Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 6
1836-05-10
A very pleasant day. I went out with my children and enjoyed the air for an hour, during which we had a ramble about the delightful common. This is the peculiar charm of our City. Then to the Office where I remained only a short time.
This was the day fixed for the completion of the contract on Mr. Johnson’s Account, and with some difficulty I procured an advance of the money from the Bank and concluded the transaction. The pressure for money still continues and for all that I see is likely to all the summer.
My little piece appeared this morning under the Editorial head. It appears well enough, and I hope to follow it up with a few more.1 Diary and a little of Mr. Everett’s Europe. Then home but I did not read Livy until after dinner—As for my Wife’s Account the hour was anticipated.2 Miss Louisa C. Smith dined with us.
Afternoon, Sismondi, Ariosto and began Foster’s Travels in Germany in the German. Evening, went down with my Wife to Mr. Brooks’ to see Gorham Brooks and his Wife who have got there—Nothing remarkable. Home where I wrote.
CFA’s new anti-Webster series titled “Plain Thoughts for Plain People,” and signed “A Plain Man,” appeared in the Daily Advocate on the 10th, p. 2, col. 4; 13th, p. 2, col. 5; and 20th May, p. 2, col. 1. The Advocate urged: “Read the sensible communication of ‘A Plain Man.’ It must carry conviction to considerate minds, that can throw off unfounded prejudices, and give up party pride for public good” (13 May, p. 2, col. 3).
I.e., for my wife’s convenience the dinner hour was pushed forward.
1836-05-11
Morning quite warm. I went to the Office after my usual amusement with the children. Time taken up in Diary, Accounts, going about the town to find mechanics unemployed in order to mend my rainwater spout. This is among the curious symptoms of the present times that all the laboring classes are perfectly independent. After some difficulty I found one.
To the Athenaeum where I rummaged over a paper or two, but found nothing useful or profitable. Home, Livy—The battle of Thrasymene. Afternoon, worked away upon the MSS. until I got weary and then gave it up in a pet. Sat down to Ariosto and Forster’s Journey—This is far more agreeable. Evening at home.
I continued to write upon Webster’s letter which is a prolific sub-386ject. I do not know what the end of it all will be but I foresee that my share is not worth much. At any rate I will do my best to the end, and if my success is not great, let the result be as it will, I think it cannot fail to turn out well for the Country. If the Whig party in Massachusetts is put down, so much the better. If on the other hand, it barely keeps a superiority, then is there good to be derived from that. Perhaps my most fortunate position would be when the parties were precisely balanced. But I must seek in other occupations for more agreeable ideas than the dirty work of party presents.