Diary of John Quincy Adams, volume 1

20th. JQA

1785-07-20

20th. Adams, John Quincy
20th.

Mr. Mölich went away at about 6 o'clock. In the forenoon, I delivered the remaining Letters, I had still on my hands. Saw Mr. Searle, with whom I was formerly acquainted in Holland. Dined with Mr. Leroy. Mr. Chabanel his Cousin, is to sail for Europe, in the course of three weeks. Drank tea at Mr. Ramsay's and found a considerable company there. Mr. van Berkel, Mr. Gardoqui, and Mr. Randon, his secretary, who it is said is shortly to marry Miss Marshall. I received a Card1 from the president offering me again an apartment in his House; I have endeavoured to excuse myself: but it is offered again with so much kindness and politeness that I do not think I can refuse it. I promised to 291 image 292 wait upon the president in the morning. Paid a visit to Mrs. Price.

1.

Not found.

21st. JQA

1785-07-21

21st. Adams, John Quincy
21st.

At 7 o'clock in the morning I left Cape's tavern, and went to carry one of my trunks, to Water Street N: 7. where Mr. Fontfreyde lives, as I intend to send the trunk by the first opportunity to Boston, and I preferr'd leaving it with a friend, to taking it with me. Dr. A. Lee,1 arrived last night; and lodges with the president, his brother. I went and delivered a letter to Governor Clinton, who inform'd me, that the English packet came in last night. I immediately went with the governor's Nephew2 to Mr. Jay, and inquired if there was any account from my father. He had just sent the Letters to Congress. The 1st. of June my father was presented to the King of England, and was pretty well receiv'd. I met Mr. Curson at the Coffee house. He saw my father the last day of May, but did not bring me any Letters. O! my dear Sister! do you already forget your promise? Dined with the delegates from Massachusetts.3 They live with a Mrs. Mercer. Miss Mercer, is a very fine young lady, and I believe a most amiable character. She appears very young, and though not a perfect beauty, the sweetness, that is to be seen in her countenance, is in my eyes preferable to it. I met Mr. Fontfreyde at 7 o'clock, and we went and bathed together in the river a little ways out of town. Went in the evening to see Mr. Salvius but found him not at home.

1.

Arthur Lee, Scottish- and English-trained physician and lawyer, commissioner to France in 1776 and Spain in 1777, and congressional delegate from Virginia, 1781–1784 ( Biog. Dir. Cong. ).

2.

Probably Alexander Clinton, eldest son of James Clinton, the Revolutionary general; Alexander was his uncle's private secretary until his unexpected death two years later (E. Wilder Spaulding, His Excellency George Clinton: Critic of the Constitution, N.Y., 1938, p. 161).

3.

In addition to Elbridge Gerry and Rufus King, the Massachusetts delegation included Samuel Holten and George Partridge, who had been elected a delegate but apparently was not present in New York at this time ( JCC , 27:642; Biog. Dir. Cong. ).

22d. JQA

1785-07-22

22d. Adams, John Quincy
22d.

Waited upon Mr. Salvius in the morning. He is in a disagreeable situation here; his trunk having been seized by a custom-293house officer. I applied to the delegates of Massachusetts, to know if any thing was to be done for him, and Mr. King was so kind as to go with me, to two other gentleman: but nobody, could assist him: I am really sorry for what has happened to him, and wish I could assist him; but in this Country the laws are superior to every thing, and I fear Mr. Salvius will lose his trunk. I walk'd an hour with Mr. Osgood, went home and was dress'd. Dined with Mr. van Berkel, where I met with Major L'Enfant,1 who appears to be a sensible man. Drank tea, at Mr. Secretary Thomson's.2 A number of ladies were present: one very handsome. Visited Mr. Sears in the Evening. Saw his Lady, he himself, was not at home. The weather has been uncommonly hot to day.

1.

Pierre Charles L'Enfant, French volunteer in the American army, had become since the war's end well-known in New York for his artistic and architectural designs. He later employed his talents in redesigning for the new federal congress what became Federal Hall in New York city and was responsible for the plan of the federal city along the Potomac years later ( DAB ).

2.

Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress during its entire existence (same).