Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 6
1835-08-05
Morning clear and pleasant. I went to town accompanied by our Nursery woman Catherine for the purpose of getting our boy John about whom I am a little anxious.1 My time was taken up as it always is by a variety of Commissions.
Called at the Advocate Office to leave my paper which I directed to be put in editorially.2 Looked over their subscription list to see how the Paper gets on. I think rather an increase than otherwise though nearly balanced.
Called to see Sharpe about my Desk and saw the foundations. He does not want me again for some weeks. Office, where I worked upon Diary, and Accounts. At one o’clock called at House and took Catherine and the boy with me to Quincy. Arrived in excellent Appetite. I find Quincy air has a decided effect upon me. Afternoon, Thiers, and Madame Deffand. Evening. Quiet conversation at home.
The plan had been for JQA2 to remain with his nurse at the house in Boston during the family’s Quincy visit. His grandfather, Peter C. Brooks, had gone to see “the little man” before CFA removed him to Quincy and some days later recalled that “the little fellow ... received me very kindly and offered me all he had, which was two large potatoes which he had in his hands, and which were the finest I had seen this year. He did not tell me the kind, but I presume they were chenangoes. He is a nice boy and I would give four such potatoes to see him if I had them.... I will not say that he stands higher than Louisa in my good graces, because you know I am very fond of the girls, but I may be permitted to say that I love the little hound” (Peter C. Brooks to ABA, 19 Aug., Adams Papers). Still later Mr. Brooks returned to the theme: “John’s merits are not so much known as Louisa’s I imagine, excepting by one of his grandpapa’s, in whose regards he shares largely enough” (same to same, 22 Aug., Adams Papers).
Two papers by CFA, unsigned, headed “Political Management,” were printed in the Advocate as editorials (6 Aug., p. 2, cols. 2–3; 10 Aug., p. 2, col. 2). Their drift was that Antimasons, finding the Whig candidates for President unsaitsfactory, would likely choose to support Van Buren.