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

      Tuesday April 1st. 1788.

       The Court sits this day at Ipswich. Mr. Parsons went in the afternoon, I dined with him. Pickman gone to Salem: so that for two or three days I have been wholly alone at the office: Putnam took a long walk with me; he has been amusing himself with Stacey this day by the prescriptive privilege of deceiving. The manner was imprudent, and the thing itself beneath his years: but there is a pleasure in playing the fool at times; and perhaps these are peculiarly excusable. As we returned from our walk, I stop’d in at Mrs. Hooper’s to pass the last evening with Townsend. Parson Bass was there but soon went off. Amory took his usual rout; a Mr. Gartz, who belongs to Baltimore; Mr. Cutler and Thompson were with us all the evening: and we left them a little after ten.

      2d.

       This day Townsend and Amory finally left us and were to be sworn in to the Court of common-pleas at Ipswich. They entered the office both nearly at the same time, and have both continued here, more than three years. Their characters and dispositions, are essentially different. With Townsend I have been very intimate ever since I came to this town; but my acquaintance with Amory, has only been such as necessarily followed, from being so frequently with him. Townsend is in his twenty fifth year. His genius is very good, and somewhat eccentric. While at College, and for some time after he laboured under great disadvantages from his narrow circumstances; but for three or four years past he has been well supported, by a wealthy uncle, who has no children, and who will probably leave him something. Since he came here his studies have repeatedly been interrupted; and he has been obliged to attend for months together upon his brother, who died last summer in a consumption. The time which he could spend here was generally well employ’d. His disposition was easy and contented; rather apt to contract prejudices either favourable, or unfavorable to persons, from their first appearance; his friendships were very strong and his aversions rather severe. He was attached to his opinions, and would defend them with warmth: so that many of his acquaintance think him obstinate. But he has frequently said and I believe justly, that obstinacy consists in persevering in an opinion, without being willing to defend it when attacked; not in being unwilling to give it up without sufficient grounds to conclude it erroneous: and if his definition be true, I do not think he can properly be called obstinate. Upon general subjects his sentiments coincided very well with mine; but we differed very frequently in descending to particulars.
       Generosity, humanity and benevolence, are the ornaments of his heart, and in short from his whole character I have such an attachment for him, that I shall regret much his leaving this Town: my anxiety for his health increases this regret; his disorder is alarming, and by so much the more as it has been peculiarly fatal to his family.
       Amory I will mention to-morrow.
       I took a walk with Putnam this afternoon, and as we returned Putnam urged me to go in to Dr. Smith’s; to which I finally agreed: Putnam pass’d a number of high encomiums upon Miss Smith; but as soon as we went into the house I found Miss Bradbury there; which explained Putnam’s eagerness. I sat and conversed till about nine o’clock, and then came off leaving my companion with his Dulcinea there.

      3d.

       Thompson went yesterday morning to Ipswich and returned last evening. I dined with him to day. Frank Bradbury and Putnam were likewise there. Amory and Townsend were sworn into Court yesterday in the afternoon, and immediately went on to Salem. Amory, whom I promised to mention this day is about twenty three. At a very early period of life he was engaged in scenes of intemperance and debauchery; and contracted a fondness for them, which he has not yet conquered. His imagination is lively and his apprehension uncommonly quick: but a great degree of volatility and unsteadiness, render all his reforming resolutions abortive. With any particular object before him he is indefatigably active, and industrious; but when it is once accomplished, he too often relapses into dissipation and inattention. Of almost three years and an half which have past since he entered Mr. Parsons’s office, he has not I suppose spent two in this Town, and of that Time perhaps he has not employ’d one half in the office. Yet such are his natural advantages for improvement, that in the short Time which he has devoted to study, he has acquired almost as much knowledge of the Law as a common person would, who should have been attentive through the whole period. Notwithstanding his habits of intemperance he has formed a tender connection with a young Lady in this Town, who is undoubtedly firmly perswaded that he will marry her. It will certainly be a great misfortune to her, should she be disappointed: for after so long, and so great an intimacy, with a young fellow whose principles and practice, are so repugnant to the general ideas of morality, and religion; it must be supposed that any other young gentleman, would be somewhat punctilious before he would venture to pay his addresses to her. Unfortunately, the same causes, which are prejudicial to her reputation, will tend to render him faithless and inconstant. All that can be hoped is (and it is devoutly to be wished) that his native good sense, and strength of mind, will rise superior to all his youthful follies, and that of all the heterogeneous qualities which compose his character, the good only will remain. His manners and address are remarkably agreeable, and insinuating, and, he possess candour to applaud in others even those virtues of which he is most destitute. In short we may fairly say, that without an essential alteration in his course of life, he will ever be a worthless character; but that with such alterations as time and experience may very well produce, he may become one of the best and most useful men in the Commonwealth.
       Dr. Kilham returned this afternoon from Boston and Mr. Parsons from Ipswich.
       I took a long walk after dinner, with Putnam, F. Bradbury, and Thompson, and we passed the evening at Putnam’s lodgings.

      4th.

       The weather has been rather disagreeable this day.
       In the evening I went with Thompson and Putnam, to Mr. Bradbury’s, where we found a large company. Mr. W. Parsons and his wife; Mr. Sigourney, and his enamorata and an innumerable quantity of Miss Greenleafs’. We pass’d the evening as usual: singing, playing cards &c. Mr. Sigourney, has a very good voice, and entertained the company much more than such exercises generally do.
       We retired between 10 and 11 o’clock.

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

      5th.

       Rain’d again a great part of the day. Putnam pass’d the evening at my lodgings. We conversed upon a variety of Subjects. I am more pleased with him, than I was while we were, Classmates: he is not exempt from that puerility which I mentioned as constituting his character; and I have sometimes seen him exert a degree of little cunning, to obtain an end, in trifles where it was totally unnecessary even to serve his own purpose; But he is good-natured, and friendly; willing and ready to oblige; easy and contented; enjoying the present, and looking forward to futurity without sufficient anxiety to embitter his happiness. I often envy him his feelings. For “who by taking thought can add one cubit to his stature.” The prospects of life which are before me, are by far the most frequent employment of my thoughts: and according to the different temperature of my Spirits, I am sometimes elated with hope, sometimes contented with indifference, but often tormented with fears, and depressed by the most discouraging appearances. Such reflections serve only to deprive me of my present enjoyments; after all, the events which Time is to produce, must take their course, and “sufficient surely,” to the day is the evil thereof.

   JQA’s earlier sketch of Putnam is in the entry for 27 May 1787 (above).

   Matthew, 6:27.

   Same, 6:34.

      6th.

       A Parson Allen preach’d this day for Mr. Carey. I went to hear him in the forenoon. His Sermon was sensible, but his delivery was quite disagreeable: his manner of speaking was so singular that several times it was with difficulty I restrained myself from laughing. I did not feel a great inclination to hear him again, and I therefore, went in the afternoon, and heard Mr. Murray. He is an orator; but if he did not betray such a consciousness of his own powers, while in the pulpit, he would be much more pleasing to me. There is no situation perhaps in which that consummate art of concealing art, is more requisite, than in the desk. Art is undoubtedly necessary in speaking to command the attention of an audience; but if that art is apparent, the solemnity of the occasion, greatly tends to increase the disgust which I always conceive, against affectation. For when a preacher appears so wholly occupied with the admiration of his own rhetorical talents; it seems he can have but little concern for the important subject, of which his eloquence is only the instrument, and which ought to be the chief, I had almost said the only object of his thoughts.

      7th.

       I went with Thompson, to Mr. Atkins’s, to answer to an action which we had brought before him this day.

       The first Monday in April, being the day appointed by the Constitution for the choice of Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Senators The Town meeting here began at ten in the morning, and the poll was closed at four in the afternoon. Mr. Hancock and General Lincoln, had a great majority in this Town, as well as in Newbury. And a federal List of Senators; for. Fed and anti; are the only distinctions at this day. Mr. S. Adams had a great number of votes for Lieutt. Governor; but, for what reason, I cannot tell, all the influence was against him. The revolution that has taken place in sentiments within one twelve month past must be astonishing to a person unacquainted, with the weaknesses, the follies, and the vices of human nature. The very men, who at the last election declared the Commonwealth would be ruined if Mr. Hancock was chosen, have now done every thing to get him in, and the other side are equally capricious. We have not yet got sufficiently settled to have stated parties; but we shall soon I have no doubt obtain the blessing.
       I pass’d an hour or two this evening with Thompson at Mrs. Emery’s: and he spent half an hour with me, till nine o’clock.

      8th.

       Pickman returned last evening from Salem. The votes in that Town, and in several others from which accounts have been received, are equally favorable or more so, than they were in this Town, to Mr. Hancock, and General Lincoln. I called and passed an hour or two at Mrs. Hooper’s in the evening: Miss Cazneau was there. Came home early in the evening.

        Belinda next advanc’d with rapid stride
        A compound strange, of Vanity and Pride
        Around her face no wanton Cupids play,
        Her tawny skin, defies the God of Day.
        Loud was her laugh, undaunted was her look,
        And folly seem’d to dictate what she spoke.
        In vain the Poet’s and musician’s art,
        Combine to move the Passions of the heart,
        Belinda’s voice like grating hinges groans,
        And in harsh thunder roars a lover’s moans.

      9th.

       Dined with Pickman and Thompson, at Mr. Parsons’s upon Salmon, which begin now to be caught in the river. We did not do much business in the afternoon. I called upon Putnam, after taking a walk with Thompson, but Putnam was engaged for the evening; so that I soon came home to my lodgings.

      10th.

       From the divers interruptions which we met with in the course of the day, we did but little at the office. We met this evening at Pickman’s chamber: he has joined us and is regularly with us. Stacey likewise pass’d the evening with us; and Mr. W. Farnham; I agreed to go with Pickman to Haverhill to-morrow. From thence I intend in the beginning of the next week, to proceed to Cambridge; attend at the exhibition there; and then go to Braintree and spend a few days. And I shall probably meet my brothers there. I have sometimes intended to wait for my father’s arrival; before I should go that way; but it is almost six months since I saw my friends in Cambridge, Braintree &c. which makes me somewhat impatient; and if I wait for my father I know not whether I shall go in one month or two: as I have been so little absent through the winter, I may venture now to indulge myself for a fortnight.

      11th.

       I set out with Pickman this morning at about nine o’clock: the weather was clear though rather windy: before twelve we arrived at Haverhill. I went immediately to Mr. Shaws; and Pickman, went to the tavern to meet a carriage, which he expected from Salem; but very unfortunately he found the Carriage, had past through the Town, not more than a quarter of an hour before he got there: such disappointments, are peculiarly teazing to Lover’s, and felt perhaps more keenly than greater misfortunes. After dinner I went down to Mr. White’s, and was sorry to find, that Leonard was gone to Hamstead with his mother. I call’d likewise at Mr. Thaxter’s, but he was not at home. I sat, half an hour with Mrs. Thaxter, who has met with a misfortune, and been very unwell for some time past.
       I thence went up to Judge Sargeant’s to pay a visit there; And I found Mr. Thaxter with him; I returned soon and drank tea at Mr. Thaxter’s; and soon after; went back to Mr. Shaw’s.

      12th.

       In the forenoon I went down, and spent a couple of hours with Mr. Thaxter: the rest of the day I employ’d in reading, upon several subjects. I took up Hudibras in the afternoon, and diverted myself with it for an hour or two.

   JQA adds, in his line-a-day entry, “Mr. Shaw’s. All day” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

      13th.

       Attended meeting all day. Dined at Mr. Thaxter’s with Mr. J. Duncan. And in the afternoon, after service: we took a long walk. When we return’d to Mr. Thaxter’s we found Mr. Bartlett and his wife and Leonard White there. Mr. Parsons came in soon after. He is going to attend the Supreme Court, who will sit this week at Concord. The conversation soon turned upon political subjects; I knew we should have over again, what I have heard twenty times; and therefore I took a walk with Leonard White; and went home between 9 and 10 in the evening.

      14th.

       I met with several impediments in the morning so that it was eleven o’clock before I cross’d the river: the weather was very good, but growing Cloudy. I got to Doctor Kitteridge’s house at Andover, before one. I stop’d to see my Class-mate W. Abbot and dined there. Bowman and Wyeth were likewise there. I would say something of Mrs. Kitteridge, but it would be now a very improper time to give an account of such impressions. I left the House before three; and soon after it began to rain, and continued without intermission untill I arrived at Cambridge; I got there at about six. I rode, eight or ten miles with an Almsbury man, who is going to Concord court upon business. Mr. Parsons is engaged in his cause, and the man had a deal to say about lawyer’s.
       I found my brothers at our old chamber, and after sitting with them half an hour, went over, and pass’d the remainder of the evening with Packard. I found Cushman, at his chamber, and we spent the eve very sociably. Clarke had been riding in the rain as well as myself, the greatest part of the day. He came from Harvard, where he went to accompany Grosvenor, who went home very sick a few days ago.
       Cushman is apprehensive that he will not be able to obtain his degree before next Commencement. He tells me he has not yet preached, as had been reported: Child, Kellogg and Mead are, he says the only Classmates of ours who have yet appeared in the pulpit.

   Cushman had not received his bachelor’s degree in the commencement of 1787 because of unpaid college bills.

      15th.

       The weather was quite disagreeable, for exhibition; in consequence of which there was but little company. Phillips began the performances, with a Latin Oration. His subject was General Washington; a subject which must be inexhaustible or it would long since have been exhausted. He spoke well. Treadwell and Gardner, next came upon the stage, in a forensic disputation. Their question was something like this. “Whether mankind have any natural right to authority over one another.” They quibbled about words, and said on neither side much to the purpose. Treadwell however did better than I expected of him. In the Syllogistic dispute Cutts was respondent, Blake 2. and Wigglesworth opponents. I have forgotten the question upon which they exerciced their ingenuity. Bradbury and Hooper, personated Plato and Diogenes; in a dialogue, upon the conduct of courtiers: the only fault that could be found, was that Hooper’s delicacy of person, and neatness of dress, contrasted rather too much with our ideas of Diogenes, and indeed, with what he said in that Character. Paine and Shaw spoke a greek dialogue, in which I did not feel myself greatly interested; and Abbot closed with an English Oration, upon the slave-trade. The Composition was very good, and it was well spoken, though, the natural disadvantage of a weak voice, injured the effect of his delivery. I do not recollect having heard any performances upon this subject, at College, and it will afford a fruitful source for declamation.... The governor then arose, and made a speech addressed to the Students, in which he congratulated them upon their proficiency, and exhorted them to go on in the ways of well-doing. The music which succeeded was but indifferent. They had no violin: and Fay their best performer, was unwell, and did not attend.
       After the exhibition was over I went down to Judge Dana’s, and dined in company with a number of Ladies. Stedman and Harris, the butler, dined there too. There was a Miss Patten from Rhode Island; Almy Ellery is fond of her; and I will trust to her judgment; but was it not for that I should not be much prepossessed in the Lady’s favour: She is very tall, very young, and very diffident. Miss Badger I have seen before; but there are three or four Miss Clarke’s of whom I have heard much said; and whom I this day saw for the first Time. They are all agreeable; and none of them handsome: Patty is the most comely, me judice.
       After dinner I called at Dr. Wigglesworth’s, but the young Ladies were gone over to the College, to drink tea. We went to Phillips’s chamber. It was full of Company. Between seven and eight we went to Brown’s Rooms, and danced till between Twelve and one. I was completely fatigued, and glad that the company then dispersed. I pass’d the evening very agreeably; and after breaking up went with my Classmate Foster, and lodg’d at my brother’s Chamber; where by priority of possession I still claim a right.

   JQA’s ellipses.

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

      16th.

       Breakfasted at Judge Dana’s. Doctor Waterhouse came, in and entertained us for some time with his quaint wit. I paid several visits in the course of the forenoon: pass’d a couple of hours very agreeably with Miss Wigglesworth and Miss Jones. The latter of these two Ladies, in former times, was not with me upon so good terms as at present. I thought her capricious, and ill-natured: but of late she has been much better. I once wrote a double acrostic for her, neither part of which was true. As I did not insert them at the time I will now introduce one of them; for the contrast is false and unjust. I went to see Mr. Smith, the Librarian, and also to Mr. Gannett’s; where Miss Lucy Cranch, has been these two months past. The young Lovers went home this forenoon with the Miss Clarkes, And Mr. Andrews did not get back, till we had nearly dined. Immediately after dinner I mounted my horse; and got to Mr. Cranch’s, between six and seven. My aunt I found was gone to Cambridge, for Lucy, and expects to return with her to-morrow. I found my friends well except W. Cranch, who has been very unwell, but is recovering.

        C—ould all the powers of rhetoric combined
        A—ssist to show the beauties of her mind
        T—he Poet’s efforts would be all in vain
        H—er mind is fair, without one single stain
        A—11 the soft Passions which improve the heart
        R—eign in her breast, and every thought impart
        I—n such a breast no foible can reside
        N—o little art, for prudence is her guide
        E—ach moral beauty, which adorns the soul
        J—oin’d to each grace, completes her soft controul
        O—f Siren charms, the poets often tell,
        N—o goddess e’er employ’d them half so well;
        E—nvy itself must drop a tear to find,
        S—o fair a face with such a beauteous mind.

          Jany. 22d. 1787.

   JQA mentions Miss Jones and Miss Ellery in his line-a-day entry (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

   The acrostic that JQA copied into this entry first appeared in his verse composition book, M/JQA/28, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel no. 223. The second acrostic, which he apparently wrote down on the leaf that followed, has been clipped out of the book.

      17th.

       Fast day. In the forenoon I remained at home, and spent my time in writing and reading. In the afternoon, I heard Parson Wibird. Mrs. Cranch and Miss Lucy came home this evening; a person from Boston brought us some Letters which came from Europe. Callahan was to sail, about the first of this month; which will probably be extended to the fifteenth.
       By this time I suppose my friends will be at Sea.

   These may have included JA to JQA, 23 Jan., and AA2 to JQA, 10 Feb., the only letters for the period sent to JQA from Europe and surviving in the Adams Papers.

   John Callahan’s Lucretia, in which JA and AA were traveling, was delayed off Weymouth, England, by winds until 27 April; the Adamses eventually arrived at Boston on 17 June. On 5 April, AA2 and her husband sailed from Falmouth in the Tyne packet, reaching New York in mid-May (JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 3:214–216).

      18th.

       A cold north east storm, confined us to the house all day. I read a few pages in one of Gilbert’s treatises and wrote a little, likewise. The time however was spent without much improvement; Doctor Tufts was over here Yesterday and this day. He was attending upon Miss Quincy, who has been very ill in consequence of making a mistake in taking medicine, by swallowing salt petre instead of salts.

      19th.

       The weather has been rather better this day than it was yesterday. I went with both my brothers on a shooting party, an amusement which I follow no where except at Braintree though, there could not perhaps be a more miserable place, for sport. Dined with W. Cranch, and my brothers at Dr. Tufts’s in Weymouth; and saw Mrs. Tufts for the first Time since her marriage: last fall she was at Newbury-Port, when Mr. Odiorne, was married; and at that time had no thoughts, or at least no expectation, of changing her situation soon. But Mr. Tufts, who had always been remarkably backward, in affairs of this nature; was equally expeditious, when he was once engaged: he could not even wait, till he had got an house ready; but married immediately and lives for the present with his father. We return’d, so as to get home just before dark.

      20th.

       I pass’d the forenoon at home in writing. In the afternoon, I attended meeting and heard Mr. Wibird. After meeting, I went down to view the house, which they are repairing for my father: I was not perfectly pleased with it; but it now appears in a very unfavourable light: they are obliged to make the most necessary repairs very hastily expecting my father in a few weeks. I am in hopes, that after my parents return; this place will be more lively and agreeable to me than it is at present. I think I shall never make it the standing place of my residence: but I shall wish to pass much of my time here, and hope the change may be for the better.

   The Vassall-Borland place was an abandoned loyalist estate in Braintree. Several individuals occupied the house during the Revolution and afterward, until it was finally purchased for JA in Sept. 1787 through the agency of Drs. Cotton Tufts and Thomas Welsh. Long known as the Old House, four generations of Adamses lived in it until 1927. In 1946 it was deeded to the federal government and became the Adams National Historic Site. For additional details, consult the notes in Adams Family CorrespondenceAdams Family Correspondence, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1963- ., 3:264–266, and JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 3:217; the Old House is illustrated in JA, Diary and AutobiographyDiary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols., 4:facing 195.

      21st.

       We were again confined all day to the house, by the badness of the weather. Mr. Cranch however went to Boston. I find, as I always have found, great inconveniences in writing here, and indeed, there are no small inconveniences in thinking; I wrote however a little, and read a few pages in Gilbert’s treatise of Evidence, it being a Law book. W. Cranch is reading Bacon; but makes no great progress in it at Braintree. It is a book which many instructors recommend to be read through in course; but Mr. Parsons says it is calculated, only to make matter of Fact lawyers; men, who without knowing the true principles upon which the Science is grounded, or the reasoning by which it is supported; will be confined in their knowlege to ita lex scripta est, and will be incapable of applying the principles to new cases, or to circumstances different from such as have already taken place.

   Geoffrey Gilbert, The Law of Evidence..., London, 1717, and later revised and corrected editions.

   Matthew Bacon, A New Abridgment of the Law..., 5 vols., London, 1736–1766.

      22d.

       I took a ride in the forenoon with W. Cranch. Mr. Cranch came home from Boston, and brought young Waters with him. Mr. Weld, with his wife and her Sister pass’d the afternoon here; and when I return’d from my father’s Library, where I went to take a list of his Law-Books; I found Mr. Norton here: he has some thoughts of going to Menotomy to-morrow, to Mr. Fiske’s ordination; and made this a stage on his way. He is paying his addresses to Miss Betsey Cranch, and will, I suppose marry her, unless some particular accident should intervene. He was ordained last fall, at Weymouth, in the parish where, my grandfather Smith was settled; and he is said to be a young man of good sense, and a good disposition.

      23d.

       The weather was so disagreeable, that Mr. Norton gave up the thoughts of going to Menotomy, and return’d to Weymouth. It has been very dull, a great part of this month. March was much more agreeable. My Brothers however went over to Milton in the afternoon, I intended when I came here to have returned yesterday to Cambridge; but I have deferr’d it, and shall probably still defer it till friday. On Saturday, I must certainly get home to Newbury-Port; where by my diligence I must repair the loss of time which I have sustained in this tour.

      24th.

       Charles went to Boston this morning, and brought me back some letters from Europe. I went in the forenoon with Miss Betsey Cranch, down to Mrs. Quincy’s where she intends to spend a few days: but I did not see either of the ladies there: Miss Quincy, has in some measure recovered from the illness occasioned by a mistake in taking a medicine. I spent my time this day as I have every day since I came here, somewhat miscellaneously.

   See entry for 17 April, note 1 (above).

      25th.

       I left Braintree between 9 and 10. and stoppd, about half an hour at Genl. Warren’s, he was gone to Plymouth but Mrs. Warren was at home. The Genl.’s political character has undergone of late a great alteration. Among all those who were formerly his friends he is extremely unpopular; while the insurgent and antifederal party (for it is but one) consider him in a manner as their head; and have given him at this election many votes for lieutenant governor. Mrs. Warren complained that he had been abused shamefully, and very undeservedly; but she thought me too federal to talk freely with me.
       I called for a few minutes at George’s Office, which he has lately opened. I got to Cambridge, a little before one, and called at the Butler’s room: where I found Mr. Ware, and Packard. Dined at Judge Dana’s. Miss Jones was there, and agreeable as usual. In the afternoon, I went to Dr. Williams’s. Sam has been gone about two months to Sea; Jenny is still losing her beauty, and will soon, have none to lose.
       I was at Abbot’s chamber an hour or two. And return’d to Mr. Dana’s with Packard to tea. Stedman, and Harris, and my very good friend and Classmate O. Fiske, pass’d the evening there; and it was uncommonly sociable.
       I had promised Pickman to meet him this day in Salem, but was prevented by the weather as it rain’d all the afternoon.
       I forgot to mention, that my Classmate Harris dined with us at Judge Dana’s. He came a day or two ago, from Worcester, where he is now keeping school. It was feared, that he was in a decline, but I think he looks better than he did when we left College.

      26th.

       Between five and six this morning, I left the judge’s house, with Mr. Andrews who is going to preach at Newbury-Port. We stopp’d at the Colleges, to take their Letters, but they had not risen. The Clock struck six, as we went out of the College yard. We breakfasted at Newells tavern, and got into Salem at about ten o’clock: I paid a visit to Mr. Read; he is going to be married; and to a young Lady with a large fortune, which is rather surprizing.
       I met Pickman in the street, and went home with him. After sitting a few minutes we walk’d about the Town; I went to see Miss Hazen; who appears just as she did two years ago. Dined with Pickman; and at about two o’clock Andrews called me, to proceed. The weather was so windy, and the surf so great that we had some little difficulty in getting over Beverley ferry. We arrived in Newbury-Port at about seven. I went and pass’d a couple of hours with Putnam. I then came home, and soon retired as I was exceedingly fatigued, and felt very stiff.

      27th.

       I attended meeting all day, and heard Mr. Andrews. He speaks very well, and his composition was I believe generally pleasing. I sometimes think that he mistakes his genius, and imagines that his fansy is lively and his first thoughts the best; while in truth his conception is naturally slow, and he ought to study greatly his writings. He was this day very brilliant in his expressions, and flowery in his periods, but his thoughts were rather too much in the common run, and this fault, I have frequently observed, in his pieces.
       In the beginning of the evening, I called at Mr. Tufts’s, to give him a watch which I brought for him; I spent the remainder of the evening and supp’d at Deacon Thompson’s. Walk’d with Mr. Andrews up to Mrs. Farnham’s, where he lodges; he proposes to return to-morrow to Cambridge.

      28th.

       Dull weather. Wind Northeast. It began to rain a little after noon, and continued all the rest of the day. I pass’d the evening at Dr. Swett’s. We play’d whist, and I was somewhat unfortunate. Little came home and lodg’d with me; the weather being so bad, that he could not conveniently go to Newbury.

      29th.

       The weather this day was tolerable. I went in the evening with Thompson to Captain Coombs’s, where we found the young Ladies. Polly Coombs, is very sick; they fear in a Consumption. Nancy Jenkins too has been unwell, and still looks thin. Mr. Farnham and J. Greenleaf were there; and Mr. Cutler. We had singing as usual.

      30th.

       Very agreeable weather. After we had done at the office, I took a long walk with Thompson. We then went to Mrs. Emery’s where we found Miss Roberts. We there pass’d a couple of hours, and from thence went to Mr. Frazier’s. We found ourselves in the midst of a large Company of young folks. All the College lads, and all the young Misses of that sett. We past about an hour with them, and then without much reluctance left them.

   JQA notes in his line-a-day entry that he “could not study” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).


Title: Thursday May 1st. 1788.
From: Adams, John Quincy
To:

       Pickman returned this afternoon from Salem. The Club were in the evening at my room: Young Fowle, Thompson’s poetical Class-mate spent the evening with us. Pickman went off quite early. He attended a ball in Salem, last evening, and what with the fatigue of dancing, and that of riding this day he was tired out.


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

       I began this morning at the Office upon Foster’s Crown Law, a book admirably written I am told, and notwithstanding the barrenness of the subject as entertaining as it is instructive. I pass’d an hour in the beginning of the evening at Mrs. Hooper’s and then went with Thompson to Mr. S. Hooper’s. Miss Roberts was there; I think I have already mentioned this Lady; she is uncommonly sensible, and if she has not the advantages of youth and beauty, neither is she chargeable with its thoughtlessness, and nonsense. Mr. Hooper as usual, talk’d rather more of himself, than of any body, or any thing else; but was very complaisant.


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

       In the beginning of the evening, I took a walk with Pickman, up to Mrs. Atkins’s. We found only the old Lady at home; and she was so unwell, that we supposed Company would not be very agreeable to her; and soon came away: we met Thompson just as we were coming out; he turn’d about and came back with us.
       I have little to say. That part of my Time which is best improved is productive of nothing, which may properly be recorded here; and as these volumes, or the greater part of their contents, are only an account of the occurrences of my idle hours, they must be proportionably trifling and insignificant. While I was in College these books were useful, as they contained copies of all my compositions, which I wished to preserve but since I graduated, I have scarcely composed any thing, and indeed I have been much too negligent in that respect; but with so many other objects to engross my attention and employ my time, I have perhaps some excuse.


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

       The weather was very fine; I took a long walk in the evening with Thompson and Putnam. Thompson left us, and went to see Parson Spring. Putnam came home, and past the remainder of the evening with me. I have used myself for several days past to rise very early, and should wish to do so through the Summer: but my propensity to sleep is so great, that it is almost always impossible for me to awake so soon as I wish.


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

       The town met this afternoon to make choice of representatives for the ensuing year. Jonan. Greenleaf Esqr. Theop Parsons Esq. Captn. W. Coombs, and Mr. Jonan. Marsh, were the persons elected. We met in the evening at Putnam’s lodgings. Stacey desired to join the Club, and was accordingly received. Little did not come; and as we began to be impatient we sent over to Dr. Swett’s for him. But they sent us word that he was gone to be inoculated for the small pox. This disorder was introduced by a mistake of Dr. Smith; in consequence of which a number of persons have been inoculated, and removed to the Pest house. Little went without leave or licence; and is liable to prosecution for so doing; but in his circumstances I think he was very excusable in running the risk.


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

       Violent North-east storm, all day.
       We all dined with Mr. Parsons. Thompson pass’d the evening with me. This storm gives me some anxiety, as possibly Callahan may be now upon the Coast. I would hope however for the best.


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

       The storm continued all this day, and rather with increasing violence. Thompson and I again dined with Mr. Parsons.
       I passed the evening with Putnam at his lodgings: I this day got through Foster, and have been more pleased than with any professional book I have hitherto read; not even Blackstone excepted. The subject indeed being the pleas of the Crown, is not so immediately connected with a young lawyer’s practice as many other books; but as Foster always ascends to first principles, his reasoning, may by analogy apply to very different branches. The style is nervous and elegant suitable to the dignity of the author; and the “pride of virtue,” as he himself expresses it, shines forth in every page of the performance. What increases greatly the pleasure with which this book is read, is that the writer appears, not only a learned and judicious lawyer, but an excellent man. The encomiums which he justly bestows upon Sir Thos. Abney, are said to be applicable in a still more eminent manner to himself. And after all, the virtues of the heart have a greater claim even to our veneration and esteem, than all the splendid appendages of genius. The compliment which Thompson pays to Pope,

          For though, not sweeter his own Homer sings,
          Yet is his Life the more endearing song,

         is more to his Honour than the most laboured panegyric, that ever was composed, of his talents.
       I have undertaken to read Hume’s History of England again: It is almost seven years since I read it, and the connexion of important events in that kingdom has almost been obliterated from my memory.


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

       I attended meeting to hear Parson Barnard of Salem. He gave us two very excellent Sermons. And his prayers were admirable; which is something very uncommon. I am told indeed that he regularly composes this part of the service; as well as his Sermons; an example worthy of imitation. His address for Mr. Carey, was tender and affectionate, and the manner in which he spoke it was truly affecting.
       Thompson and Putnam pass’d the evening with me.


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

       Dined at Judge Greenleaf’s with Pickman and Thompson. Two Miss Dalton’s were there; and Miss Deblois a young lady whose brother is paying his addresses to the eldest Miss Dalton. Miss Deblois has been much celebrated, as a beauty; and she may still be called very handsome: though she be as much as 27. She is sociable and agreeable: Though she is not yet wholly destitute of that kind of vanity, which is so naturally the companion of beauty. She puckers her mouth a little, and contracts her eyelids a little, to look very pretty; and is not wholly unsuccessful. The Miss Dalton’s, as usual talk’d more about themselves and the family, than any thing else. The eldest is said to be blest with a very amiable disposition, and as for Polly, Miss Deblois said, she made her laugh yesterday beyond measure, and it is well she has the talent of exciting laughter, in others; for unless her countenance very much belies her she is seldom, guilty of such a trick herself. Judge Greenleaf’s daughters’, are always so much addicted to silence, that although I have been in company with them a number of times, I know not what opinion to form of them.
       In the afternoon I took a long walk with Thompson and Putnam. The weather was very dull and disagreeable. Thompson stopp’d at Mrs. Atkins’s. I pass’d the evening with Putnam at his lodgings.


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

       Mr. McKeen of Beverley preached at Mr. Carey’s this day. I attended to hear him. His discourses were, though sensible, calculated to please the generality of the audience; I did not like them so well as those of Mr. Barnard, the last Sunday. After meeting Pickman called upon me, and I went up with him to see Mr. Jackson, where we drank tea, and pass’d the evening. Mr. McKeen, and Mr. Farnham were there; but went away soon after tea. Miss Wendell was likewise with Mrs. Jackson. She is not handsome, but is said to be very amiable. A little after nine I came away; Pickman still remaining there.


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

       Began upon the second book of Hawkins. The first treats of all offences, against the public; and this of the punishments to which they are liable.
       I walk’d with Thompson in the evening: we called at Mrs. Hooper’s, and pass’d an hour there; after which we went to Mr. Carter’s. Miss Polly goes to Boston to-morrow.


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

       Mr. Parsons had the frame of his House raised, and was consequently very busy. Walk’d with Pickman. We met Thompson, and all went to see Mr. N. Carter who was lately married. His wife is not quite so stiff in her manners, as she used to be, a year and an half ago; but she has already adopted other airs; and appears no less affected than formerly. De gustibus non est disputandum; There’s no disputing about the choice of a wife. Nancy Cutts, Mrs. Carter’s sister, appears much more agreeable; and upon the whole I think her the handsomest of the two: however Mrs. Carter was abundantly complaisant, and we pass’d the evening tolerably.


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

       I walk’d with Pickman in the evening to Sawyer’s; where we drank tea; and made it almost ten o’clock before we got home. I then went up with my flute to Stacey’s lodgings, our general head quarters. About a quarter before twelve, Stacey, Thompson, Putnam, with a couple of young lads by the name of Greenough and myself sallied forth, upon a scheme of serenading. We paraded round the Town, till almost four in the morning; the weather which was not very agreeable, when we first set out: and was growing worse continually: at length it began to rain smartly; upon which we all separated; and respectively retired.


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

       Continual North east winds have prevailed for a week past. This evening, I past, with Thompson at Captain Coombs’s. We found Mr. Porter and Mr. Kellogg, two young Parsons there. The evening was tolerable; and something more. Fanny Jenkins was as easy, as good natured, as talkative as usual. Jenny Coombs is sensible and clever. Her Sister Polly it is feared, is in a consumption: a disorder by which Captain Coombs has already lost two of his children... Poor, miserable beings we are! Dependant for our happiness, not only upon our own conduct, but equally upon the caprices of fortune, and the casual occurrences of a day. What must be the feelings of a Parent, who after rearing a numerous family of promising children, just as they are entering upon the Stage of Life; and when he begins to reap the rewards for his pains in educating them, by being witness to their usefulness in the world; when he fondly hopes to leave them in the enjoyment of prosperous circumstances; to see them drooping, and dying under the operation of a long, lingering disease, in which the terrors of death are increased, by its slow and gradual approaches. Yet, this is the situation of many Parents. And if the causes of misery are thus distributed, as well to the virtuous and the good, as to the abandoned and unprincipled, what is the lot we have to expect in the world? I look forward with terror; and by so much the more, as the total exemption from any great evils hitherto, leads me to fear, that the greatest are laid up in store for me.


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

       In the afternoon, I took a walk with Thompson, to see Little. He has the small pox full, upon him at this time. We returned, and I pass’d the evening at Mrs. Emery’s. Judge Greenleaf’s daughters, and Miss Smith and Miss Wendell were there. The evening was not agreeable; there was too much ceremony and too little sociability: we conducted the Ladies home, and retired.


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

       Election Day. And there is not a poor Devil, who has lost his election, in the Commonwealth, that feels half so much vexed, and disappointed as I do. After enjoying the satisfaction of supposing my friends all arrived safe; I find this day that the report was without any foundation. That Callahan has not arrived, and has not even been spoken with, as has been said.
       I walk’d in the evening with Stacey, and called afterwards, for half an hour at Mrs. Hoopers.


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

       Club at Thompson’s this evening. Putnam inform’d us, he must leave us at a quarter before nine. I told him he must make no appointments for Thursday evenings. It was no appointment he said; but he was under an indispensible obligation to write a letter this evening: accordingly he left us. At nine we likewise came away. I took a walk with Stacey in high street, with the expectation of meeting Putnam; nor were we disappointed. He was walking home with the young Ladies, that he is generally most attentive to.
       After we had ascertained the matter sufficiently, we continued a walk, and, I came home at about ten. I found a bundle, for me which Mr. Carter brought from Boston, but there was no Letter with it.


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

       I called this morning at Mr. Bradbury’s office, and affronted Putnam by rallying him upon his deception last night. In the afternoon I walked with Thompson: we overtook Mr. J. Tracy and his Lady; and accompanied them. As we were passing by Mrs. Atkins’s she arrived, with her son from Boston. We stopp’d there a few minutes. Genl. Lincoln is Lieutt. Governor, &c.
       We spent the remainder of the evening at Mr. Carter’s with the old gentleman; as none of the young folks were at home.


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

       Finished, this forenoon with Hawkins. Dined at Mr. N. Carter’s. As did Mr. Farnham and Thompson: called at the office in the afternoon; but did nothing. Walk’d with Thompson. Went in to Mrs. Hooper’s and drank tea there. Miss Emery was with her. I soon came out and left Thompson there. I took a solitary walk of two or three miles into Newbury: was surprised by the rain, and quite sprinkled before I got home. We have had a great deal of rain this Season, but very little warm weather. Fruits rather backward.


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

      Thursday May 1st. 1788.

       Pickman returned this afternoon from Salem. The Club were in the evening at my room: Young Fowle, Thompson’s poetical Class-mate spent the evening with us. Pickman went off quite early. He attended a ball in Salem, last evening, and what with the fatigue of dancing, and that of riding this day he was tired out.

      2d.

       After passing the day at the Office, I stroll’d with Pickman, as far as Sawyer’s tavern, where we stopp’d and took a dish of tea. When we set out to return there was a little sprinkling of rain, which we thought was not sufficient to stay our progress: but it kept continually increasing till it became quite a smart rain, and by that time we were so much soak’d that we concluded the sooner we should get home would be the better. As soon as I got home I was obliged to change from head to foot. Pickman said, it was one of the agreeable rubs of life.

      3d.

       I this day got through the 4th. volume of Blackstone’s Commentaries a second time, and I imagine I have derived no less benefit from a second perusal, than I did from the first. I have been longer about it than I wish’d, but the interruption of an whole fortnight by a Journey prolonged the time which I took for reading this book, greatly.
       In the evening I took a long walk with Pickman and Thompson, and as we were returning, we met Mr. Andrews who was coming from Cambridge.
       Nothing new. Dull weather.

      4th.

       I heard Mr. Andrews preach, his sermons were both very short; but better I think than those he delivered last Sunday; his text was, “If they believe not Moses and the prophets, neither would they be perswaded though one rose from the dead.” Pickman observed, that there was a Sermon of Archbishop Tillotson, from the same Text, and the similarity is such as proves that Mr. Andrews had read it; though not so great as to charge him with plagiarism. However, the people in this Town, are so bigotted that a Man of Mr. Andrews’s liberal religious sentiments will not be half so popular a preacher, as one who would rant and rave and talk nonsense for an hour together in his Sermon. I wrote a long Letter to my brother Tom; which I gave to Mr. Andrews; with whom I pass’d the evening at Mr. Bradbury’s. Dr. Sawyer, and Mr. Farnham, were likewise there. Parson Carey is still very unwell, insomuch, that there are but little hopes of his ever recovering, so as to attend constantly to the duties of his profession. Mr. Andrews is engaged to supply our pulpit three Sundays more. After which he is under other engagements till Commencement.

   JQA to TBA, 3 May (Adams Papers).

      5th.

       I began this morning at the Office upon Foster’s Crown Law, a book admirably written I am told, and notwithstanding the barrenness of the subject as entertaining as it is instructive. I pass’d an hour in the beginning of the evening at Mrs. Hooper’s and then went with Thompson to Mr. S. Hooper’s. Miss Roberts was there; I think I have already mentioned this Lady; she is uncommonly sensible, and if she has not the advantages of youth and beauty, neither is she chargeable with its thoughtlessness, and nonsense. Mr. Hooper as usual, talk’d rather more of himself, than of any body, or any thing else; but was very complaisant.

   Michael Foster, A Report of Some Proceedings on the Commission of Oyer and Terminer and Goal Delivery . . . To Which are Added Discourses upon a Few Branches of the Crown Law, Oxford, 1762. A copy is in JA’s library at MB.

      6th.

       In the beginning of the evening, I took a walk with Pickman, up to Mrs. Atkins’s. We found only the old Lady at home; and she was so unwell, that we supposed Company would not be very agreeable to her; and soon came away: we met Thompson just as we were coming out; he turn’d about and came back with us.
       I have little to say. That part of my Time which is best improved is productive of nothing, which may properly be recorded here; and as these volumes, or the greater part of their contents, are only an account of the occurrences of my idle hours, they must be proportionably trifling and insignificant. While I was in College these books were useful, as they contained copies of all my compositions, which I wished to preserve but since I graduated, I have scarcely composed any thing, and indeed I have been much too negligent in that respect; but with so many other objects to engross my attention and employ my time, I have perhaps some excuse.

      7th.

       The weather was very fine; I took a long walk in the evening with Thompson and Putnam. Thompson left us, and went to see Parson Spring. Putnam came home, and past the remainder of the evening with me. I have used myself for several days past to rise very early, and should wish to do so through the Summer: but my propensity to sleep is so great, that it is almost always impossible for me to awake so soon as I wish.

   In his line-a-day entry, JQA refers to Michael Foster’s Discourses upon a Few Branches of the Crown Law (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

      8th.

       The town met this afternoon to make choice of representatives for the ensuing year. Jonan. Greenleaf Esqr. Theop Parsons Esq. Captn. W. Coombs, and Mr. Jonan. Marsh, were the persons elected. We met in the evening at Putnam’s lodgings. Stacey desired to join the Club, and was accordingly received. Little did not come; and as we began to be impatient we sent over to Dr. Swett’s for him. But they sent us word that he was gone to be inoculated for the small pox. This disorder was introduced by a mistake of Dr. Smith; in consequence of which a number of persons have been inoculated, and removed to the Pest house. Little went without leave or licence; and is liable to prosecution for so doing; but in his circumstances I think he was very excusable in running the risk.

   Although the town of Newbury on 8 May had authorized the use of the hospital in “Common Pasture” for inoculation, the selectmen of Newburyport promptly declared that the use of the building for inoculation was illegal and a threat to public health. On 16 May the town voted that those who inoculated others or were themselves inoculated should be prosecuted (Currier, NewburyportJohn J. Currier, History of Newburyport, Massachusetts, 1764-1905, Newburyport, 1906-1909; 2 vols., 1:75).

      9th.

       Violent North-east storm, all day.
       We all dined with Mr. Parsons. Thompson pass’d the evening with me. This storm gives me some anxiety, as possibly Callahan may be now upon the Coast. I would hope however for the best.

      10th.

       The storm continued all this day, and rather with increasing violence. Thompson and I again dined with Mr. Parsons.
       I passed the evening with Putnam at his lodgings: I this day got through Foster, and have been more pleased than with any professional book I have hitherto read; not even Blackstone excepted. The subject indeed being the pleas of the Crown, is not so immediately connected with a young lawyer’s practice as many other books; but as Foster always ascends to first principles, his reasoning, may by analogy apply to very different branches. The style is nervous and elegant suitable to the dignity of the author; and the “pride of virtue,” as he himself expresses it, shines forth in every page of the performance. What increases greatly the pleasure with which this book is read, is that the writer appears, not only a learned and judicious lawyer, but an excellent man. The encomiums which he justly bestows upon Sir Thos. Abney, are said to be applicable in a still more eminent manner to himself. And after all, the virtues of the heart have a greater claim even to our veneration and esteem, than all the splendid appendages of genius. The compliment which Thompson pays to Pope,

          For though, not sweeter his own Homer sings,
          Yet is his Life the more endearing song,

         is more to his Honour than the most laboured panegyric, that ever was composed, of his talents.
       I have undertaken to read Hume’s History of England again: It is almost seven years since I read it, and the connexion of important events in that kingdom has almost been obliterated from my memory.

   James Thomson, The Seasons: Winter, lines 553–554.

      11th.

       I attended meeting to hear Parson Barnard of Salem. He gave us two very excellent Sermons. And his prayers were admirable; which is something very uncommon. I am told indeed that he regularly composes this part of the service; as well as his Sermons; an example worthy of imitation. His address for Mr. Carey, was tender and affectionate, and the manner in which he spoke it was truly affecting.
       Thompson and Putnam pass’d the evening with me.

      12th.

       I have been quite unwell, these two or three days past; a disorder recurs with which I have been troubled in the Spring, the two years back; and it is more inconvenient this time than it ever has been before.
       At Mr. Parsons’s recommendation, I have this day taken up Hawkins’s pleas of the Crown. I think I should not now have selected this book, had it been left at my option. This branch of the Law, will be of no service to me, within these seven years, and there are many subjects which will be more immediately necessary. The theories relating to civil actions, will surely be sufficient to employ all my time for the remainder of my three years, and I shall certainly have enough leisure time afterwards to acquire a competent knowledge of the criminal Law, before I get to the supreme Court, if I ever do. However Mr. Parsons must know better than I, what is to be done in this case; and I therefore cheerfully submit to his directions.
       I took a long, solitary walk this evening, and then came home, and amused myself, for a half an hour, with my flute.

   William Hawkins, A Treatise of the Pleas of the Crown .. ., London, 1716. A copy is in JA’s library at MB.

      13th.

       I took a walk with Pickman up to Sawyer’s tavern, and drank tea there. The evenings are now so short that it was nine o’clock before we got back. Our Future prospects in life were the Subject of our conversation. The appearance before him is very fair: his father is a man of large fortune, which although divided among several children, gives each of them a sum sufficient for starting forward: He will now in a few months be ready to enter upon the profession: he is paying his addresses to a young Lady whose fortune will probably be amply sufficient; and from appearances I should judge he will be married ere long. Yet even he is anxious for his future welfare; and how much greater reason have I to look forward with terror. I have two long years yet before me, which must be wholly employ’d in Study, to qualify myself for any thing. I have no fortune to expect from any part, and the profession is so much crowded, that I have no prospect of supporting myself by it for several years after I begin. These are great causes of discouragement; but my only hope and comfort is, that diligence, industry, and health may overcome them all.

      14th.

       I walk’d with Thompson up to Mrs. Atkins’s. The old Lady is gone to Boston to spend a fortnight. Mr. and Mrs. Searle were there; and Mr. Atkins came home soon after. Atkins is a man of abilities; but of strong passions; and as he was cramped in his youth, by his penurious circumstances, his disposition was soured, and he is now excessively irritable, and his natural frankness has degenerated to the unfeeling bluntness of a cynic. He has now the expectancy of a considerable fortune, at the decease of an aged relation; and it is to be hoped that when that circumstance takes place, it may soften his temper and reconcile him more to his fellow mortals.
       I still continue quite unwell; it has had one good effect at least; that of making me rise early for several days past.

      15th.

       Club met this evening at Pickman’s. All there but Little, who is going through the small pox. Mr. Farnham was there; the evening was agreeable. Pickman left us at half after eight, to call on a Lady, who came this afternoon from Salem. After nine we took a walk of a mile or two before we retired; just as I got home I met a number of people; who had just come from the town-house, where it seems they were entertained with a concert this evening.

      16th.

       Took a walk after leaving the office, with Thompson and Putnam. We were for calling in at Mr. Frazier’s, to see the young girls, but upon the presumption they were not there, I would not stop; accordingly we proceeded. Thompson left us: Putnam, was very impatient, but just as we had turn’d the corner into high street, both Miss Frazier’s, and Putnam’s own Harriet appeared. He was as happy as present enjoyment can render any one. We walk’d with the girls, and after conducting them home, took our leave. Putnam afterwards called to see me. He had no idea of meeting the girls, nor did he even suspect, that Harriet could be with them. The most exceptionable part of this young fellow’s character, is a spirit of deception, a disposition to be cunning, even in the most trifling occurrences of life: in which a complicated policy, would require an appearance of the greatest candour and frankness. He is deeply smitten with his Harriet; every look, and every action afford demonstration strong of this. Yet he pretends to deny it. He is sure to meet her every evening; and yet he boldly declares that it never happens but by accident. Upon this subject it is true his friends have no right to catechise him; but he himself leads the way by making declarations, which any person of common sense, and any ways conversant with him, must know to be totally repugnant with the truth. We laugh at him for this conduct, but he does not appear sensible, how much it lessens our esteem for him. And he still attempts to carry on a deception, which we have told him was long since detected.

      17th.

       Dined at Judge Greenleaf’s with Pickman and Thompson. Two Miss Dalton’s were there; and Miss Deblois a young lady whose brother is paying his addresses to the eldest Miss Dalton. Miss Deblois has been much celebrated, as a beauty; and she may still be called very handsome: though she be as much as 27. She is sociable and agreeable: Though she is not yet wholly destitute of that kind of vanity, which is so naturally the companion of beauty. She puckers her mouth a little, and contracts her eyelids a little, to look very pretty; and is not wholly unsuccessful. The Miss Dalton’s, as usual talk’d more about themselves and the family, than any thing else. The eldest is said to be blest with a very amiable disposition, and as for Polly, Miss Deblois said, she made her laugh yesterday beyond measure, and it is well she has the talent of exciting laughter, in others; for unless her countenance very much belies her she is seldom, guilty of such a trick herself. Judge Greenleaf’s daughters’, are always so much addicted to silence, that although I have been in company with them a number of times, I know not what opinion to form of them.
       In the afternoon I took a long walk with Thompson and Putnam. The weather was very dull and disagreeable. Thompson stopp’d at Mrs. Atkins’s. I pass’d the evening with Putnam at his lodgings.

      18th.

       Mr. McKeen of Beverley preached at Mr. Carey’s this day. I attended to hear him. His discourses were, though sensible, calculated to please the generality of the audience; I did not like them so well as those of Mr. Barnard, the last Sunday. After meeting Pickman called upon me, and I went up with him to see Mr. Jackson, where we drank tea, and pass’d the evening. Mr. McKeen, and Mr. Farnham were there; but went away soon after tea. Miss Wendell was likewise with Mrs. Jackson. She is not handsome, but is said to be very amiable. A little after nine I came away; Pickman still remaining there.

      19th.

       Began upon the second book of Hawkins. The first treats of all offences, against the public; and this of the punishments to which they are liable.
       I walk’d with Thompson in the evening: we called at Mrs. Hooper’s, and pass’d an hour there; after which we went to Mr. Carter’s. Miss Polly goes to Boston to-morrow.

      20th.

       Mr. Parsons had the frame of his House raised, and was consequently very busy. Walk’d with Pickman. We met Thompson, and all went to see Mr. N. Carter who was lately married. His wife is not quite so stiff in her manners, as she used to be, a year and an half ago; but she has already adopted other airs; and appears no less affected than formerly. De gustibus non est disputandum; There’s no disputing about the choice of a wife. Nancy Cutts, Mrs. Carter’s sister, appears much more agreeable; and upon the whole I think her the handsomest of the two: however Mrs. Carter was abundantly complaisant, and we pass’d the evening tolerably.

      21st.

       I walk’d with Pickman in the evening to Sawyer’s; where we drank tea; and made it almost ten o’clock before we got home. I then went up with my flute to Stacey’s lodgings, our general head quarters. About a quarter before twelve, Stacey, Thompson, Putnam, with a couple of young lads by the name of Greenough and myself sallied forth, upon a scheme of serenading. We paraded round the Town, till almost four in the morning; the weather which was not very agreeable, when we first set out: and was growing worse continually: at length it began to rain smartly; upon which we all separated; and respectively retired.

      22d.

       I was up before eight, and had not slept well, even the short Time I was in bed; I felt stiff and unfit for almost every thing. I read but little at the Office; and omitted one thing, which for three weeks past has claimed my attention, very constantly: The Club, were at my lodgings this evening; Stacey however went away somewhat early; to meet some of his friends from Andover, and we were all too much fatigued, by the last night’s jaunt, to be very sociable, or gay. At nine we separated as usual.

      23d.

       Continual North east winds have prevailed for a week past. This evening, I past, with Thompson at Captain Coombs’s. We found Mr. Porter and Mr. Kellogg, two young Parsons there. The evening was tolerable; and something more. Fanny Jenkins was as easy, as good natured, as talkative as usual. Jenny Coombs is sensible and clever. Her Sister Polly it is feared, is in a consumption: a disorder by which Captain Coombs has already lost two of his children... Poor, miserable beings we are! Dependant for our happiness, not only upon our own conduct, but equally upon the caprices of fortune, and the casual occurrences of a day. What must be the feelings of a Parent, who after rearing a numerous family of promising children, just as they are entering upon the Stage of Life; and when he begins to reap the rewards for his pains in educating them, by being witness to their usefulness in the world; when he fondly hopes to leave them in the enjoyment of prosperous circumstances; to see them drooping, and dying under the operation of a long, lingering disease, in which the terrors of death are increased, by its slow and gradual approaches. Yet, this is the situation of many Parents. And if the causes of misery are thus distributed, as well to the virtuous and the good, as to the abandoned and unprincipled, what is the lot we have to expect in the world? I look forward with terror; and by so much the more, as the total exemption from any great evils hitherto, leads me to fear, that the greatest are laid up in store for me.

   JQA’s ellipses.

      24th.

       Pickman went to Salem this morning. In the evening, I took a long walk with Thompson, down towards Newbury Bridge, in hopes of meeting Mr. Andrews; we were however unsuccessful. When we returned, I stop’d and past an hour with Putnam. He told me they had received a letter at Mr. Bradbury’s from Andrews informing them, that his health, would necessarily prevent him, from coming to-morrow, but that he will send somebody if he can to supply his place.

      25th.

       Mr. Webber preach’d here, for Mr. Andrews; and I was much pleased with his discourses. They were quite argumentative; and his manner of reasoning was such as shewed him to be an acute metaphysician. He has always had a peculiar attachment to mathematical studies; and has acquired great knowledge in that branch of Science, which has at the same time habituated him to a degree of precision in his reasoning, which few people possess. After meeting this afternoon Putnam called at my room, and urged me to go to Mr. Spring’s, where it seems they were not contented with two Services, but were going upon a third. Putnam went I believe, rather from the motive of seeing certain young Ladies there, than from an excess of piety. But as I wished to write a Letter to W. Cranch, and as Mr. Parsons will go for Boston early to-morrow morning, I declined going with Putnam.
       After writing my Letter I went and took a long walk quite alone the weather being very fine; and as I return’d I stopp’d an hour at Mrs. Hooper’s. Thompson came in soon after me.

       We walk’d again, and as we were passing before Mr. Frazier’s door, the young Ladies were standing there: we stopp’d, and went in. Mr. and Mrs. Frazier return’d home, a few minutes after; with Miss Phillips of Boston; a Lady whom I saw at Hingham last fall; who has play’d the coquette, for eight or ten years past, with a number of gentlemen, but who has now a prospect of being married shortly. We soon came away; Thompson pass’d an hour at my lodgings.

   Letter not found.

      26th.

       In the afternoon, I took a walk with Thompson, to see Little. He has the small pox full, upon him at this time. We returned, and I pass’d the evening at Mrs. Emery’s. Judge Greenleaf’s daughters, and Miss Smith and Miss Wendell were there. The evening was not agreeable; there was too much ceremony and too little sociability: we conducted the Ladies home, and retired.

   JQA was inoculated in July 1776, along with his mother, sister, and brothers (Adams Family CorrespondenceAdams Family Correspondence, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1963- ., 2:45–46).

      27th.

       Mr. Jackson, sent one of his sons to inform me, that he heard last evening at Beverly, that Callahan had arrived, in Boston. The report I find is all over the Town; and I have received the congratulations of almost all my acquaintance here.
       This evening, by means of an accident which was contrived in the morning a number of gentlemen and Ladies happened to meet, at Mr. Brown’s house, where we danced till about twelve o’clock. The weather was rather too warm; otherwise the party was agreeable. We often changed partners. And as there were several more Ladies than gentlemen; one or two of the young misses, thought they were not sufficiently noticed, and so much mistook the intrinsic value and importance of their resentment, as to display it, in a manner, which raised an involuntary smile: involuntary I say; because no one surely could willingly smile at the resentment of a Lady. I escorted Miss Newell home; and then retired likewise, myself.

      28th.

       Election Day. And there is not a poor Devil, who has lost his election, in the Commonwealth, that feels half so much vexed, and disappointed as I do. After enjoying the satisfaction of supposing my friends all arrived safe; I find this day that the report was without any foundation. That Callahan has not arrived, and has not even been spoken with, as has been said.
       I walk’d in the evening with Stacey, and called afterwards, for half an hour at Mrs. Hoopers.

      29th.

       Club at Thompson’s this evening. Putnam inform’d us, he must leave us at a quarter before nine. I told him he must make no appointments for Thursday evenings. It was no appointment he said; but he was under an indispensible obligation to write a letter this evening: accordingly he left us. At nine we likewise came away. I took a walk with Stacey in high street, with the expectation of meeting Putnam; nor were we disappointed. He was walking home with the young Ladies, that he is generally most attentive to.
       After we had ascertained the matter sufficiently, we continued a walk, and, I came home at about ten. I found a bundle, for me which Mr. Carter brought from Boston, but there was no Letter with it.

      30th.

       I called this morning at Mr. Bradbury’s office, and affronted Putnam by rallying him upon his deception last night. In the afternoon I walked with Thompson: we overtook Mr. J. Tracy and his Lady; and accompanied them. As we were passing by Mrs. Atkins’s she arrived, with her son from Boston. We stopp’d there a few minutes. Genl. Lincoln is Lieutt. Governor, &c.
       We spent the remainder of the evening at Mr. Carter’s with the old gentleman; as none of the young folks were at home.

      31st.

       Finished, this forenoon with Hawkins. Dined at Mr. N. Carter’s. As did Mr. Farnham and Thompson: called at the office in the afternoon; but did nothing. Walk’d with Thompson. Went in to Mrs. Hooper’s and drank tea there. Miss Emery was with her. I soon came out and left Thompson there. I took a solitary walk of two or three miles into Newbury: was surprised by the rain, and quite sprinkled before I got home. We have had a great deal of rain this Season, but very little warm weather. Fruits rather backward.


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

           Present. Newbury-Port June 5th. 1788
           Gentlemen

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

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

          The Answer

           Sir
           Newbury-Port. June 5th. 1788

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

           J. Q. A.


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

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

            My dear friend
            Newbury-Port June 6–88

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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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