Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 5
1833-03-26
Morning clear and cool. I went to the Office as usual and finished correcting the rest of the proof of my father’s Report. It makes a Pamphlet of forty pages close printing. A good deal of time was also consumed in a variety of little commissions of various kinds. Attended to the repairs to be made to my Gig, and various other small matters, besides taking my regular walk.
Mr. Brooks and Mr. Everett dined with me. I did not much relish it. Mr. Everett is to me one of the most unpleasant men in private society that I ever met with. He strikes me as artificial, rarely expressing a sentiment of any kind and never one from his heart, and covering every thing with a perpetual tone of persifflage. I do not like him.1
Afternoon quite cut up. I read a little of Cardinal de Retz and but a little. Miss Elizabeth Phillips left us today to spend a week at Mrs. P. C. Brooks’. She appears to have revived considerably since she came to us, and I think it probable with good management, she may safely get over the mortification that presses her down.
We went this evening with Mrs. Gorham Brooks to see the work of the blind who have lately excited much sympathy. The Institution is a good one, although I could not see them with any pleasure.2
A restatement of a view of Edward Everett long held by CFA; see vol. 3:9–10, 295; 4:127.
A performance in which the pupils of the New England Institution for the Education of the Blind displayed their proficiency in reading, writing, arithmetic, &c., together with an exhibition of their handiwork, was held at the Masonic Temple on 19 March, but so heavily oversubscribed that this second performance was scheduled; see Columbian Centinel, 15 March, p. 3, col. 2; 21 March, p. 2, col. 4.
1833-03-27
Our usually quiet habits have been so exceedingly disturbed of late that I confess I looked with great pleasure to the moment when we might get back to them again. I confess I am not made for a gay, dissipated life. I have tastes of home, which absence from it only makes more sensibly felt.
Went to the Office. Felt unwell and feverish all day. Received a letter from my Father1 inclosing the Conveyance made the other day in which I had made an important omission. Sat down immediately and drew up another which I sent off at once.2 A long walk with Mr. Peabody and then home. Afternoon, Cardinal de Retz of whom I finished the third volume. His escape from France was on the whole 57a surprising one—Though I should have supposed Mazarin would not have been sorry for it. My eyes and head pained me so much I was not diligent. These wens still continue to trouble me. Evening, Mrs. Trollope who is biting enough, but her book is after all a very small concern.
23 March (Adams Papers).
CFA to JQA, 27 March (LbC, Adams Papers).