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

       The weather is yet unsettled, but it has not storm’d this day. Saunders, and Barron of the junior Class were here.
       Our time flies away extremely fast; one half of the vacation has already eloped, and I shall soon, with a mixture of pleasure and pain, see my fellow students again assembled, and be called again to attend to the public exercises. They will it is true diminish; as our Class are henceforth to attend recitations only once a day, and that only for nine weeks, after which we shall in a manner be left to ourselves.


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

       The weather cleared up in the morning, and the cold since noon has increased very fast. We pass’d an hour in the evening at Mr. Gannett’s; he was not at home: Mrs. G. is quite historical; that is she gives a very minute history of whatever occurs to herself or her family.
       Up late reading parliamentary debates. Packard came to see us, this afternoon.


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

       The weather very moderate. The snow went off quite fast. Drank tea at Mr. Hilliard’s. His daughter look’d prettier, than she ever did before. Mr. Paine was there, and appeared quite happy, in his new situation. The People of Charlestown, who never could be united in their opinions, for a minister, are universally very much attached to him, and his talents and virtues are such as will probably preserve him that esteem, which he has every where acquired. Mr. H. appears to be very fond of him, and proud of him as a brother.


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

       Fine weather, till the evening, which was very blustry. The men have been selected who are to go from this Town, against the insurgents. They have taken almost all the servants in Town; the troops are to march to-morrow, for Worcester, under the command of General Lincoln. We passed the evening at Professor Williams’s. Jenny look’d handsomer, than she has for several months past; and was very agreeable.


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

       The troops from this Town, went this afternoon to Waltham, from whence, they are to proceed to-morrow towards Worcester. After tea, I went with Bridge, Williams and Learned to Mystic, and had a very good dance. There were several very fine girls; but being entirely unacquainted with them all, I could not be very sociable with them. A Miss Dixey struck me, as being uncommonly beautiful; but from the few observations I could make, I thought she had the qualities which are commonly the companions of beauty: at about one in the morning we broke up, and, we reach’d home, at about two.


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

       Mr. Hilliard again entertained us all day, with his own composition. Bridge, and I dined at Mr. Dana’s. Miss Almy informed us of all the circumstances which attended our party the other day; and among many other anecdotes, told us that Bridge was deeply smitten with a Miss Hall, who had I thought much of a sleepy appearance and I forsooth, am the humble admirer of Miss Dixey. If personal beauty was my only object of admiration, I should certainly be in this predicament, but I must look a little further, before I surrender my liberty entirely.

          For all the gifts which nature can impart,
          Are vain without the virtues of the heart.

         Mr. Andrews, who returned from Hingham yesterday, drank tea with us this evening.


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

       Employ’d all day, in translating some german observations for Mr. Dana: finished them: and in the evening I went down there to carry them. Miss Ellery and Miss Jones, keep up a correspondence in writing. Almy has a larger share of Sense, than commonly falls to the lot of her sex, and, that sense is cultivated and improved, a circumstance, still more uncommon.


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

       Miss Ellery, went home this morning, after breakfast. Miss Jones, rather unsociable; her spirits low. Charles and Tom, arrived here, this afternoon from Haverhill: left all our friends well. I went down to Mr. Dana’s with Charles, had a long conversation with Miss Almy, upon a subject, interesting at the present moment. Williams came home with Mrs. Dana, and we return’d together, at about 10. Charles remained.


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

       General Lincoln, it seems, finds more difficulties in the affair he has undertaken, than were expected. He has sent for a reinforcement of troops: there are about 2000 men assembled to oppose him. They have the start of him, and it is supposed they intend first to attack, Genl. Shepard, who is at Springfield, with about 1200 men. Part of the militia are going from this town. I pass’d the evening at Mr. Dana’s, and lodg’d there. Saw Mr. Winthrop.


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

       Fay was here this morning, and Freeman return’d this day from his Tour to visit his friends. Part of the company of militia in this town, march’d this morning towards Worcester. Dispatches were expected this evening from Genl. Lincoln, but none appeared.


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

       Mr. Fiske supplied Mr. Hilliard this day: and gave satisfaction in general. His sentiments are very liberal, more than those of any preacher I have heard of late. It is perhaps to be feared lest some of our future divines may go too far in that respect, and assert that Christianity consists in morality alone. If this were the case, in what point would its excellence be shown, above the Systems of many heathen philosophers? For even the sublime maxim, “do good to those that hate you” was inculcated and even practised by some of them. The harsh, discouraging doctrines held up, by many of our old preachers, are absurd, and impious; but the other extreme may be more dangerous to Christianity; and our young divines would do well, to remember

        Dum vitant stulti vitia, in contraria currunt.

       Dined at Mr. Dana’s, with Mr. Winthrop. He had a letter from his brother, but not of a very late date. There have been no accounts from Genl. Lincoln this day.


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

       Bridge went to Salem, upon some business this day, and returned.
       Miss Ellery and Miss Williams, her brother, Mr. Andrews and Freeman, drank tea at the professor’s; I was sociable with Miss Jane, for the first Time. She is not destitute of personal charms, and has I believe a very good disposition. Mr. Andrews was quite elated with the news from Springfield, which arrived this evening. A party of 700 insurgents commanded by Luke Day, were put to flight, without a gun fired, and about 30 of them taken. Genl. Shepherd, had however been obliged to fire at a party headed by Shays. 3 men were killed, and 3 mortally wounded. Upon the whole, affairs in that quarter appear to take quite a favourable turn.


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

       Mrs. Cranch, Miss Betsey, and her brother, came from Braintree this morning, dined at Mr. Gannett’s and returned after dinner. Bridge, and I were quite alone at tea this evening: the Ladies were at Mrs. Forbes’s, and the professor was gone to Judge Dana’s. The Ladies returned however immediately after tea, and Miss Ellery came, and pass’d the evening there:

        In fairest forms can evil passions dwell?
        The virgin breast, can envy’s venom swell?
        Can malice dart her rage from beauty’s eye?
        And give the snow white cheek, a crimson dye?
        Where then are all the tender virtues flown?
        And why was strength dispensed to man alone?
        The lamb, to vye with Lions neer pretends,
        The timid dove, with eagles ne’er contends,
        Attempt not then, ye fair, to rule by fear,
        The surest female weapon is a tear.


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

       Mr. Harris arrived this afternoon from Springfield, but did not bring any further accounts of consequence from that quarter. He saw on the road several of the insurgents who had returned home, sick of their expedition. Bridge and I drank tea at Mrs. Forbes’s, and spent the evening. Mr. and Mrs. Hilliard, Mrs. Willard, and Mrs. Miller were there. After tea, Cards being proposed Mr. Hilliard went his way. We had a rubber of whist, with Mrs. Hilliard and Mrs. Willard; in the midst of which the president made his appearance. He soon went off however. After Cards, we had a dish of music. We play’d on the flute, and Mrs. Hilliard sang a few songs. She has a very good voice, and is by no means ignorant of it. Between nine and ten we escorted Mrs. Willard and Mrs. Miller home, after which, we retired to our Chamber.


Title: [January 1787]
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

      Monday January 1st. 1787.

       I received, two letters, and a couple of Packets of newspapers, from Europe, they were the more acceptable, as it is almost three months, since I have had any direct news from thence, before. After playing a few tunes to the young Ladies, In the evening, I went with Bridge, and paid a visit to Mr. Hilliard; a sensible man although his Sermons are rather cold.

   AA2 to JQA, 1 Sept.–12 Oct. 1786; AA to JQA, 27 Sept.–14 Oct. 1786 (JQA to AA2, 14 Jan.–9 Feb. 1787, all Adams Papers).

      2d.

       I pass’d the evening with Mr. Andrews, at Professor Pearson’s. He is fond of music, to enthusiasm. We play’d several tunes together, but I was not a proper person to accompany him. He is quite an adept in the art; and like all connoisseurs in music, extravagantly fond of Handel.

      3d.

       Dined at Mr. Hilliard’s, in company with Mr. Stedman, Mr. Ware, Mr. Andrews, Freeman, and Bridge. Stedman is a student in Law; said to be a man of Sense. However that may be, he does not strike me, at first sight as a very exalted genius. We pass’d the evening, at the Professor’s. Miss Jones display’d some of her satirical wit.
       There was a total eclipse of the moon, between 6, and 9 in the evening; but the weather being cloudy, rendered it invisible, the greatest part of the Time.

   William Stedman was completing his legal studies in Newburyport with Theophilus Parsons, with whom JQA would begin studying law in September (“Descendants of Gov. Bradstreet,” NEHGR,New England Historical and Genealogical Register. 8:317, 318, 320 [Oct. 1854]).

      4th.

       For want of sufficient exercise, I have been unwell, for several days: there is no walking at this Season, and we are consequently obliged, to keep too recluse for health. Mr. Andrews, and Freeman, pass’d the evening with us, at the professor’s. Miss Jones as usual was severe. Her disposition would be much more amiable, if she was not so sensible of her satirical talents, and so fond of them as to gratify her passion upon all occasions.

      5th.

       We passed the evening at Freeman’s chamber. He proposes setting off for Newbury, to morrow morning. The weather for several days, has been uncommonly moderate, but this afternoon it grew somewhat cold, and began to snow.

      6th.

       Very cold this morning, Freeman went for Ipswich. Mr. Andrews called upon us in the afternoon.
       I got through Montesquieu’s spirit Laws; and I much admire the author’s penetration, in discovering the origin, and causes of diverse Laws in diverse Countries, and in the same Country, at different periods. His ideas of the principles, upon which the different forms of government are founded, appear very just; though I think he says not all he would have said, had he lived in a Country where a man might with impunity publish his sentiments.

   The Spirit of Laws, transl. Thomas Nugent, 3d edn., 2 vols., London, 1758 (Harvard, Catalogus Bibliothecae, 1790[Isaac Smith, comp.], Catalogus Bibliothecae Harvardianae Cantabrigiae Nov- Anglorum, Boston, 1790., p. 84). JQA may have owned at this time an edition of Montesquieu (3 vols., Amsterdam, 1749), containing his bookplate, now at MQA.

      7th.

       Mr. Hilliard preach’d all day; pretty much in the common stile.
       Dined at Judge Dana’s; and conversed with Miss Ellery upon the subject, of two young Ladies. I find, that her opinion, as well as that of Mr. and Mrs. Dana, coincides with mine in that respect. Benevolence, candor, and innocence, are more amiable, and more estimable ingredients for a character, than wit without judgment.
       Weather very cold. Mr. Andrews was at tea, with us.

      8th.

       We went down this evening with the young ladies, to Mr. Dana’s. I passed several hours agreeably. I had an essay upon philosophic Love given me to read; a little allegorical tale, in the composition of which, fancy, rather than reason predominated. For, as Terence says

          ____ incerta haec si tu postules
          Ratione certa facere, nihilo plus agas,
          Quam si des operam, ut cum ratione insanias.

   For complete quotation and translation, see entry for 5 March, note 1 (below).

      9th.

       Snow’d part of the day. Reading Watson’s chemical essays. They are written in a very plain intelligible manner, and are quite entertaining. The subject I have never before paid any great attention to. We pass’d the evening at the professor’s. Small conversation, with women, can be interesting, only at the time it is going forward.

   Richard Watson, Chemical Essays, 3d edn., 3 vols., London, 1784 (Harvard, Catalogus Bibliothecae, 1790[Isaac Smith, comp.], Catalogus Bibliothecae Harvardianae Cantabrigiae Nov- Anglorum, Boston, 1790., p. 37). There is a four-volume set of this 3d edn., London, 1784–1786, among JA’s books (MB).

      10th.

       Mr. Paine was ordained, minister of Charlestown, but as it snow’d all the fore part of the day, I did not attend. Cabot, the junior was here: I am still pursuing the study of algebra; which is as entertaining as it is useful. I could wish I had time for proceeding in all the mathematical branches of Science: but the time will soon come, when I shall be called to studies of a very different nature.

      11th.

       The weather is yet unsettled, but it has not storm’d this day. Saunders, and Barron of the junior Class were here.
       Our time flies away extremely fast; one half of the vacation has already eloped, and I shall soon, with a mixture of pleasure and pain, see my fellow students again assembled, and be called again to attend to the public exercises. They will it is true diminish; as our Class are henceforth to attend recitations only once a day, and that only for nine weeks, after which we shall in a manner be left to ourselves.

      12th.

       The weather cleared up in the morning, and the cold since noon has increased very fast. We pass’d an hour in the evening at Mr. Gannett’s; he was not at home: Mrs. G. is quite historical; that is she gives a very minute history of whatever occurs to herself or her family.
       Up late reading parliamentary debates. Packard came to see us, this afternoon.

   JQA may have been preparing for his declamation, given on  27 Feb. (below), on “part of one of Mr. Fox’s speeches.”

      13th.

       The weather very cold all day with a strong wind. We had a Quantity of company, in the forenoon Hill, who graduated last commencement, Learned and Williams; in the afternoon Angier, Cushman and Tufts: Bridge set out after dinner for Lexington, where he intends to pass two or three days.

   Either Cotton Tufts, Harvard 1789, or Abijah Tufts, Harvard 1790 (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard GraduatesJohn Langdon Sibley and Clifford K. Shipton, Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge and Boston, 1873- ., 11:480; Harvard Quinquennial Cat.Harvard University, Quinquennial Catalogue of the Officers and Graduates, 1636- 1930, Cambridge, 1930.  ).

      14th.

       Mr. Hilliard preach’d all day. It is a long time since he has given us any variety: but on the other hand he writes short Sermons, which is very much in his favour, in cold weather. Dined at Mr. Dana’s. Forbes came up from Boston this afternoon, and lodg’d here. I pass’d the evening at Mr. Wigglesworth’s. Miss Jones, has recovered from the sour fit which she has been in for several days, and is quite complaisant. Quere. is caprice, a necessary quality to form a fine woman?

      15th.

       The weather very moderate. The snow went off quite fast. Drank tea at Mr. Hilliard’s. His daughter look’d prettier, than she ever did before. Mr. Paine was there, and appeared quite happy, in his new situation. The People of Charlestown, who never could be united in their opinions, for a minister, are universally very much attached to him, and his talents and virtues are such as will probably preserve him that esteem, which he has every where acquired. Mr. H. appears to be very fond of him, and proud of him as a brother.

      16th.

       Dined at Mr. Dana’s, and pass’d part of the evening with the Judge and his Lady at Mr. Gerry’s. Miss Thompson, is very handsome; but whether she possesses all the other qualities which are requisite to render a Lady amiable, I shall not take upon me to decide.
       Bridge returned this evening from Lexington.

      17th.

       My Chum went to Boston, but return’d early in the afternoon. After tea we went down to Mr. Dana’s. Miss Ellery was there, and Miss Jones with her; Bridge accompanied this Lady home, and after they were gone, I had a deal of chat, with Miss Ellery, who has a larger share of Sense, than commonly falls to an individual of her sex. We conversed upon diverse subjects, but I can never give any thing but general accounts of conversations, for I cannot always keep this book under lock and key; and some people have a vast deal of curiosity.

      18th.

       Fine weather, till the evening, which was very blustry. The men have been selected who are to go from this Town, against the insurgents. They have taken almost all the servants in Town; the troops are to march to-morrow, for Worcester, under the command of General Lincoln. We passed the evening at Professor Williams’s. Jenny look’d handsomer, than she has for several months past; and was very agreeable.

      19th.

       The troops from this Town, went this afternoon to Waltham, from whence, they are to proceed to-morrow towards Worcester. After tea, I went with Bridge, Williams and Learned to Mystic, and had a very good dance. There were several very fine girls; but being entirely unacquainted with them all, I could not be very sociable with them. A Miss Dixey struck me, as being uncommonly beautiful; but from the few observations I could make, I thought she had the qualities which are commonly the companions of beauty: at about one in the morning we broke up, and, we reach’d home, at about two.

      20th.

       Snow’d all day. We were rather tired after our expedition. I have been idle; and do not by any means feel disposed to write at present.

      21st.

       Mr. Hilliard again entertained us all day, with his own composition. Bridge, and I dined at Mr. Dana’s. Miss Almy informed us of all the circumstances which attended our party the other day; and among many other anecdotes, told us that Bridge was deeply smitten with a Miss Hall, who had I thought much of a sleepy appearance and I forsooth, am the humble admirer of Miss Dixey. If personal beauty was my only object of admiration, I should certainly be in this predicament, but I must look a little further, before I surrender my liberty entirely.

          For all the gifts which nature can impart,
          Are vain without the virtues of the heart.

         Mr. Andrews, who returned from Hingham yesterday, drank tea with us this evening.

   JQA here quotes from his own poem, “An Epistle to Delia,” lines 27–28, written in 1785 (M/JQA/28, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 223).

      22d.

       Employ’d all day, in translating some german observations for Mr. Dana: finished them: and in the evening I went down there to carry them. Miss Ellery and Miss Jones, keep up a correspondence in writing. Almy has a larger share of Sense, than commonly falls to the lot of her sex, and, that sense is cultivated and improved, a circumstance, still more uncommon.

   In spite of JQA’s favorable disposition toward Almy Ellery and his critical and repeated comments about the “sour fits” or “unsociable” attitude of Catherine Jones, he was able to compose an acrostic about the latter on this day, which he wrote into his Diary on 16 April 1788 (below). The original is in M/JQA/28, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 223.

      23d.

       Miss Ellery pass’d the day at the professor’s, and was very agreeable; I am more and more pleased with this Lady, every time, I am in company with her. Miss Jones who is treated both by Bridge and myself with a distant reserve, appeared this day for the first Time to be mortified by it: she could not help forming a contrast between our behaviour to her, and to the two other Ladies, and her Vanity was piqued. But she has drawn it upon herself. Thomson pass’d part of the evening with us: her spirits were revived while he was present, but droop’d again, when he went away.

      24th.

       Miss Ellery, went home this morning, after breakfast. Miss Jones, rather unsociable; her spirits low. Charles and Tom, arrived here, this afternoon from Haverhill: left all our friends well. I went down to Mr. Dana’s with Charles, had a long conversation with Miss Almy, upon a subject, interesting at the present moment. Williams came home with Mrs. Dana, and we return’d together, at about 10. Charles remained.

      25th.

       The weather has been all along quite unsettled. Yesterday was very cold, but to day, it thaws fast again. Mr. Andrews past the evening with us at the professor’s. Miss Jones, rather more agreeable, than I have sometimes seen her, but not perfectly sociable. Mr. Andrews and she appear to go on as easily, and with as little rubbing as any person: less indeed than I should expect from the dissimilarity of their dispositions.

      26th.

       General Lincoln, it seems, finds more difficulties in the affair he has undertaken, than were expected. He has sent for a reinforcement of troops: there are about 2000 men assembled to oppose him. They have the start of him, and it is supposed they intend first to attack, Genl. Shepard, who is at Springfield, with about 1200 men. Part of the militia are going from this town. I pass’d the evening at Mr. Dana’s, and lodg’d there. Saw Mr. Winthrop.

   William Shepard, major general of the Hampshire co. militia, repulsed the attack on the Springfield arsenal by Daniel Shays’ forces on 25 Jan., before Lincoln arrived (DABAllen Johnson and Dumas Malone, eds., Dictionary of American Biography, New York, 1928-1936; 20 vols, plus index and supplements.).

      27th.

       Fay was here this morning, and Freeman return’d this day from his Tour to visit his friends. Part of the company of militia in this town, march’d this morning towards Worcester. Dispatches were expected this evening from Genl. Lincoln, but none appeared.

      28th.

       Mr. Fiske supplied Mr. Hilliard this day: and gave satisfaction in general. His sentiments are very liberal, more than those of any preacher I have heard of late. It is perhaps to be feared lest some of our future divines may go too far in that respect, and assert that Christianity consists in morality alone. If this were the case, in what point would its excellence be shown, above the Systems of many heathen philosophers? For even the sublime maxim, “do good to those that hate you” was inculcated and even practised by some of them. The harsh, discouraging doctrines held up, by many of our old preachers, are absurd, and impious; but the other extreme may be more dangerous to Christianity; and our young divines would do well, to remember

        Dum vitant stulti vitia, in contraria currunt.

       Dined at Mr. Dana’s, with Mr. Winthrop. He had a letter from his brother, but not of a very late date. There have been no accounts from Genl. Lincoln this day.

   Thaddeus Fiske, of the Second Church of Cambridge at Menotomy (now Arlington), 1788–1828 (Paige, Hist. of Cambridge, Mass.,Lucius R. Paige, History of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1630-1877. With a Genealogical Register, Boston and New York, 1877. Supplement and Index..., by Mary I. Goz- zaldi, Cambridge, 1930. p. 546).

   “In avoiding a vice, fools run into its opposite,” Horace, Satires, Bk. I, Satire 2, line 24 (Horace, Satires, Epistles and ArsPoetica, transl. FaircloughHorace: Satires, Epistles and Ars Poetica with an English Translation, by H. Rushton Fairclough, Cambridge, 1947., p. 20–21).

      29th.

       Bridge went to Salem, upon some business this day, and returned.
       Miss Ellery and Miss Williams, her brother, Mr. Andrews and Freeman, drank tea at the professor’s; I was sociable with Miss Jane, for the first Time. She is not destitute of personal charms, and has I believe a very good disposition. Mr. Andrews was quite elated with the news from Springfield, which arrived this evening. A party of 700 insurgents commanded by Luke Day, were put to flight, without a gun fired, and about 30 of them taken. Genl. Shepherd, had however been obliged to fire at a party headed by Shays. 3 men were killed, and 3 mortally wounded. Upon the whole, affairs in that quarter appear to take quite a favourable turn.

   Day, of West Springfield, had his orders intercepted, and failed to lend support to Shays at the battle of the Springfield arsenal. After Lincoln’s arrival in Springfield, both he and Shepard scattered Day’s men in West Springfield; then Lincoln pursued Shays. Unable to secure a general pardon, Shays withdrew to Petersham, where, after a forced march in a snowstorm, Lincoln surprised and routed the insurgents. Most surrendered, although Shays and a few others escaped into New Hampshire. Within a month most insurgent opposition had ended (Ellery B. Crane, “Shays’ Rebellion,” Worcester Society of Antiquity, Procs. ... For the Year 1881, p. 92–99; Robert J. Taylor, Western Massachusetts in the Revolution, Providence, 1954, p. 160–163).

      30th.

       Mrs. Cranch, Miss Betsey, and her brother, came from Braintree this morning, dined at Mr. Gannett’s and returned after dinner. Bridge, and I were quite alone at tea this evening: the Ladies were at Mrs. Forbes’s, and the professor was gone to Judge Dana’s. The Ladies returned however immediately after tea, and Miss Ellery came, and pass’d the evening there:

        In fairest forms can evil passions dwell?
        The virgin breast, can envy’s venom swell?
        Can malice dart her rage from beauty’s eye?
        And give the snow white cheek, a crimson dye?
        Where then are all the tender virtues flown?
        And why was strength dispensed to man alone?
        The lamb, to vye with Lions neer pretends,
        The timid dove, with eagles ne’er contends,
        Attempt not then, ye fair, to rule by fear,
        The surest female weapon is a tear.

   These verses were later included in JQA’s “A Vision,” lines 163–172, a poem generally thought to have been written at Newburyport while he was a law student. These verses, however, clearly show that its origins were somewhat earlier. Compare JQA’s “An Epistle to Delia,” lines 41–52, a poem dated 12 Dec. 1785, with “A Vision,” lines 91–102 (both in M/JQA/28). To the verses in this entry JQA later added six additional lines at the beginning (157–162): “Almira next in dubious form is seen,/Her face is female, masculine her mien,/With equal skill no mortal can pretend,/The varied faults of either sex to blend./To woman’s weakness add the pride of man,/And wield alike the dagger and the fan” (same).

   “A Vision,” a satirical sketch about several girls JQA knew in Newburyport, was patterned after, though more sophisticated in style than, the ’’Receipt for a Wife,” which JQA had read and portions of which he had copied while staying in New York in the summer of 1785 (entry for 3 Aug. 1785, above; JQA to AA2, 1–8 Aug. 1785, Adams Papers). Later evidence confirms that Almira is Catherine Jones, whom he first met at Dr. Wigglesworth’s house in Cambridge, and whom he later saw occasionally in Newburyport, though, like the Delia piece mentioned above, the sketch here may have been written about one subject and applied to another when the poem was completed later. For a discussion of the subsequent development of “A Vision,” see note for entry of 28 March 1788 (below).

      31st.

       Mr. Harris arrived this afternoon from Springfield, but did not bring any further accounts of consequence from that quarter. He saw on the road several of the insurgents who had returned home, sick of their expedition. Bridge and I drank tea at Mrs. Forbes’s, and spent the evening. Mr. and Mrs. Hilliard, Mrs. Willard, and Mrs. Miller were there. After tea, Cards being proposed Mr. Hilliard went his way. We had a rubber of whist, with Mrs. Hilliard and Mrs. Willard; in the midst of which the president made his appearance. He soon went off however. After Cards, we had a dish of music. We play’d on the flute, and Mrs. Hilliard sang a few songs. She has a very good voice, and is by no means ignorant of it. Between nine and ten we escorted Mrs. Willard and Mrs. Miller home, after which, we retired to our Chamber.

   Figuratively, an indefinite quantity (OEDThe Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford, 1933; 12 vols, and supplement.).


Title: Thursday February 1st. 1787.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       It snow’d, the greatest part of the day; but gently, and without wind. Miss Jones, this forenoon, quite suddenly, resolved to go to Boston and went in the midst of the Snow. She proposes passing a fortnight there, and as our vacation is to close, next Wednesday, I shall probably not have an opportunity of seeing her frequently again. I went to tea to Mr. Pearson’s, and in the evening accompanied his viol with my flute. Mr. Fayerweather and his family were there. An extraordinary character. The greatest range of his ideas, is between the counter of a shop, and the potatoe-hill behind his House; these furnish him with an universal topic of conversation, which he commonly enjoys alone, for he gives no other person time to express either approbation or dislike of his sentiments.


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

       Drank tea again at Mr. Pearson’s. Miss Ellery, Miss Williams, Miss Mason, Miss Wigglesworth, Miss Foster and Miss Fayerweather were there. Mr. Andrews, Freeman, Bridge, Williams, Forbes, and Clarke. After a pretty long consultation, we had a little dance, and broke up a little before ten. I drew Miss Williams, and found her very sociable and agreeable. Miss Ellery, was obliged to go away early, because her brother arrived this afternoon.


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

       A Snow storm came on, in the afternoon, and continued in the night. We saw Mr. Ellery this evening at the professor’s. Something further than the common sentiments of friendship, subsists between this gentleman and Miss Peggy. If his disposition be, but one half so amiable as her’s, their union must be lasting, and productive of much happiness.
       Freeman and Forbes pass’d the evening at our chamber.


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

       The wind was very high all the forenoon; and although the sky was clear, the drifting of the snow, has made it very disagreeable walking. We dined at the President’s: he was more sociable than I have seen him before. Mrs. Willard and Mrs. Miller, are both very agreeable. The weather in the evening being fine, we walk’d down to Mr. Dana’s, and pass’d two or three hours with them; Mrs. Dana, removed from our minds an impression unfavourable to Miss Foster.

        Curst be the wretch, whose soul, to nature deaf,
        Views with indifference another’s grief
        Without a sigh, afflictions voice can hear
        And even mock misfortune with a sneer!
        The human lot is misery and woe
        And evils, from unnumber’d sources flow.
        When dire misfortune with her baleful train,
        Oerwhelm a mortal with excessive pain,
        The kind emotions of a tender heart
        Command the sympathetic tear to start.


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

       The occurrences of the day, were not remarkable. I did not study much. I have been reading Sheridans lectures upon elocution, and am pleased with them. They contain many usefull instructions, and ought to be perused by every person who wishes to appear as a speaker. His praises of the Greeks and Romans, may be warmed with the heat of enthusiasm, and his censure of modern Oratory is perhaps too severe: but every candid reader must acknowledge, that the contrast, which he shews, is but too well grounded.
       We passed the evening with Forbes at his chamber.


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

       This being the last day before the close of the vacation, I was part of the day employ’d in getting my chamber in order. Williams was with us all the forenoon. We spent the evening at his Father’s. Miss Jenny appears more amiable to me, than she did formerly, and her behaviour has eradicated a small prejudice, which misrepresentation, had raised in my mind against her. It has been observed, that since she has lost much of that beauty, which was formerly celebrated; the young ladies of Cambridge allow, that her disposition is good. This may be easily accounted for without charging the other Ladies with envy: beauty of person, is frequently, if not always injurious to the mind, and the loss of it may convince a lady, that something more than a pretty face is requisite to make her amiable.


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

       This morning I returned to my old quarters N: 6. My Brothers and Cousin got here just before dinner. There were commons at noon, but it is most generally somewhat confused in the hall, the first day in the Quarter: I preferred not attending: Miss Ellery dined at the professor’s: After dinner I took my leave of the folks of the house: in the evening White arrived from Haverhill. Very few of our class mates however, got here this day.


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

       White lent me his horse this morning, to go to Boston. Dr. Tufts, had sent by my brothers, desiring me to see him; I had not been in Boston before, these three months. Called at my uncle Smith’s, at Dr. Welch’s, and at Mr. Storer’s. I likewise went to see Miss Jones, who appeared rather surprized to see me. Dined at Mr. Foster’s, with Mr. Cranch and Dr. Tufts: they are now attending the general Court; who conduct themselves finally with great spirit, and a proper sense of their own dignity. A rebellion was (on Saturday, the first day of the Session) declared to exist in the Counties of Worcester, Berkshire, and Hampshire, and the legislature are determined to use every exertion, in order to suppress it.

       Returned to Cambridge, in a violent snow storm, which had indeed begun in the morning, and been all day increasing.


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

       Return’d to the library the books I had taken out, and took the second volume of the Idler. After prayers this evening Charles and I went down to Mr. Dana’s. Mr. Ellery was there, and appeared to greater advantage than I have seen him before.


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

       Very few of the students have arrived. Not more than 15 of our Class have yet appeared. The tea Club were at my chamber: only 6 of them however were assembled. We had a supper and spent the evening at Freeman’s chamber.


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

       Mr. Hilliard entertained us all day, with a couple of Sermons, upon the whole armour of god. The shield, and the helmet, the sword and the arrow, afforded subject for description, and application. The improvements which might result from these two discourses, are wholly concealed to me; that it is the duty of man, to avoid Sin, is a self evident maxim, which needs not the assistance of a preacher for proof; yet it was all Mr. H. aimed to show: how barren must the imagination of a man be, who is reduced to give descriptions of warlike instruments, to fill up a discourse of 20 minutes!
       Charles dined with me at Judge Dana’s.
       The weather was somewhat dull, all day, and in the evening it rained very hard:
       Miss Ellery told me I was vapourish.


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

       We recite this week to Mr. Burr, but this disagreeable exercice returns at present only once a day, and that only for this quarter. Mr. Pearson gave us a lecture this afternoon, upon the division, of languages into the different parts of speech. Bridge and I pass’d part of the evening at Mr. Wigglesworth’s.


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

       At nine o’clock this morning, the Class read a forensic disputation: I had written in the course of the vacation as follows.

          Whether the infliction of capital punishments, except in cases of murder be consistent with equity?
          Had the question admitted other exceptions, or had it admitted none, I should have felt a greater degree of diffidence, in maintaining the affirmative. It has frequently been doubted by men who reason chiefly from speculation, whether it were equitable to punish any crime, with death, Sovereigns have attempted to abolish capital punishments entirely, but this scheme, like many others, which appear to great advantage in, theory has been found impracticable, because it has been attended with consequences very injurious to society; but if it be acknowledged, that death is the only equitable atonement which can be made for the commission of murder, I cannot see, why other crimes, equally, and perhaps still more, heinous, should not deserve a punishment equally severe. The question naturally occurs here; what is the end of punishment? Certainly, to give satisfaction, to the injured, and to insure the safety of individuals and of Society: but as the man who falls by the hand of an assassin, cannot receive satisfaction; the punishment in that case, must be inflicted only for the benefit of Society in general. No one, I presume will deny, that Treason is a crime, more dangerous to a community, than murder; as it threatens the destruction of each individual, as well as of the whole commonwealth: to inflict a milder punishment therefore upon this crime, would be destroying that proportion, in which alone, justice and equity consist. The celebrated Montesquieu observes, that the punishment should always derive from the nature of the crime, and consist in the privation of those advantages of which the criminal should have attempted to deprive others. He confesses however, that in many cases, this would not be effected: most frequently the man who robs the property of another, possesses, none himself, and therefore a corporal punishment, must supply the place of confiscation. Those who plead in favour of a lenient system of punishments, may engage the passions of their hearers, by expatiating upon the virtues of benevolence, humanity and mercy: far be it from me to derogate from the excellency of those exalted virtues; but if mildness in punishments instead of deterring men from the commission of crimes, encourages them to it, the innocent, and virtuous part of the community, who have surely the greatest claim to the benevolence of a legislator, would be the greatest sufferers.
          It is customary with persons who disapprove of capital punishments, to say that confinement during life to hard labour, would be a punishment, much more severe, than immediate death, and that a criminal thereby, might be rendered useful to Society, whereas a dead man is entirely lost to the community. A zealous student in surgery might deny the latter part of this proposition; but I shall only reply, that admitting confinement and hard labour for life, to be a more rigorous atonement for a crime, than death it will not follow, that it is equally terrifying, and this ought to be the principal object of a legislator. The addition of confinement will be but a small restraint to the greatest part of mankind who know, that whether innocent or guilty, they must depend upon hard labour for their subsistence. But Death is more or less terrible to all men; I have frequently heard persons who supposed themselves in perfect security, express the most intrepid contempt of death, but I conceive their philosophy would be somewhat deranged if the prospect of a sudden, and violent dissolution were placed before them. In such a situation all mankind would reason like the criminal represented by the inimitable Shakespear, as being condemned to die.

           Ay, but to die, and go we know not where,
           To lie in cold obstruction, and to rot;
           This sensible, warm motion, to become
           A kneaded clod, and the delighted spirit,
           To bathe in fiery floods, or to reside
           In thrilling regions of thick ribbed ice,
           To be imprison’d in the viewless winds
           And blown with restless violence round about
           The pendent world;—’tis too horrible!
           The weariest, and most loathed worldly life,
           That age, ache, penury, imprisonment
           Can lay on nature, is a paradise
           To what we fear of Death.

       Mr. Wigglesworth gave a public lecture this afternoon. We danced in the evening at White’s chamber.


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

       Mr. Wigglesworth gave us this morning a private lecture, and Mr. Williams had a public one, in the afternoon. Bridge and Freeman went over after dinner to attend an exhibition of Cushman’s school in Mystic. I could not go. Mr. Thaxter and Mr. Duncan, were here a few minutes; they came from Haverhill this morning. I made tea for the club this evening, and I believe it will be for the last Time. It is too troublesome to return so frequently as once a week, and there are only 9 or 10 now left. Was part of the evening at Mason’s chamber and supp’d with him there.


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

       I went down in the morning to Mr. Pearson’s, with an intention of inviting Miss Bromfield to dance with us this evening but she was out of town. There are several young ladies in this place, who have not attractions to charm the gentlemen, but in the case of a dance, there is no choice, we must either take up with those ladies or have none. We drew lots therefore, to determine, who should go to one house; and who to another. It fell to my lot to go no-where, but Foster who was to have invited Miss Bromfield, not being acquainted with her, requested me to go in his stead. We assembled at about 7 o’clock, and danced till 2 in the morning after which we broke up. The Ladies were, Miss Ellery, Wiggles-worth, Jones, Foster, two Miss Mason’s, Miss Williams, Hill, Eustis, and two Miss Kneelands. Mr. Ellery, Mr. Harris, and Mr. Andrews, with my Class mates Amory, Bridge, Chandler 3d., Cranch, Forbes, Foster, Freeman, Lloyd, White, and Williams compleated the company. Of the Ladies, some had beauty without wit, and some wit without beauty; one was blest with both, and others could boast of neither. But little was said, and sentiment did not thrive, when the feet are so much engaged, the head in general is vacant. After we return’d several of us pass’d a couple of hours at Cranch’s Chamber, and at about 4 o’clock I retired to bed.


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

       I rose just before the commons bell rung for dinner, quite refreshed, and not more fatigued, than I commonly am. The other lads were all up, in the morning, and had been to my chamber though I knew nothing of it. After dinner we were an hour at White’s chamber. Several of the gentlemen were nodding, and most of them appeared quite worn out. I went with White to Mr. Mason’s and to Mr. Wigglesworth’s: the Ladies were all well, but somewhat fatigued. There was a lecture, in the afternoon; but few of us attended: I pass’d the evening, with Cranch, at Judge Dana’s. Miss Ellery had a head ache, and was much fatigued. Miss Hastings was there, but she has neither youth nor beauty, and if she has wit it is somewhat beneath the surface. We retired at about 10.


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

       We recite this week to Mr. Read. So few of the Class have yet arrived, that we have all something to say at one recitation, and Mr. Read always goes completely through a lesson. Mr. Pearson gave a very long lecture in the afternoon, upon the article in the greek, Latin, French and English Languages. He was rather tedious, and before he got through, the Sophimores and Freshmen, shew their impatience, by shuffling. White, Cranch, and myself were the only persons in the Class, who attended Mr. Williams’s mathematical lecture at 3. Seeing so few, he hinted he should not attend any more. I shew him my manuscript upon algebra. In the evening a number of us danced at Mason’s chamber till 9 o’clock, having transferred to this time the Tuesday club. We were to have had this evening a meeting of the ΦBK, but Mr. Ware being unavoidably called away, it was postponed.


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

       Was part of the afternoon at Bridge’s chamber. Had tea at Little’s. Charles and Cranch, pass’d the evening at Mr. Hilliard’s. I was with Mr. Andrews at White’s chamber.
       William Amherst Barron of Petersham was 18. the 10th. of January. By the death of his father, which happened since he entered the university, he has been involved in some difficulties, and has been able to spend but a small portion of his Time here. Notwithstanding these disadvantages he is said to be a good scholar, and his disposition is amiable. Since I came, he has been present only one quarter, so that my personal acquaintance with him is not intimate. He intends studying Law.


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

       Very cold weather. We drank tea at Williams’s. Bridge, and I went and pass’d the evening at Judge Dana’s; he himself is attending the court at Boston. We found Mr. Read and Mr. Burr there, and endeavoured as much as possible to behave like gentlemen. After we returned to college, I got engaged in conversation with Bridge, so deeply, at his chamber, that it was near 1 in the morning, before I left him.


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

       Committee met again at Mr. Ware’s chamber; after reading all the letters, I was requested to select from them. White went to Boston, and spoke to Mr. Dingley, who sent back my volumes of Gibbon’s roman history. Drank tea and passed the evening in Mead’s chamber, and retired very early. The weather has grown quite moderate.


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

       I was absent from meeting all this day. Bridge dined with me, at my chamber. I begun, and read 100 pages in Gibbon’s history; with the stile of which I am extremely pleased. The author is not only an historian but a philosopher. The only fault with which I think he may be charged, is, an endeavour sometimes at the point of an epigram, when a serious reflection, would be more proper.


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

       Mr. Williams gave us an astronomical lecture this afternoon. The sodality met, in the evening at Putnam’s chamber, and play’d till nine. Spent an hour with Mead after I return’d.
       Benjamin Beale was 18. the 6th. of June last. His father was from Braintree, but he was born at Liverpool in England. He entered the Class just before they commenced sophimores. His disposition is amiable, and he is a good scholar; but the government of the university have so repeatedly taken notice of him at exhibitions, that it has given offence to many of the young gentlemen in the Class, and they affect to despise his abilities; and to deny his scholarship. His talents have perhaps been rather overrated by the government, but I fear they are still more underrated in the Class; and he is not the only person whose popularity with his fellow students, has been greatly diminished by the favours of the government: notwithstanding all the reports circulated by malice and envy, I believe him very deserving: he displays no vanity, either of his person, which is elegant, or of his genius, which has been flattered by distinction, and this I think, is a sure mark of good Sense. Commerce, will probably be his profession, and from his general character, I think he has a good prospect of success. May he obtain it!


Title: [February 1787]
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

      Thursday February 1st. 1787.

       It snow’d, the greatest part of the day; but gently, and without wind. Miss Jones, this forenoon, quite suddenly, resolved to go to Boston and went in the midst of the Snow. She proposes passing a fortnight there, and as our vacation is to close, next Wednesday, I shall probably not have an opportunity of seeing her frequently again. I went to tea to Mr. Pearson’s, and in the evening accompanied his viol with my flute. Mr. Fayerweather and his family were there. An extraordinary character. The greatest range of his ideas, is between the counter of a shop, and the potatoe-hill behind his House; these furnish him with an universal topic of conversation, which he commonly enjoys alone, for he gives no other person time to express either approbation or dislike of his sentiments.

   Thomas Fayerweather, ardent Cambridge Whig before the Revolution, whose house was converted into a hospital for soldiers in 1775 (Paige, Hist. of Cambridge, Mass.,Lucius R. Paige, History of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1630-1877. With a Genealogical Register, Boston and New York, 1877. Supplement and Index..., by Mary I. Goz- zaldi, Cambridge, 1930. p. 418).

      2d.

       Drank tea again at Mr. Pearson’s. Miss Ellery, Miss Williams, Miss Mason, Miss Wigglesworth, Miss Foster and Miss Fayerweather were there. Mr. Andrews, Freeman, Bridge, Williams, Forbes, and Clarke. After a pretty long consultation, we had a little dance, and broke up a little before ten. I drew Miss Williams, and found her very sociable and agreeable. Miss Ellery, was obliged to go away early, because her brother arrived this afternoon.

   Presumably either William Ellery or Edmund Trowbridge Ellery, brothers-in-law of Francis Dana (Harrison Ellery, “Ancestors of Hon. William Ellery, Signer of the Declaration of Independence,” Newport Historical Magazine, 4:182 [Jan. 1884]).

      3d.

       A Snow storm came on, in the afternoon, and continued in the night. We saw Mr. Ellery this evening at the professor’s. Something further than the common sentiments of friendship, subsists between this gentleman and Miss Peggy. If his disposition be, but one half so amiable as her’s, their union must be lasting, and productive of much happiness.
       Freeman and Forbes pass’d the evening at our chamber.

   Peggy Wigglesworth married John Andrews in 1789.

      4th.

       The wind was very high all the forenoon; and although the sky was clear, the drifting of the snow, has made it very disagreeable walking. We dined at the President’s: he was more sociable than I have seen him before. Mrs. Willard and Mrs. Miller, are both very agreeable. The weather in the evening being fine, we walk’d down to Mr. Dana’s, and pass’d two or three hours with them; Mrs. Dana, removed from our minds an impression unfavourable to Miss Foster.

        Curst be the wretch, whose soul, to nature deaf,
        Views with indifference another’s grief
        Without a sigh, afflictions voice can hear
        And even mock misfortune with a sneer!
        The human lot is misery and woe
        And evils, from unnumber’d sources flow.
        When dire misfortune with her baleful train,
        Oerwhelm a mortal with excessive pain,
        The kind emotions of a tender heart
        Command the sympathetic tear to start.

      5th.

       The occurrences of the day, were not remarkable. I did not study much. I have been reading Sheridans lectures upon elocution, and am pleased with them. They contain many usefull instructions, and ought to be perused by every person who wishes to appear as a speaker. His praises of the Greeks and Romans, may be warmed with the heat of enthusiasm, and his censure of modern Oratory is perhaps too severe: but every candid reader must acknowledge, that the contrast, which he shews, is but too well grounded.
       We passed the evening with Forbes at his chamber.

   Thomas Sheridan, A Course of Lectures on Elocution..., London, 1762 (Harvard, Catalogus Bibliothecae,[Isaac Smith, comp.], Catalogus Bibliothecae Harvardianae Cantabrigiae Nov- Anglorum, Boston, 1790. 1790, p. 149).

      6th.

       This being the last day before the close of the vacation, I was part of the day employ’d in getting my chamber in order. Williams was with us all the forenoon. We spent the evening at his Father’s. Miss Jenny appears more amiable to me, than she did formerly, and her behaviour has eradicated a small prejudice, which misrepresentation, had raised in my mind against her. It has been observed, that since she has lost much of that beauty, which was formerly celebrated; the young ladies of Cambridge allow, that her disposition is good. This may be easily accounted for without charging the other Ladies with envy: beauty of person, is frequently, if not always injurious to the mind, and the loss of it may convince a lady, that something more than a pretty face is requisite to make her amiable.

      7th.

       This morning I returned to my old quarters N: 6. My Brothers and Cousin got here just before dinner. There were commons at noon, but it is most generally somewhat confused in the hall, the first day in the Quarter: I preferred not attending: Miss Ellery dined at the professor’s: After dinner I took my leave of the folks of the house: in the evening White arrived from Haverhill. Very few of our class mates however, got here this day.

      8th.

       White lent me his horse this morning, to go to Boston. Dr. Tufts, had sent by my brothers, desiring me to see him; I had not been in Boston before, these three months. Called at my uncle Smith’s, at Dr. Welch’s, and at Mr. Storer’s. I likewise went to see Miss Jones, who appeared rather surprized to see me. Dined at Mr. Foster’s, with Mr. Cranch and Dr. Tufts: they are now attending the general Court; who conduct themselves finally with great spirit, and a proper sense of their own dignity. A rebellion was (on Saturday, the first day of the Session) declared to exist in the Counties of Worcester, Berkshire, and Hampshire, and the legislature are determined to use every exertion, in order to suppress it.

       Returned to Cambridge, in a violent snow storm, which had indeed begun in the morning, and been all day increasing.

      9th.

       Return’d to the library the books I had taken out, and took the second volume of the Idler. After prayers this evening Charles and I went down to Mr. Dana’s. Mr. Ellery was there, and appeared to greater advantage than I have seen him before.

   [Samuel Johnson and others], The Idler, 2 vols., London, 1761 (Harvard, Catalogus Bibliothecae, 1790[Isaac Smith, comp.], Catalogus Bibliothecae Harvardianae Cantabrigiae Nov- Anglorum, Boston, 1790., p. 115).

      10th.

       Very few of the students have arrived. Not more than 15 of our Class have yet appeared. The tea Club were at my chamber: only 6 of them however were assembled. We had a supper and spent the evening at Freeman’s chamber.

      11th.

       Mr. Hilliard entertained us all day, with a couple of Sermons, upon the whole armour of god. The shield, and the helmet, the sword and the arrow, afforded subject for description, and application. The improvements which might result from these two discourses, are wholly concealed to me; that it is the duty of man, to avoid Sin, is a self evident maxim, which needs not the assistance of a preacher for proof; yet it was all Mr. H. aimed to show: how barren must the imagination of a man be, who is reduced to give descriptions of warlike instruments, to fill up a discourse of 20 minutes!
       Charles dined with me at Judge Dana’s.
       The weather was somewhat dull, all day, and in the evening it rained very hard:
       Miss Ellery told me I was vapourish.

      12th.

       We recite this week to Mr. Burr, but this disagreeable exercice returns at present only once a day, and that only for this quarter. Mr. Pearson gave us a lecture this afternoon, upon the division, of languages into the different parts of speech. Bridge and I pass’d part of the evening at Mr. Wigglesworth’s.

      13th.

       At nine o’clock this morning, the Class read a forensic disputation: I had written in the course of the vacation as follows.

          Whether the infliction of capital punishments, except in cases of murder be consistent with equity?
          Had the question admitted other exceptions, or had it admitted none, I should have felt a greater degree of diffidence, in maintaining the affirmative. It has frequently been doubted by men who reason chiefly from speculation, whether it were equitable to punish any crime, with death, Sovereigns have attempted to abolish capital punishments entirely, but this scheme, like many others, which appear to great advantage in, theory has been found impracticable, because it has been attended with consequences very injurious to society; but if it be acknowledged, that death is the only equitable atonement which can be made for the commission of murder, I cannot see, why other crimes, equally, and perhaps still more, heinous, should not deserve a punishment equally severe. The question naturally occurs here; what is the end of punishment? Certainly, to give satisfaction, to the injured, and to insure the safety of individuals and of Society: but as the man who falls by the hand of an assassin, cannot receive satisfaction; the punishment in that case, must be inflicted only for the benefit of Society in general. No one, I presume will deny, that Treason is a crime, more dangerous to a community, than murder; as it threatens the destruction of each individual, as well as of the whole commonwealth: to inflict a milder punishment therefore upon this crime, would be destroying that proportion, in which alone, justice and equity consist. The celebrated Montesquieu observes, that the punishment should always derive from the nature of the crime, and consist in the privation of those advantages of which the criminal should have attempted to deprive others. He confesses however, that in many cases, this would not be effected: most frequently the man who robs the property of another, possesses, none himself, and therefore a corporal punishment, must supply the place of confiscation. Those who plead in favour of a lenient system of punishments, may engage the passions of their hearers, by expatiating upon the virtues of benevolence, humanity and mercy: far be it from me to derogate from the excellency of those exalted virtues; but if mildness in punishments instead of deterring men from the commission of crimes, encourages them to it, the innocent, and virtuous part of the community, who have surely the greatest claim to the benevolence of a legislator, would be the greatest sufferers.
          It is customary with persons who disapprove of capital punishments, to say that confinement during life to hard labour, would be a punishment, much more severe, than immediate death, and that a criminal thereby, might be rendered useful to Society, whereas a dead man is entirely lost to the community. A zealous student in surgery might deny the latter part of this proposition; but I shall only reply, that admitting confinement and hard labour for life, to be a more rigorous atonement for a crime, than death it will not follow, that it is equally terrifying, and this ought to be the principal object of a legislator. The addition of confinement will be but a small restraint to the greatest part of mankind who know, that whether innocent or guilty, they must depend upon hard labour for their subsistence. But Death is more or less terrible to all men; I have frequently heard persons who supposed themselves in perfect security, express the most intrepid contempt of death, but I conceive their philosophy would be somewhat deranged if the prospect of a sudden, and violent dissolution were placed before them. In such a situation all mankind would reason like the criminal represented by the inimitable Shakespear, as being condemned to die.

           Ay, but to die, and go we know not where,
           To lie in cold obstruction, and to rot;
           This sensible, warm motion, to become
           A kneaded clod, and the delighted spirit,
           To bathe in fiery floods, or to reside
           In thrilling regions of thick ribbed ice,
           To be imprison’d in the viewless winds
           And blown with restless violence round about
           The pendent world;—’tis too horrible!
           The weariest, and most loathed worldly life,
           That age, ache, penury, imprisonment
           Can lay on nature, is a paradise
           To what we fear of Death.

       Mr. Wigglesworth gave a public lecture this afternoon. We danced in the evening at White’s chamber.

   JQA’s draft of the disputation, dated 11 Jan., contains no major changes (M/JQA/46, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 241).

   Measure for Measure, Act III, scene i, lines 117–125, 127–131.

      14th.

       Mr. Wigglesworth gave us this morning a private lecture, and Mr. Williams had a public one, in the afternoon. Bridge and Freeman went over after dinner to attend an exhibition of Cushman’s school in Mystic. I could not go. Mr. Thaxter and Mr. Duncan, were here a few minutes; they came from Haverhill this morning. I made tea for the club this evening, and I believe it will be for the last Time. It is too troublesome to return so frequently as once a week, and there are only 9 or 10 now left. Was part of the evening at Mason’s chamber and supp’d with him there.

   JQA’s classmate Joshua Cushman taught school in Medford during the winter of 1786–1787 (Charles H. Morss, “The Development of the Public School of Medford,” Medford Historical Register, 3:24 [Jan. 1900]).

      15th.

       I went down in the morning to Mr. Pearson’s, with an intention of inviting Miss Bromfield to dance with us this evening but she was out of town. There are several young ladies in this place, who have not attractions to charm the gentlemen, but in the case of a dance, there is no choice, we must either take up with those ladies or have none. We drew lots therefore, to determine, who should go to one house; and who to another. It fell to my lot to go no-where, but Foster who was to have invited Miss Bromfield, not being acquainted with her, requested me to go in his stead. We assembled at about 7 o’clock, and danced till 2 in the morning after which we broke up. The Ladies were, Miss Ellery, Wiggles-worth, Jones, Foster, two Miss Mason’s, Miss Williams, Hill, Eustis, and two Miss Kneelands. Mr. Ellery, Mr. Harris, and Mr. Andrews, with my Class mates Amory, Bridge, Chandler 3d., Cranch, Forbes, Foster, Freeman, Lloyd, White, and Williams compleated the company. Of the Ladies, some had beauty without wit, and some wit without beauty; one was blest with both, and others could boast of neither. But little was said, and sentiment did not thrive, when the feet are so much engaged, the head in general is vacant. After we return’d several of us pass’d a couple of hours at Cranch’s Chamber, and at about 4 o’clock I retired to bed.

      16th.

       I rose just before the commons bell rung for dinner, quite refreshed, and not more fatigued, than I commonly am. The other lads were all up, in the morning, and had been to my chamber though I knew nothing of it. After dinner we were an hour at White’s chamber. Several of the gentlemen were nodding, and most of them appeared quite worn out. I went with White to Mr. Mason’s and to Mr. Wigglesworth’s: the Ladies were all well, but somewhat fatigued. There was a lecture, in the afternoon; but few of us attended: I pass’d the evening, with Cranch, at Judge Dana’s. Miss Ellery had a head ache, and was much fatigued. Miss Hastings was there, but she has neither youth nor beauty, and if she has wit it is somewhat beneath the surface. We retired at about 10.

      17th.

       Was at Kendall’s chamber after dinner; and likewise drank tea there. At home all the evening reading and writing; a number of junior’s had quite a frolic in Clarkes chamber.
       Samuel Angier from Medford, was 20 the 8th. of last November. Although his chamber is directly opposite to mine, I have but little intercourse with him. His character is far from amiable. Envy and vanity appear to me to be the most remarkable traits which distinguish him. He always appears discontented with himself and with all the world beside. There is but one person, of whom he speaks uniformly, and invariably well; and perhaps this is because, no one will ever take the task from him. Such is his admiration for this gentleman, that being incapable of displaying the same talents he is contented with aping his foibles which are sufficiently numerous and conspicuous. He proposes studying physic, and in that profession I hope, he will be useful; for any other he would not be suited, for I believe he would be a surly lawyer, and, an illiberal bigoted divine.

   Angier, who had transferred from Dartmouth, was later licensed to practice medicine (The Massachusetts Medical Society: A Catalogue of Its Officers, Fellows, and Licentiates, 1781–1893, Boston, 1894, p. 199).

      18th.

       Mr. Hilliard preached to us in the forenoon, and the president in the afternoon, when we were improved by a very laborious encomium upon Moses. Whatever the president’s literary talents may, be, he is certainly not an elegant composuist, nor a graceful orator. His reasoning may be sound, but the charms of his stile, if any there be, are hidden from a vulgar audience. Dined at Mr. Dana’s. Pass’d the evening at Bridge’s chamber, and made it rather late before, I went to bed.

      19th.

       We recite this week to Mr. Read. So few of the Class have yet arrived, that we have all something to say at one recitation, and Mr. Read always goes completely through a lesson. Mr. Pearson gave a very long lecture in the afternoon, upon the article in the greek, Latin, French and English Languages. He was rather tedious, and before he got through, the Sophimores and Freshmen, shew their impatience, by shuffling. White, Cranch, and myself were the only persons in the Class, who attended Mr. Williams’s mathematical lecture at 3. Seeing so few, he hinted he should not attend any more. I shew him my manuscript upon algebra. In the evening a number of us danced at Mason’s chamber till 9 o’clock, having transferred to this time the Tuesday club. We were to have had this evening a meeting of the ΦBK, but Mr. Ware being unavoidably called away, it was postponed.

      20th.

       Was part of the afternoon at Bridge’s chamber. Had tea at Little’s. Charles and Cranch, pass’d the evening at Mr. Hilliard’s. I was with Mr. Andrews at White’s chamber.
       William Amherst Barron of Petersham was 18. the 10th. of January. By the death of his father, which happened since he entered the university, he has been involved in some difficulties, and has been able to spend but a small portion of his Time here. Notwithstanding these disadvantages he is said to be a good scholar, and his disposition is amiable. Since I came, he has been present only one quarter, so that my personal acquaintance with him is not intimate. He intends studying Law.

   Barron returned to Harvard from 1793 to 1800 as mathematics tutor; thereafter, he entered the U.S. Army, where he was acting professor of mathematics at West Point, 1802–1807, and then served in the department of the quartermaster general until 1821 (Sidney Willard, Memories of Youth and Manhood, 2 vols., Cambridge, 1855, 1:275–276; George W. Cullum, Biographical Register of the Officers and Graduates of the U.S. Military Academy, at West Point, N.Y., From Its Establishment, March 16, 1802, to the Army Re-Organization of 1866–67, 2 vols., N.Y., 1868, 1:78).

      21st.

       Mr. Williams gave us a public lecture this afternoon, containing, an account of the different constellations in the Heavens. We had at Little’s chamber a meeting of the ΦBK. Mr. Andrews read a dissertation, containing a panegyric, upon the Ladies. A Letter from the branch of the Society at New-Haven was read, containing some queries respecting the granting a charter to Dartmouth, and an account of their transactions, upon a certain affair. After the letter was read a committee of 3, was appointed to answer it. The meeting was then adjourned to Monday March 5th. I pass’d a couple of hours with Freeman.

   Not found, but dated 2 Jan. and referred to in Harvard’s reply of 8 March.

   Henry Ware, JQA, and James Bridge.

      22d.

       Very cold weather. We drank tea at Williams’s. Bridge, and I went and pass’d the evening at Judge Dana’s; he himself is attending the court at Boston. We found Mr. Read and Mr. Burr there, and endeavoured as much as possible to behave like gentlemen. After we returned to college, I got engaged in conversation with Bridge, so deeply, at his chamber, that it was near 1 in the morning, before I left him.

      23d.

       About one half the Class are here at present: they have been coming in, quite slowly; and they will be chiefly here, I suppose, before the end of the Quarter. Yesterday afternoon, I met with Mr. Ware, and Bridge, upon the subject of the letter to New Haven; we thought it would be best for each of us to write, and to select from the three. Accordingly I wrote this evening. I made tea this evening, and at the same time quitted the club, for a number of substantial reasons.

   JQA’s draft letter has not been found. The letter sent to New Haven was dated 8 March and is printed in the Catalogue of the Harvard Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa..., Cambridge, 1912, p. 111–113. The RC at Yale indicates that it went out in Ware’s hand and over his signature, as senior officer of the Harvard chapter. Yet, as JQA reports in the next entry, it was he, not Ware, who decided which of three letters was sent to Yale; thus he undoubtedly shaped the reply.

   The committee’s letter presented the case for granting the charter to Dartmouth. Because the William and Mary chapter was so distant and “by this unavoidable delay a number of worthy characters now at Dartmouth College would be deprived of the benefit resulting from the institution,’’ the Harvard chapter deemed it advisable to draw up a charter, provided such a move received Yale’s approbation. Yale agreed, and the charter was signed on 21 June at Cambridge. Two months later it received Yale’s ratification (Catalogue of the Harvard Chapter, p. 114–115).

      24th.

       Committee met again at Mr. Ware’s chamber; after reading all the letters, I was requested to select from them. White went to Boston, and spoke to Mr. Dingley, who sent back my volumes of Gibbon’s roman history. Drank tea and passed the evening in Mead’s chamber, and retired very early. The weather has grown quite moderate.

   The only extant copy of Edward Gibbon’s The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire in the Adams’ libraries is a broken six-volume set of at least two editions, London, 1727–1788, containing the autograph of JA and bookplates of JQA (Catalogue of JA’s LibraryCatalogue of the John Adams Library in the Public Library of the City of Boston, Boston, 1917.).

      25th.

       I was absent from meeting all this day. Bridge dined with me, at my chamber. I begun, and read 100 pages in Gibbon’s history; with the stile of which I am extremely pleased. The author is not only an historian but a philosopher. The only fault with which I think he may be charged, is, an endeavour sometimes at the point of an epigram, when a serious reflection, would be more proper.

      26th.

       We recite again in Ferguson. Mr. Pearson gave a lecture this afternoon; it was still upon the article, very dry, and abstract, by no means the most entertaining that I ever attended. From six this morning when I arose till near twelve which was the time when I retired to bed, I have been as busily employ’d as I have any day these two years.

      27th.

       Almost all our Class have arrived. This morning I was not waked by the ringing of the prayer bell and therefore did not attend the recitation. I declaimed this afternoon, part of one of Mr. Fox’s speeches, from the Parliamentary debates, in December 1783. N. B. Did not speak loud enough, and changed feet too often. We danced in the evening at Putnams chamber till 9 o’clock. Read after I came home, a chapter or two in Gibbon.

   Charles James Fox was foreign secretary in the coalition ministry of the Duke of Portland. The speech was undoubtedly Fox’s highly “republican” one of 17 Dec., filled with sound Whig principles and made because the King used his personal influence to defeat Fox’s India bill. Fox passionately defended the rights of the Commons and liberties of England: “The deliberation of this night must decide whether we are to be freemen or slaves; whether the House of Commons is to be the palladium of liberty or the organ of despotism.” Fox and the rest of the ministers were dismissed the following day, and Pitt formed a government (The Parliamentary Register; Or a History of the Proceedings and Debates of the House of Commons..., 112 vols., London, 1775–1813, 12:428–429).

      28th.

       Mr. Williams gave us an astronomical lecture this afternoon. The sodality met, in the evening at Putnam’s chamber, and play’d till nine. Spent an hour with Mead after I return’d.
       Benjamin Beale was 18. the 6th. of June last. His father was from Braintree, but he was born at Liverpool in England. He entered the Class just before they commenced sophimores. His disposition is amiable, and he is a good scholar; but the government of the university have so repeatedly taken notice of him at exhibitions, that it has given offence to many of the young gentlemen in the Class, and they affect to despise his abilities; and to deny his scholarship. His talents have perhaps been rather overrated by the government, but I fear they are still more underrated in the Class; and he is not the only person whose popularity with his fellow students, has been greatly diminished by the favours of the government: notwithstanding all the reports circulated by malice and envy, I believe him very deserving: he displays no vanity, either of his person, which is elegant, or of his genius, which has been flattered by distinction, and this I think, is a sure mark of good Sense. Commerce, will probably be his profession, and from his general character, I think he has a good prospect of success. May he obtain it!

   Beale, son of the merchant Benjamin Beale and his English wife, who became the Adamses’ nearest neighbors in Quincy after 1792. Young Beale studied law and was admitted to the Suffolk bar in 1792, but decided to turn to foreign trade a few years later (Hist. of Suffolk County, Mass.,Professional and Industrial History of Suffolk County, Massachusetts, Boston, 1894; 3 vols. 1:286; JA to AA2, 29 Oct. 1792, in AA2, Jour. and Corr.,Journal and Correspondence of Miss Adams, Daughter of John Adams,... edited by Her Daughter [Caroline Amelia (Smith) de Windt], New York and London, 1841-[1849]; 3 vols. 2:124; JA to James Monroe, 6 March 1795, DLC: Monroe Papers).


Title: Thursday March 1st. 1787.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Charles went to Boston this morning: in the afternoon, I was at Foster’s chamber; he introduced me to his father and to Mr. Bissi, a young french gentleman, who lives with the french Consul. He had been three years at a school at Passi, which I left in 1780, so that we had a fund of conversation, ready to our hands. We accompanied the gentlemen, into the library, the museum, and the philosophy chamber. Mr. Bissi, was most entertained with the elegant paintings of Mr. Copley, with which the philosophy chamber is adorn’d: and for a cursory view, more entertainment may be derived from one good portrait, than from an hundred thousand volumes, however elegantly bound, if the outsides only can be seen. I was up very late this evening reading Gibbon.


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

       Mr. Andrews was at my chamber in the forenoon. I went with him, and Cranch and my class mate Harris, to take tea, at Mr. Pearson’s. Miss Ellery, Miss Hastings, two Miss Mason’s and Miss Foster were there. I got seated between Miss Ellery and Miss Hastings, but could not perfectly enjoy the pleasures of conversation, because, the music, was introduced. Music is a great enemy to sociability, and however agreeable it may be sometimes, there are occasions, when, I should wish it might be dispensed with.
       James Bridge, of Pownalborough in the Province of Maine, was 21 the 23d. of last September. As a scholar and as a gentleman, he is inferior to no one in the Class, and with no one, have I contracted since I entered the university, so great a degree of intimacy. His natural abilities are very good, and they have been greatly improved by Study. His passions are strong, but in general he keeps them well under command. His genius is metaphysical, rather than rhetorical; in reasoning with him we are rather convinced by the force of his argument, than seduced by the brilliancy of his imagination. He is possessed of much benevolence, and ambition occupies a large share of his mind; he does not endeavour to conceal this, but freely owns his expectations; which are so sangwine, that I somewhat fear, he will not entirely realize them all. His advantages however will be peculiar, and it is I think very probable that he will one day be eminent in the political Line. Law will be his Study; and I have long hoped that we should be together in one office, but many difficulties attend the scheme, and I fear much that it will not take place. My friendship for this gentleman, and three or four more of my classmates, saddens very much the anticipation of commencement, when we must part, perhaps forever.


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

       Snow’d moderately, a large part of the day. We recite to Mr. Burr. Professor Pearson, gave a lecture with which he concluded his observations upon the article. I did not hear many of them.
       At 7 this evening we had a meeting of the ΦBK at Cranch’s chamber. Mr. Ware, was excused from reading a dissertation. I had written with White in opposite composition, and read the following piece.

          Whether Love, or fortune ought to be the chief inducement, to marriage?
          Was I not perswaded of the benevolent candor, and kind indulgence of this audience, I should not venture to express my sentiments upon a subject, which, most men, will affirm, admits not of a question: there are certain prejudices among men, which it is dangerous to oppose: and was I in a Company of Ladies, to avow, the following opinions, they would be universally combated, by the flash of indignation and the sneer of contempt, which too frequently supply the place of argument: but liberality of sentiment, is a chief characteristic of this Society: and if my reasoning is judged erroneous, I shall at least be sure of being forgiven.
          No proposition perhaps, affords a fairer scope for the ridicule of commonplace reasoners, than that which I endeavour to maintain. Was mankind, in that primitive state of innocence, of which, the only traces that remain are to be found in the descriptions of poetry, I confess it would be unnatural and absurd to consider wealth as a requisite, for the union of two persons of different sexes: but in this iron age, when fortune is so important an article, to the happiness of men, it appears not to me repugnant to the principles of reason and virtue.
          It is a very old observation that words have more influence than things in forming the opinions of men: and to this perhaps may be ascribed the universal applause bestow’d on love matches, and the detestation of interested marriages. The word Love, raises very agreeable ideas in the mind, and avarice, has always been branded with infamy. Should we, however investigate the nature of the two passions, the most strenuous advocates for the former would perhaps acknowledge, that the comparison would not be greatly in its favour. That pure, refined, and elevated passion, which we term Love, is an heterogeneous compound of Lust, and Vanity, most frequently attended with Jealousy, a passion formed by the furies for the misery of mankind. It is captious, imprudent, whimsical, and utterly inconsistent with reason. If you think this definition too severe, attend to the words of a celebrated ancient author.

             In AMORE, haec omnia insunt vitia, injuriae
             Suspiciones, inimicitiae, induciae,
             Bellum, pax rursum: incerta haec si tu postules
             Ratione, certa facere, nihilo plus agas
             Quam si des operam, ut cum ratione insanias.

            Such is the passion which most men consider, as the indispensable foundation, of an union for life between the sexes. But very soon after marriage, Lust is satiated by enjoyment, and vanity remains the only ingredient, this, instead of being gratified, will be subject to frequent mortifications, because it will not be supported by fortune; discord introduces herself into the family, and the astonished couple, find themselves chain’d to eternal strife.
          Now suppose a man should make wealth the chief, though not the only object in his matrimonial pursuit. The connection may be formed by the mild warmth of mutual esteem, but without one spark of that blazing flame, which is dignified, with the name of Love. The Husband by the acquisition of a fortune, will be put in possession of the conveniences of Life, and out of the reach of want; and his wealth, will give him consideration, and importance. A Sentiment of gratitude will induce him to treat his wife with complaisance and affection; and she in her turn, perceiving him, sensible of the advantages, she had bestowed upon him, from a principle of generosity, would never remind him of her favours. They would have reason to be pleased with themselves, and it would naturally, follow, that they would please each other: no disappointed passion would divide them; no troublesome wants would make them burdens to each other; the sentiments of friendship with which the connection had been formed at first, will be greatly increased; and the happy pair would never have reason to regret the absence of that extravagant passion, which like the Sirens of ancient fable, charms but to destroy. They will labour under no difficulties, with respect to the education of their children; and their hopes for their prosperity will with reason overbalance their fears of misfortune.
          Perhaps I may be charged with delivering the general opinion, with the mere alteration of words; and it may be said that the ideas which I express by the appellation of mutual esteem, are in fact the same, which the rest of the world understand, by Love: but were this the case, love might subsist between Man and man, which is contrary to the received System; I have heard a brother of this Society, whose judgment, was I to name him, would not be called in question, say, in speaking of a certain Lady, that she was too perfect to be the object of Love: the observation was very just; and I dare say many of our brothers now present, have experienced the truth of it. In short, the only difference between mutual esteem and Love is, that the one is founded only upon Reason, to which the other is diametrically opposite.
          Such are the sentiments, which with diffidence, I venture to acknowledge as mine: I am not however obstinately attached to them; and should any arguments be produced sufficient to convince me, that they are erroneous, I shall retract them without hesitation.

       A revision of the Laws was voted; and Freeman and Little were appointed as a committee to make alterations in the ceremony of admission.


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

       At about 11, in the morning I set off, with Foster and White, for Haverhill. At half past one, we got to Dick’s tavern in Wilmington; we dined there, at three we started again, and at a quarter after five arrived in Haverhill: we rode in the snow the greater part of the Time. The slaying is very good; but we could not trust to its continuing so, three days at this Season of the year: I stay’d but a few minutes at Mr. White’s and then went up to Mr. Shaw’s. I was extremely fatigued; and retired early to bed.


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

       In the forenoon, I went and paid a number of visits, to my old acquaintance in this place; Mr. Thaxter; I pass’d a couple of hours with. Was at Mr. Osgood’s, Mr. Duncan’s, and Mr. Bartlett, who has sacrificed to Hymen, since I saw him last. “Cupid by Hymen was crown’d,” but at 37 it is to be supposed a man of sense, would be able to repel the attacks of the young tyrant, whose empire is generally composed of more youthful subjects. The flame, by which the torch was lighted, was not I imagine very ardent, but it will probably be lasting. It was not like the impetuous, crackling blaze of the faggot, but like the mild, and constant heat of the walnut.
       I finished my visits, at Miss Hazen’s; she has lately been a journey with her brother, to a remote part of the State, and return’d last week. She appears not quite so handsome, as she used to be, fourteen months since; though she is yet too young to begin to fade. We conversed about half an hour, but rather in a distant ceremonious manner.
       Dined at Mr. White’s. At about 4 afternoon, I went with Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett, two Miss Codman’s, Miss Hazen, and her brother, Foster and White, in two double sleighs down upon the river, to Russell’s tavern. Just before we went upon the ice, in going down a steep descent, one sleigh overset, men and women, all pell mell one on the other: no person however was hurt: not two minutes after; one of our horses went through the ice, just off the banks of the river: we thought the sleigh would follow; the ladies screamed, and leapt out; but we soon extricated ourselves from that difficulty likewise: we then cross’d the river, stop’d an hour at the tavern; then rode, up on the river 4 or 5 miles, and return’d just before dark: drank tea, and pass’d part of the evening at Mr. White’s, and at 8, went up the hill.


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

       Walk’d about the town, with Mr. Hazen, White and Foster. Went to see Miss Hazen, the Miss McKinstry’s, Mr. Thaxter, and Judge Sargeant, who was very much fatigued by riding from Boston yesterday. He proposes going into Berkshire next week, and is already imagining all the difficulties of travelling that way, with terror. His journey thither will probably be more fatiguing than his jaunt from Boston. We drank tea, with Miss McKinstry, went to Mr. Duncan’s to show Foster the beauty; and spent the evening at Mr. Bartlett’s, in singing, playing cards &c.
       Snow’d and rained the greatest part of the day.


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

       Attended meeting all day. Mr. Hilliard preach’d; but not very much to the purpose: what with the fatigue of my yesterday’s ride, the little sleep I had last night, and some soporific qualities in the discourses which were read, I was much refreshed by a couple of naps which I took; one beforenoon and the other after. In the evening I went down to Judge Dana’s, but did not see him: the president was there: stiff as ever. Mr. Dana, had a second attack last night; but not so violent as the first: they have some hopes, and many fears with respect to his recovery.


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

       Somewhat idle, the greater part of the day: rather dull, and low spirited: the Sophimores this evening got more than half seas over, in Wilson’s chamber, directly under mine, and made, a most outrageous noise till almost 9 o’clock. Weather moderate.


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

       Was employ’d almost all day, in thinking upon the subject of my conference; wrote a few Lines, with much difficulty. Did not like the subject. Wished the conference to the devil: the junior Class being displeased with the distribution of parts for exhibition; so far as respected their Class; assembled this evening at Prescott’s chamber, and made a great deal of noise. The Sodality met at my chamber this evening.
       Thomas Chandler of Worcester, was 19 the 11th. of last January. His father was formerly one of the most opulent individuals in N. England; but in consequence of his siding with the british, in the late war, a large part of it was confiscated; he had 15 or 16 children, so that Tom has not the prospect of a very great estate. His disposition is good; he is extremely irascible, but

          he carries anger, as the flint bears fire.

         A trifle will throw him off his guard, but a moment’s recollection, reforms him. In the space of five minutes I have seen him calm, raging violent and repenting: excepting at such times his temper is easy, and contented: his happiness however proceeds chiefly from want of thought, and reflection: in short, he appears to be influenced so entirely by his Passions, that I should think him rather an instrument of action, than a moral agent.


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

       All day, engaged again, in writing my part of the conference; I do not know that I ever found so much difficulty, to write upon any subject: Little, and Freeman, are not much better pleased: in the night however, between 12 and 2 o’clock, I began to have something like a flow of ideas; I wrote more, than I had done, in two whole days. I Dined, with Freeman and Little, Cranch, and Lloyd at Mrs. Forbes’s. Charles brought me a letter this evening from Boston; it was from my Sister, but dated so long agone, as last July.


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

       Mr. Hilliard preached for us the whole day: his text in the afternoon was in these words, “righteousness exalteth a nation.” A political Sermon; upon the present situation of affairs; the first Mr. H. has delivered since I became one of his hearers.
       We had this evening a meeting of the A B. for the first time this quarter. We chose officers, to continue, untill our Class shall cease to meet at the Society. A couple of essays were read; and it was voted that, Adams 3d. Barron, Gardner, Grosvenor, and Phillips, of the junior Class, should be admitted: after which the meeting should be adjourned till next Sunday evening, at half after seven.


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

       This morning the junior’s Prescott, and Wier, were publicly admonished for having had riotous noises at their chambers, last week. The sentence is considered all over college, as uncommonly severe, and by many as wholly unmerited, at least on the part of Prescott.
       We had in the evening a meeting of the ΦBK. at Fiske’s chamber. A dissertation was read by Freeman, but the other exercices were omitted: it was voted that a number of books should be bought to add to the library belonging to the Society. Andrews and Fiske, were chosen as a committee to purchase them.
       William Cranch of Braintree, was 17 the 17th. of last July. The ties of blood, strengthened by those of the sincerest friendship, unite me to him, in the nearest manner. Our sentiments upon most subjects are so perfectly similar, that I could not praise his, without being conscious of expressing a tacit applause of my own. His manners I can however pronounce amiable; his spirit, nobly independent: his judgment sound, and his imagination lively. His thirst for useful knowledge, and his fondness for study is not surpassed by that of any individual in the Class: happy were it for me; if with a perfect coincidence with his opinions in general, I could unite, the same talents, and the same accomplishments.


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

       This usually an holiday to the junior Class who now cease reciting at eleven in the forenoon. The greatest part of the Class generally join and go to some tavern at a distance from Cambridge, where they spend the evening, in mirth, and festivity: but several circumstances have induced the present juniors to omit this custom; and the President a few mornings since read in the chapel, a vote of the corporation, expressing their approbation of the conduct of the young gentlemen in that respect, and recommending to the ensuing Classes to imitate their example: several of the Class however, determined to adhere to the good old cause; in consequence of which a number of the windows in the Philosophy chamber were broken.


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

       Fast day. Attended Mr. Hilliard the whole day; but to no great purpose: in consequence of the late severity of the College Governors, there has been yesterday and this day, a subscription paper handed about among all the Classes, to procure a meeting of the whole college to-morrow evening in the chapel, every person having a pipe, a glass and a bottle of wine, and there to convince the government that the Students are possess’d of “a noble spirit, a spirit which shall nip the bud of tyrannical oppression,” they will get as drunk as beasts, and probably break every tutors window in College: this absurd, and ridiculous plan has found so many votaries, that a large majority of every Class except ours have already subscribed; but I am happy that in our Class; there are but few who have joined the association, and as it is to take place only upon condition that there be a majority of every Class, the plan will most probably fail.
       I went down this evening to Mr. Dana’s: I saw him for the first Time since his illness. They say he is much better, and recovering fast; but I was shock’d at seeing him; pale, emaciated and feeble, he scarcely looks like the same man he was three weeks agone.
       Beautiful weather, and the warmest we have yet had, this Season.


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

       Charles went down to Mr. Dana’s this evening; the judge is mending but quite slowly:
       I had thoughts of carrying up some algebraic calculations, for the mathematical performance at exhibition, but, Cranch takes the next transit of Venus. Bridge and White, who do not choose, to take much trouble, have both taken lunar eclipses; and as there was no solar eclipse presented at the last exhibition I determined to project one, for the next. I went to Mr. Read to find out, when there will be a large one, and finally calculated the elements for that which will happen, May 15th. 1836.
       Joshua Cushman of Bridgewater will be 23 the 11th. of next month. Poverty appears to be his greatest enemy; she opposes his progress, and he has a very great struggle with her, to go through College. For genius he is neither at the Zenith nor at the Nadir; but somewhere about half way between. For improvements, he has made as many perhaps, as his circumstances would allow him. In composition, an admiration of beautiful periods, and elegant expression, have taken from the natural taste for that simplicity in which alone true beauty and elegance consist. His conversation sometimes degenerates into bombast; to express that he wants a glass of water he will say, that within the concave excavation of his body, there are certain cylindric tubes which require to be replenished from, the limpid fountain or the meandering rivulet. In the public exercices of composition his greatest fault is prolixity. He will write two sheets of paper full, for a forensic, while scarcely any other of the Class will scarcely fill half one. He is however esteemed by the Class in general, as an amiable character, if not as an uncommon genius.


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

       We had last evening a Class meeting; a petition drawn up by Little, as additional to that already presented, was read to the Class, and approved by them: the Committee, were ordered to carry it down to the President. I was employ’d the greatest part of this day in projecting my Eclipse for exhibition. The elements are as follows.

     Elements.

      for a solar Eclipse. May 15th. 1836.
      D.
      H.
      M.
      S.

      1.
      True time of New Moon at Cambridge, in May 1836.
      15:
      9:
      29:
      13

      °
      ’
      "

      2.
      Semidiameter of the Earth’s Disc

      0:
      55:
      0

      3.
      Sun’s Distance from the nearest solstice

      35:
      17:
      42

      4.
      Sun’s Declination, North

      18:
      58:
      0

      5.
      Moon’s latitude, north ascending

      0:
      26:
      26

      6.
      Moon’s horary motion from the Sun

      0:
      28:
      14

      7.
      Angle of the Moon’s visible path with the ecliptic

      5:
      35:
      0

      8.
      Sun’s Semidiameter

      0:
      15:
      55

      9.
      Moon’s Semidiameter

      0:
      15:
      0

      10.
      Semidiameter of the Penumbra

      0:
      30:
      55.

   Charles watch’d at Mr. Dana’s this night.
       Peter Eaton of Haverhill was 22 the 15th. of this month. I have not the pleasure of an intimate acquaintance with him; but all those who have, speak well of him. As a speaker he is distinguished, and as a scholar respectable; his public exercices have been in general equal if not superior to any in the Class since I belonged to it: but he is very modest and diffident, so that he has not brought himself so much into notice, as several others in the Class, who without his abilities have a much greater share of confidence.


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

       We heard Mr. Evans preach, all day: he attempted to be quite pathetic in the afternoon; but when art is seen through it must be disgusting; and when a person appears deeply affected upon a subject, which cannot be very interesting, we must conclude, that he grieves for the pleasure of grieving.
       This night I watch’d at Mr. Dana’s. I read a couple of novels in the course of the night; both of them perfectly insipid.


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

       It was late before I retired last night, and this morning I arose between 10 and 11. Little called me up to go to the President with our petition. We called Fiske and went all together. Mr. Willard conversed with us upon the subject of a private Commencement; but from what we could collect we rather suppose the Corporation will deny the favour which we requested. He said however, there would be next week a meeting of the Corporation, when they would probably give their final decision.