Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 5
1834-02-03
Another delightful day. I went to the Office. Engaged as usual in making up my arrears, which is about the only occupation of my morning. I lounge away too much time at the Post Office reading the Newspapers. I do nothing and ought to be ashamed. The money pressure still continues, and the accounts from Washington are that it will not cease. The Administration party is determined to do nothing. Heaven help us.
Took a long walk, invited by the beauty of the day. Afternoon reading Stewart Essay on the cause of beauty,1 and the Andria. Afterwards I went to the Boylston Market to attend the annual Proprietor’s meeting. Nothing done but the election of Officers and the usual organization for the year. I tried to vacate my post but did not succeed. Afterwards, I went to Mrs. Frothingham’s, where she had a party of children, it being her eldest son Thomas’ birth day. A few grown persons of the family, but it was very fatiguing. Returned home by ten o’clock.
Probably Dugald Stewart whose philosophical essays had been acclaimed by Sir James Mackintosh.
1834-02-04
The weather holds on mild although it was cloudy today. I passed my time in no better manner than usual. Accounts and Newspapers. Mr. Degrand called in and gave me his speech to read which was quite tolerable—Two or three very good points.1 I took a long walk. Reflected upon the present state of things and upon the possibility of writing something to affect the people. But the press is overloaded already, and I have no means to communicate my opinions even supposing they were worth any thing. Began and gave it up.
Afternoon at home, finished Smith’s Moral Sentiments from which in the second reading I have gathered much. Mine is about the time of life when such inquiries are valuable as they aid in fixing conduct upon some permanent foundation before times of severe trial commence. Col. Jones from Weston called and made a settlement with me for Wood. He was frightened by the decided tone of my yesterday’s Letter.2 This is opportune. Evening quietly at home. Patronage.
Probably the speech on the “Money Market” which he had delivered at Faneuil Hall on 11 Jan. and which had been printed in the Columbian Centinel on 1 Feb., p. 1, col. 6 – p. 2, col. 4.
To Col. John Jones, 3 Feb. (LbC, Adams Papers). The sale of wood from the Weston property had taken place in December.
1834-02-05
Mild but cloudy. I went to the Office and passed my time in reading the debate in the Senate between Mr. Webster and Mr. Wright.1 This is of some consequence as it lays open the future operation of parties. The former is driven to the Wall and now takes his course while the latter daringly proclaims that the party he represents will persevere to the end. Now comes the tug of war.
Attended a meeting of the Proprietors of the Middlesex Canal being the annual one for the choice of officers. Nothing new excepting the substitution of Abbott Lawrence as a Director in the place of J. B. Joy deceased. Walk with my Wife to order some things for a dinner I propose to give, tomorrow.
Afternoon at home. Began Mr. Gallatin’s Essay upon Banks and Currency which requires very fixed attention to comprehend, yet which conveys a great amount of valuable information.2 Terence. Evening quiet. Patronage.
The speeches in the Senate on the New York Resolution relating to Deposits by Silas Wright Jr., of New York, and Daniel Webster were printed in the National Intelligencer on 31 Jan. (p. 3, cols. 1–3) and 1 Feb. (p. 2, cols. 1–6).
Albert Gallatin’s influential essay first appeared in Dec. 1830 and March 1831 in the American Quarterly Review. It was afterward revised and expanded and published as Considerations on the Currency and Banking System of the United States, Phila., 1831. For an earlier reading by CFA, see vol. 4:36.