Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 8
1838-03-15
Fine mild day. I went to the Office as usual and was occupied in Accounts &c. Received letters from Washington which made necessary the writing of some Notes &c. A long one from my father about the events of Washington, particularly the duel.1 Home early as my Wife had fixed the dinner hour a little earlier to accommodate herself. I therefore read Sophocles in the afternoon, and began Adam Ferguson’s Essay on Civil Society with which I was pleased.2 I took a day of vacation from my coins today, and enjoyed it. Evening sat some time with Abby after which I wrote quite a long letter to my Mother.3
The letter from JQA referred to is apparently that dated 27 Feb. (Adams Papers) but which, on internal evidence, was not completed and dispatched until 10 March; see also the note to the entry for 28 Feb., above.
A copy of Adam Ferguson, Essay on the History of Civil Society, 8th edn., Phila., 1819, is in MQA.
Adams Papers. On the letter see
1838-03-16
Fine weather. Nothing new at Washington. Mr. Webster has been making a speech which his puffers pronounce the very most superhuman thing possible.1 Such is the way of manufacturing public opinion in this country! What profligacy in both of the parties. What utter disregard of the popular interest.
Office where I finished my reformation of the papers. Then call to see Mr. Brooks where I met Gorham who has just arrived from Baltimore. Home to dine at two so that I read Sophocles after dinner. A singular piece the Oedipus of Coloni, full of fine poetry and sentiment but with very little of action.
Gorham Brooks called in the afternoon and took tea, after which I accompanied him down to his father’s where there was a small party of the family. These very rarely have much interest but were better tonight. Home at about ten or a little after. My Wife still grows better.
On 31 Jan. and 12 March, Webster delivered speeches in the Senate, widely praised for their eloquence, opposing the sub-treasury bill.
1838-03-17
Fine day although the easterly wind and gathering clouds portend a storm. I went to the Office where all my disposable time was taken up by Mr. Walsh and Deacon Spear who paid me visits. Nothing material with either.
I gained a walk today and finished the Oedipus Coloneus, being the second of the tragedies of Sophocles. It is a less active and impassioned piece than the former, but excels in lyric poetry and fine sentiment. The character of Antigone is superior to any female sketch I remember in Antiquity and that of Theseus is noble and well sustained. The death of Oedipus is a high poetical conception given in a masterly narrative. How this piece could have acted I do not know but as a dramatic poem it must have been the delight of the Athenians.
Mr. Walsh dined with me and spent much of the afternoon. He seems better content now he is fixed, although evidently wishing for something more. Evening at home, Ferguson, a very laboured style.