Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 3
1830-09-28
Morning fine. Arose early and devoted an hour to pursuing the Catalogue of my books at my House. Thence to the Office where I had several people inquiring about the Estate of Mr. New which is to be sold next week. Took a long walk myself to the Wharf of Mr. S. Child to obtain some Wood for the Winter.1 The price of this Article has also fallen probably in consequence of the cheapness of Coal, so that my fuel will not cost me quite so much as it did last year. I hope to manage a little more discreetly it’s use also.
Returned to the Office and then paid a visit to Mr. Krehmer, so that the morning was very much cut up. What was left at my disposal was devoted to Hutchinson which I do not read quite as attentively as I ought. After dinner, I sent for a conveyance and went with Mr. Krehmer to Quincy. We found the family all quite well excepting Louisa2 who has a cold and sore throat.
No opportunity for Conversation of any kind excepting a few words with my Mother about the project of electing my father to Congress from Plymouth district which I regret exceedingly.3 My father is a singular man. He wants the profound wisdom which gives knowledge it’s highest lustre, he is not proof against the temporary seductions of popular distinction to resist which is the most solid 329evidence of greatness. Yet if he is not in character like Washington, he is a very extraordinary man for the times we live in. Returned by Moonlight, and Mr. E. Quincy paid us a short visit afterwards.
The wood wharf of Stephen Child Jr. was on Front Street (
Boston Directory, 1830–1831).
That is, Mary Louisa Adams, aged two, the older of JA2’s daughters.
In the interim since the idea was first advanced (above, entry for 16 Sept.) JQA received calls from a number of supporters who sought his assurance that if the National Republicans of the district nominated him, he would accept the nomination. These visitors included Joseph Richardson, the incumbent not standing for reelection; John Bailey, the representative in Congress from Norfolk; John Brazer Davis; Deacon Daniel Spear; and Thomas Greenleaf. The two newspapers printed in the district, the Old Colony Memorial and the Hingham Gazette, came out in support of the nomination. (JQA, Diary, 18, 22, 25, 28 Sept.) However, LCA, either on her own initiative or after hearing CFA’s objections, took a resolute stand against JQA’s candidacy: “There are some very silly plans going on here and God only knows in what they will end, but I fear not at all to my taste” (LCA to JA2, 1 Oct., Adams Papers, and below, entry for 27 Oct. and note).