Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 4

Wednesday. 11th.

Friday. 13th.

46 Thursday. 12th. CFA

1831-05-12

Thursday. 12th. CFA
Thursday. 12th.

Morning delightfully warm, and announcing the approach of the Summer. After making my usual progress in the Oration on the Crown, I went to the Office and was occupied there in divers matters for some time, until my father very unexpectedly made his appearance, and therefore prevented any further occupation of myself upon my own affairs. He was in good spirits, and came for the purpose of making the final arrangement in regard to Abby S. Adams’ affairs previous to her marriage. He gave me a draught to get accepted at Mr. Cazenove’s, for the amount, which cost me two walks, but which I finally accomplished and he accommodated me by paying the Money.1 My father went himself and completed the transaction and thus gave up this charge, much to my satisfaction.2 This makes more than six thousand dollars he has got rid of in two years and that without much feeling it.3 If he can do the rest with equal ease to himself, in the course of the three or four succeeding years, it will establish him very independently for the balance of his life.

He dined with me, and in the afternoon I only finished a little of the Oration against Vatinius. The rest was distracted. We went to see Greenough’s group of Statuary which is very good.4 Evening, a walk with my Wife. After which the rest of the art of Poetry and two Spectators.

1.

Charles J. Cazenove & Co., 23 Long Wharf, had taken on consignment a shipment of flour from JA2 and agreed to advance $2,500 against its sale. JA2 to Charles J. Cazenove & Co., 14 April (Adams Papers); Boston Directory, 1831–1832.

2.

Abigail S. Adams had accepted the recommendation that $2,000 of the legacy payable to her upon her marriage be invested in the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Co. JQA had agreed to act as her trustee. The arrangement was made final at the office of Nathaniel Bowditch, actuary of the company, and a deed in trust was issued to JQA by the terms of which interest would be paid annually for the use of Abigail A. Angier independent of the control of her husband (JQA, Diary, 12 May).

3.

That is, by the payment of this legacy and that of Thomas B. Adams Jr., for which payments JQA was obligated under the terms of JA’s will.

4.

Sculpture by Horatio Greenough was shown from 8 April to 1 June at No. 4 Summer Street. Included in the collection were small copies of his large busts of JA and JQA. Isaac Hull Adams, JQA’s current amanuensis, accompanied JQA, ABA, and CFA. Boston Patriot, 3 May, p. 3, col. 3; JQA, Diary, 12 May.