Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 7

Thursday. 30th. CFA

1837-11-30

Thursday. 30th. CFA
Thursday. 30th.

This was the day appointed according to established custom among us for the annual thanksgiving. I spent a couple of hours upon my 352coins and then attended divine service and heard Mr. Frothingham preach from Deuteronomy 26. parts of 5.10 and 11 verses. “And thou shalt speak and say before the Lord thy God, behold, I have brought the first fruits of the land, which thou O, Lord, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the Lord thy God, and worship before the Lord thy God: and thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee.” The discourse was principally directed to an historical view of the day, borrowed from the customs of the Hebrews, and amplifying a former discourse upon the same subject. The most remarkable feature to me was a complimentary notice of Cromwell which surprised me as coming from Mr. Frothingham.

Home after a long walk. Met P. C. Brooks Jr. who told me of the catastrophe of G. W. Pratt.1 One of the class of gambling speculators who have involved the Nation in it’s present disgrace. He is said to have run his liabilities up to a sum exceeding one million.

We dined alone which I regretted. Afternoon, I was engaged in writing upon my Essay. Evening, to Mr. Brooks’ with my Wife. A family meeting consisting of the usual persons. Nothing of material consequence occurred. Home early.

1.

George W. Pratt was president of the Oriental Bank ( Boston Directory, 1837).