Title: [June 1788]
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

      Sunday June 1st. 1788.

       Mr. Allen preached for us this day; and I attended to hear him. His Sermons are judicious and sensible; but his manner of delivering them is very disagreeable.
       In the evening I took a long walk with Doctor Kilham; and pass’d the remainder of it at home.

      2d.

       Pickman returned this day from Salem, where he has been for ten days past.
       I began to read Wood’s Institutes; a book written upon a similar plan, to that of Blackstone; but much inferior in the execution.
       I took a long walk this evening alone, musing and contemplating upon a subject which at this time engrosses all my attention.

   Thomas Wood, An Institute of the Laws of England; Or, The Laws of England in TheirNatural Order, According to Common Use..., London, 1720.

      3d.

       I walk’d with Thompson a mile or two in Newbury. The prospects on that road are delightful; and I am more pleased with that walk than with any other near this town. We went to Judge Greenleaf’s. Mrs. Hodge and Mrs. Parsons were there. We past the evening as usual at that house. The judge was very sensible and sociable; Mrs. Greenleaf was very agreeable; and all the daughters sat like just so many young misses, whose mamma, had told them, that little girls must be seen and not heard. The judge to strangers appears to be quite a soft and complacent man; but his family regulations are rather despotic: this circumstance takes off much of the pleasure of visiting there, which would otherwise be great; for his conversation and that of his Lady are quite entertaining.

       She asked me if I had not been greatly disappointed last week; I told her I had, and that it had been a subject of much vexation to me. The judge said it was well. He always wished that his young friends might meet with disappointments and misfortunes; and the greater the better, if they were not such as to debilitate the mind. It was best to be enured to misfortunes in early life; sooner or later they would come; and it was much best to be prepared for them by experience.
       Thompson came home and supp’d with me.

   In his line-a-day entry, JQA refers to “Wood.” Presumably he continued his reading of Thomas Wood’s Institutes that he had begun the previous day (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

      4th.

       Walk’d into Newbury in the evening with Thompson; and we returned through Joppé, by a different route from that which I usually come. We past an hour at Mrs. Emery’s. Her daughter is very amiable, though not handsome. She entertained us sometime by playing upon the Harpsichord. Mr. J. Greenleaf was there; it is reported that he is paying his addresses there. The dispositions of the persons are not sufficiently congenial to render either of them happy, and I should therefore wish that this report, like most others of the same nature may prove an idle surmise without any foundation.

   “Tolerable weather” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

   Joppa, a small fishing village on the Merrimack River, east of Newburyport in Newbury (John J. Currier, “Oulde Newbury”: Historical and Biographical Sketches, Boston, 1896, p. 218–219; Currier, NewburyportJohn J. Currier, History of Newburyport, Massachusetts, 1764-1905, Newburyport, 1906-1909; 2 vols., 1:151).

      5th.

       We met in the evening at Stacey’s lodgings. Putnam was not present. At about seven we received a letter from him which for its singularity I am determined to preserve. And after I came home I wrote him an answer which is likewise here inserted, and which I shall send him to-morrow.

            Messrs. Stacey, Thomson and Adams or to any one of them.

           Present. Newbury-Port June 5th. 1788
           Gentlemen

          You doubtless recollect the conversation which passed at our office, the evening after our last club night. It will be needless for me again to go over the same ground; let me just observe “that at the time I left you, I neither wished or expected to meet any lady or ladies during the evening” What I then told you, I know, and you may rest assured was truth however clouded with circumstances which might lead you to a different supposition. You may attribute the effect to “accident, sympathy” or just what you please, it alters not the original cause of action. I feel an happy consciousness of my innocence of the charges you alledged against me (such as imposing on the club &c) which consciousness alone, could support me when absent from a Society, whose pleasures I once eagerly sought, as eagerly wished to deserve, as richly enjoyed.
          I think your treatment to me was unkind, severe and illiberal. With pleasure, I can appeal to my own bosom in the calm hour of reflection and retirement, and declare such treatment unmerited.
          I write not Gentlemen under the influence of passion and resentment, but give you sentiments dictated by reflection and approved by reason and my conscience. I wish you to consider the affair as relating only to the club.
          These circumstances Gentlemen must excuse my absence this ev’ning.
          I should be happy to wait on you at my chamber next Thursday evening, where I propose to take my leave of the club and thereby render your happiness secure.

           Adieu! may you be united, may you be happy.
           Adieu.
           S.P.

          The Answer

           Sir
           Newbury-Port. June 5th. 1788

          The formal and ceremonious manner in which you have been pleased to address the members of the club, constrains me to adopt a stile, which to a Class-mate and an intimate, I cannot but use with reluctance.
          The charges of unkindness, of severity and illiberality, which your letter contains, were considered by Stacey and Thompson, so far as they respected them, as unmerited. To me alone, we supposed they could in any manner be applicable. That my observations upon the Subject were severe, I freely acknowledge, since, whatever the truth might be, the occurrence, was not of sufficient importance, to me to justify the strength of my expressions: they might therefore bear the appearance, of unkindness, but if unkindness consists in the intention, I can sincerely declare, that nothing was more foreign to my heart. But Sir I am not conscious that even my treatment of you, could be justly charged with illiberality. For the repeated instances of equivocation in your conduct upon the same subject, which you have acknowledged, might I conceive excuse my doubting the truth of assertions, which upon similar occasions you had always made with equal seriousness; if however you still consider yourself as injured, I am ready to make any acknowledgment which you may think your honour can require. At the same time I would submit to your consideration, whether your leaving thus abruptly a society which among our acquaintance is generally known to exist, might not excite their curiosity; and whether if the occasion of your quitting us, should accidentally transpire, it might not be productive of consequences equally mortifying to us all; as, to every impartial person the original cause of separation must appear trifling and puerile.
          Your proposal “that the affair may be considered as relating only to the club,” I am perswaded, you, will acknowledge upon further reflection, to be impracticable. For if the injury which you have received is sufficiently great to induce you to dissolve your connection, with a Society “whose pleasures you once eagerly sought, as eagerly wished to deserve, as richly enjoyed” how can you upon all other occasions, retain that friendship and confidence, from which alone those pleasures were derived. I trust you will suffer these considerations to have their weight in your mind, and as you say you write not “under the influence of passion and resentment,” I hope you will be induced to drop your present intentions, and not give us reason at every subsequent meeting to regret the loss of one of the original members of the institution.
          If however, you should persist in your present sentiments, we must decline waiting on you at your lodgings, as the meeting would necessarily be attended with a great degree of that restraint, an exemption from which is one of those charms whence we derive our greatest enjoyments. As Pickman expects to be absent the week after next he has desired us to call next Thursday evening at his lodgings. There we shall be happy to see you: to renew over a friendly glass the social intercourse which has thus unfortunately been interrupted, and to bury in oblivion a dissention which we sincerely hope may never be revived.

           J. Q. A.

   None of the original correspondence copied in the entries for this and the following day has been found.

   JQA indicates in his line-a-day entry that he took a walk between his club meeting and letter-writing (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

      6th.

       In the forenoon I sent my letter to Putnam, and in about an hour received the following reply which crowns the whole. It is inserted to complete the Story, and because it shows the characteristic consistency of the person.

            My dear friend
            Newbury-Port June 6–88

           The idea of my past follies and imprudences affords me Sensations inexpressibly disagreeable. Had I reflected with an eye of impartiality, on my conduct, I am confident I never should have charged you with illiberality. No, my friend, I confess I have had so many proofs of your candour and openness that I blush to have ever insinuated an Idea, so different from that which on reflection I find to be the real sentiment of my heart. O how fickle and weak must be that mind, which sees only the favourable side of a question wherein self is a party. I trust your candour to bury this, together with the unhappy cause of all.
           You will be pleased for a moment to put yourself in my situation. You must conceive that with the Sentiments I last evening entertained, I must have been unhappy, had I been present. This must excuse my addressing you in the manner I did. I think Thomson and Stacey were equally concerned with you;—’tis true they did not say so much as you did, but they assented to all you advanced. At the time I proposed leaving the Club, I was sensible, I deprived myself of a source of choicest pleasure—but when I reflected that pleasure was to arise at your expence—I could not persuade myself to make the purchase at so great a price—I will call at Pickman’s as you request—May more than egyptian darkness intercept from light the unfortunate event— May we once more taste the joys of sociability—Bacchus I am sure will lend his assistance—May we renew our friendship over the pipe of peace and banish discord far away.

            Believe me dear John to be your real friend.
            S. P.

         These Letters shall be without a comment, as in my opinion they speak enough of themselves.
       In the evening I was walking with Thompson; as we were passing before Mr. J. Tracy’s, he invited us in: we pass’d the evening there; it was club night; and there were eight or ten such smoakers that we were almost suffocated. The evening however was agreeable; and after supper I completed my walk before I returned home.

      7th.

       Mr. Parsons came home from Boston this evening; where he has been attending at the general court; but he brought no news for me. I went with Pickman up to Sawyer’s tavern and drank tea there. This walk is very agreeable, and employs the evening well.

      8th.

       Mr. Webster from Salisbury preached for us this day: a venerable old gentleman who has been subject to many misfortunes, and whose countenance is expressive of the sensibility which has so often been wounded.
       I took a long walk in the evening with Stacey; a young fellow who has been very imprudent; but whose disposition is I believe very good.

   Rev. Samuel Webster, minister of the West Parish, Salisbury (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 10:250–259).

      9th.

       Mr. Parsons had so much information to give every one who came into the office this day that, we could not attend much to the regular course of our reading. I took a long lonely walk in the evening, as I often do at present; and I find the practice advantageous both to my health and spirits.

   In his line-a-day entry, JQA notes that the weather was cold (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

      10th.

       Stroll’d a mile or two with Pickman: he has the appearance of a true and faithful Lover, and acknowledges that he takes but very little satisfaction in this Town: he proposes spending but a few weeks more here, and then to open an office in Salem.
       As I came home I stopp’d and past an hour at Mrs. Hooper’s.

      11th.

       I walk’d this evening with Stacey. The weather was very beautiful, and we proposed to form a party for a Serenade, as soon as may be convenient.

      12th.

       Townsend arrived in town this forenoon: I called at Mrs. Hooper’s to see him immediately after dinner: he looks better than he was when he left this Town; but his situation still appears to me to be critical. Club met at Pickman’s. Putnam appeared rather sober. Townsend was obliged to retire just before Sun-set. Farnham too was not in the highest Spirits, for Mr. Prout marries Miss S. Jenkins this evening. At nine we separated and at ten met again at my room. We sallied out at about eleven, and serenaded the Ladies in Town till between three and four in the morning.

      13th.

       Townsend, and one or two more of my friends dined with me this day. He went in the afternoon to see Mrs. Emery, and found there, a Miss Taylor who came there last evening from Boston: she was going to Exeter, and as Townsend was going to take a ride; he proposed to go in company with her as far as the ferry. This Miss Taylor is handsome, and remarkably sociable; and although she has been in a declining State of health, for more than a year past, and came very lately from Halifax, to Boston merely to recruit her strength, yet by some unaccountable deception she looks in the finest bloom of Health. It seems indeed to be an uncommon felicity attending many young Ladies at this day, that they can enjoy all the benefits of ill health without, being much afflicted, with its cruel pains.
       We accompanied the Lady to Amesbury; and after seeing her into the boat took our leave. Returning home we stopp’d and drank tea with Mrs. Atkins. Mrs. Bass and Mr. Atkins had just arrived from Dunstable. I pass’d the evening with Townsend at Mrs. Hooper’s; but came home quite early, as I was somewhat fatigued by the last night’s expedition.

      14th.

       Finished reading in Wood’s Institutes; a book which has been rendered almost useless by the publication of Blackstone’s commentaries. Dined with Mr. Parsons. Took a long walk in the afternoon, and pass’d the evening with Townsend at Mrs. Hooper’s. Pickman went to Salem this morning.

      15th.

       Mr. Allen preach’d; and as usual delivered a good Sermon, in a very bad manner. After meeting; I went up to Mr. J. Tracy’s; I found Townsend there, and rode a few miles with him. We return’d and drank tea at Mrs. Atkins’s. Townsend’s health not permitting him to be out after Sun-set, we came home early, and I was with him all the evening.

      16th.

       Townsend intended to have set away this morning; to go to Medfield; but the weather was so chilly and disagreeable that he thought it would be best to wait another day. Thompson and I dined and pass’d a great part of the day with him. I was again disappointed upon the arrival of the stage, as I have been so often heretofore; by hearing no news from Boston.
       I began upon Bacon’s pleas and pleadings; a subject which demands great attention.

      17th.

       Townsend left Town this morning, but as the wind soon got easterly, I imagine he did not go far. Mr. Parsons went over to Ipswich where the Supreme Court are this week in Session. In the beginning of the evening the weather cleared up, and I took a long solitary walk. I had turn’d round, and was coming home, when I heard a horse coming upon full galop and somebody called me by name. I stopped and found it was Stacey, who congratulated me upon my father’s arrival. He came from Ipswich on purpose to give me the Information. Just as I had pass’d by Mr. Tracy’s, one of his Servants gave me a Letter, with a request that I would go down to his House: I went accordingly, and found Mr. Hichborn there; the Letter was from Mr. Thaxter, and contained the same joyful tidings that Stacey had brought me. It seems Judge Sullivan left Boston this day at about twelve o’clock; and when he came away Callahan was coming up the Harbour: after passing an hour at Mr. Tracy’s I came home, with a light heart; but not wholly without fears that this information like that of a similar nature which has been given me three or four times within a month past, should be founded upon a mistake of one vessel for another.

   Letter not found.

   Not found.

   In his line-a-day entry, JQA mentions Putnam’s name between references to his walk and to Mr. Tracy (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

      18th.

       I went to the Office in the forenoon; but found myself incapacitated to do any thing, and therefore lost the morning in conversation. Just before two I went with trembling hope to the post office: and as I went into the door my heart almost failed me: but I was soon made happy by a letter from my brother Tom, which confirms the arrival of my Parents. In the afternoon I did nothing more than prepare to go to Boston in the Stage to-morrow morning. I called in the evening at Mrs. Hooper’s, and at Mr. Carter’s, to take their commands.

   Letter not found.

   In his line-a-day entry, JQA refers to a walk with Thompson before making his visits (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

      19th.

       The Stage was full from Portsmouth and consequently I could not obtain a seat. I could not think of waiting till Saturday with a chance of being again disappointed. So I sent forward my little trunk by the Stage, and engaged a horse; at about ten in the forenoon, I left Town, and arrived at Ipswich just before noon. The Supreme Court are sitting there, and I went to the Court house where I saw a number of my friends: among others my classmate Kendall who is going to the Ohio in a short Time. I found likewise at Ipswich a number of the young Ladies from Newbury-Port, who to be sure were gallanted by their fathers. It was near four o’clock when I left Ipswich; and Pickman at the same time returned to Salem. It was so late when we got there that I could not think of reaching Boston this night, and I therefore accepted of Pickman’s invitation to lodge in town. He went with me to Mr. Derby’s; but the young Ladies were not at home, so that I had not the pleasure of being introduced to his Dulcinea. Learned, who is upon the study of physic in this town, pass’d the evening with us.

      20th.

       I was up early in the morning, and mounted my horse at about seven. It was ten when I got into Boston. I went to Mr. Smith’s, and found my father was gone to Braintree but my Mamma was at the Governor’s: I immediately went there and enjoy’d all the satisfaction that can arise from the meeting so near and dear a friend after a long absence. We dined at Deacon Storer’s. Old Mrs. Edwards was there (v. Vol 2. p. 27.) and Dr. Waterhouse, &c. Between five and six we set out for Braintree. As I was already somewhat fatigued, my Cousin Cranch gave me up his seat in the Chaise with my Mamma, and took my horse. At about eight we got to Mr. Cranch’s, and there my Satisfaction and pleasures were again renew’d at finding my father in good health. And here I must stop for the present.

   See entry for 11 Aug. 1786 (above).

      21st.

       The weather was very warm. I went down to my uncle Quincy’s, and from thence on the shore. One lighter arrived in the afternoon, with part of the goods and furniture, and the other is expected to-morrow.

      22d.

       Parson Wibird preached in his usual dull unanimated strain. Of late indeed he has lost it is said his only claim to merit by declining wholly to change with the neighbouring ministers. After meeting this evening, I went with W. Cranch down to Mrs. Quincy’s and drank tea. Mrs. Quincy of Boston was there, and very agreeable: I had never been in company with her before.

   Abigail Phillips Quincy (1745–1798), wife of Josiah Quincy, “The Patriot.”

      23d.

       A second lighter came up this day with things from the ship. We were very busy in unpacking during the whole day. A bed was set up in the house in which I lodg’d, but we have done sufficient to make a great deal of work before we get at rights. There is yet a great deal to be done to the house. When I came from Newbury-Port, I intended to have studied as much here as I should have done there; but I begin to suspect that I shall find it utterly impossible. At least I have given up all thoughts of doing any thing in that way for the present.

      24th.

       This day we got so far in order as to make a home of the house. I dined at my uncle Cranch’s. The remainder of the packages are expected to-morrow; but those that are already here, are not all unpack’d. Much damage was done on the voyage.

   JQA writes, in his line-a-day entry, “Folks got down to the house. I lodg’dined out” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

      25th.

       This afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Shaw came in from Haverhill; they found us still in great disorder: we began this day to unpack the books; though we have at present no room to stow them in, properly. They were moist and some what mouldy, but not injured at all.

      26th.

       We all dined at Mr. Cranch’s. Charles came from Cambridge to spend a day or two with us. I continued this whole day quite industriously, to unpack, and place the books, yet did not get half through with the business. There are a great many books which I wish very much to peruse, but I have not the time at present, and must certainly for some years be separated from them.

      27th.

       The day was spent like the preceding ones. There was some company here in the afternoon. I give as much of the little leisure time I have, as I can conveniently to some lectures upon History and general Policy a new publication of Dr. Priestley, whose literary powers may be truly called athletic. There are several other late performances, which I am desirous of reading, but more particularly Mr. Gibbon’s continuation of his History of the decline and fall of the roman Empire: which is not however, yet completed.

   JQA adds, in his line-a-day entry, “Folks from my uncle’s” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

   Joseph Priestley, Lectures on History, and General Policy; To Which is Prefixed, An Essay on a Course of Liberal Education for Civil and Active Life, Birmingham, England, 1788 (MQA).

   The final three volumes were published in 1788 (DNBLeslie Stephen and Sidney Lee, eds., The Dictionary of National Biography, New York and London, 1885-1900; 63 vols, plus supplements.).

      28th.

       Mrs. Welch and Betsey Smith came from Boston this morning; we all went to Weymouth and dined at Doctor Tufts’s. In the afternoon I went over to Mr. Norton’s house; where in my Infancy I have spent many days, which I scarcely remember even as a distant dream; but before this day I had not been in the house these nine years. As I returned from Weymouth I was overtaken by the rain, and stop’d at Mr. Cranch’s; but it did not abate, and I went home in the midst of it.

   Jacob Norton, the minister at Weymouth, was living in the parsonage previously occupied by JQA’s grandfather, Rev. William Smith.

      29th.

       I attended at meeting and heard Mr. Wibird. The weather was rather dull and somewhat sultry. I am still undetermined whether to return this week to Newbury-Port, or wait till after Commencement: I believe however I shall determine upon the latter.

      30th.

       Mr. and Mrs. Shaw return’d to Haverhill this morning: and this day I finished unpacking the books; which however must continue for some time in great disorder.

   At the bottom of JQA’s line-a-day entries for June in D/JQA/13, he has written a phrase in shorthand, followed, on the line below, by the date “June 17.” The inscription is JQA’s earliest recorded use of John Byrom’s shorthand system, antedating other shorthand specimens in his papers by twenty years, and the first of about a half-dozen examples he entered into this Diary before the end of the year. Byrom’s characters here are rendered “year on the 25th August.” The significance of either date to JQA is not known to the editors. In 1794, while en route to his diplomatic post in the Netherlands, JQA mentioned having once attempted to learn shorthand, “but soon gave over the pursuit; not having a very high opinion of the utility of the art, and being very early weary of the labour to acquire it.” He briefly resumed his study of it, but abandoned it until the following decade (Thomas Molineux, An Introduction to Byrom’s Universal English Short-Hand, 5th edn., London, 1821; JQA, Diary, 3 Oct. 1794).


Title: Tuesday July 1st. 1788.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       It was nine o’clock before I could get away from Braintree this morning, and I arrived at the Colleges just before the exhibition began. A Latin Oration was spoken by Kirkland and was very well. The Forensic between Palmer and Waterman was tolerable, but I forget the subject. The english Dialogue between Thacher and Gray was well spoken, but rather stiff. The greek Dialogue between the youngest Sullivan and my brother Tom, was quite short and not the worse for that. The English Oration was by Blake; the subject agriculture. It was in my opinion very flimsy and superficial: but as we came out I heard a young fellow, who had something of the appearance of a would-be fop, exclaim “upon my soul Blake has given us one of the genteelest Orations I every heard.” In former days, gentility with respect to composition, consisted in bad spelling and bad grammar, under which sense the description would not be wholly unjust. But what the expression means at this day I know not; and therefore its singularity was what I chiefly remarked. I was agreeably surprized to meet my friend Thompson here; but saw him only for a few minutes. I went down and dined at Judge Dana’s. Mr. Ben. Ellery was there; an uncle to Mrs. Dana; a rich old gentleman; and somewhat singular in his character. In the afternoon I called at Mr. Wiggles worth’s, and past an hour agreeably with them. I went to Mr. Gannett’s; and at about seven in the evening called at the President’s. He was not at home, and as I knew not what to do with myself for the remainder of the evening, I thought I might as well go home; I immediately went to Bradish’s, mounted my horse, and after nine arrived safe in Braintree; somewhat fatigued with my day’s work; but well satisfied with my jaunt.


Title: 2d.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       The weather was extremely warm. I amused myself part of the day in reading, and part in shooting. The cherry trees which are quite full at present, are so inviting to the birds that, there is very good sport with little trouble.


Title: 3d.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Between nine and ten I went with my father from Braintree. We got into Cambridge at about twelve. After stopping a few minutes at College, we first went down and called upon Judge Trowbridge: He is very old; and although active for his years, yet the depradations of time are conspicuous upon him. We dined at Mr. Dana’s. Mr. and Mrs. Channing from Rhode Island, were there; they are agreeable. In the afternoon we first called at the Presidents, and drank tea there: from thence we went to Mr. Gerry’s and past the evening: we found Mrs. Warren there, and were in the midst of antifederalism: but quite in good humour. My father had promised to take a lodging, at Judge Dana’s; but at Mr. Gerry’s invitation I past the night at his house.


Title: 5th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       We called this morning at Dr. Welch’s, and at Mr. Guild’s; but left town at about ten o’clock: It was almost one when we got to Braintree. I amused myself as I could in the afternoon: Mrs. Warren, with her son Harry stop’d here this night on their way to Plymouth; to which place General Warren has removed back, after living about eight years at Milton. He was formerly a very popular man, but of late years he has thought himself neglected by the People; his mind has been soured, and he became discontented, and querulous: he has been charged with using his influence in favour of Tender acts and paper money; and it has even been very confidently asserted, that he secretly favoured the insurrections and rebellion of the winter before last. Whether his conduct has been misrepresented or not, is a point that must for the present remain undetermined. But he has certainly given some reason for suspicion by his imprudence; and when in a time of rebellion a man openly censures the conduct in general, and almost every individual act of an administration, an impartial public will always judge, that such a man cannot be greatly opposed to a party who are attacking the same measures.
       Mrs. Warren however positively declared there was no truth in those allegations, and was very confident, that they were nothing more than the suggestions of the general’s enemies, whose malignity, was unaccountable, but whose utmost spite and envy could not disturb his happiness

        “For all the distant din this world can keep
        Rolls o’er his grotto and but sooths his sleep.”


Title: 6th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       The weather was rather disagreeable in the morning, and Mrs. Warren was disposed to stay and pass the Sunday with us. But her Son was so anxious to get home, that she finally determined to go; and they went away at about nine. I attended at meeting, and heard Parson Wibird dose over a couple of Sermons. There is none of my time that I regret more than that I spend in hearing him: were it not for the propriety of attending public worship abstracted from all considerations of improvement or entertainment, I should seldom enter within the walls of that house while he continues to slumber there.


Title: 8th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       I past the greater part of the day in gunning, with my brothers. The weather was as it has been for several days past extremely warm; and the fruits of the earth at present greatly require heat.


Title: 9th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Doctor Leonard came here in the morning: this gentleman came as a passenger with Callahan. He underwent a violent prosecution two or three years ago in England, for endeavouring to come to America with some models of manufacturing machines. But after being two years in prison he was released and immediately resumed his original intentions; but he is now come over without his models; and he rather purposes at present to practice in his original profession as a physician and surgeon.
       I bath’d in the Sea, this afternoon; the first time I have done so this Summer; indeed it is rather troublesome here, on account of insects which are almost innumerable.


Title: 11th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       This day completes my twenty first year; It emancipates me from the yoke of paternal authority which I never felt, and places me upon my own feet, which have not strength enough to support me. I continue therefore still in a state of dependence. One third of the period of my professional studies has also now elapsed; and two years more will settle me, should life and health continue; in a situation where all my expectations are to center. I feel sometimes a strong desire to know what my circumstances will be in seven years from this: but I must acknowledge, I believe my happiness would rather be injured than improved by the information.


Title: 12th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       In the diverse amusements of reading, of shooting birds, and playing upon our flutes we past the present day. The weather is and has for a fortnight past been such that fatiguing occupations cannot be attended to: I read very little; and that of a light kind which does not greatly engage the mind; and as for writing, I have so much abandoned it that I have not written three pages since I left Newbury-Port. My brothers are much in the same way.


Title: 15th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Mr. West went away this morning; My Father and my brother Charles, went to Boston; whence they will proceed tomorrow to Cambridge. Beale came here this forenoon, and took a dinner with us. He is studying law, with Mr. Barnes at Taunton, but spends much of his time at home. Mr. Wibird pass’d the afternoon and evening here. Dr. Tufts called here on his way to Boston, and my brother Tom went to Cambridge this afternoon; for my own part, I preferred waiting till tomorrow morning. And I have finally determined to return here after Commencement, at least for a day or two.


Title: 18th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Upon the warmest day we have had this Summer I was obliged to go to Boston, upon a hard trotting horse; with the Sun blazing in my face all the way. I do not know that I ever suffered more, from the heat. And when I got into Boston I was obliged to bustle about almost all the day. I had to call three times at Mr. Green’s Store before I could get the payment for a bill of exchange, which I think is a very irregular manner for a merchant to transact business. I got the money however in the afternoon. I dined at Mr. Dawes’s. He was not at home himelf; but Mrs. Dawes is a charming woman. She is handsome, but there is an amiable sweetness in her countenance and manners, far more pleasing, than the most perfect beauty could be without it. W. Cranch accompanied me in all my excursions. We went together on the top of Beacon hill; and greatly enjoyed the fine prospect, and the refreshing breeze. At about seven o’clock the wind got round, and it grew quite cool. I mounted, and rode about a quarter of an hour in the rain, after which I had a tolerable ride, and got home, by nine o’clock. I had taken some letters from the post-office, which were from my Sister at New York.


Title: 19th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       I was considerably fatigued by my jaunt of yesterday, but made out however to read something, in the course of the day; and in the slow progress which I have made since I came to Braintree, I have at length got through the volume of Doctor Priestley upon history and general policy, which I take to be an excellent work; I shall take as early an opportunity as possible to peruse it again.


Title: 21st.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       This morning I left Braintree in company with my brother Tom, who was going to Haverhill; and in order to have company, so great a part of the way, I determined to go there with him. We stopp’d a short time at Cambridge, and I went to Dr. Rand’s to take a Letter from Miss Newhall, as I had promised her at Commencement. She was gone out but had left the Letter. We dined in Wilmington, and got to Haverhill between seven and eight o’clock. In Woburn, we saw young Bartlett who had thoughts some time since, of opening an office in Braintree, but got discouraged there and finally determined upon Woburn, where from the appearance of the place, I should doubt somewhat of his succeeding very much; but in the present state of the profession, there can be but little choice of place for a young man.


Title: 22d.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       I went to see Leonard White this forenoon. His father has been unwell for some days past. His complaints are of a lethargic nature, and his habit is such, that such disorders must probably prove in the end fatal to him. He now sleeps as much as half his time, and is consequently half dead. I went to see Mrs. Bartlett, and saw Mr. S. Blodget there: his brother Caleb, and young Mr. Breck I met with yesterday on the road from Boston; at the tavern, and they came forward before us. I pass’d the afternoon at Mr. Thaxter’s, and the evening at Mr. Shaw’s.


Title: 23d.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       I had almost promised Mr. Thaxter to wait till the afternoon; but as there was an appearance of a probability that the weather would be disagreeable, I thought it would be safest to come home before dinner. My Brother Tom, rode with me about four miles to the ferry. I got to my lodgings between twelve and one. I called at Dr. Kilham’s shop: and there received an invitation from Mr. Marquand to dine with him. There was some company there; but persons with whom I had no acquaintance. I called at the office in the afternoon: and returned to Mr. Marquand’s to tea. In the evening, I went and delivered to Miss Coats the letter which Miss Newhall left for her, and came home quite early.


Title: 24th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       I returned, and once more took my seat in the office: but did little this forenoon. Thompson was unwell, and did not attend. I went with Putnam to club at Little’s; there were only three of us. Thompson being indisposed, and Stacey out of town. I was this day inform’d that Pickman has lain aside all thoughts of practising Law, and has already opened a Store in Boston. The determination was rather sudden; for it is but a fortnight, since he was sworn in to Court at Salem; where he then intended to open an office immediately. But he never was fond of the profession, and while he was studying with us I suspected, that he would never do much business as a lawyer.


Title: 25th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Mr. Andrews came to town last night, and called to see us at the office this forenoon. They have engaged him to preach here at Mr. Carey’s for six Sundays and will probably employ him longer still. I returned this day to Bacon’s pleas and pleading, which I left when I went to Braintree. But could not proceed with great advantage, as I left my extract book, in a small trunk which was to come this day in the stage; but has somehow failed. I shall make some alterations for the future in my plan of study: I shall not confine myself so closely and exclusively to the law; but shall devote some part of the day to studies of a lighter and more entertaining kind.


Title: 26th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       I went to pay a visit to Mrs. Hooper: but disappointed her by having no news from her son Jo, who is now with Mr. Townsend. Took a long walk quite alone.
       We have a new boarder at my lodgings; a Mr. Romain, a frenchman; who came, a few days after I went from here last. I have not seen him yet: as he went on a fishing party the day that I came home; and is not yet returned.


Title: 27th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Mr. Andrews preached for us this day; and was somewhat longer than usual to the great satisfaction of some people who cannot easily be contented. Mr. Spring, and Mr. Murray, both had a third meeting in the evening; it was occasional at Mr. Murray’s, but Mr. Spring is determined henceforth to make a practice of giving a lecture on Sundays; besides, one in the evening, on Thursdays. As Mr. Carey’s parish may now be considered as vacant, an opportunity presents to attract some of those who belong there. The spiritual welfare of the individuals may charitably be supposed the only motive which Mr. Spring will acknowledge even to himself. But says the duke de la Rochefoucault, (who was as fully convinced of the depravity of the human heart as Mr. Spring, and who was much better acquainted with it.) ’Tesprit est toujours la dupe du coeur.” The head is ever the dupe of the heart. And when the passions assume the form of principle, the disguise will be discovered by every body else sooner than by the man who is directed by them. Mr. Spring’s interest will be promoted should he make converts, for his parish is small and poor: his vanity will be flattered, by bringing people over to his opinion; and when in addition to this, his imagination fondly perswades him, that his cause is likewise the cause of God, it is not to be wondered that he can reconcile himself to contradictions, and that his practice is openly at variance with his theory, which condemns the use of means for bringing sinners to repentance.


Title: 28th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       I finished reading Bacon’s pleas and pleading: but the subject is so knotty that I must at some future period, read this over once or twice more. I began a third time upon Blackstone, a book which a lawyer cannot possibly read too much. In the evening I walk’d into Newbury with Stacey. I have been engaged for some days upon a matter which takes all my leisure time: it is in writing a piece for the 5th. of September. The Society at Cambridge, have ordered me to speak on that day; and I shall obey, if I can possibly attend.


Title: 30th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       This afternoon Mr. Cutler called at our office, and perswaded me to ride with him up to Mr. Brown’s farm; where we found a number of young Ladies. The afternoon was tolerably insipid: we drank tea there; and afterwards escorted the Ladies. I rode with Miss Jones, and left her at Captain Fletcher’s. I afterwards returned there, but she was already gone. There was a very brilliant northern light in the evening.
       Mr. Cutler is one of the most complaisant persons with whom I am acquainted. The ladies employ him upon almost every occasion; and yet behave to him in such a manner as does not express a sense of obligations received. They even slight and disregard him for performing those services by which he renders himself useful to them. There are problems in the female character, which are not easily solved.


Title: 31st.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       I amuse myself in reading Junius’s letters; which though the factious productions of a partizan, contain many excellent observations upon men and manners.
       We met this evening at Putnam’s. Thompson left us to go to Lecture!


Title: Friday August 1st. 1788.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       The day was spent in the usual uninteresting manner: indeed it may be generally observed that the more advantageously the day is employed for myself; the less I have to say at the close of it. I walk’d in the evening with Stacey till after nine o’clock.


Title: 2d.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Mr. Farnham proposed to me this morning to join a party, which was formed to go in the afternoon to the grove; a romantic spot, where the young people are fond of visiting. I declined however: and they finally gave up the scheme, as they were informed the proprietor of the land had some objections. I have been this week tolerably industrious.


Title: 4th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Blackstone still furnishes me with employment for my forenoon hours; and I this day took up the fourth volume of Hume’s History, which I was reading when I last went from here. This author’s manifest partiality in favour of the Stuarts, his unceasing labours to palliate their faults, and his blindness to their crimes, must be overlook’d or forgiven in favor of the great entertainment which he affords.
       I pass’d the evening with Thompson, at Mr. Carter’s. The Conversation was not uncommonly interesting, though the old gentleman, is always agreeable to me. Betsey Smith of Boston was there and has been with them for several weeks.


Title: 5th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       This forenoon A Doctor Young came to our office, for a writ against a number of insurgents. It seems he was a volunteer in the service of government, the winter before last; and being upon a party against several of them received a ball in his knee, which has made him a cripple for Life. He brought an action against them some time since at Worcester, but his jury were one half of them insurgents, who were for giving him no damages, and the other half thought he should have a thousand or fifteen hundred pounds, they could not agree: upon which he discontinued his action, and is now determined to bring one forward in this County, where he hopes to find a more impartial jury. The cause will, I doubt not, be very interesting, and Mr. Parsons will exert himself.
       I walk’d in the evening with Stacey.


Title: 6th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Putnam went last week to Danvers, and return’d this forenoon. He brought me a Letter, which came from Townsend, enclosing one for Mrs. Hooper. Amory it seems has suddenly determined to open an office in Salem; and has already put his determination into execution. He had concluded to take a trip, either to Georgia, or Carolina; but upon being informed that Pickman had altered his scheme; he thought it would be best to try his fortune first in this part of the Country. I went in the evening with Thompson, up to Mrs. Atkins’s. I told them that Townsend was coming here next week. Becca said she hoped he would make himself welcome by bringing Jo. Hooper with him: it was conjectured while Townsend lived in this Town, that he had a partiality for this lady. He frequented the house very much; and there appears now a coolness in them bordering upon the resentment of disappointment. Mrs. Atkins said that a man must generally be a good judge of his own compositions, and ask’d me if I was of that opinion; I was not and endeavoured to avoid answering directly; but she would not suffer it; and I was finally obliged to agree, to the truth of her observation; protestando to myself that it was only from complaisance to a Lady, that I agreed; which will always excuse a little self-denying as Hudibras calls it.


Title: 7th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Thompson did not attend this day at the Office. Phillips called to see us this afternoon. He has been to Portsmouth, and is now upon his return to Boston: he expects to read law in Mr. Dawes’s office. I walk’d into Newbury this evening with Stacey. The evenings grow long to my great regret. At present I can employ the evening from dusk till nine o’clock in walking; and as I am not over fond of visiting, this is the most agreeable, as well as to me the most useful method of spending my Time. I am not upon familiar terms in one house in Town; and upon the cold formality of ceremony, with which all my visits must be accompanied, I confess I wish not to be extensively acquainted.


Title: 9th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Thompson went to see Miss Roberts at Newtown. I cannot read with so much satisfaction for some days past, as I usually do, as my eyes are very troublesome. Walk’d in the evening, but quite alone: I finished a day or two since, my performance for the 5th. of next month; and am now very closely engaged in a matter which has been accumulating upon me these two months.


Title: 10th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Mr. Kimball supplied the place of Mr. Andrews this day. I observed none of Captn. Coombs’s family were at meeting, and heard in the afternoon that his Daughter Polly, had left this world; and I trust for a better, this morning; after an illness of four or five months. In the afternoon I went to Mr. Spring’s, meeting and heard a Mr. Story preach there hammering away in the true stile upon predestination and free-will. None but an atheist he said could doubt of the former; and no man that had common sense of the latter. He endeavoured to soften his system as much as possible; hoping thereby, I suppose, that he might be employ’d in the other parish.
       I walk’d with Stacey and Romain, in the evening. We met Amory who was returning from Cape Ann with Miss Fletcher. After he had carried her home, he went at about 9 in the evening with Stacey to Ipswich.


Title: 11th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Thompson watch’d last evening; in consequence of which he felt not much disposed to study closely this day, and was but little at the office. Walk’d in the evening with Putnam.


Title: 12th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       I called in the afternoon for about half an hour, at the office. Attended Miss Coombs’s funeral. It was very long. I walk’d with Putnam. As we were returning we accosted Miss Jones and Miss Fletcher; and waited on them home. After which we went to see Townsend Who came in town this forenoon; we past an hour or two there and afterwards walk’d till between nine and ten. Townsends cough, still hangs upon him; and although he fansies himself essentially better, his situation appears to me more dangerous, than it did four months ago. His spirits however are as brisk and lively as they ever were; and he talks as much as ever; which I believe is rather injurious to him.
       My Time flies from me with the rapidity of a whirlwind. Every hour is precious, and every moment unemployed becomes a subject of regret. This afternoon has been lost to me; unless the view of the object before me, be turned to some profit; though even that by showing more forcibly the brevity and uncertainty of Life, should rather condemn me, for neglecting to improve every minute to the best purposes.


Title: 13th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Mrs. Emery who has been very ill these four or five weeks, died last night, leaving to the wide world two orphan children, who three years ago had the fairest prospects of sharing a fortune of ten thousand pounds sterling; but who in consequence of Mr. Tracy’s misfortunes, are now almost destitute of support.
       I walk’d in the evening with Stacey and Little. Stacey left us. We met Putnam walking with some young Ladies. I joined them, and pass’d the remainder of the evening at Mr. Frazier’s. These young Misses have assumed an importance rather above their years, and to the trifling conduct and conversation of childhood, unite the punctilious formality of riper years. I receive not much satisfaction in their company, and as they are handsome, I had rather look at them for five minutes than be with them five hours. Putnam is not so difficult to please. He can conform to their manners, and enter into all their debates: he is consequently a favourite.


Title: 14th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       This was a day of humiliation and prayer at Mr. Carey’s: on account of his sickness; and to implore the assistance of providence in choosing a colleague to supply his place. Mr. Webster of Salisbury preached in the forenoon; and performed very well. But Dr. Tucker in the afternoon was very interesting and pathetic; in showing how good and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. I attended Mrs. Emery’s funeral. Mr. Andrews made the prayer; and performed even better than was expected. I passed part of the evening with Townsend; called at Mr. Tufts’s, to see Mrs. Shaw; but she was gone out. Mr. Shaw called to see me in the morning. They came in town last night.


Title: 16th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Dined with Townsend, in company with Mr. Andrews, and Thompson. After dinner we took a ride: went down to Mr. N. Tracy’s, but he was not at home. On the road we met the governor, who was coming into Town. We went to Mrs. Atkins’s. She was in fine spirits and consequently very good company. We were however obliged to come away early as the weather was rather disagreeable. I spent the evening at Mr. Hooper’s. Mr. Cutler was there. We stroll’d about, an hour or more after we came away.
       The week has disappeared in a very singular manner; some thing or other has taken me from my studies every day; and at the close of the week I regret the Time lost without being able to repair it. This is not the first time that I have experienced this effect since I came into this Town, and I greatly fear it will not be the last.


Title: 17th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Mr. Andrews preach’d for us; this forenoon he was lengthy in his prayer upon the late misfortunes in the several families. In his Sermon he likewise touched upon the subject, in recommending to us, so to number our days, that we might apply our hearts unto wisdom. I past the evening with Townsend. There fell a considerable quantity of rain, in the course of the last night, and of this day. And it will be very useful, as the fruits of the ground were languishing for want of moisture.


Title: 19th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Several of the gentlemen who accompanied the governor, yesterday to Haverhill, went on to Salem with him, and did not return till this evening. I was with Townsend.


Title: 20th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       I was walking with Putnam in one of the Streets in Town, this evening, when we heard a strange noise in a house, and a number of people standing round it. We went up to the window and heard a man exhorting as they call it. That is calling upon God, in every tone of voice, and repeating a number of texts of scripture, incoherently huddled together, so as to make an unintelligible jumble of nonsense, which they think is a proper method of seeking the Lord.


Title: 21st.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Upon Stacey’s invitation I went with him and Putnam, and two young lads by the name of Greenough, to Mr. Greenleaf’s; where we had something like a concert of music. The house was soon filled with people; it seemed as if there was nobody within five miles that had ever heard the sound of a violin before. Some of the young Ladies thought it would be pretty to join with their voices in the music; and the concert thenceforth became both vocal and instrumental. I was fatigued by ten o’clock; and could blow no more: and finding that Stacey and Putnam had got so much engaged, with a lovely songstress, (or one that might be lovely) as shew no prospect of an intention to quit, I came off and left them at about eleven o’clock.


Title: 22d.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       We assembled this evening at Thompson’s. Mr. Greenleaf called in and past an hour with us. He was apprehensive that we were disgusted with the crowd last evening; but we undeceived him. He talk’d about the war; for he was an officer in our army.

          “And little of this great world can he speak
          More than pertains to feats of broils and battle.”

         Putnam has not yet got over his trick of leaving us to join the young Ladies; but this evening he acknowledged, he was going to Mr. Frazier’s. We likewise walk’d in the evening, and stroll’d about till ten o’clock.


Title: 23d.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Dined at Thompson’s, with Mr. Andrews and Townsend. In the afternoon I took a ride with Little to Haverhill. I endeavoured to persuade him to go with me the week after next to Cambridge; but my labour was in vain. We had a very smart thunder shower, while we were on the road, but it was very soon over.


Title: [24 August–2 September]
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Here, this journal very abruptly breaks off. I had long doubted whether the utility attending the method which I have pursued were adequate to the time I have devoted to it. But an indisposition, which for two months has prevented me from writing has finally turned the wavering scale.
       I will not however immediately drop all memorials of my transactions; but the remainder of this volume will probably contain a space of time as long as that recorded already in more than two vols, and an half.


Title: 24.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Parson Dutch preach’d. L. White and Mr. Thaxter.


Title: 25th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Return’d from Haverhill. Somewhat interrupted.


Title: 26th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Office business. Takes from reading. Dined with Mr. Parsons.


Title: 27.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Mr. Parsons went to Boston. Wrote. Mr. Cabot &c.


Title: 28.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Walk’d with Stacey. Curious conversation. Greenough’s.


Title: 29.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Funeral. Mr. Atkins. Met in the evening at Putnams.


Title: 30.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Rain. Little past the evening with me.


Title: 31.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Heard Mr. Prince. Mr. Marquand’s. Mr. Jackson’s. Religious tattoo.


Title: [August 1788]
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

      Friday August 1st. 1788.

       The day was spent in the usual uninteresting manner: indeed it may be generally observed that the more advantageously the day is employed for myself; the less I have to say at the close of it. I walk’d in the evening with Stacey till after nine o’clock.

   JQA notes, in his line-a-day entry, Blackstone’s Commentaries, which he presumably read this day (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

      2d.

       Mr. Farnham proposed to me this morning to join a party, which was formed to go in the afternoon to the grove; a romantic spot, where the young people are fond of visiting. I declined however: and they finally gave up the scheme, as they were informed the proprietor of the land had some objections. I have been this week tolerably industrious.

      3d.

       I heard Mr. Andrews preach. About as long as he was last Sunday. I think he is gaining ground in the parish. And am in hopes that he may be finally settled, without much opposition. Which would greatly disappoint some flaming zealots, who like all zealots justify unworthy means by the sanctity of the end.
       I walk’d in the beginning of the evening with Stacey: and afterwards called at Mrs. Hooper’s. Betsey gratified her temper by the most unlimited severity upon a number of young Ladies who usually associate together. There appears by her conversation to be some peculiar enmity against them: her mother always reproves her, and always follows her example. There appears a singular pleasure in observing the trifling and silly conduct of that circle; and thus throughout Society, the follies of one, always contribute to the gratification of many others.

      4th.

       Blackstone still furnishes me with employment for my forenoon hours; and I this day took up the fourth volume of Hume’s History, which I was reading when I last went from here. This author’s manifest partiality in favour of the Stuarts, his unceasing labours to palliate their faults, and his blindness to their crimes, must be overlook’d or forgiven in favor of the great entertainment which he affords.
       I pass’d the evening with Thompson, at Mr. Carter’s. The Conversation was not uncommonly interesting, though the old gentleman, is always agreeable to me. Betsey Smith of Boston was there and has been with them for several weeks.

      5th.

       This forenoon A Doctor Young came to our office, for a writ against a number of insurgents. It seems he was a volunteer in the service of government, the winter before last; and being upon a party against several of them received a ball in his knee, which has made him a cripple for Life. He brought an action against them some time since at Worcester, but his jury were one half of them insurgents, who were for giving him no damages, and the other half thought he should have a thousand or fifteen hundred pounds, they could not agree: upon which he discontinued his action, and is now determined to bring one forward in this County, where he hopes to find a more impartial jury. The cause will, I doubt not, be very interesting, and Mr. Parsons will exert himself.
       I walk’d in the evening with Stacey.

      6th.

       Putnam went last week to Danvers, and return’d this forenoon. He brought me a Letter, which came from Townsend, enclosing one for Mrs. Hooper. Amory it seems has suddenly determined to open an office in Salem; and has already put his determination into execution. He had concluded to take a trip, either to Georgia, or Carolina; but upon being informed that Pickman had altered his scheme; he thought it would be best to try his fortune first in this part of the Country. I went in the evening with Thompson, up to Mrs. Atkins’s. I told them that Townsend was coming here next week. Becca said she hoped he would make himself welcome by bringing Jo. Hooper with him: it was conjectured while Townsend lived in this Town, that he had a partiality for this lady. He frequented the house very much; and there appears now a coolness in them bordering upon the resentment of disappointment. Mrs. Atkins said that a man must generally be a good judge of his own compositions, and ask’d me if I was of that opinion; I was not and endeavoured to avoid answering directly; but she would not suffer it; and I was finally obliged to agree, to the truth of her observation; protestando to myself that it was only from complaisance to a Lady, that I agreed; which will always excuse a little self-denying as Hudibras calls it.

   Letter not found.

      7th.

       Thompson did not attend this day at the Office. Phillips called to see us this afternoon. He has been to Portsmouth, and is now upon his return to Boston: he expects to read law in Mr. Dawes’s office. I walk’d into Newbury this evening with Stacey. The evenings grow long to my great regret. At present I can employ the evening from dusk till nine o’clock in walking; and as I am not over fond of visiting, this is the most agreeable, as well as to me the most useful method of spending my Time. I am not upon familiar terms in one house in Town; and upon the cold formality of ceremony, with which all my visits must be accompanied, I confess I wish not to be extensively acquainted.

      8th.

       We met this evening at my lodgings, as we have changed the evening in order to accommodate Thompson who wishes to attend Mr. Spring’s lectures. This young fellow, who is possessed of most violent passions which he with great difficulty can command, and of unbounded ambition, which he conceals perhaps even to himself has been seduced into that bigoted, illiberal system of religion which by professing vainly, to follow purely the dictates of the bible, in reality contradicts the whole doctrine of the new testament, and destroys all the boundaries between good and evil, between right and wrong. But like all the followers of that sect, his practice is at open variance with his theory. When I observe into what inconsistent absurdities those persons run, who make speculative, metaphysical religion a matter of importance, I am fully determined never to puzzle myself in the mazes of religious discussion, to content myself with practising the dictates of God and reason; so far as I can judge for myself; and resign myself into the arms of a being whose tender mercies are over all his works.

   To this account JQA adds, in his line-a-day entry, “Walk’d after nine. Journal” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

      9th.

       Thompson went to see Miss Roberts at Newtown. I cannot read with so much satisfaction for some days past, as I usually do, as my eyes are very troublesome. Walk’d in the evening, but quite alone: I finished a day or two since, my performance for the 5th. of next month; and am now very closely engaged in a matter which has been accumulating upon me these two months.

   According to JQA’s draft copy of the Phi Beta Kappa speech, he had completed it on 6 Aug.

      10th.

       Mr. Kimball supplied the place of Mr. Andrews this day. I observed none of Captn. Coombs’s family were at meeting, and heard in the afternoon that his Daughter Polly, had left this world; and I trust for a better, this morning; after an illness of four or five months. In the afternoon I went to Mr. Spring’s, meeting and heard a Mr. Story preach there hammering away in the true stile upon predestination and free-will. None but an atheist he said could doubt of the former; and no man that had common sense of the latter. He endeavoured to soften his system as much as possible; hoping thereby, I suppose, that he might be employ’d in the other parish.
       I walk’d with Stacey and Romain, in the evening. We met Amory who was returning from Cape Ann with Miss Fletcher. After he had carried her home, he went at about 9 in the evening with Stacey to Ipswich.

   Probably Isaac Story, minister of the Second Congregational Church of Marblehead (James McLachlan, Princetonians, 1748–1768: A Biographical Dictionary, Princeton, 1976, p. 655–657).

      11th.

       Thompson watch’d last evening; in consequence of which he felt not much disposed to study closely this day, and was but little at the office. Walk’d in the evening with Putnam.

   For protection against fires and other disorders, the town of Newburyport required the services of two night watchmen, chosen by the constables from a list of all able-bodied townsmen (Currier, NewburyportJohn J. Currier, History of Newburyport, Massachusetts, 1764-1905, Newburyport, 1906-1909; 2 vols., 2:46).

      12th.

       I called in the afternoon for about half an hour, at the office. Attended Miss Coombs’s funeral. It was very long. I walk’d with Putnam. As we were returning we accosted Miss Jones and Miss Fletcher; and waited on them home. After which we went to see Townsend Who came in town this forenoon; we past an hour or two there and afterwards walk’d till between nine and ten. Townsends cough, still hangs upon him; and although he fansies himself essentially better, his situation appears to me more dangerous, than it did four months ago. His spirits however are as brisk and lively as they ever were; and he talks as much as ever; which I believe is rather injurious to him.
       My Time flies from me with the rapidity of a whirlwind. Every hour is precious, and every moment unemployed becomes a subject of regret. This afternoon has been lost to me; unless the view of the object before me, be turned to some profit; though even that by showing more forcibly the brevity and uncertainty of Life, should rather condemn me, for neglecting to improve every minute to the best purposes.

      13th.

       Mrs. Emery who has been very ill these four or five weeks, died last night, leaving to the wide world two orphan children, who three years ago had the fairest prospects of sharing a fortune of ten thousand pounds sterling; but who in consequence of Mr. Tracy’s misfortunes, are now almost destitute of support.
       I walk’d in the evening with Stacey and Little. Stacey left us. We met Putnam walking with some young Ladies. I joined them, and pass’d the remainder of the evening at Mr. Frazier’s. These young Misses have assumed an importance rather above their years, and to the trifling conduct and conversation of childhood, unite the punctilious formality of riper years. I receive not much satisfaction in their company, and as they are handsome, I had rather look at them for five minutes than be with them five hours. Putnam is not so difficult to please. He can conform to their manners, and enter into all their debates: he is consequently a favourite.

      14th.

       This was a day of humiliation and prayer at Mr. Carey’s: on account of his sickness; and to implore the assistance of providence in choosing a colleague to supply his place. Mr. Webster of Salisbury preached in the forenoon; and performed very well. But Dr. Tucker in the afternoon was very interesting and pathetic; in showing how good and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. I attended Mrs. Emery’s funeral. Mr. Andrews made the prayer; and performed even better than was expected. I passed part of the evening with Townsend; called at Mr. Tufts’s, to see Mrs. Shaw; but she was gone out. Mr. Shaw called to see me in the morning. They came in town last night.

      15th.

       I called in at Mr. Tufts’s to see Mrs. Shaw this morning. I found old Mr. Carter there. Geneological as usual. I dined at his house, with my friends from Haverhill. He asked me to return to tea: I excused myself. He said that tippling business would be going on, every afternoon at six o’clock; if I would call there, I should be welcome. I returned to the Office but felt so much dissipated, that I could not attend with much application. We met this evening at Stacey’s lodgings. Townsend went away just before Sun-set. Lincoln a classmate of Thompson’s, pass’d the evening with us. Though a young preacher, he is not so rigid in his principles as many others are. In the close of the evening we took a walk.

   Rev. Henry Lincoln, minister at Falmouth, Mass. (History of the Town of Hingham, 4 vols, in 3, Hingham, 1893, 2:467).

      16th.

       Dined with Townsend, in company with Mr. Andrews, and Thompson. After dinner we took a ride: went down to Mr. N. Tracy’s, but he was not at home. On the road we met the governor, who was coming into Town. We went to Mrs. Atkins’s. She was in fine spirits and consequently very good company. We were however obliged to come away early as the weather was rather disagreeable. I spent the evening at Mr. Hooper’s. Mr. Cutler was there. We stroll’d about, an hour or more after we came away.
       The week has disappeared in a very singular manner; some thing or other has taken me from my studies every day; and at the close of the week I regret the Time lost without being able to repair it. This is not the first time that I have experienced this effect since I came into this Town, and I greatly fear it will not be the last.

      17th.

       Mr. Andrews preach’d for us; this forenoon he was lengthy in his prayer upon the late misfortunes in the several families. In his Sermon he likewise touched upon the subject, in recommending to us, so to number our days, that we might apply our hearts unto wisdom. I past the evening with Townsend. There fell a considerable quantity of rain, in the course of the last night, and of this day. And it will be very useful, as the fruits of the ground were languishing for want of moisture.

      18th.

       This morning I perceived a deal of stirring in the Streets; and was finally informed that the governor was reviewing the troops of this Town; after which a number of officers, and other gentlemen escorted his excellency to Haverhill; where he intends to dine; and then I suppose he means to show himself some where else. I passed the day at the Office. And the evening, at home in writing; I intended to have taken my usual exercice; but upon leaving the office, I found it was raining, and it continued all the evening. I amused myself tolerably well at home. I have indeed had for some time past almost as much business to do at my lodgings as at the office; but I hope to be gradually relieved.

      19th.

       Several of the gentlemen who accompanied the governor, yesterday to Haverhill, went on to Salem with him, and did not return till this evening. I was with Townsend.

   JQA’s line-a-day entry for this day reads: “Stacey return’d. Rain. Walk with Putnam. Townsend” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

      20th.

       I was walking with Putnam in one of the Streets in Town, this evening, when we heard a strange noise in a house, and a number of people standing round it. We went up to the window and heard a man exhorting as they call it. That is calling upon God, in every tone of voice, and repeating a number of texts of scripture, incoherently huddled together, so as to make an unintelligible jumble of nonsense, which they think is a proper method of seeking the Lord.

   JQA adds in his line-a-day entry, “Busy doing nothing” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

      21st.

       Upon Stacey’s invitation I went with him and Putnam, and two young lads by the name of Greenough, to Mr. Greenleaf’s; where we had something like a concert of music. The house was soon filled with people; it seemed as if there was nobody within five miles that had ever heard the sound of a violin before. Some of the young Ladies thought it would be pretty to join with their voices in the music; and the concert thenceforth became both vocal and instrumental. I was fatigued by ten o’clock; and could blow no more: and finding that Stacey and Putnam had got so much engaged, with a lovely songstress, (or one that might be lovely) as shew no prospect of an intention to quit, I came off and left them at about eleven o’clock.

      22d.

       We assembled this evening at Thompson’s. Mr. Greenleaf called in and past an hour with us. He was apprehensive that we were disgusted with the crowd last evening; but we undeceived him. He talk’d about the war; for he was an officer in our army.

          “And little of this great world can he speak
          More than pertains to feats of broils and battle.”

         Putnam has not yet got over his trick of leaving us to join the young Ladies; but this evening he acknowledged, he was going to Mr. Frazier’s. We likewise walk’d in the evening, and stroll’d about till ten o’clock.

   Othello, Act I, scene iii, lines 86–87.

      23d.

       Dined at Thompson’s, with Mr. Andrews and Townsend. In the afternoon I took a ride with Little to Haverhill. I endeavoured to persuade him to go with me the week after next to Cambridge; but my labour was in vain. We had a very smart thunder shower, while we were on the road, but it was very soon over.

       24 August–2 September

       Here, this journal very abruptly breaks off. I had long doubted whether the utility attending the method which I have pursued were adequate to the time I have devoted to it. But an indisposition, which for two months has prevented me from writing has finally turned the wavering scale.
       I will not however immediately drop all memorials of my transactions; but the remainder of this volume will probably contain a space of time as long as that recorded already in more than two vols, and an half.

   This entry appears immediately after the previous one. Handwriting and the lighter ink suggest that it and the entries for 23 Aug. and 3 Sept. were probably written at the same time. After this entry, with scattered exceptions, the only Diary entries for the remainder of the year come from line-a-day memoranda in D/JQA/13. The exceptions, from D/JQA/12, are 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 20, 24, 27, 30 Sept. and 1, 2, 3, 7, 14 Oct.

      24.

       Parson Dutch preach’d. L. White and Mr. Thaxter.

      25th.

       Return’d from Haverhill. Somewhat interrupted.

      26th.

       Office business. Takes from reading. Dined with Mr. Parsons.

      27.

       Mr. Parsons went to Boston. Wrote. Mr. Cabot &c.

      28.

       Walk’d with Stacey. Curious conversation. Greenough’s.

      29.

       Funeral. Mr. Atkins. Met in the evening at Putnams.

      30.

       Rain. Little past the evening with me.

      31.

       Heard Mr. Prince. Mr. Marquand’s. Mr. Jackson’s. Religious tattoo.

   At the bottom of the page of line-a-day entries for Aug. 1788, but not necessarily referring to the date of 31 Aug., appears the following note: “Memorandum: Stacey borrow’d book, for Ipswich.”


Title: Wednesday September 3d.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       I went over the river with Stacey and Romain upon a shooting party. We had tolerable success. It was very windy; and with a heavy boat and only one oar, we had some difficulty to get across the river. Bridge arrived this day in town. I proposed to him to go with me to-morrow: and he has partly promised to accept my proposal. I this evening informed Mrs. Leathers of my intention to change my lodgings.


Title: Thursday September 4th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Left Newbury-Port this morning with Bridge: we dined at Putnam’s in Dan vers. Very indifferent entertainment. After mistaking our road, and going to Winisimet ferry, we finally got to Cambridge a little before 9 o’clock. Lodg’d at Bradish’s.


Title: Friday September 5th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       The assembly at the anniversary of the Ф.B.K. was more numerous than I have known it. There were near forty members present, among whom were two from Dartmouth college. Lincoln, who was to have been one of the speakers obtained leave to be excused on account of ill health. The governor, happening to be here with the admiral, and some other officers of the french squadron, now in Boston harbour, honoured us with his presence; as did all the college officers.
       I spoke the oration which is hereto annexed, after which we retired to the butler’s chamber: the french Consul, who had likewise attended came there to compliment me &c. After doing what business was necessary, we all went down to Warland’s and dined together; and the festive board crowned the enjoyments of friendship.

          An Oration.
          Spoken, at the request of the ΦBK Society at Cambridge, September 5th. 1788.
          Among the various objects which attract the attention of a youth about to enter upon the scenes of active Life, a view of the prospects before him, and of the Fortunes which expectation leads him to imagine will attend him affords one of the most fruitful sources of contemplation. From an anticipation of futurity, and from the recollection of the past, we chiefly derive the variety of mental enjoyment; and at an early period of life, as we are necessarily precluded in a great measure from the satisfaction arising from the one, the mind naturally recurs more frequently and with a firmer confidence to the other. It must however be acknowledged that we are often prone to view the distant objects through the deceptive medium of fansy, or of the passions.
          Should a concurrence of agreeable circumstances, lead us to the contemplation of this subject, at a time when the spirits are elated by the temporary impulsion of successful satisfaction, we soar rapidly upon the wings of a flattering imagination, and soon lose ourselves bewildered amidst the magnificent objects with which we have adorned the road around us. Unmindful of the precarious tenure by which all human enjoyments are held, we behold Fortune and Fame emulously striving to invest us in the possession of all the blessings which they can impart, and in the ardor of juvenile exultation eastern opulence is scarcely competent to the satisfaction of our avarice, eastern grandeur to that of our ambition. But should some untoward event occur, to awaken us from these fantastic dreams, we descend with rapidity from the visionary elevation, and sink as far beneath the level of rational probability, as we had before been raised above it. The path of life becomes rugged with thorns: a thousand obstacles apparently stand before us, and the approach to the seats of happiness, like that to the garden of the Hesperides seems under the perpetual custody of fiery dragons. We dwell with involuntary terror upon the ideas of the malice, the treachery and envy which we expect from our fellow mortals untill we are ready to imagine that our Life is to be a state of continual warfare with the whole human race. The baseless fabric of our hopes vanishes like the phantom of a fairy tale, and the mind oppressed by the contemplation of these gloomy objects is almost ready to settle in a state of sullen despondency.
          I presume your own feelings, my worthy friends, will testify that this representation can scarcely be charged with exaggeration: and yet, why on the one hand, should we ever indulge ourselves in expectations which never can be realized; why on the other, anticipate evils, which can surely never come too late.
          Egregiously indeed should we deceive ourselves were we to imagine that in the course of a life of ease and contentment, we could obtain the enjoyments of riches or of honour. It is by a combination of indefatigable industry and rigid oeconomy that great wealth is acquired; for when we have done all that can depend upon ourselves, when we have laboured without intermission, and been sparing even to parsimony, still we frequently experience that “bread is not always to the wise nor yet riches to men of understanding.” Great honours we must remember are the reward of great exertions. The reputation of a Statesman or a Warrior is generally proportioned to the distresses from which he relieved or attempted to relieve his country; and the defeats of Thrasymene and Cannae are monuments erected to the fame of the elder Scipio, no less glorious than the victory of Zama.
          When we contemplate the atchievements of the numerous train of heroes whose names, through the successive revolutions of four hundred years, adorn the annals of the roman republic our bosoms are animated with an ardent desire to emulate their virtues. We admire the undaunted fortitude with which every danger was braved, we admire the invincible resolution and perseverance, with which every difficulty was overcome, in the defence of their country: and when these virtues are recommended by such illustrious examples, the most exalted minds will fervently wish for opportunities to display those qualities which command the admiration of mankind. But when we consider, that those atchievements could never have been performed had not their Country during the same period been engaged in a perpetual struggle to maintain her very existence against her hostile and surrounding neighbours; when we reflect upon the dreadful calamities which the republic underwent, and how often she was brought to the brink of destruction, the rude and imperious calls of ambition must yield to the soft, persuasive eloquence of humanity, and a sentiment of real patriotism, must forbid us from pursuing the painful preeminence.
          But if we should carefully avoid a delusion which by promising unreal advantages exposes us to the mortification of disappointment, how much more reason have we to shun another, which by threatening future distresses, embitters the present moment with the reality of woe. If we can circumscribe our desires within rational bounds; if we can be contented with a situation which affords the most essential enjoyments, we may safely conclude ourselves in a great measure, independent of external circumstances. There is a certain station in life, which if well filled will entitle us to the respect and esteem of our fellow citizens, without holding us up exposed to the envenomed shafts of rancorous envy. The rewards of Reason are proportioned rather to the improvement than to the magnitude of the trust; and in her impartial eye we may presume that the man whose usefulness is confined only by the limits of his opportunities to serve his fellow mortals, is no less meritorious than the founder of an empire or the discoveror of a world.—Such is the Divine, whose paternal labours are calculated to instruct, to enlighten and to improve the minds of the flock committed to his charge: whose periodical precepts teach the importance of the great duties of morality and religion, and whose exemplary sanctity of manners endears the virtues which from the sacred desk he earnestly recommends.—Such is the patriotic merchant whose industrious activity is exerted to promote the public interest in connexion with his own, and who by encouraging the agriculture and manufactures of his Country, enlarges the sphere of her beneficial commerce, and liberates her from the humiliating shackles of european dependency.—Such is the lawyer, who, disdaining the base and servile arts of chicanery and intrigue, uniformly exerts his learning and his talents in the cause of injured innocence and of truth.—And such is the humane physician, whose skill and benevolence are directed to the alleviation of the complicated miseries with which humanity is burthened; who, called to the assistance of human nature in all the variety of physical distress, administers not only the restoring preparation to the languishing body; but the balm of consolation to the wounded mind.
          The combined advantages of utility and respectability, are not however confined to these professions. In a free country where honour consists not in idleness, the farmer, the mechanic, and the tradesman maintain the dignity due to their station, and become active constituent parts of the political body.
          As the regulation of our conduct must in some measure, depend upon the sentiments which we form in the anticipation of our future appearance in life, it may be of some importance to lay a restraint upon the freedom of a wanton imagination, and to view ourselves seated for life, in one of these intermediate stations where removed “Far from the madding crowd’s ignoble strife” we may spend our days with happiness to ourselves, and with usefulness to our fellow mortals. If notwithstanding all our precautions we are destined to become the sport of adverse Fortune, and to undergo evils against which no human prudence can guard, at least the cruel stings of disappointed ambition will not add a poignancy to our woes. If on the other hand the blind capricious deity should bestow upon us unexpected favours, we shall be better enabled to improve the advantages which she may offer; to follow her with cautious steps, and to stop without disgrace wherever she may show a disposition to forsake us.
          There is indeed one form under which Ambition assumes not merely the form, but with it all the amiable attractions and all the conscious dignity of Virtue. It is in the desire to appear conspicuous in the walks of literature and Science. An ambition, which to the members of the institution, at whose request I appear in this place, which to the sons of Harvard in general, must present itself under an aspect peculiarly engaging. Its gratification depends, not upon the destruction, but upon the improvement of mankind. The trophies erected to the Muses are not upon plains drenched in human gore, but in the hearts of the virtuous and the wise: and although the vulgar of mankind will always bestow more liberal applause upon their destroyers than upon their benefactors, yet the generous and humane will ever esteem the passage through the portico of Science, to be the most honourable avenue to the temple of Fame.
          The situation of an infant country is necessarily unfavourable to an extensive encouragement of literary genius: the equality and mediocrity of fortunes renders an active profession necessary for the support of every individual: even those who are the most attached to the pursuits of Literature can view them only as a secondary object: in the ordinary course of human transactions the noblest faculties of the mind must droop and languish for want of culture and improvement.

             “Full many a flower be born to blush unseen
             And waste its sweetness on the desart air.”

            We find accordingly, that previous to the late revolution, America had produced so few men of great eminence, that European philosophers of no small note, arguing from this single fact, which is otherwise so well accounted for, have ventured to affirm, that Nature, like a partial step-mother had distributed her favours very unequally between the inhabitants of the two hemispheres: that a smaller portion of the etherial spirit had been allotted to man, on this than on the other side of the atlantic; and in the presumptuous pride of human reason, they have been almost tempted to deny us the honours of the species, and to assign us a station among the inferior animals of creation. This humiliating theory is ere this well exploded. The late revolution has brought forth american characters in arts and arms whose reputation is limited only by the boundaries of the civilized world: one of our most illustrious countrymen has successfully combated the insulting system in all its connections: and his performance carries an internal evidence in favour of his opinions; as unanswerable, as the arguments and the facts which he adduces.
          It becomes then incumbent upon the rising generation to maintain in all its lustre the splendid reputation which our country has acquired. To you therefore who are conscious of possessing the divine spark of transcendent genius, suffer me to express my ardent desire, that you may cherish the generous flame: that, in the various departments of Philosophy and History; of Oratory and Poetry, you may extract from this blooming garden of Science, such fragrant sweets, as shall hereafter diffuse their salutary influence throughout this extensive continent: that you may live to enjoy the fruits of a reputation founded upon your extensive usefulness to mankind; and that, after treading honourably the theatre of human life, when the scene shall close, and the curtain drop, you may be dismissed from the stage of action, with the unbounded plaudits of a grateful and admiring universe.

       We separated early in the afternoon, and I went and paid a visit at Dr. Waterhouse’s, and at Mr. Williams’s. I went to Boston; where Bridge left me; and I took up my brother Tom. We met my classmate Tom Chandler, who just came from Hallifax: we got to Braintree between 7 and 8 o’clock, where I found Mr. Parsons, who pass’d the evening with us but lodg’d at Mr. Woodward’s.


Title: 6.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Saltmarsh. Read. Mr. Cranch’s.


Title: Sunday September 7th. 1788.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       The Marquis to Sainneville, commander of the french Squadron now in the harbour, and the Chevalier Maccarty de Martegues captain of the Achille, dined here to day. Several other officers were detained by the badness of the weather.


Title: 8.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Company afternoon. Angier.


Title: 9.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Went over to Milton.


Title: Wednesday September 10th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       The Governor with the Captains of the french vessells, the french Consul, and some other gentlemen dined with us.


Title: 11.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Mrs. Smith and Louisa. W. Cranch.


Title: Sunday Septr. 13th. [i.e. 14th].
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       I did not sleep a wink the whole night. My nerves are in a very disagreeable state of irritation. I attended meeting all day at Dr. Tucker’s, with Bridge. I called in the evening at Mr. N. Carter’s, and at Mr. Tufts’s to deliver letters. At Mr. Tufts’s I saw Mr. Shaw, who, I find preached for Mr. Andrews this day. I retired early, and went to bed, but could get no sleep. After laying about three hours, I got up and went over to Dr. Swett, and requested him to supply me with an opiate, which he did; it gradually composed my nerves, and gave me a few hours of sleep.


Title: 15.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Sleepless. Could do no business.


Title: 16.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Strolling about all day. Idle.


Title: 17.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Can neither read nor write.


Title: 18.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Training. Unwell out of spirits. Foster.


Title: 19.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Spent my time in visiting &c.


Title: 21.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Meeting afternoon. L. W. Mr. Thaxter.


Title: 22.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       H. Lincoln. Dined with Mr. T. Mr. B’s.


Title: 23.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Lincoln went home. Dr. Price’s Sermons.


Title: Wednesday September 24th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Lincoln went yesterday for Hingham; I went with Mr. and Mrs. Shaw to Andover. There was a large company at Mr. Symmes’s; and after dinner we had a lecture, the Sermon was intolerably long. Singing remarkably good. We got back to Haverhill just after Sun-set. My Brother Charles with Daniel Russell arrived here this evening. Charles obtained leave to come and see me. Mr. Thaxter and his Lady pass’d part of the evening here.


Title: 26.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Dined with Mr. Thaxter. Genl. Lincoln.


Title: 29.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Tea at Mr. Adams’s.


Title: Tuesday September 30th.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       The weather was not very favourable, but, as the court of common pleas was to sit this week in Newbury-Port, I concluded to return there. When I got home, I found Bridge unwell. Nothing done at court but preparatory business this day. I retired early to bed.