Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 2
1827-07-08
Morning occupied filing Papers much as usual and reading the News. The day passed without bringing with it any particular occurrence. The political world somewhat agitated by the production of a 143letter of General Jackson’s asserting a corrupt offer to him by the friends of Mr. Clay at the last election.1
On 5 June 1827 Andrew Jackson wrote Carter Beverley that during the recent presidential contest one of Clay’s friends, “a member of Congress of high respectability,” approached him with the suggestion of a coalition. If Jackson announced that he would not retain JQA as Secretary of State—and thus presumably would appoint Clay to that post—the Kentuckian’s friends “would put an end to the Presidential contest in one hour.” Jackson declared that he had spurned the corrupt offer. His letter was published in the United States Telegraph in June; Clay issued a denial and demanded the name of Jackson’s informant; on 18 July Jackson named Congressman James Buchanan, of Pennsylvania, as the man. Then Buchanan issued a statement, which both sides claimed as favorable to their view of the case. See Andrew Jackson, Corr., ed. Bassett, 3:355–357.
1827-07-09
Morning as usual. Little information of any description. I did not read as much of Coke as usual—my feelings begin to produce restlessness, as the time of departure arrives. I rode with John in the evening, and talked with Mary. I received a letter from Abby, and being in very low spirits, wrote a melancholy answer. In the evening I felt better.
1827-07-10
Morning as usual. Letters arrived from Madame announcing her arrival safe and sound in Boston. Upon which I thought it proper to send congratulations. My father called me into his room to have some conversation respecting my proposed way of life in Boston. I had thought of establishing with George and Miss Louisa Smith. Madame’s letter encouraged the plan and father seemed to approve it.1 He expressed an opinion infinitely too good of me, and such as will throw upon me a great mass of responsibility. In the evening, a ride.
Although both LCA and JQA favored the plan, and CFA acquiesced in it, GWA was not happy with the proposed housekeeping arrangement and the idea was abandoned. See LCA to JQA, 6 July 1827, Adams Papers; JQA to LCA, 10 July 1827, same; and JQA, Diary, 10 July 1827.
1827-07-11
I passed the day much as usual. Nothing remarkable occurred. I occupied myself with covering and packing a case of books by way of preparation for the removal. The weather very warm.
1827-07-12
Occupations much as usual, although it must be confessed my 144attention is not so much fixed as it might be. No letter from Abby today. I was not in very good spirits.