Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 8
1839-09-24
Fine day. To town. Return to dinner. Evening at the Mansion.
It was a lovely day like all the days since Miss Hall’s visit who today returned to town with me, to our great regret, who have been pleased to have her with us.1
My time much occupied in town with visiting my house where all the workmen are in full operation, and with matters of business, so that I was a little later at home than usual. When I got there, I found our town usually so quiet, in a perfect turmoil with a general muster 299which was held in the Hancock Lot. As usual, worthless people of all kinds were upon the spot and made one or two rows, the first of which was too near my father’s house not to disturb the females. The day however passed off without much difficulty and before sunset the spot was clear.
Evening, we paid our usual visit to the Mansion. Nothing of material consequence. Finished the History of Tacitus.
Mary Brooks Hall, daughter of Peter C. Brooks’ sister, Mrs. Nathaniel Hall of Medford, had been a guest for four days or more. A special bond between Mary and ABA had been created by Mary’s assuming the household responsibilities at the Brooks home in Medford for a period after the death of Mrs. Brooks. See vols. 2:155; 3:123, 181; 5:122; and JQA, Diary, 20 Sept. 1839.