Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 3

Thursday. 4th.

Saturday. 6th.

Friday 5th. CFA

1830-03-05

Friday 5th. CFA
Friday 5th.

Morning fine. The weather like Spring. I went to the Office as usual and was occupied in reading Williston very pleasantly. Commenced Mr. Pinkney’s Speech in the case of the Nereide but did not progress very far in it before I was compelled to stop by a number of interruptions.1 Mrs. Wells came today to pay rent for two months of her Tenement and to notify me that she should be unable at this rate to remain in the House longer than the end of this month. Thus another of the tenancies will be vacated which almost discourages me—Nearly one half of my sources of profit from real Estate thus becoming stopped and the amount of funds called for to supply repairs being enormous. I feel excessively worried at this responsibility upon me. Mr. Champney also called to talk about his rent. He seemed also to be half tempted to move but did not know what to do. I told him that I would be as liberal as I could but that I was very much pressed. He is a man I like and if Hollis had not been so engrafted on the property I should incline to transfer the work to him. At it is I must keep the rod over the latter and make him do his duty. Thus much for the morning.

Abigail S. Adams, my cousin dined and spent the day with Abby. I have not seen her for a long time. She was pleasant. After dinner I went to the Estate in Tremont Street and looked over it, with a view of giving the proper directions to begin the work of putting in order. The furniture of Miss Longhurst was sold today, and I went in to see what could be done to put it in good order. It needs touching considerably. I gave Dr. Wendell notice to quit and on the whole imagine I did not consult my interest in having him remain.2 Thus ended the matter. I hope I shall rent these two Houses at least. The afternoon was so spent, that I did nothing more but sat with the Ladies until evening talking. I. Hull Adams her brother came to take her away, and after that I read Lord Kaimes.

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1.

William Pinkney before the U.S. Supreme Court, 1815 (Williston’s Eloquence at 4:442–486).

2.

Dr. Wendell had taken a room temporarily at $1 a week in the house at No. 105 Tremont Street after it was vacated by Mrs. Lewis (M/CFA/3).