130130th. (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...
130229th. (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...
1303John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 29 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
I came into Boston this morning, and shall probably spend the week here, in order to pay all my visits, and see all those persons, that it will be necessary to show myself to. Stopping at Milton, I was very much surprized, when Mrs. Warren inform’d me, that Mr. Otis shut up last Saturday Evening: had the news come from any other Person, I should not at that time have believ’d it, for I was...
130428th. (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...
130527th. (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,...
130626th. (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...
1307Thursday. 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...
130824th. (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...
130923d. (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...
131022d. (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...
131121st. (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...
131220th. (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...
1313John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 20 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
This morning we left Hartford New Haven, accompanied by Mr. Broome, and Mr. Brush, who wishing to take a ride to Hartford, took this opportunity, which is a very agreeable Circumstance to us. We at first intended to have gone directly to Hartford this day. But as I had a Letter for Genl. Parsons, one of the aldermen of this City, and as we were told it was worth ou r while to us e this road,...
1314John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 9 – 19 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Söderström, the Sweedish Consul, has been here about a fortnight. I went this morning about a mile out of town with him, and was introduced to a Mr. Bayard. He has two Daughters that are among the toasts; one of them I think very pretty. Mr. Bayard I hear was in the late war violent on the wrong side of the Question. It is the case with a great number, of the most reputable families in the...
131519th. (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...
131618th. (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...
131717th. (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...
131816th. (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...
131915th. (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...
132014th. (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...
132113th. (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...
132212th. (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...
132311th. (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...
132410th. (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...
13259th. (Adams Papers)
Dr. Witherspoon visited the President in the morning. I went with Mr. Söderström out of town about a mile, to Mr. Bayard’s, who has two fine Daughters, the eldest, to whom I was introduced last evening by Miss Livingston, was gone to Town; the other was there. I see with much pain that the connections of almost all the finest girls in and about N. York, were of the british party during the...
1326John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 1 – 8 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
In my last I just mentioned having been over upon Long Island, and paid a visit to Mrs. Smith, the Colls.s Mother: she was very polite to me, and appeared to miss her Son, much. All the family are in mourning for the old gentleman who died about 9 months ago. There is one Son here now, and if I mistake not, 6 daughters. Sally strikes most at first sight: she is tall; has a very fine shape, and...
13278th. (Adams Papers)
I went out with Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Swift, and Miss Riché, to Content to see Lady Wheate, who is one of the most reputed beauties in the Town. I own I do not admire her so much as I expected to, before I saw her. She is like too many, of the handsome Ladies here, very affected. The most pleasing Characters here, are of those who are pretty without enjoying any share of beauty. When shall I see...
13287th. (Adams Papers)
Went in the morning to Church: Mr. Harrison who is always with the Ladies squired them there A gentleman preach’d from a text in the Psalms. He spoke well, but was so slow that the first part of a phrase was lost before he finish’d the last. After Church I paid a visit with Mr. D. Le Roi and Captain Kortright, to Miss van Berkel, who arrived two days agone; she was not within, and to Miss...
13296th. (Adams Papers)
Visited young Mr. Chaumont in the morning, who arrived a few days since from Philadelphia. I went with him to introduce him to the delegates from Massachusetts but they were gone upon Long Island, and are not expected back untill Monday. Dined at the president’s in Company with Coll. Cropper from Virginia. In the afternoon Mr. Harrison went to accompany the Ladies, an employment of which he...
13305th. (Adams Papers)
I went and spent some time with Mr. Fontfreyde, in the forenoon. Dined with a large Company at the President’s. It was his musical day, for once a week, he has Company, some of whom sing after dinner. Mr. Young, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Sayre, Mr. Read and General Howe, all sung. The first is the best singer, but I was wishing to be gone, for a long time after dinner. It was however between 7 and 8...
13314th. (Adams Papers)
The british Packet sailed at about 10, in the morning. The weather was rainy, so I did not go out till almost noon. I then went with Mr. Harrison, and was by him introduced to Mrs. Swift and Miss Riché, from Philadelphia. Dined at Mr. Osgood in a pretty large Company. Young Mr. van Berkel said his Sister had arrived, somewhat sooner than he expected she would. The minister is gone to...
13323d. (Adams Papers)
Was all the morning writing for the Packet. Dined with the Delegates from Virginia. Coll. Monroe, was a little indisposed: he and Mr. Hardy, intend in a short time to take a tour to Boston. In the afternoon I carried my Letters to Mr. Church, who sails in the packet tomorrow morning. I then went and visited Mr. Gerry and Mr. King. There, was a number of persons at Mrs. Mercer’s. Two Miss...
1333John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 3 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Church proposes to embark on board the british Packet, which is to sail to-morrow. He has offered to take my Letters, and I suppose, he will be the bearer of dispatches from Congress.—Our Passage, though it was not a stormy one, was very tedious. Of eight weeks, that we were at Sea, we had at least four of such calm weather as not to proceed more than 8 or 10 leagues a day. As we were...
13342d. (Adams Papers)
Remain’d at home all the morning, writing Letters for Europe, as the british Packet is to sail the day after tomorrow. Dined with Doctor Crosby, and spent the evening with Mr. Searle. Return’d at about 9 o’clock. JQA to AA2 , 1–8 Aug. ( Adams Papers ), is the only extant letter written (in part) on this date.
1335Monday August 1st. 1785. (Adams Papers)
Return’d to the City at 7 in the morning. Breakfasted with Mr. Jarvis in William Street. Mr. Harrison did not return before noon. Dined with Mr. Constable, but found him at dinner when I went there. Drank tea there too, in Company with a number of ugly Ladies. I went in the evening to see Mr. Gerry but found him not at home. Walk’d on the batteries about an hour, and then return’d to the...
1336[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...
1337John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 17 – 31 July 1785 (Adams Papers)
I went on shore upon Long Island with our Captain, and visited Monsr. de Marbois, who has taken a house there for the summer. He received me with politeness, invited me to dine with him, and enquired concerning my father in as friendly a manner, as he could have done had he wish’d him well. Madame de Marbois, may be called a pretty, little woman. She was a quaker, but appears not to have...
133831st. (Adams Papers)
At about 10 in the morning I cross’d the river with Mr. B. Jarvis and found his brother Charles at Brooklyn. We went from thence to Jamaica which is 12 miles from the ferry. It is a beautiful island though the soil is very sandy. After dining at the Tavern we went to Church, where we saw Mr. Harrison, Miss S. Sears. Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Bordieu. After Church we went to a Mr....
133930th. (Adams Papers)
Called upon the Massachusetts delegates in the morning, and afterwards upon those of Virginia. Dined with a large Company, at the president’s. He entertains three times a week, and has commonly about 25 persons at his table; all men. I was introduced to Captain Kortright who it is said has two fine Sisters. I went and spent the evening with Mr. Mölich who leaves this place to morrow for...
134029th. (Adams Papers)
Dined with the president and Mr. Harrison, Mr. Osgood was so kind as to give me a Letter for Mr. Clarke at Providence, to whom I can send my trunk. Drank tea at Mrs. Sears’s. Harrison appears to be much attached to Miss Becca. Went on board the Packet in the evening, and spent a couple of hours there. She is to sail the 15th. instant the british Packet will sail the 4th.
134128th. (Adams Papers)
Dr. Crosby came and paid me a visit in the morning. I went to see Mr. Jay, and staid about an hour with him. Dined at Cape’s tavern with the Captain and officers of the Packet. The stage for New Haven leaves this place every Monday, and thursday; it goes from Cape’s: I wish much to get away by next monday but fear I shall not be able to. Saw Major L’Enfant, and Mr. van Berkel in the Evening....
134227th. (Adams Papers)
Breakfasted with Mr. Gerry in Company, with Mr. Söderström the Sweedish Consul at Boston who arrived here lately. Went with Mr. Mölich and visited Mr. van Berkel, and Mr. Le Roi; Dined at Mr. Ramsay’s in Company with Mr. Gardoqui, Mr. Randon, General Howe, General Knox, Miss Susan Livingston for whom I had a Letter, and several other persons. Miss L. appears to me to be a great talker, but...
134326th. (Adams Papers)
I stroll’d about the town almost all the forenoon; dined with Coll. Monroe, and Mr. Hardy, from Virginia. Mr. A. Lee left town in the afternoon. I walk’d with Mr. Gerry and Mr. King till 7 o’clock, when I went and called on Mr. Mölich who returned last evening from his trip into the Country. Sat with him till about 9.
134425th. (Adams Papers)
Waited upon Major L’Enfant in the morning; gave him a Letter for le Chevalier d’Antroches. The President dined at the french Consul’s on Long Island. I went in the afternoon to see Mr. Salvius, and found the officers of the packet with him. Called upon Mr. Jay who was not at home.
134524th. (Adams Papers)
Went in the forenoon to St. Paul’s church and heard Mr. Doughty preach a sermon upon a text in Corinthians, concerning the knowledge of ourselves. He spoke to the general satisfaction of the Congregation. I afterwards went with the Captain on board our packet, and dined there. Saw Mr. B. Jarvis who invited me to go over next Sunday to Long Island. We went and engaged a Phaèton at Brooklyn, a...
134623d. (Adams Papers)
After breakfast I went to see Coll. Monroe, and Mr. Hardy, of the Virginia delegation. Call’d upon Mr. Fontfreyde. Lounged about untill near two o’clock, and then return’d again to N (189) where the gentlemen of the Virginia delegation lodge. Mr. Gerry, Mr. King, Mr. Monroe, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Smith, and myself, went all in the president’s Carriage, to General Knox, who lives about 2 miles out of...
134722d. (Adams Papers)
Waited upon Mr. Salvius in the morning. He is in a disagreeable situation here; his trunk having been seized by a custom house officer. I applied to the delegates of Massachusetts, to know if any thing was to be done for him, and Mr. King was so kind as to go with me, to two other gentleman: but nobody, could assist him: I am really sorry for what has happened to him, and wish I could assist...
134821st. (Adams Papers)
At 7 o’clock in the morning I left Cape’s tavern, and went to carry one of my trunks, to Water Street N: 7. where Mr. Fontfreyde lives, as I intend to send the trunk by the first opportunity to Boston, and I preferr’d leaving it with a friend, to taking it with me. Dr. A. Lee, arrived last night; and lodges with the president, his brother. I went and delivered a letter to Governor Clinton, who...
134920th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Mölich went away at about 6 o’clock. In the forenoon, I delivered the remaining Letters, I had still on my hands. Saw Mr. Searle, with whom I was formerly acquainted in Holland. Dined with Mr. Leroy. Mr. Chabanel his Cousin, is to sail for Europe, in the course of three weeks. Drank tea at Mr. Ramsay’s and found a considerable company there. Mr. van Berkel, Mr. Gardoqui, and Mr. Randon,...
135019th. (Adams Papers)
Breakfasted with Mr. Gerry and Mr. King. The President of Congress, who was there was so kind as to offer me, a room in his house. I delivered almost all the remainder of my Letters for this place. Saw Coll. Wadsworth, and delivered to him a Copy of the proposals concerning whale oil, which I received from the Marquis de la Fayette. Dined with the President of Congress, in company with General...