Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 5
1834-09-27
Fine day although we had a few clouds and slight showers. I went to town with Mr. Brooks, found at my Office my father who told me 393my Mother was better. Yet he speaks very discouragingly of her situation and seems to adhere to his belief that she will never entirely recover. I do not like to think so. Nor do I yet think there is occasion if any faith is to be put in medical advice.
My time was taken up at a sale of engravings where I purchased a few, also at the Office as usual. Returned to Medford—Mr. Brooks’ horse Squire being much indisposed. He is a veteran in the service and came in the morning very briskly. But his strength was exhausted and barely brought us home.1
After dinner there was company. Mrs. Adams, Mr. and Miss Soley with her lover Mr. D’Wolf,2 with Mr. and Mrs. Everett from Charlestown. I felt exceedingly unwell and unable to exert myself. A hearty dinner which I made upon saltfish increased the indisposition I had experienced before. Quiet evening. Continued La Fontaine.
On the 29th in his “Farm Journal,” Mr. Brooks recorded the death of “The ‘Squire”: “He had been sick since Saturday ... and from that time scarcely eat or drank. He died of old age. He was, I think, about 26.... He has been one of the best and most powerful animals I ever had. As I do not sell my old horses, I should probably have ordered him killed this fall and therefore do not regret his loss. I only regret that I used him on Saturday and drove him down faster than usual.... Had the poor old fellow buried in the orchard ... taking off his shoes.”
Mary Russell Soley, daughter of John Soley, would marry William Bradford DeWolf in a month (Columbian Centinel, 24 Oct.).