Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 2
1827-01-19
I went to the Supreme Court today, and heard a most powerful argument by Mr. Webster on the Insolvent law case. I have seldom known him more interesting. His manner was good and his argument was convincing.1 In the evening after one of our usual dinners, I went to the concert of the Miss Gillinghams and was much pleased.2
In D/CFA/1, CFA mentions also hearing Edward Livingston and William Sampson.
Emma and Louisa Gillingham, daughters of a New York orchestra leader, were concert singers who specialized in English and Italian music (Odell, Annals N.Y. Stage
, 3:33, 291). Abigail B. Brooks was also present at the concert (D/CFA/1).
1827-01-20
I heard Livingston’s reply today on this great law question and was confirmed in my opinion that the laws are not constitutional.1
CFA also heard arguments from Walter Jones and William Wirt. He spent the evening at home, working on the Executive Record (D/CFA/1).
1827-01-21
Morning at home, assorting Newspapers, Voltaire, Spenser, idle, evening at home, family.
From D/CFA/1.
1827-01-22
I heard Mr. Jones and Mr. Wirts Commencement in reply to Mr. Webster. Mr. J. failed completely. In the evening I went to Mrs. Johnston’s. Party tolerably agreeable. Given to Miss Jane Ramsay, or in other words, Mrs. Jane Turnbull.
From D/CFA/5.
1827-01-23
Mr. Wirt finished his argument on this great case, and it was very ingenious, but Mr. Webster in his close scattered all it’s parts and finished in a very splendid manner. In the evening I went to Mrs. Gales’s. Party dull.
1827-01-24
At Mrs. Clay’s. Party tolerably agreeable. The city is extremely gay at present.
CFA spent the morning at home, reading Voltaire and Spenser, and he noted his “waste of time” (D/CFA/1).