Diary of John Quincy Adams, volume 2

15th. JQA

1788-08-15

15th. Adams, John Quincy
15th.

I called in at Mr. Tufts's to see Mrs. Shaw this morning. I found old Mr. Carter there. Geneological as usual. I dined at his house, with my friends from Haverhill. He asked me to return to tea: I excused myself. He said that tippling business would be going on, every afternoon at six o'clock; if I would call there, I should be welcome. I returned to the Office but felt so much dis-443sipated, that I could not attend with much application. We met this evening at Stacey's lodgings. Townsend went away just before Sun-set. Lincoln1 a classmate of Thompson's, pass'd the evening with us. Though a young preacher, he is not so rigid in his principles as many others are. In the close of the evening we took a walk.

1.

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

16th. JQA

1788-08-16

16th. Adams, John Quincy
16th.

Dined with Townsend, in company with Mr. Andrews, and Thompson. After dinner we took a ride: went down to Mr. N. Tracy's, but he was not at home. On the road we met the governor, who was coming into Town. We went to Mrs. Atkins's. She was in fine spirits and consequently very good company. We were however obliged to come away early as the weather was rather disagreeable. I spent the evening at Mr. Hooper's. Mr. Cutler was there. We stroll'd about, an hour or more after we came away.

The week has disappeared in a very singular manner; some thing or other has taken me from my studies every day; and at the close of the week I regret the Time lost without being able to repair it. This is not the first time that I have experienced this effect since I came into this Town, and I greatly fear it will not be the last.

17th. JQA

1788-08-17

17th. Adams, John Quincy
17th.

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

18th. JQA

1788-08-18

18th. Adams, John Quincy
18th.

This morning I perceived a deal of stirring in the Streets; and was finally informed that the governor was reviewing the troops 444of this Town; after which a number of officers, and other gentlemen escorted his excellency to Haverhill; where he intends to dine; and then I suppose he means to show himself some where else. I passed the day at the Office. And the evening, at home in writing; I intended to have taken my usual exercice; but upon leaving the office, I found it was raining, and it continued all the evening. I amused myself tolerably well at home. I have indeed had for some time past almost as much business to do at my lodgings as at the office; but I hope to be gradually relieved.