Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 2
1827-02-05
A dinner at Obregon’s:2 The Company consisted of as many of the Corp Diplomatique as recognize Mexico to be a sovereign State. Mr. Clay, Mr. Sanford,3 van Rensselaer, Gen. Lyman4 and others. I sat next to the last named and was dull.
From D/CFA/5. CFA spent the morning at home, reading Voltaire and beginning Pascal. JQA’s set of Blaise Pascal’s Œuvres, Paris, 1819, is in the Stone Library, which also contains his copy of Pascal’s Les provinciales ou les lettres par L. de Montalte, Cologne, 1657, and a two-volume edition of the Pensées, Geneva, 1778. Among JA’s books in the Boston Public Library is a copy of Les provinciales, Paris, 1754 (
Catalogue of JA’s Library
, p. 188). CFA also worked on the Executive Record (D/CFA/1).
Don Pablo Obregon, minister plenipotentiary from Mexico (Force, National Calendar, 1828, p. 287).
Biog. Dir. Cong.
).
Appletons’ Cyclo. Amer. Biog.
).
1827-02-06
Morning at home, Voltaire, Pascal, Executive record, weather bad, evening with the family.
From D/CFA/1.
1827-02-07
Evening at Mrs. Clay’s. I was engrossed almost all the evening by Miss Brooks. This young lady’s character is so singular that I am much struck with it. Talked much of that affair of her brother Sidney and Miss Marshall.2
From D/CFA/5. CFA spent the morning at home, reading Voltaire and working on the Executive Record (D/ CFA/1).
The engagement between Emily Marshall, the celebrated Boston beauty, and Mass. Families
, 2:247, 249).
1827-02-08
Strolled to the Capitol. Heard a long discussion about points of order. But was more induced to stay because Miss Brooks was there. I conversed with her all day, and only returned home in time to dine. In the evening, I went to Southard’s.2 And we had quite a large party. It being the first this winter. I spent my evening very much in the society of the same young lady. Which leads me to a discovery which I have been gradually coming to for some time.
CFA spent the morning at home, reading Voltaire. He found Mrs. Everett with Miss Brooks at the Capitol (D/CFA/1).
Biog. Dir. Cong.
).