Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 4
1831-07-22
Morning fine and clear. I pursued my study of Aristotle’s Poetics for an hour, and find it on the whole more simple than I expected. The Essay however seems to be guided not so much by any principle founded in nature as by experience of what has been successful with Men. Thus the Works of Homer and of the early Grecian Tragic Poets are the sum of his lessons. Perhaps this is looking at the subject in rather a contracted light. Yet he really deserves the name of a great genius who can succeed in a new line.
Went to the Office and was occupied during the morning in writing. Mr. J. T. Adams called upon me about my Article. I found myself anticipated by a severe Pamphlet so that I shall discontinue my intended criticism.1 Read a little of Puffendorf as abridged in the Bibliotheque de l’homme public.
At one o’clock I returned home for the purpose of going with my Wife to Medford. We reached there quite late to dinner. Found Mr. 95Brooks, P. C. Jr. and his Wife and Miss Phillips. Passed the Afternoon doing nothing. Mr. G. W. Pratt and his Lady paid a visit. On the whole the day went pleasantly, and we returned safe and sound calling on our way upon Mrs. Angier. I read Grimm to the end of the first part of the Work, (I believe I shall not take up the second) and the Spectator. Read this evening another Letter about that business of Farmer’s.2
When CFA completed his first letter in answer to W. F. Otis’ position, seemingly he sent it for publication to Joseph T. Adams, editor of the Columbian Centinel, and intended following it with a second. Apparently neither number saw publication although it is possible that the Centinel’s own mildly critical review of the Oration (23 July, p. 1, cols. 1–2) reflected something of CFA’s stance. Immediately following the Centinel’s review was a notice of the anonymous attack upon the oration, published as A Review of an Oration.... This pamphlet elicited a defence signed “Chesterfield” in the Centinel, 27 July, p. 2, cols. 2–3, as well as another pamphlet by Otis, The Reviewer Reviewed, A Defence of an Oration ..., Boston, 1831.
The letter has not been identified.