Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 8
1838-03-05
Fine day. Abby had a better night and is now I hope gaining. I went to the Office but did little or nothing. My constant and unavailing regret is for the loss of my mornings, the time when my mind is clearest and when success best repays exertion. But this is an evil incidental to my mode of life, and remediless.
Received a letter from General Jones respecting T. B. Adams’ affairs,1 which I no sooner got than I wrote to Mr. Harrod the necessary directions respecting the wishes of the family.2 Home. Sophocles. Afternoon, coins as usual. A puzzling though not disagreeable occupation.
Evening, turned my thoughts to reflection upon government and determined to read in connexion part of the Defence which I did begin with the Commentary upon Nedham.3
Letter missing.
CFA to Charles Harrod, LbC, Adams Papers. Adjutant General Jones having authorized the appropriate commander in the field to fulfill the wishes of Lt. Adams’ family as to the disposition of the lieutenant’s body and his effects, the accomplishment of Mrs. Adams’ wishes that the body and effects be returned to Quincy is here delegated to her brother in New Orleans.
Vol. 3 of JA’s A Defence of the Constitutions ... of the United States is devoted to commentary upon Marchamont Nedham (Needham), The Excellencie of a Free State, or the Right Constitution of a Commonwealth, first published in 1656 and reissued at the direction of Thomas Hollis, London, 1767. A presentation copy of this edition from Hollis’ heir Thomas Brand Hollis to JA is among JA’s books in MB.