The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1866-01-23
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
An Original PoeticaI Epistle to his wife

AD n uA
An Original Poetical Epistle to his wif'
A correspondent has kindly furnished th
the Philadelphia EoeRing Bulletin copy OF
manuscript letter in verse, from the late Pre-:
1 ident John Quincy Adams to his wife, write
1 in Washington nearly sixty years ago, whe
he was Sanator from Massachusetts,. In
manucript, saws the correspondent, "ws
given to me As years ago by partlcula
friend of Mrs. Adams, with an understandln
that it should not be given TO the newspaper
suppose, after so long an interval, the IL
junction may be considered as dissolved"
We know of few more pleasant societ
verses than these, they give such charmin
picture Of the heart and the domestic feeling
of the sold man eloquent" when he was sti
comparatively young man, that we take gref
pleasure in printing them;
a WINTERS DAY AT WASHINGTON.
1907.
Friend of my bosom, wouldst thou know
How, far from thee, the days lspend,
And how the passing moments flow.
TO this short, simple tale attend, -.
When first emerging from the East
The sunbeam flashes on my curtain,
start-from slUmber's ties released
And make the weather's temper certain"
Next on my cIose:lshelf, seek
Ny pocket Homer and COMPEL
The .'inan of many woes, in Greek,
Again hif fabled woes 10 tell.
How true he paints the s5snes of life
How sweet the poets honest praltle
Far sweeter than the fierce Ihum's stIifei
And never ending scenes % battle.
At nine comes Moses to my door,
) nd down stairs summons me with easo,
But on my neighbor calls before
Aud knocks. Miss Kitty, breakfast, please"
Again he louder knocks and stronger,
TIL City answers coming, Moses.m
And then. in hair an hous or longer,
Comes Kitty, just as breakfast closes.
Then fourth I sally for the day,
And, musing politics or rhymei
Take 10 the Capitol my way,
To join in colloqny sublime.
There with :he fathers of the land.
mix in sage deiberatioD
And lend my feeble voice and hand,
With equal sa.ys TO bless the nation
The labors OF the Senate o'er.
Again, with solitary pace,
Down % Potomacs CLASSY hoor
Ny morning footsteps retrace.
And off, deiec' ed or clate
With painful or with pleased reflection.
In thought renew the day debate,
And canFas votes for retrospection.
At hone, I find the table spread,
Aud dinners fragrant steama invite;
! But first the two fold stairs tread
Ny atmospheric tale 10 write.
Then. seated round the social board,
We least tilt absent ficndsn toasted
Though sometimes my delays afford
The beef or mutton over-roasted.
In bounces johnson from his school
a dogs cared Webslers in bis hAndt
Repeats his daily studied rule,
Aud next his mother takes his stand.
With look of pure maternal bliss 90
Mamr,a says "John wilt have an appler'
And on his cheek imprts n kiss, .
Ills cheek which rose aud lilly dspple.
Soon little Mary, too they bring;
A I'D now we practice every vile,
And clap the hands, and laugh and sing
To catch that heaven-an Infants suile
Meantime an apple pairing whirIed
Thrice round the head with mistic ditty,
And forthwith on the carpet hurled,
Foetells her future lord to Kitty.
AS eve approaches, ascend
And hours or solitude ensue
To public papers attend,
Or write, my bosom friend to you;
Gaze at the fire with vacant stare,
Suspended pen and brow contracted
Or, starting sudden from my chair,
The chamber p rce like one distracted.
see the partner Of my soul
hear my darling children play
Before fai visions roll.
And steal me from myself away.
Not long the lovely form surround me-
Reality returns at last,
And all is solitude around me
The dream TOO bIissfGl soon is past.
Ny heart short depression feels,
And straghlway, throwing down my pen,
/ take the volume that reveals
Their duties and their hopes to men,.
Yes Wherefore should not confess
This book of sacred inspiration
Yields TO my bosom, in distress,
Both fortitude and consolation.
Anon comes supper-breai and cheese
Begin with grave and solemn face.
Till silence, yielding by degrees,
The festive spirit takes its place,
Good Hqmor comes, with wagish mien,
And shakfs his sides with laughter hearty
And Satire's face is not unseen; .-. .-..r
Reflected from the last nights party.
At last, dispensing, we retire
a gain the GLASS; state learn,
Then for the night compose my fire,
And TO my lonely couch raturn. E....
There for my wife, my boys, my friends, e
Implodng blessings without number,
Ev' while the prayer to heaven ascends,
My sense dissolves ia peaceful slumber.
Thus in succession pass my DAYS
While time witt tagging pinfon flies
And wearies hope with long delays
Till thou, once mere, shalt charm my eyes
Louisa thus remote from thee
Still something 10 each joy is wanting;
While thy dear presence can to me
Make the most dreary scene enchanting
she was engaged in a series of observations on tn
weather, 10 compare with some taken at Boston O
the same time.
sNcah Webster's Spelling Book was the universe
instructor for lads fifty years ago
Rs We are happy to announce that tn