Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 4
1832-05-28
Quincy
The morning was cloudy but much more like Spring. I went to town accompanied by Horatio Brooks. My time at the Office was taken up in 305reading my father’s last Report upon the Domestic policy. I must confess that I have been dreading this considerably and find myself on the whole very much gratified and agreeably disappointed. It contains a clear and conclusive argument in favour of the system, while it concedes to the agitation of the South as much as it reasonably can, not because they are right in their demands, but for the sake of peace and harmony. On the whole, whatever the result may be, I must say, my father has exalted himself prodigiously in my opinion. There is a high souled independence in his course which suits my particular temper exactly.1
Not having received any Note or intimation of my Mother’s arrival, I was in doubt as to what was proper to be done.2 After consideration, I decided upon going at all events. The Road was shocking. But I arrived and found my Mother very quietly settled since Saturday night. Passed the rest of the day with her in conversation about one thing and another.3 Rode up to Mrs. T. B. Adams’ with her, to pay a visit, and spent the evening quietly. Remained at Quincy for the night.
The report of the Committee on Manufactures submitted to the House on 23 May was printed in the Daily National Intelligencer on the 24th (p. 2–3). In its account of the session, the Intelligencer reported JQA’s remarks which accompanied the presentation: “With respect to the report itself, which the Committee had indulged him (Mr. A.) with permission to present, it was to be considered an expression of his views alone. Different members, he added, approved different parts of the report, but there was, perhaps, no member of the Committee who approved the whole of it, except the reporter of it himself” (25 May, p. 2, col. 6). The Report later appeared as a pamphlet. A “First Draught,” dated 23 May and chiefly in JQA’s hand, is in the Adams Papers.
Delivery of LCA’s letter to CFA of 26 May (Adams Papers) announcing her arrival at Quincy was apparently delayed.
Undoubtedly the conversation was in part on political questions. Next day LCA wrote to Mrs. JA2, “Mr. A—s is quite knocked up here it seems and will probably not be sent again. His Report is not admired and it is all over with him” (29 May, Adams Papers).
1832-05-29
Morning very lovely. It seemed to pay for all the bad weather we had had. I arose early and went to town after breakfast. Spent a considerable part of the morning in reading Gibbon and the rest in the Athenaeum and at the Gallery of Paintings. Met at this last place my neighbour Mr. J. Fullerton. He is quite scientific in regard to pictures and discussed them with me very fully. I have never made any advances towards his acquaintance partly from indifference and partly from want of opportunity. He seems however to be a very gentlemanly man and of some though not extensive information.1
It was time to go, so I started again for Medford. Gorham Brooks and 306his Wife and Mr. Frothingham were there, and we had a pleasant dinner. Afternoon totally wasted, thrown away as if there had not been one. Evening, I accomplished the feat of reading my two Ramblers. Mr. S. Brooks and his sister called and staid an hour.
J. J. Fullerton’s residence was at 5 Hancock Avenue, next to that of CFA (
Boston Directory, 1832–1833).