Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 2
1828-12-03
Nearly the whole of this morning was consumed in answering my father’s letter. My reply was a pretty bold explanation of the state of affairs here. I am not altogether convinced of it’s prudence, but as it appeared to me an outline which might do credit to my abilities in my father’s estimation, I decided upon sending it, taking a copy as usual in my Letter book.1 I read a little Law and passed a short time in Court. In the afternoon, was occupied in obtaining from among my books those volumes which contained my Documents.2 My celibacy is likely to be so long that I am tired of waiting for it’s end, and therefore will do as well as I can without being established. In the evening, Percy’s Reliques. Two young ladies, Miss Gannet and Miss Brooks, (not Abi), at the house.
CFA analyzed the reasons why leading Massachusetts Federalists reacted so strongly to JQA’s statement in the National Intelligencer (see entry for 18 Nov., and note, above). Some of them, he pointed out, “had been contributing their strength to support the cause [of JQA’s reelection] and had also gratified themselves by entertaining you with great hospitality when you have occasionally been here. . . . They thought it but a sad return for their famous dinners and more famous Madeira.” Their plan to ostracize JQA from Boston society had now been abandoned, however, and there was a growing feeling that the President had been “unjustly assailed and condemned” (CFA to JQA, 3 Dec. 1828, Adams Papers).
CFA was collecting documents and pamphlets which his father could use in further attacking the Massachusetts Federalist leaders.