Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 2
On Friday September 1st. I started again in the Steam Boat and arrived at home on Saturday evening to settle down comfortably and quietly.
Six weeks passed and it seemed as if Heaven to compensate me for my sufferings on the journey, had decided upon allotting me a share of pleasure mounting as near to perfect happiness as can be possible in our world. But my days were quietly passed with but little stir, and I have nothing to relate of them. Days of prosperity with an individual as with a nation afford but little matter for writing. I studied hard, wrote much, played billiards, felt independent of all care, and went to the Theatre. The company of Johnson Hellen saved me from entire solitude, whilst it produced no check upon my pleasures.
From D/CFA/5.
1826-09-01
Morning, Leave Philadelphia, Steamboat to New Castle, Mr. Johnston of Louisiana, Carriage to Frenchtown, Steamboat to Baltimore, Barnum’s.
From D/CFA/1.
1826-09-02
Morning, Leave Baltimore, Carriage alone to Washington, Arrive, Johnson Hellen, Conversation, evening, Theatre, “the Magpie and Maid.”1
The Magpie and the Maid, an opera by Rossini and Castil-Blaze, was playing at the Washington Theater on Louisiana Avenue (Tindall, City of Washington
, p. 499).
1826-09-03
Morning at home, Conversation with Johnson Hellen, my troubles, evening, a ride, Mary C. Hellen, walk.
1826-09-04
Morning at home, Accounts, arrangements, ride to Mr. Frye’s, family, evening, Theatre, Cherry and Fair Star.
1826-09-05
Morning at home, return to study, Hume’s England, Maltebrun’s Geography, evening, Billiards with Johnson, visit to Mrs. Smith.