Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 6
1836-03-19
Morning clear and severely cold for the Season. I went to the Office and was occupied very attentively in Accounts and in Diary—Also in a general clearing out of papers which becomes necessary every little while.
The Accounts from Florida are somewhat alarming. There has been miserable blundering from the beginning as well in the plans as in 355the execution. General Gaines appears to have introduced himself without reason or authority and to have committed a gross imprudence which is likely to carry with it the fate both of Tom Adams and Robt. Buchanan. Bad enough to lose one’s life in action but to be the victim of blundering and little jealousies is a little too grievous.1
Nothing of consequence. Walk and call upon Mr. Brooks. Home to read Livy. Afternoon, Niebuhr and de la Motte Fouqué. Evening, at home reading to my Wife from Madame Junot—After which the Life of Swift.
The prosecution of the war in Florida against the Seminoles had been marked by numerous allegations of blundering against those in command. Gen. Scott had been placed in charge of operations, but Gen. Gaines’ presence greatly complicated matters since the two generals were “notoriously hostile to each other, and each ... claims to rank the other.” Gaines had mounted an expedition unauthorized by Scott; he had run short of provisions and his situation had so deteriorated that he needed aid. It was affirmed and denied that Scott had refused to send help. Gen. Clinch did effect a jointure of the two forces on 5 March (Columbian Centinel, 19 March, p. 2, col. 3; 21 March, p. 2, col. 3; 23 March, p. 2, col. 2). The whole matter became the subject of official investigation in 1837.
1836-03-20
Clear and cold. I read the life of Swift. Walter Scott is a pleasant chit-chat biographer gathering carefully from preceding authors but it may much be questioned if he is profound. The character of Swift was so very peculiar, as to require a deep analyst of human passions to lay open all the springs of his eccentric motions.
Attended divine service and heard Mr. Frothingham Luke 5. 5. “Nevertheless at thy word, I will let down the net.” This text he cited to found upon it an exhortation to perseverance under discouragements. How often I require such welcome words to brace me up to exertion of any kind. How little all my exertion has brought about. And even if they produce the utmost I could expect from them of how little service would it be to the Country or to myself. Mr. Walsh walked and dined with me.
Afternoon Mr. Robbins. Ephesians 6. 2. “Honour thy father and mother.” An allusion to the levelling character of the present age and the declining reverence for parents but nothing either forcible or new. That respect for parents is the secret of all government among men was known before today, and has been explained in too profound a manner to make the assertion interesting. Mr. Robbins must think more, he ought not to rest content with writing.
I afterwards read a Sermon of Dr. Barrow’s from 2. Corinthians 8. 21. “Providing for honest things not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men.” A difference of text without discontinuing the subject of the last two discourses. He discussed today the principles upon which neglect of the external observances of religion were justified—Modesty, fear in two or three shapes and so forth. A good discourse. Evening, Madame Junot and Swifts Life. T. B. Frothingham passed an hour here.