Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 2
1829-01-07
Morning at the Office. Received a letter from my Father but without a remittance. It was upon the subject of the present troubles which surround him.1 This prevented my doing much in the way of Law business this morning, or I would rather say, Law Study. De-332lightfully mild weather which is a grateful change. Afternoon, Mr. Burke still upon French Affairs. I confess myself tired of the subject. Evening, Mr. Boswell’s Life of Dr. Johnson and a portion of the Tour to the Hebrides, very amusing. Conversation at home until late upon Grammar and Pronunciation.
JQA’s letter brought his son up to date with an account of the latest developments in his war against the old New England Federalists. To the “thirteen confederates” who had demanded an explanation of his charges (see entry for 15 Dec. 1828, and note, above), he replied at length on 30 December 1828, denying their right to be considered representatives of the rank and file of the Federalist party and, therefore, refusing to disclose to them the names of any of the leaders allegedly connected with the 1808 plot to dismember the Union. “It is not improbable that, at some future day, a sense of solemn duty to my country may require of me to disclose the evidence which I do possess, and for which you call,” he concluded. “But of that day the selection must be at my own judgment” (HA, New-England Federalism
, p. 46–62). Correctly anticipating further assaults, he renewed his request that CFA collect old pamphlets and newspapers which could help him (JQA to CFA, 31 Dec. 1828, Adams Papers).