Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 6

Thursday. 23d.

Saturday. 25th.

Friday. 24th. CFA

1835-07-24

Friday. 24th. CFA
Friday. 24th.
Quincy

Fine warm morning. My No. 6 was not published this morning because it gave way to Mr. A. H. Everett’s first number, a very good one and which I was anxious to introduce in order to fix him into the policy which we have thus chosen to adopt.1 On the whole my plan has thus far succeeded exceedingly well. And it remains to be seen whether a little perseverance and the Autumn Session of the Legislature will not enable us to establish the Advocate firmly.

I went out early this morning for the purpose of taking the Steamboat to visit the new Farm School established at Thompson’s Island. I have been for some years past a subscriber to the charity that used to be called the Indigent boys which has been transferred into the present one. I had my doubts as to the propriety of continuing my subscription, and therefore decided upon resolving them. The Steamboat General 184Lincoln was perfectly crowded with people going down. I met among others Mr. Hallett with whom I had much talk of the figure head of the Constitution, the old story, it was interrupted however and not resumed. We reached the island in a few minutes and went over the House which seems to be a nice one very carefully and very thoroughly built. The number of boys about 60 very nicely dressed and hearty looking children. The conveniences all first rate. Strong solicitations to enlarge the means of the establishment, which are now equivalent to about $3200 per annum besides this property. I must confess I could not see the fitness of the call, but concluded to continue my subscription. The thing is worth an experiment. If it succeeds, then enlarge it.

I returned home after a fatiguing stand of four hours. Started immediately for Quincy where I found my little girl well and the rest of my family. Conversation and nothing remarkable. Quiet evening.

1.

See note to entry for 6 June, above. A. H. Everett’s communications to the Advocate, which he signed “A Friend of Mr. Adams” and in which he undertook to state a rationale for JQA’s positions on issues and parties (and incidentally for his own), appeared on 24 July (p. 2, cols. 1–2), 29 July (p. 2, cols. 1–2), 5 Aug. (p. 2, cols. 1–3), 18 Aug. (p. 2, cols. 1–3), and later, 10 Dec. (p. 2, cols. 1–2). The publication of these was punctuated by the appearance of rejoinders, not designed as a part of the main series, to attacks upon the articles in the Daily Atlas (Daily Advocate, 7 Aug., p. 2, col. 3; 12 Aug., p. 2, cols. 1–2; 15 Aug., p. 2, col. 2).