1011777. Feb. 23. (Adams Papers)
Took a Walk with Mr. Gerry, down to a Place called Ferry Branch, a Point of Land which is formed by a Branch of the Patapsco on one Side and the Basin before the Town of Baltimore on the other. At the Point is a Ferry, over to the Road which goes to Anapolis. This is a very pretty Walk. At the Point you have a full view of the elegant, splendid Seat of Mr. Carroll Barrister. It is a large and...
1021777. Feb. 28. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
Last Evening had a good deal of free Conversation, with Mr. R. Purveyance. He seems to me to have a perfect Understanding of the affairs of this State. Men and Things are very well known to him. The object of the Men of Property here, the Planters &c., is universally, Wealth. Every Way in the World is sought to get and save Money. Landjobbers—Speculators in Land—little Generosity to the...
103Feb. 29. (Adams Papers)
Feb. 29.
104[September 1777] (Adams Papers)
Fryday the 12, I removed from Captn. Duncans in Walnutt Street to the Revd. Mr. Sprouts in Third Street, a few doors from his Meeting House. Mr. Merchant from Rhode Island boards here, with me. Mr. Sprout is sick of a Fever. Mrs. Sprout, and the four young Ladies her Daughters, are in great Distress on Account of his Sickness, and the Approach of Mr. Howes Army. But they bear their Affliction...
105Septr. 15. 1777. Monday. (Adams Papers)
Fryday the 12, I removed from Captn. Duncans in Walnutt Street to the Revd. Mr. Sprouts in Third Street, a few doors from his Meeting House. Mr. Merchant from Rhode Island boards here, with me. Mr. Sprout is sick of a Fever. Mrs. Sprout, and the four young Ladies her Daughters, are in great Distress on Account of his Sickness, and the Approach of Mr. Howes Army. But they bear their Affliction...
1061777. Sept. 16. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
No Newspaper this Morning. Mr. Dunlap has moved or packed up his Types. A Note from G. Dickinson that the Enemy in N. Jersey are 4000 strong. How is about 15 miles from Us, the other Way. The City seems to be asleep, or dead, and the whole State scarce alive. Maryland and Delaware the same. The Prospect is chilling, on every Side. Gloomy, dark, melancholly, and dispiriting. When and where will...
1071777. Septr. 18. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
The violent N.E. Storm which began the Day before Yesterday continues. We are yet in Philadelphia, that Mass of Cowardice and Toryism. Yesterday was buryed Monsr. Du Coudray, a French Officer of Artillery, who was lately made an Inspector General of Artillery and military Manufactures with the Rank of Major General. He was drowned in the Schuylkill, in a strange manner. He rode into the Ferry...
1081777. Septr. 19. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
At 3 this Morning was waked by Mr. Lovell, and told that the Members of Congress were gone, some of them, a little after Midnight. That there was a Letter from Mr. Hamilton Aid de Camp to the General, informing that the Enemy were in Poss essio n of the Ford and the Boats, and had it in their Power to be in Philadelphia, before Morning, and that if Congress was not removed they had not a...
109Septr. 20. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Breakfasted at Mrs. J. B. Smiths. The old Gentleman, his Son Thomas the Loan Officer, were here, and Mrs. Smith’s little Son and two Daughters. An elegant Break fast We had of fine Hyson, loaf Sugar, and Coffee &c. Dined at Williams’s, the Sign of the Green Tree. Drank Tea, with Mr. Thompson and his Lady at Mrs. Jacksons. Walked with Mr. Duane to General Dickinsons House, and took a Look at...
1101777 Septr. 21. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
It was a false alarm which occasioned our Flight from Philadelphia. Not a Soldier of Howes has crossed the Schuylkill. Washington has again crossed it, which I think is a very injudicious Maneuvre. I think, his Army would have been best disposed on the West Side of the Schuylkill. If he had sent one Brigade of his regular Troops to have heald the Militia it would have been enough. With such a...
1111777. Monday. Septr. 22. (Adams Papers)
Breakfasted at Ringolds in Quaker Town, dined at Shannons in Easton at the Forks, slept at Johnsons in Bethlehem.
112[Travel Expenses, September 1777.] (Adams Papers)
pd. at Quaker Town 2 1/2 dollars. pd. at Johnsons at Bethlehem 8 dollars at Hartmans Reading 4 dollars at Parkers £4:18s:6d P.C. Fragmentary record of expenses, written on the last leaf of D/JA/28, during JA ’s journey from Philadelphia to Lancaster via Trenton, Easton, Bethlehem, and Reading. Congress sat in Lancaster for only one day, 27 Sept., adjourning on that day to meet at York on the...
1131777. Tuesday. Septr. 23. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Okeley Okely , Mr. Hassey Hasse and Mr. Edwine Ettwein came to see me. Mr. Edwine shewed Us, the Childrens Meeting at half after 8 o’clock. Musick, consisting of an Organ and Singing in the German Language. Mr. Edwine gave a Discourse in German and then the same in English. Mrs. Langley shewed Us the Society of Single Women. Then Mr. Edwine shewed Us the Water Works and the Manufactures....
1141777 Wednesday Sept. 24. (Adams Papers)
Fine Morning. We all went to Meeting last Evening, where Mr. Edwine gave the People a short discourse in German, and the Congregation sung and the organ playd. There were about 200 Women and as many Men. The Women sat together in one Body and the Men in another. The Women dressed all alike. The Womens Heads resembled a Garden of white Cabbage Heads.
1151777. Thursday. Septr. 25. (Adams Papers)
Rode from Bethlehem through Allan Town, Yesterday, to a German Tavern, about 18 Miles from Reading. Rode this Morning to Reading, where We breakfasted, and heard for certain that Mr. Howes Army had crossed the Schuylkill. Coll. Hartley gave me an Account of the late Battle, between the Enemy and General Wayne. Hartley thinks that the Place was improper for Battle, and that there ought to have...
116[November 1777] (Adams Papers)
At Willis’s at the Log Goal in New Jersey 28 miles from Easton. 1777 Tuesday Novr. 11. Sett off from York Town—reached Lancaster. 12. From Lancaster to Reading. Slept at Gen. Mifflins. 13. Reached Strickser’s. 14. Dined at Bethlehem. Slept at Easton at Coll. Hoopers. Supped at Coll. Deans. Met Messrs. Elery and Dana and Coll. Brown on the 15 a few miles on this Side of Reading. We have had 5...
1171777 Saturday Novr. 15th. (Adams Papers)
At Willis’s at the Log Goal in New Jersey 28 miles from Easton. 1777 Tuesday Novr. 11. Sett off from York Town—reached Lancaster. 12. From Lancaster to Reading. Slept at Gen. Mifflins. 13. Reached Strickser’s. 14. Dined at Bethlehem. Slept at Easton at Coll. Hoopers. Supped at Coll. Deans. Met Messrs. Elery and Dana and Coll. Brown on the 15 a few miles on this Side of Reading. We have had 5...
118Monday. Novr. 17. 1777. (Adams Papers)
Rode Yesterday from Logg Jail, Willis’s, breakfasted at Hoffmans, at Sussex Ct. House, and supped and lodged at David McCamblys, 34 miles from Willis’s.—The Taverners all along are complaining of the Guard of Light Horse which attended Mr. H ancock . They did not pay, and the Taverners were obliged to go after them, to demand their Dues. The Expence, which is supposed to be the Countrys, is...
119Tuesday Novr. 18. 1777. (Adams Papers)
Lodged at Brooks’s, 5 Miles from the North River. Rode to the Continental Ferry, crossed over, and dined at Fish Kill, at the Drs. Mess, near the Hospital, with Dr. Sam. Adams, Dr. Eustis, Mr. Wells, &c. It was a feast—Salt Pork and Cabbage, roast Beef and Potatoes, and a noble suit Pudding, Grog and a Glass of Port. Our best Road home is through Litchfield and Springfield. Morehouses is a...
120Wednesday Novr. 19. 1777. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Storms, lodged last night and breakfasted this Morning at Loudouns at Fish Kill. Here We are at Coll. Morehouses’s a Member of Assembly for Dutchess County.
121Thursday Novr. 20. (Adams Papers)
To Harrwington Harwinton , Phillips’s 5 Miles.—To Yales in Farmington 5.—To Humphreys in Simsbury 7 miles.—To Owens in Simsbury 7 miles.—To Sheldons in Suffield 10.—Kents in Suffield 5.— To Springfield 10.
122Novr. 21. (Adams Papers)
To Hays’s, Salmon Brook 5. miles.—To Southwick, Loomis, 6.—To Fowlers 3. miles.—To Westfield, Claps, 4 miles.—To Captn. Claps, 4 miles this Side N.H.—To North Hampton, Lymans or Clarks. The date of JA ’s arrival in Braintree, 27 Nov., is recorded in his summary account rendered to the State of Massachusetts, enclosed in a letter to Speaker James Warren, 15 Jan. 1778 ( NN :Emmet Coll.).
123[February 1778] (Adams Papers)
Captain Samuel Tucker, Commander of the Frigate Boston, met me, at Mr. Norton Quincy’s, where We dined, and after Dinner I sent my Baggage, and walked myself with Captain Tucker, Mr. Griffin a Midshipman, and my eldest Son, John Quincy Adams, between 10 and 11. Years of Age, down to the Moon Head, where lay the Bostons Barge. The Wind was very high, and the Sea very rough, but by Means of a...
1241778 February 13. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
Captain Samuel Tucker, Commander of the Frigate Boston, met me, at Mr. Norton Quincy’s, where We dined, and after Dinner I sent my Baggage, and walked myself with Captain Tucker, Mr. Griffin a Midshipman, and my eldest Son, John Quincy Adams, between 10 and 11. Years of Age, down to the Moon Head, where lay the Bostons Barge. The Wind was very high, and the Sea very rough, but by Means of a...
1251778. 14. Feb. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
A very fine Morning, the Wind at Northwest. At Daybreak orders were given for the Ship to unmoor. My Lodging was a Cott, with a double Mattress, a good Bolster, my own Sheets, and Blanketts enough. My little Son, with me—We lay very comfortably, and slept well. A violent Gale of Wind in the Night.
126Feb. 15. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
This Morning weigh’d the last Anchor, and came under Sail, before Breakfast. A fine Wind, and a pleasant Sun, but a sharp cold Air.— Thus I bid farewell to my native Shore.—Arrived, and anchored in the Harbour of Marblehead, about Noon. Major Reed, Captn. Gatchell Father in Law of Capt. Tucker came on board, and a Captain Stevens who came on Board to make me a present of a single Pistol.
1271778. Feb. 16. Monday. (Adams Papers)
Another Storm for our Mortification—the Wind at N.E. and the Snow so thick that the Captain thinks he cannot go to Sea. Our Excursion to this Place, was unfortunate, because it is almost impossible, to keep the Men on Board. Mothers, Wives, Sisters come on bord, and beg for Leave for their Sons, Husbands, and Brothers to go on Shore for one Hour &c. so that it is hard for the Commander to...
12817. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
I set a Lesson to my Son in Chambauds French Grammar and asked the Favour of Dr. Noel to shew him the precise, critical Pronunciation of all the French Words, Syllables, and Letters, which the Dr. very politely did, and Mr. John is getting his Lessons accordingly, very much pleased. The Weather is fair, and the Wind right, and We are again weighing Anchor in order to put to Sea. Captn. Diamond...
1291778. Feb. 18. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Last night, about Sunsett We sailed out of Marblehead Harbour, and have had a fine Wind, from that time to this, 24. Hours. The constant Rolling and Rocking of the Ship, last night made Us all sick —half the Sailors were so. My young Gentlemen, Jesse and Johnny, were taken about 12 O Clock last night and have been very seasick ever since. I was seized with it myself this Forenoon. My Servant...
130Feb. 19. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
Arose at 4 O Clock. The Wind and Weather still fair. The Ship rolls less than Yesterday, and I have neither felt, nor heard any Thing of Sea Sickness, last night nor this Morning. Monsr. Parison, one of General Du Coudrais Captains, dined with us, Yesterday, and made me a present of a Bottle of a nice French Dram, a Civility which I must repay. He seems a civil and sensible Man. The Mal de Mer...
131Feb. 20. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
In the Morning nothing to be seen, but soon after another Sail discovered ahead, which is supposed to be the same. Tucker, Log ( MH ), 20 Feb.: “This 24 hours begins Very Pleasant the Ship Still in Chase. I being Poorly mand dare not attactk her and many other Principal Reasons. Att 2 P.M. Satt fore and main topmast stearing Sails found I Left the Ship att 6 P.M. It being dark Lost sight of...
132Feb. 21. Saturday, 22. Sunday, and 23d. Monday. (Adams Papers)
Exhibited such Scaenes as were new to me. We lost Sight of our Enemy it is true but We found our selves in the Gulph Stream, in the Midst of an epouvantable Orage, the Wind N.E. then N., and then North West. It would be fruitless to attempt a Description of what I saw, heard and felt, during these 3 days and nights. To describe the Ocean, the Waves, the Winds, the Ship, her Motions, Rollings,...
133Tuesday 24. Wednesday 25. Thursday 26. (Adams Papers)
Tuesday We spyd a Sail and gave her Chase. We overhawled her, and upon firing a Gun to Leeward, and hoisting American Colours, she fired a friendly Gun and Hoisted the French Colours of the Province of Normandy. She lay to for us, and We were coming about to speak to her, when the Wind sprung up fresh of a sudden and carryed away our Main top Mast. We have been employed ever since in getting...
1341778. Feb. 26. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
I have made many Observations, in the late bad Weather, some of which I do not think it prudent to put in writing—a few I will set down. 1st. I have seen the inexpressible Inconvenience of having so small a Space between Decks, as there is in the Boston. As the main Deck was almost constantly under Water, the Sea rolling in and out at the Ports and Scuppers, We were obliged to keep the Hat ch...
135Feb. 27. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
A Calm. As soft and warm as Summer. A Species of black Fish, which our officers call Beneaters, appeared about the Ship. One Source of the Disorders in this Ship, is the Irregularity of Meals. There ought to be a well digested System, for Eating, Drinking and sleeping. At Six, all Hands should be called up. At Eight, all Hands should breakfast. At one all Hands should dine. At Eight again all...
1361778. Feb. 28. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Last Night and this Day We have enjoyed a fine easy Breeze. The Ship has had no Motion but directly forward. I slept as quietly and as soundly as in my own Bed at home. Dr. Noel gave me a Phial of Balsamum fioraventi, for an Inflammation in my Eyes, which seems to be very good for them. It is very much compounded. It is very subtle and penetrating. Pour a few Drops into the Palms of your...
137[March 1778] (Adams Papers)
Discovered that our Mainmast was sprung in two Places—one beneath the Main Deck, where if the Mast had wholly failed in the late Storm it must have torn up the main Deck and the Ship must have foundered. This is one among many Instances, in which it has already appeared that our Safety has not depended on ourselves. A fine Wind, all day and night. Somewhat Sea Sick. The Ship was very quiet and...
1381778. March 1. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
Discovered that our Mainmast was sprung in two Places—one beneath the Main Deck, where if the Mast had wholly failed in the late Storm it must have torn up the main Deck and the Ship must have foundered. This is one among many Instances, in which it has already appeared that our Safety has not depended on ourselves. A fine Wind, all day and night. Somewhat Sea Sick. The Ship was very quiet and...
139March 2. Monday. (Adams Papers)
A fine Wind still and a pleasant Morning. The Colour of the Water which is green, not blue as it has been for many Days past, the Appearance of large Flocks of Gulls, and various other Birds, convinced the knowing ones, to say that We were not far from the Grand Bank of N. Foundland. The Captain however thinks it 35 Leagues to the N. West of Us.—Our Mast was Yesterday repaired with two large...
1401778. March 3. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
Our Wind continued brisk and fresh all the last Night, and this Morning. Our Course is about N.E. Showers in the Night and this Morning. The Flocks of Gulls, still pursuing Us. This Morning, Mr. Parison breakfasted with Us. Our Captn. in gay Spirits, chattering in French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Greek, and boasting that he could speak some Words in every Language. He told Us he had...
1411778. March 4. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
Fair Weather, but an Adverse Wind, from the N.E., which ob liges Us to go to the Southward of the S.E. which is out of our Course. Nantes, ancienne, riche, et tres considerable Ville de Fran ce, la seconde de la Bretagne, avec un riche Evêché suffrag an de Tours, une Université, et un Hôtel des Monnoies. C’ est une de Villes les plus commercantes du Royaulme. Les Marchands ont une Sociéte avec...
142March 5. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
This Morning We have the pleasantest Prospect we have yet seen —a fine easy Breeze, from the Southward, w hich gives us an Opportunity of keeping our true Course—a so ft , clear, warm Air—a fair Sun—no Sea. We have a g reat Number of Sails spread and We go at the Rate of 9 Kno ts. Yet the Ship has no perceptible Motion, and makes no N oise. My little Son is very proud of his Knowledge of all...
1431778. March 6. Fryday. (Adams Papers)
The Wind continued in the same Point, about S outh all Night, and the Ship has gone 9 Knotts upon an Average. This is great Favour. I am now reading the Amphitrion of Moliere, which is his 6. Volume. revaije? do I dream?—have I dreamed?—I have I been in a dream? J’ai revé. I have been in a dream. It is in the Preterit. We shall pass to the Northward of the Western Islands, and are now supposed...
144March 7. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
The same prosperous Wind, and the same beautifull Weather continue. We proceed in our Course at the Rate of about 200 Miles in 24 Hours. We have passed all the Dangers of the American Coast. Those of the Bay of Biscay, remain. God grant Us, an happy Passage through them all. Yesterday, the Ship was all in an Uproar, with Laughter. The Boatswains Mate asked one of his superiour Officers, if...
1451778. March 8. Sunday. (Adams Papers)
The same Wind and Weather continues, and We go at 7 and 1/2 and 8 Knots. We are supposed to be past the Western Islands. Mr. Barrons our first Lt. appears to me to be an excellent Officer— very dilligent, and attentive to his Duty—very thoughtfull and considerate about the Safety of the Ship, and about order, Oeconomy and Regularity, among the officers, and Men. He has great Experience at Sea....
1461778. March 9. Monday. (Adams Papers)
Last Night the Wind shifted to the N. West, and blew fresh. It is now still fairer for Us than before. The Weather is fine, and We go on our Voyage at a great Rate. Some Officers think We shall reach our Port by Thursday night: others by Saturday night: But these make no Account of Chases and Cruises, and make no Allowance for the Variability of the Winds.
147Saturday. March 14. (Adams Papers)
I have omitted inserting the Occurrences of this Week, on Account of the Hurry and Confusion, We have been in. Tuesday We spied a Sail, and gave her Chase. We soon came up with her, but as We had bore directly down upon her, she had not seen our broadside, and knew not her i.e. our Force. She was a Letter of Mark with 14 Guns, 8 Nines and 6 sixes. She fired upon Us, and one of her shot went...
1481778. March 19. Thursday. (Adams Papers)
I have scarcely been able to stand, or sit, without holding fast, with both my Hands, upon some lashed Table, some lashed Gun, the Side, or Beams of the Ship, or some other fixed Object: such has been the perpetual Motion of the Ship arising from violent Gales, and an heavy Sea. In the Course of the last 5 days, We have seen a great Number of Vessells, two of which at least, if not four were...
149March 20 Fryday. (Adams Papers)
Yester Afternoon, the Weather cleared up, and the Wind came about very fair. We had a great Run, last Night. This Morning spyed a Sail, under our leward Bow, chased and soon came up with her, a Snow from Amsterdam to Demarara, and Essequibo. I made Enquiry to day of our Prisoner Captn. McIntosh, concerning the Trinity House. He says it is the richest Corporation in the Kingdom. That Lord...
15021. Saturday. (Adams Papers)
Five Weeks Yesterday, since my Embarkation. This Morning an heavy Wind, and high Sea. We go E.S.E.