Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 2
1826-12-08
Morning at home, no occupation, walk to the Capitol, Spenser, evening with the family, Cards.
1826-12-09
Morning at home, walk, Thompson’s book store, reflections, evening with the family, Cards.
1826-12-10
Morning at home, Executive record, letters to George, Richardson,1 evening with the family, walk.
Both missing.
1826-12-11
Ball at Mrs. Johnston’s in the evening.2 It was passed tolerably well, but I was glad to get home. I am pretty nearly resolved however to be a man of the world this winter, and to waste the Season.
From D/CFA/5. CFA worked on the Executive Record and read Spenser in the morning (D/CFA/1).
Charlotte Gray (Brooks) Everett, wife of Congressman Edward Everett and CFA’s future sister-in-law, was at the party (D/CFA/1). See Adams Genealogy.
1826-12-12
Morning at home, Executive record, walk, bookstore, purchases, Spenser, evening with the family, Cards.
From D/CFA/1.
1826-12-13
Mrs. Clay’s first party. It was very full and went off very well indeed. This is the first attempt at entertaining which has been made by her as she was shut up last winter. And called as she has been from her own domestic and rural retreat to this high station in active life she had much to fear. He has in all his situations kept her much in the back ground, and rumor says he has not been altogether an example of fidelity during his long absences. I have not much opinion of his morals myself, but a very high estimation of his talents. The last to me are of the most importance as the former require a little mending in my own case before I criticise others.2
From D/CFA/5. CFA spent the morning working on the Executive Record and reading Spenser; he later took a ride with his mother (D/CFA/1).
See entry for 24 April 1827, below.