Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 7
1837-03-28
The winter is at last passing off and we are experiencing the humidity of the Spring. Today was foggy but warm. I called upon Quincy again about the canal matter but he was not in. Office where I passed my time in my usual duties.
Called in to see T. K. Davis and speak to him about Mr. Frothingham’s opinion of the criticism of the piece of Ion as written by him for the Courier.1 I had neglected to read it and therefore asked him for a Copy. He said he had none but would try and find one.
Walk with Mr. Walsh, and then to the State House to see Quincy. Met Mr. Hallett with whom I had a few minutes talk about the Reso-214lutions of the Legislature respecting Slavery. Each party is striving to outgo the other upon it. Homer. Afternoon as usual. Burnet, Plutarch and Forster. Evening, Moore, after which, Wraxall, finished, and Montbarey.
From 15–20 March at the Tremont Theatre, Ellen Tree starred in three performances of a new tragedy, Ion, by Sergeant Telfourd. The Boston Courier printed two communications about the play and its presentation, one on 24 March (p. 2, cols. 3–4) signed “A Lover of Literature,” and the second on 25 March (p. 2, cols. 3–4) signed “D.” and probably by T. K. Davis.
1837-03-29
A clear, fine day. But since Spring has made a demonstration I have not felt so well, and particularly today when besides a little derangement of the stomach I have a bad cold. Called at my Carpenter’s Shop to see him about his work at Quincy. Found that he had been there and had set two men to work upon the Frame. I did not ask him why he had come away although I longed to do so. I have a little mistrust of his persevering activity.
Office. A long letter from my father upon political prospects which are discouraging enough.1 The Country appears to be in a singular condition. General Jackson has in eight years turned it over completely. A. H. Everett came in, and we had some talk. He does not seem to be very clear what to do. Davis left with me his criticism of Ion, which I read and returned to him. It is exceedingly pretty. There is great beauty in the thought and feeling. I told him I thought he ought to practise more.
Home to read Homer. Afternoon, engaged in writing an answer to my father’s letter.2 I have been delaying information upon several matters which should have been earlier sent. Evening, Moore’s Byron but my cold was so severe that I felt very uncomfortably. Afterwards, Montbarey. I was very unexpectedly brought to the account of the American War and a character of the Count de Vergennes which may have some bearing upon interesting historical questions among us.3
JQA to CFA, 23 March, Adams Papers. The letter also deals at some length and detail with JQA’s serious financial plight.
CFA to JQA, 29 March, LbC, Adams Papers. Like the letter to which this was a reply, this related in good part to JQA’s pecuniary problems stemming from his relatively heavy indebtedness. CFA proposed a program that he was willing to undertake provided he was given complete authority to carry it out.
On JA’s extended and generally unhappy relations with the Comte de Vergennes, see
Adams Family Correspondence
, 3:xxiv–xxvii; 4:index; JA, Diary and Autobiography
, 4:index; JA, Papers
, 6:index.