360124th. (Adams Papers)
Townsend went to Topsfield to hear a cause tried before a justice. Stedman has been hunting all over the neighbourhood for his horse, who disappeared on Saturday. Thomson has an whole week respite from his school; but did not come to the office in the afternoon: I was there alone: Amory return’d from Boston between 4 and 5, and at about 6 set off for Exeter. Tomorrow he goes to Portsmouth and...
360225th (Adams Papers)
I have given up all pretences to study any more this week. The Court of Common-pleas sits here; and I shall attend that. It was near one o’clock this day before they met and then they immediately adjourn’d till the afternoon. I was there after dinner. Nothing was done but calling over the actions. Judge Greenleaf gave a very short charge to the grand Jury, in which he observed to them, that...
360326th. (Adams Papers)
Attended court the whole day. Little was done in the forenoon except calling over the cases. But in the afternoon, a cause was tried by Jury, between one Smith and James Brown. Smith had attached certain lands as the estate of Brown’s father, to satisfy a debt due to him: Brown claim’d those lands, as his property, and produced in court two deeds, by which his father had made over the lands to...
360427th. (Adams Papers)
The jury upon the case of Smith and Brown, gave their Verdict in favour of the Plaintiff, and declared the deeds fraudulent. The next Jury case which came on, was between William Bartlett and Daniel Dodge both of this Town. Dodge who is a Mason, engaged to build and plaister a brick house for Bartlett at a certain price, in the year 1778. In the course of his doing the work, the paper...
360528th. (Adams Papers)
I learnt this day that the bar determined last evening to abide by the rule, which they had adopted some years ago, which was that there should not be more than three students in an office at once. Putnam therefore cannot be received by Mr. Parsons. I understand he has this day applied to Mr. Bradbury, who will receive him immediately. Court sat all day, but finally adjourn’d this afternoon,...
360629th. (Adams Papers)
I attended at the office the whole day, and resumed Blackstone, whom for three or four days, I had laid aside. I did not however read a great deal. In the evening I took something of a long walk with Townsend; and as I return’d stopp’d to sup; upon the birds, which Amory and Stacey, had been hunting for in the course of the day. There were three other gentlemen there, Mr. Coffin, Mr. Winslow,...
360730th. (Adams Papers)
Although I had not last night, been guilty of an excess so far as to be intoxicated, yet I had not sufficiently consulted what my feelings would be this day, to be entirely prudent. I therefore arose this morning, with a very disagreeable head-ache, which continued the whole day. I could neither attend meeting nor read, nor write; and pass’d the day with much tediousness. In the evening...
3608[October 1787] (Adams Papers)
I have not yet got over the consequences of our frolick on Saturday evening. Three whole evenings I have by this means entirely lost, for I cannot yet write with any comfort. How inseparably in all cases of intemperance, is the punishment allied to the fault! Stedman went this day for Portsmouth, will return here to-morrow, and take his final leave on Wednesday. He is going to open an office...
3609Monday October 1st. 1787. (Adams Papers)
I have not yet got over the consequences of our frolick on Saturday evening. Three whole evenings I have by this means entirely lost, for I cannot yet write with any comfort. How inseparably in all cases of intemperance, is the punishment allied to the fault! Stedman went this day for Portsmouth, will return here to-morrow, and take his final leave on Wednesday. He is going to open an office...
36102d. (Adams Papers)
I have at length recovered my usual tone, and have been able this day to attend to business with as much satisfaction as common. Stedman came back from Portsmouth this afternoon: in the evening I carried a packet of letters to his lodgings, for Cambridge. I began to copy off, not a small volume, of forms for declarations. This is a piece of drudgery, which certainly does not carry its reward...
36113d. (Adams Papers)
Continued in the first volume of Blackstone. In the course of my reading this day; I came across a paragraph, which surprized me; it was this. “It is a principle of universal law , that the natural-born subject of one prince, cannot by any act of his own, no, not by swearing allegiance to another, put off or discharge his natural allegiance to the former: for this natural allegiance was...
36124th. (Adams Papers)
I this day concluded the first volume of my author: and employ’d all the afternoon in copying from it, under heads. As Parsons goes to Boston next week and will stay there so long, that I shall probably finish the book I am now reading before he returns; I enquired of him, what would be best to take up next. He recommended, Sullivan’s lectures, then Wright’s tenures, and then Coke Littelton....
36135th. (Adams Papers)
After writing a few lines in my common place book, I took the second volume, of Blackstone, which treats of the rights of things. I did not read much, and with the extracts which I make, I shall not be able to proceed with very rapid progress. Thomson notwithstanding he keeps schools holds an equal pace with me. However he reads in the evening, while I am employ’d in copying off the forms....
36146th. (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....
36157th. (Adams Papers)
I attended at Mr. Carey’s meeting, all day. In the forenoon he was quite severe upon all persons who either did not attend divine services so steadily as they might, or who being at the house of the Lord do not behave with proper decorum and respect. No person said Mr. Carey who is going into the presence of an earthly prince, will appear in a loose, neglected, attire; as it would be...
36168th. (Adams Papers)
Attended at the office; and wrote diligently, all day. Cold weather coming on apace. Thomson and I had some conversation, before we left the office at night. He is in low spirits, and sees gloomy prospects. I hope he will realize more happy ones, for he is an amiable worthy youth, with a clear head and a sound heart. From the office we went to Putnam’s lodgings. There Sam, and I, play’d,...
36179th. (Adams Papers)
I received a short letter from W. Cranch. I make a pretty rapid progress with my book of forms, and if I am not interrupted, I hope to finish it by the latter end of next week which will take one heavy load from my shoulders: Putnam came to our office this afternoon; he and Little pass’d the evening with me. I intended to walk with Little but found it was raining hard. I proceed very slowly...
361810th. (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.
361911th. (Adams Papers)
This afternoon I took a ride with Dr. Kilham, as far as Newtown to see Mr. Dalton, but neither he nor his lady were at home. We rode a mile or two beyond that, and returned just after dark: that road is very good and the prospects all around are very beautiful; but the leaves begin to fall, and the year appears to proceed rapidly on a decline. Amory was with me part of the evening.
362012th. (Adams Papers)
The day pass’d as usual, except, that I had some political chat with Mr. Parsons. He favours very much the federal constitution, which has lately been proposed by the Convention of the States. Nor do I wonder at all that he should approve of it, as it is calculated to increase the influence, power and wealth of those who have any already. If the Constitution be adopted it will be a grand point...
362113th. (Adams Papers)
Captain Wyer was in the office this afternoon, a couple of hours; very zealous for the new Constitution. Was desirous of having a town-meeting, to instruct their representatives upon the occasion. Quite enthusiastic, and so are many other people. This afternoon I went, and requested the favor of waiting upon Miss Jones, to the ball next monday; she will go if her health will permit. Little...
362214th. (Adams Papers)
I wrote two long letters this day. One to J. Forbes, and the other to W. Cranch. Went with Putnam in the afternoon to Mr. Tucker’s meeting, and was much pleased with the doctor’s preaching. Putnam spent an hour or two with me after meeting. Not found. Owned by Miss Margaret DuBois of New York in 1957. A transcript, possibly in the hand of MCHA , is in M/CFA/31, Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel...
362315th. (Adams Papers)
Rather dissipated the whole day. Could not study with proper attention, and indeed gave the matter up in the afternoon. At about 7 o’clock we met at the dancing hall, and from that time till between 3 and 4 in the morning we were continually dancing. I was unacquainted with almost all the company, but I never saw a collection of ladies where there was comparatively so much beauty. Two or three...
362416th. (Adams Papers)
We rose at about nine o’clock. Dr. Kilham, was just going to take his seat in the Stage for Boston. The Dr. represents this town in the genl. Court; and goes to Boston now, to attend at the Session, which opens to-morrow. I was at the office in the forenoon, but could not attend much to any study. I took a walk with Townsend. Return’d again to the office, and just as I had got ready to sit...
362517th. (Adams Papers)
This day a regiment of foot, and a troop of about 60 horse-men paraded, and were review’d by Genl. Titcomb. The weather was rather disagreeable, though not so windy as it was yesterday. One of the foot companies was drest in the rifle uniform. That of the horse was red faced with green: the horses in general were good, but the company has not been formed long, and are not yet perfect in their...
362618th. (Adams Papers)
We dined this day at Mr. Bartlett’s. Captain Wier, was there, and Miss S. McKinstry, who is upon the point of being married to Major Starke, and Miss Barrell, a young Lady from Boston whose countenance indicates misfortune. She had a lover, who forsook her upon discovering that she had not a fortune as he had expected. Townsend came into Town yesterday with Miss P. Greenleaf; and return’d this...
362719th. (Adams Papers)
W. Cranch, and the two young ladies set off this morning for Boston. The weather is much milder for them than it has been for several days past. I spent the forenoon with Mr. Thaxter at his office. He is to be published next Sunday. Dined at Mr. Shaw’s. Just after dinner Mrs. Allen came in from Bradford, and inform’d us of Deacon Smith’s death. He died on Tuesday morning. The news came by Dr....
362820th. (Adams Papers)
I was more attentive at the office than I expected to be between two sallies. I had determined before I went to Haverhill, not to go so far as Boston till the spring; but I have now altered my resolutions, and shall go from hence next monday, for a fort night. This is not the way to acquire the science of the law, but dissipation is so fashionable here that it is necessary to enter into it a...
362921st. (Adams Papers)
I attended Mr. Carey in the forenoon, and went with Putnam to hear Dr. Tucker in the afternoon. He is a very good preacher, but the generality of his hearers look, as if they were form’d of the coarsest clay. A number of female figures in particular seem to charge nature with having made gross mistakes. I passed the evening till almost 9 o’clock with Putnam. Townsend took me from there and...
363022d. (Adams Papers)
The weather yesterday did not look promising, but is this day very clear, and for the season uncommonly warm. At about half past nine I mounted my horse, and Townsend said he would take an airing and ride a few miles with me: the pleasantness of the weather led him on till he finally agreed to go as far as Haverhill, intending to return in the afternoon. We rode part of the way with Sohier,...
363123d. (Adams Papers)
Rose at about 8 this morning, and felt no inconveniency from the scene of yesterday. Townsend, who got so much engaged as to give up all thoughts of returning last night to Newbury-Port, breakfasted with us this morning; and then mounted his horse. It was a little after nine, when I started from the opposite shore of the river, and it was about twelve when I got to the tavern in Wilmington....
363224th. (Adams Papers)
At about 10 this morning I set off for Hingham. Mr. Thaxter and Miss Duncan, went somewhat earlier. I got there between 11 and 12, and went immediately to the meeting house: it was very much crowded, and I found great difficulty to get in, I finally obtained however a very good place. They began by singing a good anthem extremely well. The first prayer was made by Mr. . Mr. Hilliard then...
363325th. (Adams Papers)
The town is not so much crowded this day; as it was yesterday. That Class of people which is called by some persons the rabble , (by which word is meant people, who have neither a fortune nor an education at our university, alias a liberal education) went off chiefly last night: and there now remains nothing but the genteel company, or otherwise people who have no business, to call them from...
363426th. (Adams Papers)
We went and escorted a number of ladies to the packet: and by eleven o’clock, almost all the company was gone, and the town look’d as solitary as a deserted village. I took a walk with Mr. Q. Thaxter, and Mr. Andrews down to Genl. Lincoln’s Mills. It was half past twelve before I got back to Mr. Thaxter’s. Of all the company that had been there Charles and I, only remained at dinner. At about...
363527th. (Adams Papers)
Judge Sargeant, went away this forenoon proceeding on his way to Cambridge. Tom went to Lincoln. In the afternoon, I went with Charles and Kirkland to see my uncle Quincy. Mr. Wibird was here in the evening.
363628th. (Adams Papers)
I attended upon Mr. Wibird in the forenoon. And pass’d the afternoon down at my father’s library. W. Cranch came from Boston last evening, and returned there to’night after meeting. I was very much entertained in reading some journals of my father’s, from 1769, to 1776.
363729th. (Adams Papers)
At about 10. o’clock Mr. Thaxter came in from Hingham on his way to Boston: he stay’d but a few minutes, and I set off with him. We got into Town before one. I dined with Miss B. Smith, who still lives in the house that was her father’s. Mrs. Cranch was there, and went for Braintree soon after dinner. I went and spent the evening with Dr. Kilham at his lodgings: he has made himself rather...
363830th. (Adams Papers)
Sauntered about town, the chief part of the day: attended in the gallery of the house of representatives but there was no matter of any great importance before them. Dined at Deacon Storer’s with Mr. Thaxter, who is very busy in making prepara tions for his marriage. I drank tea at Mr. Dawes’s, and pass’d the evening at Mr. Foster’s with Dr. Tufts. Lodg’d at Mr. W. Smith’s.
363931st. (Adams Papers)
Saw Charles in Boston, on his way to Cambridge, as the vacation closes this day. At about noon I set out for Cambridge myself. The supreme Court sits there this week. I dined and lodg’d at Judge Dana’s. I attended the Court in the afternoon, but no case came on, of any consequence. Saw Stedman there. He has not yet opened an office, but proposes to do so very soon. The House of Representatives...
3640[Titlepage] (Adams Papers)
Titlepage of D/JQA/12, the third of three leather-bound blank books that JQA presumably purchased in Paris on 20 Aug. 1783. For a fuller physical description of these volumes, see the note for the titlepage of D/JQA/10, ante 1 Jan. 1785 (above). This Diary volume contains entries from 1 Nov. 1787 to 24 Aug.–2 Sept. 1788 , followed by scattered entries, twelve for September and five for Oct....
3641[November 1787] (Adams Papers)
I attended in the morning, and in the afternoon at the setting of the supreme Court. Judge Dana, took his seat, for the first time since his illness; from which he has not yet, and I fear never will entirely recover. I dined at his house, and pass’d the evening with my old Clasmate Sam: Williams. The Cases before the Court were not very interesting, except one, which was so intricate, that I...
3642Thursday November 1st. 1787. (Adams Papers)
I attended in the morning, and in the afternoon at the setting of the supreme Court. Judge Dana, took his seat, for the first time since his illness; from which he has not yet, and I fear never will entirely recover. I dined at his house, and pass’d the evening with my old Clasmate Sam: Williams. The Cases before the Court were not very interesting, except one, which was so intricate, that I...
36432d. (Adams Papers)
I breakfasted this morning with Stedman. A number of the lawyers were there; rather nettled at a bill now before the Senate, for the better regulating the fees &c of attorney’s and practitioners. The Committee by whom it was drawn up, and presented, was composed of those persons who for these two years past have been the most violent of the Community, in their antipathy to lawyers. Blessed...
36443d. (Adams Papers)
Between 8 and 9 this morning, I cross’d Charlestown, and Maiden bridges. I rode, as far as D’anvers before I stopp’d. There I found Mr. W. Parsons and his wife, Mr. T. Parsons, and Mr. J. Tracey. They started from thence before me, but I, came up with them again in Ipswich, where we dined at Homan’s tavern. Parsons was quite witty, but strained rather too-much for it as he frequently does....
36454th. (Adams Papers)
I was so much fatigued in consequence of my yesterday’s ride that I did not attend meeting. I wrote some lines at home, and finished reading the first volume of Buffon’s theory of the earth. I am exceedingly pleased, with the style, and manner of this writer. It is concise, nervous, and elegant. The theory I cannot properly judge of till I get through the other volume. Georges Louis Leclerc de...
36465th. (Adams Papers)
I attended at the Office. Amory was there. Return’d yesterday from Salem. Townsend went to Boston last week, and has not yet return’d. In the afternoon, we attended the funeral of Mrs. Dav enport a sister of Mr. Parsons. She died of a consumption a few days since. Little, and Thomson pass’d an hour with me in the evening, after which, I went with the latter to Mr. Atkins’s. Thomson was much...
36476th. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Parsons went this morning to Salem, where the supreme Court sits this week. I pass’d this evening with Thomson at the office and had a great deal of Conversation with him upon diverse subjects: I feel my attachment for this young gentleman daily increasing: the more I become acquainted with him, the more my expectation of enjoying great benefit, and satisfaction from an intimacy with him...
36487th. (Adams Papers)
Quite industrious this day in copying forms. Alone in the office a great part of the day. Amory, even when he is in town, is not very attentive at the office. I pass’d the evening with Putnam.
36498th. (Adams Papers)
Finished my book of forms, and wrote an index to them. So that henceforth, I shall be able to attend more steadily to Blackstone. Townsend return’d this morning from Boston.
36509th. (Adams Papers)
Amory went to Salem this afternoon. They have a ball there this evening, said to be given to the Court. Amory went to attend it. I pass’d the evening at Mr. Bradbury’s, where we play’d a number of tunes in concert, besides a cheating game of cards. I got through the theory of the earth. I am more and more pleased with the author. One part of his theory is merely hypothetical, and might perhaps...