Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 2
1828-01-05
Wrote a letter to my Mother this morning. Then at the Office reading Blackstone until dinner, or at least half an hour before when I started with Mr. Brooks for Medford. The weather was milder and more pleasant to the feeling than any I have ever before experienced at this season of the year in this climate. Dined and after dinner passed in conversation with Abby. Saw Mrs. Everett and talked a good deal with her. She is rapidly recovering from her confinement. Evening passed as quietly as usual.
1828-01-06
Morning went to Meeting and heard Mr. Stetson deliver a Sermon of but little interest. Little or nothing else of moment occurred during the day. I remained at home in the afternoon and read the Article on Judge Marshall in the last Number of the North American Review.1 It is interesting. Evening conversation with Abby.
Joseph Story’s review of John Marshall’s A History of the Colonies Planted by the English on the Continent of North America . . . , which appeared in the North American Review, 58:1–40 (Jan. 1828).
1828-01-07
Rode into Boston with Mr. Brooks. The mild weather has so opened the roads that the travelling is shocking upon them and I was a little disposed to regret that Mr. B. had come as I feared he had done so in regard to my accommodation. Conversation with him upon miscellaneous subjects. A letter from my Father together with a Sonnet by him to the Cock. I cannot but say that I think his Letters are degenerating into Sermons and that he is as usual missing my character.1 Read Blackstone and Copied from Howe’s Lecture as usual and read a smart debate reported in the Intelligencer in relation to a resolution moved by the Manufacturing Committee (so called). Evening at the Moot Court and heard an argument. Afterwards Supper at the Exchange with Richardson and Conversation.
Continuing to argue that CFA should get up at five or six o’clock in the morning, JQA enclosed an original “Sonnet to Chanticleer,” that symbol of early rising, which was proudly displayed on his seal (JQA to CFA, 31 Dec. 1827, Adams Papers).
1828-01-08
Arose this morning amid the roar of Cannon celebrating the day which now gives so much assistance to the factions.1 Wrote a letter to my Father as usual. After breakfast went to the Office and found 202the report of the death of Mr. Boylston was true. Poor man, he has lingered long and painfully. Received a short letter from my Mother. Read Blackstone. In the afternoon occupied in Copying. Evening quietly at home reading Middleton’s Cicero and copying Executive Record.
The anniversary of Andrew Jackson’s victory at New Orleans.