1356126th. (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.
13562[13th.] (Adams Papers)
Friday, visited the curiosities at Chantilly. Arrived at Paris. The Adamses visited the seat of the Prince of Condé and saw his kennel, stables, theater, and gardens ( same Journal and Correspondence of Miss Adams, Daughter of John Adams,... edited by Her Daughter [Caroline Amelia (Smith) de Windt], New York and London, 1841-[1849]; 3 vols. , p. 11–14).
1356329th. (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!
1356426. (Adams Papers)
Heard Mr. Shaw. Cranch and Phillips.
13565From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 24 July 1826 (Adams Papers)
I have duly received your kind Letters of 11. 12 and 16 instt—I wrote to you at New–York and on the 14th. and 16th. from this place—the last by Thomas Hellen—Since then I have been so much occupied in making the arrangements for the disposal of my father’s Estate, but three fourths of my time has been absorbed by Company—Not a day passes without visitors, and after nine O’Clock in the Morning...
1356630th. (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...
13567From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 22 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
More than four months have again passed away, since I have received a line from you, and nearly seven since the date of your last Letter—I should feel this less severely, if that and your other most recent letters had not left a source of uneasiness upon my mind, which nothing but more agreeable information can remove—Although the communication direct from this Country to the United States was...
1356819th. (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...
13569From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 26 November 1804 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 14th: came to hand Saturday Evening—24th: I suppose you were not inconsolable at the loss of your election, and that your expectations had not been raised very high of a different issue—As to the electoral Ticket, I am certainly not one of those who can say I told you so—Nor am I one of those who can say I am not sorry for it—But I do not think crimination against any body can be...
1357016. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Norton. He dined with us.
13571Wednesday [18th.] (Adams Papers)
Coll. Humphreys arrived. David Humphreys , a former aide-decamp to Washington, was appointed on 12 May secretary to the Commission (which included JA , Franklin, and Jefferson) to negotiate treaties of amity and commerce with foreign powers ( DAB Allen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography , New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements. ; JCC Worthington...
13572[June 1781] (Adams Papers)
Got up in the morning at about 6 o’clock, and set myself to work; breakfasted at half past seven on tea. At about 1 o’clock Pappa came from the Hague; and ask’d me if I wou’d go to Amsterdam with him; I told him I would, with all my heart. He then told me, that I must put up some clothes and get ready before dinner, and come to dine with him at the Sign of the Golden Lion, all which I did....
1357330. (Adams Papers)
Mr. A. went to Boston. Charles to Cambridge.
135749th. (Adams Papers)
Dined with Pickman and Thompson, at Mr. Parsons’s upon Salmon, which begin now to be caught in the river. We did not do much business in the afternoon. I called upon Putnam, after taking a walk with Thompson, but Putnam was engaged for the evening; so that I soon came home to my lodgings.
13575From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 10 July 1822 (Adams Papers)
Receiving on Sunday your rebuke for the blank covers I had forwarded to you, I should have it more severely had I not concluded that about the same hour you would be receiving from me the proof that I had not been altogether so remiss as you had supposed. We have had since the beginning of the month such a succession of roasters, day and night that I have felt myself almost reduced to the...
13576From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 3 October 1821 (Adams Papers)
List of Keys, left at Quincy by J. Q. Adams—with T. B. A. 1. Padlock large French trunk— marked J. Q. A. 2. Chest—not painted do 3. Chest do do 4. Mahogany box— 5. Small black trunk 6. Trunk de la Volaille 7. Large Hair Trunk. MHi : Adams Papers.
135776. (Adams Papers)
Went to Milton with Wm. Cranch. He dined with us.
1357823d. (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...
1357920. (Adams Papers)
Went to Mr. Cranch’s. Mrs. C. gone to Boston.
13580Saturday 5th of August 1780 (Adams Papers)
This morning Pappa brother Charles and myself went to see a Gentleman for whom Pappa had Letters: he invited us to dine with him. After that we went to see the city. We saw the statue of Erasmus, he is in the Grande Place, he holds a book in his hand, there are four inscriptions under it, two in Latin and two in dutch: we walk’d about the town, and came back at about twelve o clock, we went...
1358113th. (Adams Papers)
Attended meeting all day. Dined at Mr. Thaxter’s with Mr. J. Duncan. And in the afternoon, after service: we took a long walk. When we return’d to Mr. Thaxter’s we found Mr. Bartlett and his wife and Leonard White there. Mr. Parsons came in soon after. He is going to attend the Supreme Court, who will sit this week at Concord. The conversation soon turned upon political subjects; I knew we...
1358210. (Adams Papers)
Got to Newbury-Port. Ordination. Dancing. John Andrews, JQA ’s frequent companion, was ordained associate minister of the First Religious Society of Newburyport, to assist the ailing Rev. Thomas Cary ( Currier, Newburyport John J. Currier, History of Newburyport, Massachusetts, 1764-1905 , Newburyport, 1906-1909; 2 vols. , 1:253).
1358319th. (Adams Papers)
The troops from this Town, went this afternoon to Waltham, from whence, they are to proceed to-morrow towards Worcester. After tea, I went with Bridge, Williams and Learned to Mystic, and had a very good dance. There were several very fine girls; but being entirely unacquainted with them all, I could not be very sociable with them. A Miss Dixey struck me, as being uncommonly beautiful; but...
13584John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson, 7 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter of the 20 th: of last month, which I received a few days ago has taken from my bosom one of its heaviest weights. The imputation of unkindness to you, was one of those which it was least able to bear with fortitude, and to be relieved from which would alone have been equivalent to the most delicious gratification. Besides which it is full of the tenderness which I love and the...
135853d. (Adams Papers)
I this day got through the 4th. volume of Blackstone’s Commentaries a second time, and I imagine I have derived no less benefit from a second perusal, than I did from the first. I have been longer about it than I wish’d, but the interruption of an whole fortnight by a Journey prolonged the time which I took for reading this book, greatly. In the evening I took a long walk with Pickman and...
13586John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams, 12 March 1802 (Adams Papers)
I am sorry that we are again obliged to postpone our visit to you at Quincy, as George is this day breaking out with the meazles— His symptoms however are favourable, and we hope he will have the disorder lightly.— I send out by William the two turkies and a fish. There is no Cod at market, for which reason I send a haddock— You will also receive a Rochefort cheese enclosed in a leaden cover—...
13587Sunday. Novr. 30th. (Adams Papers)
Dined at Mr. Bingham’s.
13588From John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 30 January 1822 (Adams Papers)
I have received from President Kirkland, his answer to my enquires respecting your standing as a Scholar in your Class, and it confirms the Statement made by yourself—Your number upon the general scale, at the close of the last term was 24—In the course of one half year, you had risen from 45. This result has opened my heart to the cheering hope, that you will yet redeem a standing worthy of...
13589John Quincy Adams to John Adams, 21 November 1795 (Adams Papers)
Since my last Letter (15.) nothing very material has occurred. The newspapers enclosed will shew you the degree of opposition that is made against the Convention bills as they are called. The City of London has instructed its members to vote against them. They will however pass. I know not whether you have seen the review of the new Edition of your book, and therefore send the monthly Review...
135909th. (Adams Papers)
Return’d to the library the books I had taken out, and took the second volume of the Idler. After prayers this evening Charles and I went down to Mr. Dana’s. Mr. Ellery was there, and appeared to greater advantage than I have seen him before. [Samuel Johnson and others], The Idler , 2 vols., London, 1761 ( Harvard, Catalogus Bibliothecae , 1790 [Isaac Smith, comp.], Catalogus Bibliothecae...
13591To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 30 April 1809 (Madison Papers)
The bearer of this letter, Mr. Pickman, is a Gentleman with whom for many years I have had the pleasure of a very intimate acquaintance, and for whose character I have had every reason to entertain the highest esteem. Being elected a member of the House of Representatives of the United States, to the present Congress, he is desirous of a personal introduction to the President, and in taking...
135926th. (Adams Papers)
I alter’d my plans of study, and determined to copy forms in the day time because, I can do it notwithstanding all the noise that may be going forward in the office, and read at my own lodgings. I extract a great deal, and am almost tired with it, but Mr. Parsons advises me by all means not to give it up. In the evening I received a long letter from my Sister, and likewise one from W. Cranch....
13593Friday 26th. (Adams Papers)
This Morning a very fresh breeze from the N.W. 7 o clock. We now go 12 knots an hour; every face is fill’d with contentment.
1359423d. (Adams Papers)
Miss Ellery pass’d the day at the professor’s, and was very agreeable; I am more and more pleased with this Lady, every time, I am in company with her. Miss Jones who is treated both by Bridge and myself with a distant reserve, appeared this day for the first Time to be mortified by it: she could not help forming a contrast between our behaviour to her, and to the two other Ladies, and her...
135959th. (Adams Papers)
Was all day at home, and in the evening, closed my Letter to my Sister, as the Post goes for Boston, to-morrow, one day sooner than common, and Captain Lyde sails in a few days, for London: it kept me up exceeding late, or rather till very early, for it was near 2, in the morning, when I finish’d; I burn’t my fingers, bruised my toes, and went to bed: but what was worst of all I affronted Miss...
13596Sun. 5th. (Adams Papers)
A middling breeze from the S.W. We replaced our guns. We took in the Main, and forsails in order to get the Anchors ready. The Captain expects to spy Land tuesday.
13597From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 24 May 1806 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you this day week, last Sunday that I intended to return to Boston the next morning—But, I did not go untill Tuesday. I have been chiefly there untill yesterday afternoon when I came out in the Stage, and found the family here all well; and particularly both the children—The first thing John said to me was to enquire whether I had sent a kiss for him to Mamma—I cannot stay many days...
1359813th. (Adams Papers)
At nine o’clock this morning, the Class read a forensic disputation: I had written in the course of the vacation as follows. Whether the infliction of capital punishments, except in cases of murder be consistent with equity? Had the question admitted other exceptions, or had it admitted none, I should have felt a greater degree of diffidence, in maintaining the affirmative. It has frequently...
1359910th. (Adams Papers)
A very fine day. Amory and Townsend with a number of other lads went out of town this afternoon upon a party: But I did not feel disposed to join them. Thomson spent part of the evening with me.
13600From John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 19 August 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have now barely time to enclose you a Press-Copy of my last Letter; the original of which I sent to England, to be forwarded by the earliest opportunity from thence. It is of no inconsiderable importance to me, and I must request your particular attention to the enquiry, how you have disposed of the balance of $2528..26 due to me on your account ending 31. December 1810; and why you have...
1360113th. (Adams Papers)
Mrs. Payson pass’d the afternoon here. A Daughter of Mrs. Sargeants who was a Coquettish young Widow, and married, about 9 months since; she is in some measure the arbiter of Taste and fashion here: and makes very smart and severe Remarks, upon every one, who does not happen to dress or dance, according to her Taste. I went down with Nancy to Mr. Duncans, and was there all the Evening; there...
13602John Quincy Adams to Thomas Boylston Adams, 20 April 1791 (Adams Papers)
I received by the last Post your short favour, inclosing a much longer one to Quincy which I have punctually delivered: I know not whether this will reach you before your departure from Philadelphia; if it does not it can do no harm: and if it does, as you have concluded upon coming this way with the family it may be of some service to me.— You recollect doubtless that while I was in...
136033d. (Adams Papers)
Dined with, Bridge, Cranch, Freeman, Little and White, at our classmate Foster’s in Boston. Just before dinner I went with Mr. Foster, and paid a visit to the french Consul. The family, at Mr. Foster’s are all very agreeable; Miss Foster amused us, with a few tunes upon the harpsichord. It began to snow early in the afternoon, so that we were obliged to return sooner than we had intended. We...
1360425th. Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
This day all Mr. Rimbert’s family din’d here. In the forenoon Mr. D. went and took a walk. Mr. Artaud went in the evening to the Clubb. Rainy weather.
13605From John Quincy Adams to Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, 8 June 1806 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday was the first Saturday since I arrived here, which passed over without bringing me a letter from you; and although I am willing to hope that it may be owing to some delay at the Post-Office, or to some accident which prevented your writing at the usual time, I cannot help feeling some degree of uneasiness least the omission should have been caused by the state of your health—Indeed...
136063d. (Adams Papers)
Drank tea at old Mrs. Marsh’s. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have, a very high opinion of this Person; and I believe a just one. She appears to me, to be ting’d with Superstition, but of such as can do no harm in the world, and may be greatly conducive to her own happiness. Was about an hour at Mr. White’s, and afterwards at Mr. Duncan’s; a numerous Company there. Mr. Moores, and Ab: Duncan came and spent...
1360718th. Monday. (Adams Papers)
Finished the 6th. Volume of Hume’s history. 480 pages. Went to the English Library and took out the 7th. and 8th. volumes of Hume’s history. Begun the 7th. In the afternoon I went with Mr. Artaud to the Shops.
13608From John Quincy Adams to Josiah, III Quincy, 26 September 1826 (Adams Papers)
Know all Men by these Presents, that I, John Quincy Adams, of Boston, in the County of Suffolk, Esquire, Co’executor with Josiah Quincy of said Boston, Esquire, of the last Will and Testament of John Adams, late of Quincy, in the County of Norfolk, deceased, have constituted and appointed Josiah Quincy, my Co Executor aforesaid, and do hereby constitute him and appoint him, my Attorney for the...
1360915th. Tuesday. (Adams Papers)
This afternoon Mr. D. went and took a ride. Stay’d at home all day.
13610John Quincy Adams to Abigail Adams 2d, 26 October 1785 (Adams Papers)
We have had the most considerable freshet in the river that has ever been known. I mentioned in my last that it had rained for two days without intermission. The storm lasted longer up in the country, and the river being the final receptacle of all, has been continually swelling till last night. The main street has been full of water, so that at some places boats have been necessary to go from...