285130th. (Adams Papers)
This morning at 7 o’clock I cross’d Charlestown ferry. At about 8 I got into a Chaise with a Mrs. Webster a lady, that I never saw but who has de grands talens pour le silence. We went through Cambridge, but the horse was so restless, that I could not get out to speak to my brother or Cousin. We stopp’d and dined about 16 miles from Haverhill. Had an exceeding good Dinner, and at a very...
2852[October 1785] (Adams Papers)
I have been arguing with myself, whether I had best continue my Journal, or break it off at present. The events for the future will probably be a continual repetition one of the other: and will contain nothing that even I myself may desire to Remember. But I have thought that I shall surely have often observations to make upon diverse subjects, which it may be proper to commit to Paper. And I...
2853Saturday October 1st. 1785. (Adams Papers)
I have been arguing with myself, whether I had best continue my Journal, or break it off at present. The events for the future will probably be a continual repetition one of the other: and will contain nothing that even I myself may desire to Remember. But I have thought that I shall surely have often observations to make upon diverse subjects, which it may be proper to commit to Paper. And I...
28542d. (Adams Papers)
Attended the meeting forenoon, and afternoon. In the evening I took a walk with Mr. Thaxter. Return’d home early and wrote a Letter to Mr. Tyler. Mr. Shaw had a number of persons to spend the evening with him. Sunday evenings in this Country, the minister of the Parish, commonly has Company. To-morrow Mr. and Mrs. Shaw set out on a Journey for near three weeks. Letter not found.
28553d. (Adams Papers)
The Weather was so disagreeable in the morning, that my uncle, and Aunt were undetermined whether to set out, or wait till to’morrow, but it cleared up, and at about 10 they went away. I this day began upon my Studies, and found it by no means an agreeable thing to learn grammar by heart. If I only read twice or thrice over a thing that pleases me, I can commonly retain it in my memory: but...
28564th. (Adams Papers)
I began this day to translate the Eclogues of Virgil. What a difference between this Study, and that of a dry barren greek Grammar. But without sowing the grain there certainly can be no harvest, and there is no Rose, without a thorn. I have been invited to several places, but as yet have had to plead, as an excuse, that my trunks are not come, and I have no Clothes to appear decently in....
28575th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Thaxter came and dined with us, to day, the first time he has been to see us, since Mr. Shaw went away. In the evening Miss Nancy had Company to Visit her. Mr. W. Osgood, who is said to be her very humble Servant, and something like a Mr. Hickman, to a Miss Howe. Mr. Ca leb Blodget, who bears the same title, but if fame be true, with still less Success. I am afraid she either treats her...
28586th. (Adams Papers)
Was invited to Drink tea at Judge Sargeants. But was obliged still to plead the excuse I have already mentioned. I say obliged, because, this is one of the families I would wish to be acquainted with the most. My Brother was gone all the afternoon after nuts. Just before dark I went out with the gun, for half an hour, but saw no game. Miss Nancy Spent part of the Evening at Judge Sargeants....
28597th. (Adams Papers)
Last Evening Betsey Cranch arrived, and came this morning to see us. She came with Mr. Ben Blodget, the youngest of that family. She is to live at Mr. White’s, at least a great part of the time she will stay in Haverhill. I cannot help wishing she was to spend more of the time in this House, for several Reasons. I went down and spent an hour with Mr. Thaxter at his Office; He told me he...
28608th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Thaxter spent half an hour with us in the forenoon; after dinner my Brother and myself went gunning, from 3 o’clock till dark. The only game to be found here, are Larks and Robins, and black birds: there were great numbers of them. We brought home 17 and should probably have had many more, had I been as good a marksman as my brother. At length the long expected trunks are come; and Mr....
286110th. (Adams Papers)
At about 12 o’clock, I went down to Mr. Thaxter’s Office. And soon after I went with him, and paid a visit to Judge Sargeant, who return’d last Friday. He and his Lady were, both of them very polite: and invited me to come often to their house. Mrs. Sargeant, has in her countenance, all that placid mildness, which so much becomes a Lady at that time of Life. If I mistake not, I also perceived...
286211th. (Adams Papers)
The weather begins to grow Cold: and the winter is advancing with hasty strides. In the afternoon I went down to Mr. White’s, but they were all gone out: Went and spent half an hour at Mr. Blodget’s, then return’d home. I accompanied the inseparables Nancy, and Debby, to Judge Sargeants, where we remain’d all the evening. Those two girls in particular, ate such a quantity of peaches, as...
286312th. (Adams Papers)
There were not those effects which I expected from last Night’s frolic. Though Miss Nancy was not perfectly well to day. In the afternoon I went with her, down as far as Mr. Duncan’s, left her there, and went myself down to Mr. White’s. They all complain’d of my not having been more to see them since I arrived here. They expect their Son home to-morrow. They have some thoughts of his going to...
286413th. (Adams Papers)
Miss Nancy, My Brother and myself dined with Mr. Dodge, to day: Mr. Thaxter was there. He went two or three days ago to Newbury and return’d last night. Mr. Dodge is a person of extensive reading, and is fond of enquiring, which is always very agreeable to a traveller. In the afternoon I went with Mr. Thaxter to Mr. Osgood’s Store, and afterwards to his own office. We return’d and drank tea at...
286514th. (Adams Papers)
Dined this day at Judge Sargeants. Mr. Payson, his Son in Law, Mr. Thaxter, and my brother were there. The judge will set out to-morrow, to ride the Circuit again; the manner in which three quarters of his time are taken up. Spent an hour with Mr. Thaxter at his office, and he then went with me to our House, where we found a number of Ladies at tea. They soon after went away: as there were a...
286615th. (Adams Papers)
We had this day, two young Gentlemen, to dine with us. Mr. Saml. Brooks from the Academy, at Exeter, where they have at present a vacation for three weeks; and Sam: Walker, my brother Charles’s Chum, at College: their vacancy will not begin till next Wednesday, but he has obtained leave to come home already. Leonard White too, was here in the afternoon. He came home on Wednesday, returned on...
286716th. (Adams Papers)
We had no minister to day, at our meeting house. Nancy went to the other in the forenoon, and Tommy in the afternoon. I stayd at home all day. Miss Hazen, has been very unwell, for some days past, and had this afternoon, one of her teeth drawn. I wish she could be persuaded to take care of them: The want of proper attention to the teeth, is an universal failing in this Country, and is very...
286817th. (Adams Papers)
There happened a very considerable alteration in the weather, during the course of the last Night. Yesterday the weather was uncommonly warm, and has been to day very cold; more like winter than any we have yet had. In the afternoon, Leonard White came up, and waited upon Miss Nancy down to his father’s house. I went soon after, and drank tea, there: Mrs. and Miss Williams the professor’s Lady...
286918th. (Adams Papers)
This morning I rose about half an hour before the Sun, and walk’d two or three miles before breakfast. Spent half an hour, with Mr. Thaxter at his office. After breakfast went down to Mr. White’s and there agreed with them in what manner to go to Newbury. Dined with them, and at about half after two, Mr. J: Duncan, set out with Miss White, I with my Cousin and Leonard, on horse back. We...
287019th. (Adams Papers)
We went out between 9 and 10 this morning, in order to take, a walk, and look at the troops, for this day there happened to be a regimental muster here, and training day for the militia. When we went out we had no idea of being gone more than an hour, but it was near two before we return’d. 10 Companies from Newbury, march’d about two miles out, and met 7 others from Almesbury Amesbury . There...
287120th. (Adams Papers)
Spent the whole day at home. Miss Nancy spent the afternoon and evening at Mr. Duncan’s. In the beginning of the Evening my uncle and Aunt arrived, although they were not expected before to-morrow. I am rejoyced at it, for the time they have been gone has appeared long to me, and somewhat dull. My Aunt brought me Letters from London, as two vessels have arrived. I have two from my Mother,...
287221st. (Adams Papers)
Stormy weather all day. It is a very lucky circumstance, that Mr. and Mrs. Shaw return’d yesterday, as they would have had a very disagreeable time to day. In the morning I went down to Mr. White’s with the Chaise, for my Cousin, who came to spend the day, and will not return this Night, as the Storm rather increases than otherwise.
287322d. (Adams Papers)
The weather has been all day, pretty much the same as it was yesterday, an high wind, with incessant rain. It begins however this evening to abate in some measure. My Cousin was troubled very much all this afternoon, with the Head-ache a Complaint she is much subject to . I have been struck with the contrast between the two young Ladies that are now under this Roof. Eliza , is about 21. Her...
287423d. (Adams Papers)
Attended the meeting forenoon, and afternoon. After tea, I went down with my Cousin to Mr. White’s. We met Leonard at the door; he was just coming up to my uncle’s, but went back when we got there. Staid but a few minutes there, and when I return’d found Mr. Thaxter and Mr. Redington there: the Storm subsided in the Course of the last night, but the weather to day has been hazy, and...
287524th. (Adams Papers)
The river has risen higher than was ever known, Insomuch that the great Street is in many places full of water. I have been twice down to day to see it. The Current is very swift, and wafts down a greater number of stumps of trees, and logs of wood. There are a number of boats continually going out, and bringing back this wood. If the piece is not mark’d it is entirely the perquisite of the...
287625th. (Adams Papers)
The river begins at length to fall, but rose, continually, till this morning; and was much higher than it ever was before. A shop on the banks, was yesterday carried off, run a foul, of a vessel on the stocks, and dismounted her. Much damage has been done by this uncommon freshet. I this day concluded the greek Grammar, for which I am heartily thankful. I shall immediately begin upon the Greek...
287726th. (Adams Papers)
I was greatly disappointed to find, that neither of my Cousins nor my brother had any Letters for me from Europe. Surely my Sister did not let both opportunities slip. I began to day upon the Testament but shall not I fear proceed far this week. Company in the afternoon to drink tea.
287827th. (Adams Papers)
This morning Miss Nancy return’d, upon hearing Lucy Cranch, was here, as they are very intimate together; not from a similarity of character however, for Lucy, has still more gravity and seriousness in her disposition, than her Sister. Every person I believe has, in some measure, a double Character; the one implanted by nature, and the other form’d by education. A Character naturally vicious,...
287928th. (Adams Papers)
This morning My two Cousins left us, to return to Braintree, at about 9. Nancy, and Cousin Betsey, went down to Mr. White’s; So that our house was very considerably thinn’d. Mrs. Shaw spent the afternoon out. In the Evening Charles and myself went and stayd an hour at Mr. Duncan’s. Found Mr. Thaxter there. The weather is uncommonly mild for the Season; I was obliged to make a fire last Fall,...
288029th. (Adams Papers)
I began to give over all hopes of receiving any Letters from my Sister by the last Vessels, but this morning while we were at Breakfast A large packet came in from Boston; inclosing me a very long Letter, with the account untill the 15th. of August. The pleasure I received was enhanced, by having it when it was unexpected. But it has not satisfied me, upon one subject, which gives me still a...
288130th. (Adams Papers)
Attended the meeting forenoon and afternoon; in the morning Cousin Betsey came, here, and spent the day with us. I return’d with her after tea, and found nobody at home, at Mr. White’s. Nancy and Charles went in the afternoon to the other meeting-house. Mr. Smith, after an absence of near two months, return’d home, a day or two since. Mr. Hunt spent the evening here; a gentleman from Boston,...
288231st. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Allen, and Mr. Quarles, two clergymen, dined here to day. In the afternoon Charles went over to Bradford, to visit Walker, his Chum: We spent the Evening, and supp’d at Mr. White’s; there were several ladies and gentlemen from Boston there: Charles made it so late before he came from Bradford that he did not go with us. It was about 10. when we return’d home. The Company at Mr. White’s...
2883[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...
2884Tuesday November 1st. 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...
28852d. (Adams Papers)
Young Mr. Symmes lodged here last Night. This morning before breakfast My Brother Charles left us, for Cambridge, as the fall vacancy ends to day. He went with Leonard White, and Walker, and several other Gentlemen and Ladies who were going to Boston. I have lost in Leonard and Charles two good friends who in my leisure hours were great sources of pleasure to me; but the separation from them...
28863d. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Shaw went to the lecture of a neighbouring brother, and dined out; I was pretty close, all day, and did not go out of the house. Events cannot be interesting, when one is in this Situation, and few Reflections can be made, by one entirely employ’d in acquiring those of others. I feel a degree of Melancholy which may be owing to my having been so much confined these three or four days, but...
28874th. (Adams Papers)
Reading over the Salem paper to day, I found an account of the death, and funeral of Mr. Hardy, a delegate in Congress from the State of Virginia, a gentleman, from whom I received the politest treatment while I was in New York, but what is of Consequence, a firm and steady friend to his Country, a mild Republican, and a worthy man. In the evening Mr. Thaxter return’d from Salem, where he...
28885th. (Adams Papers)
Eliza Spent the day with us. I accompanied her home, in the Evening, and spent half an hour at Mr. White’s. Miss Betsey Duncan, return’d this Evening from Boston, and brought me a Letter from my Cousin Cranch. He attended Mrs. Tufts’s funeral last Tuesday, and very justly admires the Doctor’s Behav iour upon the occasion: it was that of a Christian, and of a Philosopher. He had always lived...
28896th. (Adams Papers)
Attended the meeting, forenoon, and afternoon. Went home with my Cousin. Was employ’d all the Evening, in writing to my Sister. The Weather somewhat chilly. Letter not found; undoubtedly the same to which he refers on 8 Nov. (below).
28907th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Thaxter went again this morning to Newbury, to attend the trial of a number of Pirates, lately taken. I wish’d much to go with him, on that account, and for several other Reasons; but, I was afraid of interrupting my Studies, which at this Time, cannot suffer any loss of time; and they must be attended to, before every thing else. N. B. Guardian N: 49. Several men who had taken possession...
28918th. (Adams Papers)
My Aunt spent the afternoon at Mr. White’s. I was not outside of the gate once. Closed my Letter to my Sister N:8. But I shall not be able to send it before next Week. Letter not found. Extant letters to his sister suggest that his reference here is misnumbered and might have been letter thirteen. Letter eight was dated 29 Aug.–7 Sept. ( Adams Papers ), and JQA had sent at least four other...
28929th. (Adams Papers)
Drank tea at Mrs. West’s, where our ladies spent the afternoon. I afterwards went home with Eliza; went in to Mr. White’s. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan were there. This Lady, in Consequence, of a fit of sickness, has for these two or three months been deprived of her Reason: a little before 7 she went home with her husband; about half an hour after, Mr. J Duncan, came in, and enquired if she was there:...
289310th. (Adams Papers)
My Uncle, went out, early this morning, and when he return’d put an end to our hopes with Respects to Mrs. Duncan, and realized our fears. She was found dead, in the River, near the shore, in a place where there is not more than two foot of water. In this distressing Calamity, it is in some measure a consoling circumstance that she was found: the family must necessarily have suf fered beyond...
289411th. (Adams Papers)
Attended Mrs. Duncan’s funeral, in the afternoon: Mr. Smith made a prayer, very proper and adapted to the Circumstances. There were as I imagine, about 40 couple attending. As we return’d, several couple went out of the row as they came to their Respective homes. I was with my Cousin, and went in to Mr. White’s; where I spent a couple of hours. Mrs. McKinstry, a Sister of Mrs. Duncan, was...
289512th. (Adams Papers)
All day at home. Miss Nancy came in the Evening, but did not stay more than half an hour: she has been since Thursday morning, at Mr. Duncan’s, and proposes staying there, all next Week. Though I cannot conceal from myself, that this gives me pain at present, yet I can sincerely say, I wish she would in this manner keep away, week after week from this house, untill I leave it: In the Evening,...
289613th. (Adams Papers)
The late misfortune, was the subject of our afternoon sermon. Nobody from the family was present, as they attend Mr. Smith’s meeting. My Cousin, was at ours the latter part of the day, and dined with us. Mr. Redington, spent part of the Evening, here. Mr. Shaw was called out, upon two occasions, very different from one another. To attend three persons in one family, at the point of death, and...
289714th. (Adams Papers)
I pass’d half an hour before dinner at Mr. Thaxters office: at home all the rest of the day, with the same scene perpetually renew’d: A person that passes the days in study and the nights in sleep knows little of variety. The rules of the house, are exceedingly regular, and must be strictly attended to. Breakfast at 8. dinner at 1: prayers at 9 and retirement a short time after, are the Laws:...
289815th. (Adams Papers)
All day at home. My Uncle, was applied to last Saturday by a man, to do a little jobb for him, as he term’d it, which was to marry him. So he went in the afternoon: My Aunt and Eliza went in the Chaise. I made in the Evening a few reflections, which I had not time to write down, now, but, must remember to do it some other day. The weather begins to grow cold, and it is probable, we shall have...
289916th. (Adams Papers)
Two persons in the town, died in the Course of this day. A young Woman by the name of Bradly, and a Grandson of Dr: Cast, a boy about 11 years old. He was one of my brothers Companions, and died in Consequence, of having leapt from too great an height. Eliza dined here, and went in the afternoon with my aunt to see Mr. Adams a neighbouring minister. I pass’d the Evening at Mr. White’s. There...
290017th. (Adams Papers)
The weather was very stormy, all the morning; but began to clear up, at about noon, and in the afternoon it was pleasant. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, attended the funeral of the youth that died yesterday morning; my brother went as bearer: Mr. Thaxter, called, in the afternoon, but made only a short stay; he cannot spare but a few minutes at a time, and it is not to be wondered at. The Salem Paper,...