3451Tuesday May 1st. 1787. (Adams Papers)
It thundered this morning from seven to nine, with some rain. I went with Barron to Mr. Hilliard’s, and gave him the petition, which we desired him to deliver to the board of overseers. He told us we should not be so likely to succeed as we might if the Senate were to attend; they are detained by Boston by public affairs, as this is the last day on which the general Court propose to sit....
34522d. (Adams Papers)
This morning I went out with Forbes and Mason, on a gunning party. The game was very scarce, but among us all, we kill’d a large variety of birds. We dined at one Richardson’s, living beyond the fresh pond, and did not return till almost six o’clock; pass’d the evening with Cranch, and was much fatigued.
34533d. (Adams Papers)
Cranch went to Braintree this morning. I pass’d the greater part of the day in writing. I do not expect to get properly at the study which for one fortnight I wish to pursue till next week; and then I must attend to it with great diligence. Weather fine. Ephraim Kendall of Ipswich, Essex C. was 20 the 28th. of last Novr. There is something peculiar in this character. He is said to be one of...
34544th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Williams at 11 o’clock gave us a philosophical lecture in which he blended two of those he gave last year; upon the centripetal force; and upon the lever. Wrote a great deal this day. Mrs. Cranch, and Miss Lucy, were here this afternoon.
34555th. (Adams Papers)
A sultry, disagreeable day. Mr. Williams gave a philosophical lecture this morning; but I had forgotten his announcing it, and when the bell rung, supposed it was for some other exercice; this is the first lecture of any kind which I have not attended, since I entered the university; after dinner several of the Class went a fishing: I set out with them; but turn’d back as there was too much...
34566th. (Adams Papers)
Attended Mr. Hilliard all day. He preach’d rather better than usual, I think. Dined with my brothers at Judge Dana’s. He looks much better, than I have seen him at any time since he has been sick. The weather in the course of the day was disagreeably warm; more so than it has been at any time this Season, but in the evening it grew cooler, and, rained very plentifully. Pass’d the greatest part...
34577th. (Adams Papers)
This morning I went up, with Cranch, Learned, Lloyd, Mason, Phelps and Putnam, to the fresh pond, on fishing; and did not return till after four in the afternoon: we caught only a few small fish; and had the pleasure of rowing a clumsy boat all over the pond. I miss’d two lectures by this party: one from Mr. Williams at 11. and the other from Mr. Pearson at 2. Pass’d the evening in Angier’s...
34588. (Adams Papers)
Began to pay some attention to my theses. Studied fluxions, a little in the forenoon: and the afternoon, translated a few. Was at Putnam’s chamber before dinner. Leonard White returned from Haverhill, this day, and brought me a letter: at prayers Mr. Ware read a latin theological dissertation. We had a meeting of the ΦBK at Freeman’s chamber. The usual performances were exhibited, and it was...
34599th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Wigglesworth gave a private lecture this morning, and we had likewise a philosophical lecture from Mr. Williams; the sub ject was fire; and there were a number of curious observations, which, I do not recollect having heard last year: Charles pass’d part of the evening with me, at my chamber. Moses Little of Newbury, will be 21 the 4th. of next July. Great application, joined to very good...
346010th. (Adams Papers)
A violent north east storm continued the whole day, with copious rain: there has fallen more this day, than in any other two for a twelve-month past: and it will be very serviceable to the ground: Mr. Thaxter and Mr. Greenleaf were here this afternoon from Haverhill; but notwithstanding the storm, they proceeded to Boston. Pass’d the evening with Cranch.
346111th. (Adams Papers)
Storm’d again the whole day: we had a lecture from Mr. Williams, upon heat, in which he introduced his own system, which he first made public last year. Charles declaimed this evening in public, for the first time. Pass’d the evening with Mead. James Lloyd of Boston, was 17 . He is said to be a good scholar, and a hard student; but his disposition is far from ami able. He is an only son, of a...
346212th. (Adams Papers)
The storm continued the whole day with unabated violence. Mr. Williams gave a philosophical Lecture upon hydrostatics, something different from that which we had on the same subject last year. Indeed several of the late lectures have been much diversified; and are the more agreeable on that account. We had in the evening a meeting of the A B. Cranch gave us the anniversary Oration, which was...
346313th. (Adams Papers)
The storm continued violent through the whole day. The rain pour’d down, with as much force, as if there had not fallen a drop before. I felt dizzy in the head, and therefore did not attend meeting: in the evening at half past eight we met by adjournment from last night, at Fiske’s chamber; we finally concluded, the business which we met upon by the expulsion of the person, who had betray’d...
346414th. (Adams Papers)
We had a philosophical lecture at 11. A Class meeting was called this evening, to determine, whether the Class should take any further measures, upon the ill success of our petition for the overseers: it was proposed that the whole Class should refuse to perform the different parts that may be allotted to them for Commencement. A Committee of three was appointed, (Barron, Freeman and Packard,)...
346515th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Williams gave us a lecture upon pneumatics: The parts for Commencement were not given out this morning as was expected: but the Class met by adjournment and tore up the agreement, as they found there was not sufficient unanimity, to carry the measure into execution. William Mason , of Salem, Essex C. will be 19 the 12th. of next September. His natural abilities are very good, and he has a...
346616th. (Adams Papers)
The parts for Commencement have been expected for a day or two, with some degree of impatience by the Class: they have not yet, however been delivered. I pass’d last evening with Freeman at the Butler’s chamber: he said he had seen the different parts at the president’s; and that there were several of a different kind, from what have been usual in former years. Mr. Williams gave us another...
346717th. (Adams Papers)
This morning the different parts for Commencement were distributed by the president, in the following order. 1. A Latin Salutatory Oration, by Little. 2. An English Poem by Harris. 3. A Syllogistic disputation upon the question—“Whether thought be the essence of the soul”? by Hammond , respondent. Whitney, Phelps, Mason , and Lovell opponents. 4. A Forensic disputation, upon the...
346818th. (Adams Papers)
Concluded my theses, and carried them to him for examination. Began my part for commencement, and wrote about one page. The good parts as they are called, are so much more numerous this year, than they ever have been before, that the president was obliged to limit the time, to be taken up by the different performances. Mine is restrained to ten minutes; so that I shall not be able to write...
346919th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Thaxter was here, about half an hour, on his return to Haverhill. Mr. Williams, gave us yesterday a lecture; still upon the subject of air: in the afternoon, I carried down my theses to the president, for approbation: I went with Mrs. and Miss Williams, and Miss Betsey Cranch into the Museum, where the professor diverted them, with a number of experiments. He was very sociable, and full of...
347020th. (Adams Papers)
Attended meeting all day. Dined at Mr. Dana’s, with the butler. The weather was warm, the fore part of the day, but in the afternoon, got round to the east. Ephraim Morton of Boston was, . He has been absent from college, on account of sickness, ever since Commencement, till this quarter; so that I have had less opportunity to form any acquaintance with him, than with any other person...
347121st. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Williams this forenoon closed the subject of Pneumatics, with an account of the different kinds of air. Was employ’d, the chief part of the day in writing my part for Commencement, and have not yet finished it. As I am conscious, of having no talent at rhetorical composition; this allotment has given me a vast deal of anxiety. As my part is of the same kind with that of Freeman, whose...
347222d. (Adams Papers)
Our lecture this day, was upon magnetism; but I think it was nearly or exactly the same with that which was delivered last year upon that subject: I concluded my piece this afternoon, and propose to lay it by for some time; and to make such alterations from time to time, as shall appear proper. This afternoon Mr. Wiggles worth gave us a lecture; but was scandalously interrupted. Hezekiah...
347323d. (Adams Papers)
This day, we had a lecture upon electricity: we received a shock, which was much more violent than that given us last year. I felt it only by a very disagreeable twitch in the joint at both elbows; but it was a kind of pain different from any thing else I ever felt. It is so instantaneous, that the sensation is known only by recollection: it was over before I was sensible of the stroke: it had...
347424th. (Adams Papers)
Weather was so cloudy all day, that we had no philosophical lecture. Tuesday evening we had a meeting of the ΦBK. Admitted Abbot, Bancroft, and Lincoln, and yesterday morning, we met again at Packard’s chamber, and voted to admit Barron, Gardner and Grosvenor. Our Class having no college exercices to attend to, and many of them having now finished their parts for Commencement, are generally...
347525th. (Adams Papers)
Rain’d all day; but cleared up in the evening. We had last night a class meeting, to determine, concerning the printing of our theses; and notwithstanding the vociferous clamour of certain characters, who always glory in creating confusion, it was finally determined, that Mr. Freeman should print 2000, and a Committee was chosen, to make the agreement with him: it was then voted, that the sum...
347626th. (Adams Papers)
The weather was fair this forenoon, and Mr. Williams gave us a lecture, upon the nature, reflection, and refrangibility of light. Took a long walk this evening after prayers. Sever spent the evening at my chamber. Nathaniel Shepard Prentiss of Charlestown, will be 21, the 7 th. of next August. He is a pretty good speaker, but as a scholar he is not conspicuous; notwithstanding his age, his...
347727th. (Adams Papers)
Attended Mr. Hilliard, the whole day: he preach’d in the afternoon a Charity Sermon, and a contribution was made, for the benefit of the unfortunate sufferers, at the late fire in Boston. There was a scandalous stamping, by some of the students, at the time of singing. Such conduct must always bring disgrace upon the University itself. Samuel Putnam , of Danvers, Essex C, was 20, the 13th. of...
347828th. (Adams Papers)
I wrote off my piece for Commencement this forenoon, and carried it to Mr. Reed for his examination: and henceforth I believe I shall be very idle till Commencement. Having got through the business of my theses, and being prepared for the important day, I shall now be at leisure, and shall attend in some measure to my health which has been in a declining state for this twelve month a...
347929th. (Adams Papers)
The junior’s, this forenoon read a forensic in the chapel, upon the question, whether the soul be material: I pass’d the whole day, in indolence, and amusement. Pass’d the evening with Fiske at Mr. Hilliard’s. Mr. Reed and Mr. Ware were there. Isaac Rand , of Cambridge, was 18 the 8th. of this month. He has been if common fame may be believed very idle and dissipated. As he lives not in...
348030th. (Adams Papers)
Election day. About two thirds of the Students went to Boston. Those of us who remain’d pass’d the day, in amusement; I was at Cranch’s chamber the whole day. The Sophimore Class with their civil Officers at the head march’d in procession to the Hall, and as soon as they came in a pistol was fir’d by their governor. The same ceremony was repeated after commons were over. In the evening they...
348131st. (Adams Papers)
The Sophimores are very fearful that their yesterday’s conduct has brought them into difficulties. Mr. Reed, who found his door broken through, when he return’d from Boston, is very much incensed and will probably, take measures to discover the persons who offered the insult. Mr. Williams gave us a lecture upon a number of optical instruments. I trifled away this day. John Sever of Kingston,...
3482[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...
3483Friday June 1st. 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...
34842d. (Adams Papers)
This day the government met, upon the subject of the disorders of which the Sophimores were guilty, last Wednesday. I was examined, but could give no information, upon the subject. Wilson is in sad terrors, and will I think probably come under censure: I past an hour or two with Mr. Ware, this evening after prayers. Solomon Vose of Milton, Suffolk C, was 20 the 22d. of February; a vain,...
34853d. (Adams Papers)
Attended meeting in the forenoon. Sacrament day: I went to dine at Judge Dana’s: soon after I got there, he was taken ill, and thought it was with his old disorder. He sent immediately to Boston, for Doctor Lloyd, and Dr. Danforth; and for Dr. Jennison at College. We rubb’d him with a flesh brush, and with blankets, for two hours without intermission: he recover’d and the Physicians supposed...
34864th. (Adams Papers)
The judge was much better this morning. At 11 o’clock I came up to College. Mr. Williams closed his course, with a lecture upon astronomy. He finished with an affectionate farewell to the Class, advising them to carry into life the spirit of Philosophy, which was the spirit of business: a spirit which could not fail to make useful members of Society. I return’d and dined at Mr. Dana’s. Pass’d...
34875th. (Adams Papers)
This morning after Commons we had a meeting of the ΦBK, at Cranch’s chamber: We began by admitting the junior’s Grosvenor, Gardner and Barron, after which the performances for the day came on; I read the following Essay. This proposition, though it be strictly true, will not obtain the assent of mankind in general. Very few persons, can so far overcome the prejudices of Education, as to think...
34886th. (Adams Papers)
Past the day at Judge Dana’s. It rain’d almost all day. Miss Peggy Wigglesworth was there; amiable as usual. Mrs. Dana read some pages in the sorrows of Werter. Women are better judges of sentiment than men: the ladies were pleased with parts of these letters, which to me appeared very trifling. The arguments in favour of suicide, are sophistical; and subtile, but when well examined, they must...
34897th. (Adams Papers)
North-east winds, still chill the blood, and with a dull cold principle affect our spirits. This evening, immediately after prayers, the Martimercurean band paraded; the members belonging to our Class appeared for the last Time. They performed the manual exercices, and the different evolutions, very well. Supp’d at Bradish’s with Bridge and Foster: the former has obtained leave to be absent at...
34908th. (Adams Papers)
Took books from the library for the last time. I took Mason’s Poems and Abbadie, upon the truth of the Christian religion. This afternoon the president returned me, my part for Commencement! I feel quite low-spirited, at seeing my Class-mates falling off, one by one: we shall never meet again, all together; and these youthful scenes which now are so delightful, will soon be remembered, with...
34919th. (Adams Papers)
This morning the president returned my theses to transcribe a fair copy for the press. I past the day at Judge Dana’s. Mr. W. Ellery is there: his first address is certainly not in his favour. He talks too much about Newport; and our State, and his State; First impressions if they are not favourable, should not be attended to; but unless I am much mistaken this gentleman, is very far from...
349210th. (Adams Papers)
Attended meeting all day. Mr. Burr, preach’d two very good sermons. Dined at Mr. Dana’s, in Company with Mr. Parsons of Newbury-Port: a man of great wit, as well as of sound judgment and deep learning. I was at Mr. Wiggles worth’s in the evening with Beale; but Peggy was not at home. The weather has been very warm this day. The thermometer was at 83. After graduation, JQA studied law with...
349311th. (Adams Papers)
A very warm day. I loitered away my time, as I have, every day for these three weeks. Classmates dropping off. Very few will be left by the 21st. This evening the sodality went serenading and at 3 in the morning they play’d in our entry. Richard Whitney of Petersham, Worcester C, was 20, the 23d. of last February. His circumstances are low and he will find it very difficult to get through...
349412th. (Adams Papers)
Went to Boston this morning with Bridge, Cranch, White and Whitney in the stage. I attended the debates in the house of representatives; they were debating upon the subject of the instructions to the different members. I dined at Mr. Jackson’s, with Mr. Lowell, and Mr. Brimmer. They conversed much upon gardening. At half past 6 in the evening we return’d to Cambridge, and past the evening at...
349513th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Wigglesworth gave a lecture this forenoon, but I did not attend; engaged the chief of the time in writing off my theses: read Mason’s Caractacus, and was much pleased with it. I think he has made it more interesting than his Elfrida. The Catastrophe it is true is not more tragical; but the speech of the Chorus which closes the Poem of Elfrida, is cold and inanimate, and that of Caractacus...
349614th. (Adams Papers)
Return’d a copy of my theses to the president, who informed me, that they would all be ready to send to Boston in a day or two. Cranch and Amory, and Beale, went over to Mystic with Learned, who took his final leave of College. The weather was very warm all day; but in the evening, a beautiful thunder shower refreshed the air very greatly. Pass’d the evening at Foster’s chamber.
349715th. (Adams Papers)
A warm day, but the air has been much more pure, than for several days past. Yesterday Mr. Dana set off for Newport where he proposes tarrying till after Commencement. Drank tea with Bradbury, and my Chum, at Mr. Williams’s. After tea, we walk’d with the young ladies. Jenny has been handsome, but at the age of nineteen she has lost all her beauty, and must henceforth charm only by the...
349816th. (Adams Papers)
Charles went to Boston this morning, and return’d at night. After prayers I went with Cranch to Mr. Williams’s. We walk’d with the young Ladies. Miss Frazier from Boston was of the party: she appears sensible and agreeable. We went and viewed Mr. Brattle’s gardens, and ponds and other conveniences, which his ingenuity has invented for the gratification of his sensuality. This man, who enjoys...
349917th. (Adams Papers)
Attended meeting all day. Mr. Hilliard preach’d us two good occasional sermons from Proverbs II. 3. 4. 5. If thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures: Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord; and find the knowledge of God. The Sciences were his topic, and the importance of...
350018th. (Adams Papers)
Took a long walk with Cranch this afternoon. Foster took charge of the theses and of my letter, and promised to deliver them to Mr. Freeman in Boston. I went with Amory, Cranch, Mason, and White and supped at Bradish’s. They pass’d the remainder of the evening with me.