Browsing: Diary of Charles Francis Adams, Volume 2

Wrote to my Mother in the morning before breakfast,1 from thence went to the Office and then to Mrs. Frothingham’s to see Abby, with whom I spent the morning in a very enthusiastic fit. Passed the afternoon very indolently. In the evening I finished Middleton and recommenced writing Executive Record.

Morning occupied in reading Plato. Surprised by the appearance of Henry Brooks whom I drove to Medford at eleven o’clock. The day was foggy and unpleasant. Passed the time as usual excepting that I may say with pleasure and gratitude that I was extremely happy. I have always thought myself in a happy condition and in dread of futurity. This increases as I grow older and the effect of it damps my present enjoyment.

Returned to Boston. Found a letter from my father, which was short but pleasant. Morning occupied in reading Blackstone, as usual. Afternoon, commenced Hutchinson’s History of Massachusetts.1 Took a walk. The evening was delightfully mild and clear. Went to the Moot Court but heard no arguments, so that after a short conversation with some of the young men, I returned home, where I commenced Cicero de Officiis, after which I wrote Executive Record. On the whole a busy day.

Morning occupied in writing to my Father. A short letter. Then to the Office where I studied a Chapter of Blackstone. In the afternoon engaged in copying Cases in the Moot Court. I want to obtain the authorities. Richardson came in and after sitting a little while we went out and took a walk. The evening was delicious. The weather extraordinary. He afterwards passed the evening with me at my room and we drank some Champagne. George dropped in for a few moments. Richardson is full of his contemplated trip to New Orleans. To bed early.