an hour with me which he did. I called at Putnam’s, but he was not at home.... I wrote diligently in the course of the day, and acquired some little credit. JQA ’s...
159023d. (Adams Papers)
When I went to the office this morning I found young Pickman of Salem there. I was acquainted with him somewhat in Europe, and I believe he is mentioned in the first volume of this repository. (repository!) He has been studying more than two years in Mr. Pynchon’s office; and proposes now to pass five or six months in Mr. Parsons’s. And I shall be very happy in this additional companion, as...
159122d. (Adams Papers)
I attended to hear the debates in convention again, this forenoon. Mr. Langdon began by making a motion that the Convention should adjourn to some future day: But said he would waive his motion if any gentleman had further observations to make upon the System. Mr. Atherton, the leader of the opposition rose, and in a speech of more than an hour recapitulated every objection that he could...
159221st. (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Emery and her daughter were going to Exeter this morning in a single sleigh. Dr. Kilham and I after greatly debating the question had likewise determined to go: so we agreed to divide; the Doctor went with Mrs. Emery, and I with the young lady. It was just eleven o’clock when we started; and the roads were so difficult, that we did not get to Exeter till three. Nor the other sleigh till...
159320th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Parsons went yesterday to Boston, to attend the supreme Judicial Court. This evening I past with Thompson, at Mrs. Emery’s. Miss Smith and Miss Putnam were there. We play’d cards about an hour; after which Miss Emery play’d us a number of tunes very agreeably upon the harpsichord. I had another match with Miss Putnam at complimenting, and succeeded tolerably well.
159419th. (Adams Papers)
Called upon Putnam after leaving the office, and passed the evening at his lodgings: I have a greater regard for this young fellow than I had when at College. He is friendly and good-natured, and pursues his studies with diligence and attention. Perhaps indeed that now the warmth of emulation has subsided, and we can in no instance be rivals neither he nor I view each other in the same light,...
159518th. (Adams Papers)
After passing the day at the Office, I went and pass’d the evening at Mrs. Hooper’s. Townsend’s cough hangs upon him, but he is getting better. We play’d quadrille till supper time. Miss Knight is still there; she is very handsome, and very amiable; yet not very interesting.
159617th. (Adams Papers)
Parson Carey is very sick; and consequently we had no meeting: so I staid at home; wrote a long Letter to my friend Fiske, and a page or two some ways back in this book. In the evening I went to Mrs. Hooper’s to see Townsend, whom I found very hoarse, and with a bad cough. I pass’d the evening there, as likewise did Mr. S. Cutler. Within these two years Townsend has lost two brothers and a...
159716th. (Adams Papers)
The most violent snow storm, that has appeared in the course of the winter, it began in the night, and continued, all this day. In the evening it cleared up. Townsend was not out. Amory and I dined with Mr. Parsons. Captain Hodge likewise was of the company. I wrote a Letter in the afternoon; or rather part of a Letter to W. Cranch. From the office, we went, and pass’d an hour with Mrs....
1598John Quincy Adams to Cotton Tufts, 16 February 1788 (Adams Papers)
I desired my brother Charles when he went from Haverhill, to mention, that I was again in need of a supply of money, and since that time I have been obliged to stop my payments: I am apprehensive he forgot to deliver my message, and take this opportunity to request some money, as soon as may be convenient. The riotous ungovernable spirit, which appeared among the students at the university in...
159915th. (Adams Papers)
We indulged ourselves this morning till almost twelve o’clock before we rose. I called at the office; and pass’d about half an hour there. I felt rather dissipated, and somewhat indisposed for study. In the afternoon when I called at the office, I found Mr. Wendell there. A singular eccentric character with whom I was acquainted, while I was in College, and whom I have probably mentioned...
160014th. (Adams Papers)
I attended at the office only in the forenoon; the after part of the day being employ’d in rigging for the ball. I had sent a billet to Miss H. Greenleaf requesting the honor of waiting upon her. She was not engaged, and I was taken at my word; which will teach me to be sincere. It was late before I could get a carriage, and when I went for my Lady, I found, all the rest of the family were...