Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 2
1829-06-23
Rode to town and went to the Office. Engaged the larger part of the morning in arranging my brother’s and putting my father’s Accounts in some order. Copied the papers relating to administration upon my brother’s estate and made some purchases for the family at Quincy. Afternoon passed in packing up my Clothes at Mrs. Tarbell’s, which I leave today. This took pretty nearly all my available time. I then rode to Quincy with a new horse which pleased me very much. Had much conversation with my father in relation to his prospects in regard to his property. He was very communicative upon the subject of his intentions.1 I hardly know what opinion to form in 394regard to them, but as I feel it to be my duty to make some representation in regard to it, and to follow up a decided course to assist him, I wish as clearly as possible to comprehend his designs.
JQA s record of the conversation disclosed more of his intentions. He made CFA his Boston agent because of his desire “that one of my sons at least should settle in this place of my nativity.” “My first object,” he added, “is to place my property in such a state that I may live with my family without encroaching upon my capital. The next is to build a house here in which my Library, my own manuscript books and papers and those of my father may be deposited” (JQA, Diary, 23 June 1829).