Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 2

Wednesday. March 28th.

April. 1827. 1. VIII.

Saturday. March 31st. CFA

1827-03-31

Saturday. March 31st. CFA
Saturday. March 31st.

I have passed one day in study, another in fishing and a third in laziness which is not giving a very good account of my time. But I hope soon to do better. On Thursday, I wrote to Abby and propose to continue the practise twice a week during the remainder of my stay here. Wyer called to see me on that day and was as talkative as ever, after all saying nothing whatever. A pleasant rattle. Mr. Walsh of Philadelphia1 and Mr. Daniel Brent dined with us today. The former seems to be fully disposed to come right again provided his variable temper will allow him. I do not admire his political character although his literary reputation is deservedly high. And his conversational powers are very great—perhaps by this I say too much, from an acquaintance too short; but he is certainly pleasant. My father being 116much taken with the miniature of myself which I had taken for Abby, seems as I understand to express a wish that I should sit for a large portrait for him. I accordingly made arrangements with Mr. King for it.2 My father was uncommonly eloquent after dinner today, and laid himself out more forcibly than usual. When he does so, how immeasureably he rises above all others. There is no comparison.

1.

Robert Walsh (1784–1859), the Pennsylvania journalist and literary man, who was co-editor of the National Gazette from 1820 to 1835 and editor of the American Quarterly Review from 1827 to 1837, was in Washington to seek federal appointments for his political friends ( DAB ; JQA, Memoirs , 7:251–252).

2.

Concerning this portrait see entry for 17 Jan. 1824, and note, above.