Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 2
1829-01-21
Morning at the Office, engaged in writing a reply to my father’s last letter. I touched upon the topic so sore between us; perhaps I said too much, but I could not avoid expressing my feeling at any hasard.1 The tone was very subdued. I then discussed other matters of politics. Afternoon, much interested in a Chapter of Adam Smith upon the Banking System, which gave me many new notions. Evening, Mr. Boswell who is still interesting, although one’s opinion of him diminishes as we go along, and Mr. Otis upon the Hartford Convention, whose reasoning is rather specious than solid.2
Acknowledging receipt of his allowance, CFA recurred to “the very tender . . . subject” of his angry interview with JQA over finances on 22 August 1828. Instead of using harsh reproaches, his father should have resorted “to the influence of kindness or of reason.” “. . . if there is a disposition on your part so great to aid us,” he added, “let it also be remembered that it requires 337only a fair conviction of the fact, to occasion cheerful and much greater sacrifices ... on our part to prevent it. Until this time at least, it will be admitted, the occasion has not called for them on either side” (CFA to JQA, 21 Jan. 1829, LbC, Adams Papers).
Harrison Gray Otis, Letters Developing the Character and Views of the Hartford Convention, Washington, 1820.