155120th. (Adams Papers)
Snow’d almost all day. In the evening I went over to Bradford, with my brother. Eliza, thought to be sure somebody was sick, that we came in such weather; stay’d a couple of hours: as I return’d I stopp’d in half an hour at Mr. White’s.
155210th. (Adams Papers)
The weather in the morning was disagreeable, but cleared up, at about ten. Had company at my chamber. Major Cabot and his Lady, Miss Bromfield, Miss Thomson, and Miss Fayerweather, Miss Williams, and Miss Wigglesworth; Mr. Ellery, Mr. Ware, and Miss Andrews, with several of my Classmates. It was almost twelve before the president made his appearance, immediately after which the performances...
155328th. (Adams Papers)
I learnt this day that the bar determined last evening to abide by the rule, which they had adopted some years ago, which was that there should not be more than three students in an office at once. Putnam therefore cannot be received by Mr. Parsons. I understand he has this day applied to Mr. Bradbury, who will receive him immediately. Court sat all day, but finally adjourn’d this afternoon,...
155430th. (Adams Papers)
My Trunks, which I have been so long expecting, came, at last this morning, from Haverhill. White, and my Brother, went to Boston; this day our Class finished reciting in Euclid. A Lesson was set us in Gravesande, for next Quarter; when we go, in to Mr. Read. It would have been best to have gone in to Gravesande before Mr. Williams, began his Lectures; but the Class was considerably delayed...
155510th. (Adams Papers)
Clear, but cold Weather. Went, and took a walk with Eliza, just before dusk, as far as the ship yard, we pass’d the Evening, at Mr. White’s. Mrs. Moody and Miss Codman were there. The Latter is a Lady from Boston; not handsome, and appears to be in a poor State of Health. Mrs. Moody, is a widow, who, is fond of appearing young, and is what the french call une jeune femme de 20 à 60 ans. Miss...
155625th. Monday. (Adams Papers)
Finished the 4th. volume of Mrs. Macaulay’s history of England. 409 p. Mr. Colombi came to pay us a visit. In the evening Mr. Artaud went to the concert.
15576th. (Adams Papers)
Fast day: I was at meeting all day, as indeed all the Students, must be, by Law, unless, excused by a Tutor. The President preach’d two Sermons from Micah VI. 6, 7, 8. Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old. Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of Rams, or with ten thousands of...
15583d. (Adams Papers)
Reading, Reid on the Mind. This author in some places pleases me very much; but in others he is disagreeable especially when he attempts to be humorous. His Chapter upon seeing which fills three quarters of the book, contains, a long detail upon the construction of the eye, and a very curious dissertation upon squinting, but which seems, to have very little to do with the Mind. This and a...
155915th. Monday. (Adams Papers)
This afternoon Mr. D. went to take a ride. Mr. Artaud supp’d out. Stay’d at home all day. Cloudy, rainy, weather.
1560[June 1787] (Adams Papers)
At 11, we had another lecture upon the optical instruments; the solar microscope, the telescope, the cylindric mirror, and the magic lantern came under consideration; we should have seen likewise the camera obscura, but the Clouds overshadowed the Sun so much, that the effect could not take place. I carried down my part to the president, for approbation: was not quite so indolent the whole...
15615th. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Mr. Rimberts: Mr. D received a letter from Holland. Took a ride in the afternoon. Possibly JQA is referring to a letter from Thaxter of 9 April, received by Dana on 2 May ( MHi :Dana Papers).
156210th. (Adams Papers)
No reciting this Day, because the Government met to examine the reasons of those scholars that are absent, or have been within the two last Quarters. Went over in the Evening with the musical Club, and heard them play a number of tunes, at Mr. Tracy’s Summer-house. Spent the Evening with Bridge at his Room.
156328th. (Adams Papers)
We recite again to Mr. Read this week, but he did not attend in the afternoon because, we had a Lecture from Mr. Williams, at 3 o’clock. After Prayers the Class met by adjournment, and Fiske was chosen moderator. It was then resolved that if after the first ballot, there was not a majority for any one Person; the Class should the 2d. Time confine their Votes to the 3 Persons who should have...
1564[October 1787] (Adams Papers)
I have not yet got over the consequences of our frolick on Saturday evening. Three whole evenings I have by this means entirely lost, for I cannot yet write with any comfort. How inseparably in all cases of intemperance, is the punishment allied to the fault! Stedman went this day for Portsmouth, will return here to-morrow, and take his final leave on Wednesday. He is going to open an office...
1565Friday July 27th 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning we went to see the kings arsenal, The break in the present entry and the absence of all succeeding entries to that of 17 Aug., together with the opening lines of that entry, are attributable to the loss of MS p. 149–156; see note to entry of 8 July (above). The journey from Berlin to Riga can be reconstructed from Dana’s Journal. They remained in Berlin until 2 Aug. On that...
156625th. (Adams Papers)
Christmas day. Among the Roman Catholics and the followers of the Church of England it is a great and Important day, but it is not observed in this Country, nor any where I believe by the dissenters. We had a couple of doctrinal Sermons to day. One from Isaiah XLIV. 23. Sing, o ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the Earth; break forth into singing, ye mountains o...
156718th. (Adams Papers)
I have been so unwell all Day, that I have not been able to attend to any Studies at all. We had a Class meeting after Breakfast. The Committee that was Sent to inform the President of the proceedings of the Class, informed that he had said he feared he should be obliged to direct the Class to have the Oration in Latin; notwithstanding this it was voted by a majority of two, that the Class...
156818th. (Adams Papers)
In the morning I went to the Post office, and enquired if there were any Letters for me; there were none. I immediately went to Monsr. Mazois, to whom I supposed my Letters would be addressed, but he had none for me neither. I don’t know how it happens. I can only suppose that they were put in the Post Office, so late that they failed, coming by the Saturday Post; and even if that is the Case,...
15698th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Hilliard preached in the morning from Ephesians V. 1. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children. A poor subject. His afternoon text was from Psalm XXX. 7. Thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. The Sermon appeared like an address to lunatic People; and to tell those who were so despondent, as to think they had committed the unpardonable Sin. There is not I believe much...
157022d. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Read sent for me this morning, informed me, that the Exhibition was to come on next Tuesday; and offered to excuse me, from the recitations till then, in Case, I was not prepared, as the Time, that had been given for getting ready was so short. But as it happened I was not in want of more Time. I made tea for our Club.
157120th. (Adams Papers)
Continual calms. Our passage will I fear be a very long one. We have fine weather, but we would willingly agree to have less Sun, and more wind. The weather begins to be very hot and we are in the Latitude of 26d. 30m. But the Sea air makes the warmth more supportable. This evening, as we were near the tropic one of the officers, according to the custom universally established, of wetting all...
157222d. (Adams Papers)
When we rose in the morning, we were out of sight, of Land. We have nothing now but the ocean and the sky around us. The weather being very fine none of us was very sick: but almost all the passengers felt such qualms as prevented them from eating any thing all day: myself among the rest.
157319th. (Adams Papers)
At home all the evening. Master Moody, called to see me; “Don’t you think said he, that I am very condescending, thus to come and visit you.” It might be very true, considering the dignity which his years have given him: but the address was very much that of a schoolmaster, whose habits of commanding give him a prescriptive title to importance. He sat with me about an hour, and then departed....
157412th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Burr gave out this morning a subject for our next forensic. “Whether an extorted promise be obligatory.” The affirmative is not so favourable, as in the last question. Though in many cases, it may be true. The weather, extremely dull, which causes a very general depression of spirits.
1575[November 1779] (Adams Papers)
Titlepage and cover for JQA ’s early Diary, designated D/JQA/1 by Adams editors to indicate the first of the individual Diary books, booklets, or miscellaneous fragments. This Diary booklet, which measures approximately 7″ × 4¾″, consists of eleven leaves of paper folded over and stitched. Bound in with the sheets is a paper cover, and each page has been ruled off with a margin by JQA , in...
15769th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Parsons gave me this morning a packet of Letters, which I have been expecting these five weeks. There was however but one short Letter from Europe. In the afternoon Amory went for Salem. I took a ride with Townsend, S. Cutler, J. Greenleaf, Prout, Thompson, and three or four Ladies in a sleigh: we rode out as far as Mr. Dalton’s farm: and after taking something of a circuitous rout,...
15776. (Adams Papers)
Rode over to Milton in the afternoon.
1578Saturday 15th. (Adams Papers)
This morning we rose at about day break and at about a half an hour before Sun rise we set off from Luyando. At about 8 o clock it began to rain, rain’d till about 12 and then left of f raining but it did not clear up. At about 1 oclock we arrived at Bilbao. When we arrived we found two American Vessels one a brig Capt Bapson belonging to the Tracy’s of New-bury port and the other a Ship of 18...
157923d. (Adams Papers)
I took a violent cold by our party last night, and as I felt rather unwell, and extremely indolent; I did nothing at the office. Amory very unwell with a cholic, to the great affliction of Miss F. I suppose. I pass’d the evening at Dr. Swett’s. Mrs. and Miss Cazneau were there. We had some agreeable, and entertaining conversation, but singing soon came on to the Carpet, and then the usual...
15804th. (Adams Papers)
Calm weather continually: and so warm that it is almost insupportable. We still esteem ourselves 50 leagues East of the Bermudas. I wish’d very much to arrive in America before this day, which is the greatest day in the year, for every true American. The anniversary of our Independance. May heaven preserve it: and may the world still see JQA ’s quotation is from “Britannia,” lines 195–199, by...
1581[July 1785] (Adams Papers)
Calm weather all day. In the evening it began to lighten, and our thunder spire was fix’d; this is a small chain, fastened at the mast head; the other end of which hangs in the water, but as it is made, I believe in case of a thunder storm, it must be rather hurtful than of service. For the chain is so small, that I cannot think it would conduct much lightening; besides which it touches to a...
158213th. (Adams Papers)
This afternoon I had something of a long conversation upon the subject of the ball, which is intended to be on Thursday. He had determined not to go; but upon consideration of several circumstances, which I mentioned to him, he came to an alteration in his sentiments: he was something piqued, at not having an invitation to join our party last week: but when I informed him of the reason, for...
158310. (Adams Papers)
Slept none. Went to Weymouth.
1584[November 1785] (Adams Papers)
Walker came over, and dined here to day. In the afternoon all the family, except my brother Tom, and myself went to Mr. Redington’s. They pressed me to go too, but I wish to go as little into Company, while I am here as possible. An hundred things which I can neither foresee, nor prevent, draw me away from my studies and delay them: but where I can help it, I will not suffer them to be...
15853d. (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...
1586[March 1786] (Adams Papers)
At home all day: Eliza, dined and passed the afternoon, at Mr. Duncan’s. Mr. Thaxter went to Portsmouth upon business. Felt quite fatigued all day, though, I did not sit up, later than common last night. Retired at about 11. Finished, the sixth book of Homer’s Iliad in the forenoon, and shall go no further in it here. I admire this Poem, more, and more, though it must be confess’d the author...
158724. (Adams Papers)
Parson Dutch preach’d. L. White and Mr. Thaxter.
1588Thursday Novr. 6th. 1783. (Adams Papers)
This day, being Term day, we went, with Mr. Jennings, and saw the procession of the Lawyers, and Judges to Westminster Hall; and we saw the four Courts; the Kings Bench, Common Pleas, Chancery, and Exchequer, all sitting. Dined at M: W. Vaughan’s. That is, the beginning of Michaelmas Term, one of four yearly sessions of English courts of law.
158928th. (Adams Papers)
We rose, between ten and eleven in the forenoon. Little took a breakfast with me; after which I went to the office; but felt entirely incapable of doing any thing serious. I pass’d the time therefore till dinner in idle chat. In the afternoon I passed an hour with Dr. Kilham; and again repaired to the office, with as little success as ever. In the evening, all the gentlemen who were last night...
159015. (Adams Papers)
Sleepless. Could do no business.
15913d. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Mr. Hilliard’s, in company with Mr. Stedman, Mr. Ware, Mr. Andrews, Freeman, and Bridge. Stedman is a student in Law; said to be a man of Sense. However that may be, he does not strike me, at first sight as a very exalted genius. We pass’d the evening, at the Professor’s. Miss Jones display’d some of her satirical wit. There was a total eclipse of the moon, between 6, and 9 in the...
159223. (Adams Papers)
Diné à Schevening sur les dunes.
159325th. (Adams Papers)
My Cousin and his mamma, went to Milton this afternoon. I went to see my Grandmamma. Miss N. Quincy, was here when I return’d: she proposes passing the week here. Two thousand pound, and an amiable disposition have not yet married her. It is strange how some girls, without either fortune, beauty, or any amiable qualities, have a talent at engaging a man’s affections, so as to escape, the name...
15945th. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
This afternoon I went with Mr. Artaud to the Shops and bought some things. Mr. Artaud went to the Clubb. Mr. D went and took a ride. Fine weather all day.
159528th. (Adams Papers)
Studying Saunderson; Mayo was here in the afternoon. Mr. Ware likewise paid us a visit and sat about half an hour. The weather has been very good for several days, but the weatherwise foretell a snow storm.
159615th. (Adams Papers)
I attended meeting the whole day, and heard Mr. Everett of Dorchester. He prays well and preaches good sermons, but is destitute of the smallest spark of animation. Willard after meeting went this evening to the upper parish, whence, he intends to return to Cambridge to-morrow morning.
159728th. (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...
15984th. (Adams Papers)
The weather was extremely warm, all the forenoon. Rambled about, upon Mr. Cranch’s farm with my cousin. In the afternoon, I went into the water with him: towards evening the weather began to grow more comfortable: a letter was brought me, from Mr. Belknap in Boston. Terminal punctuation has been supplied. On this letter and JQA ’s reply of the 6th, see entry for 18 July, note 9 (above).
159918th. (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,...
16002d Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Went to the shops, and bought some things A.M. P.M Mr. D. and Mr. Artaud went to the German play, I stay’d at home. Artaud’s identity is uncertain, but in a Diary entry written seventeen years later, JQA provides a fuller account of his relationship with this man. “The Chevalier de Villenotte, told me,” JQA wrote, “he had seen me at Artaud’s at Petersburg in the year 1782. I had altogether...