Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 3
1830-10-18
The day opened cloudy and soon settled into a regular rain. My 342Mother however finished her visit which has been a pleasant one to me, and returned to Quincy. I went to the Office and was surprised to find upon reaching there that the whole of the lower Staircase of the building in Court Street was removed by the Tenant of the Store, in order to substitute a new one more narrow and interfering less with his premises. The Communication with my office was by a ladder and once up, it was rather a difficult matter to get down. I mounted and spent my time in writing a political Article to send to Mr. Buckingham the Editor of the Courier. This is a singular choice on my part but it arises from the fact that he is the friend of the principles I peculiarly support.1
Returned home, where it appeared lonely after having had a house full. I read Cicero as usual and examined his method of dividing all questions which narrow the space of thought very much to the points in question in a case. This methodizing of thought is a great thing for a speaker. Evening, reading Symmons life of Milton and hammering out a new idea for another Number. But I feel exceedingly discouraged. My spirits have not got over the effect of Mr. Everett’s course.
The Courier and Joseph T. Buckingham, its editor, were spokesmen for the policies of Henry Clay. The likely reason for the suggestion by the Courier that JQA be elected to Congress was to remove him from contention for the Presidency in 1832 (Bemis, JQA
, 2:206). The article sent by CFA may be the one signed “A,” attacking Lee’s position on the tariff and supporting Appleton (Boston Courier, 21 Oct., p. 2, cols. 1–2).
1830-10-19
The day was cloudy and dull. I went to the Office and passed my time in sorting the papers which have been accummulating upon me for a long time past. I used to think that in the disposition of my things I had a good deal of method but subsequently I have had great cause to change my opinion. Nothing seems in it’s place, and it is a constant work to put them in order.
Mr. Degrand called and after conversation I concluded a bargain with him for Thomas B. Adams Jr. to buy with the balance of his money, some Fire and Marine Stock.1 But the rate was very high. On the whole however, my Morning was wasted very much. These Carpenters in the Entry disarrange every thing. I am ashamed of my way of spending time, and discouraged at my ill success. Returned home.
Horatio Brooks dined with us. I am sorry to say he seems to like my House too well. Afternoon reading Cicero, but the matter was a little more difficult. The many shades of questions can hardly bear to be so nicely subdivided as they are by him. They will not remain in the 343memory, and are subject to be altered by circumstances. Evening Corinne and Mason’s Life of Gray. After which Symmons’ Life of Milton and the Tatler. The former is a little ultraliberal in his politics, to an extent that sometimes shocks me. Yet generally I agree with him.