Diary of John Quincy Adams, volume 2

7th. JQA

1788-04-07

7th. Adams, John Quincy
7th.

I went with Thompson, to Mr. Atkins's, to answer to an action which we had brought before him this day.

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The first Monday in April, being the day appointed by the Constitution for the choice of Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Senators The Town meeting here began at ten in the morning, and the poll was closed at four in the afternoon. Mr. Hancock and General Lincoln, had a great majority in this Town, as well as in Newbury. And a federal List of Senators; for. Fed and anti; are the only distinctions at this day. Mr. S. Adams had a great number of votes for Lieutt. Governor; but, for what reason, I cannot tell, all the influence was against him. The revolution that has taken place in sentiments within one twelve month past must be astonishing to a person unacquainted, with the weaknesses, the follies, and the vices of human nature. The very men, who at the last election declared the Commonwealth would be ruined if Mr. Hancock was chosen, have now done every thing to get him in, and the other side are equally capricious. We have not yet got sufficiently settled to have stated parties; but we shall soon I have no doubt obtain the blessing.

I pass'd an hour or two this evening with Thompson at Mrs. Emery's: and he spent half an hour with me, till nine o'clock.

8th. JQA

1788-04-08

8th. Adams, John Quincy
8th.

Pickman returned last evening from Salem. The votes in that Town, and in several others from which accounts have been received, are equally favorable or more so, than they were in this Town, to Mr. Hancock, and General Lincoln. I called and passed an hour or two at Mrs. Hooper's in the evening: Miss Cazneau was there. Came home early in the evening.

Belinda next advanc'd with rapid stride A compound strange, of Vanity and Pride Around her face no wanton Cupids play, Her tawny skin, defies the God of Day. Loud was her laugh, undaunted was her look, And folly seem'd to dictate what she spoke. In vain the Poet's and musician's art, Combine to move the Passions of the heart, Belinda's voice like grating hinges groans, And in harsh thunder roars a lover's moans.
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