Diary of John Quincy Adams, volume 2

25th. JQA

1788-04-25

25th. Adams, John Quincy
25th.

I left Braintree between 9 and 10. and stoppd, about half an hour at Genl. Warren's, he was gone to Plymouth but Mrs. Warren was at home. The Genl.'s political character has undergone of late a great alteration. Among all those who were formerly his friends he is extremely unpopular; while the insurgent and antifederal party (for it is but one) consider him in a manner as their head; and have given him at this election many votes for lieutenant governor. Mrs. Warren complained that he had been abused shamefully, and very undeservedly; but she thought me too federal to talk freely with me.

I called for a few minutes at George's Office, which he has lately opened. I got to Cambridge, a little before one, and called at the Butler's room: where I found Mr. Ware, and Packard. Dined at Judge Dana's. Miss Jones was there, and agreeable as usual. In the afternoon, I went to Dr. Williams's. Sam has been 396gone about two months to Sea; Jenny is still losing her beauty, and will soon, have none to lose.

I was at Abbot's chamber an hour or two. And return'd to Mr. Dana's with Packard to tea. Stedman, and Harris, and my very good friend and Classmate O. Fiske, pass'd the evening there; and it was uncommonly sociable.

I had promised Pickman to meet him this day in Salem, but was prevented by the weather as it rain'd all the afternoon.

I forgot to mention, that my Classmate Harris dined with us at Judge Dana's. He came a day or two ago, from Worcester, where he is now keeping school. It was feared, that he was in a decline, but I think he looks better than he did when we left College.

26th. JQA

1788-04-26

26th. Adams, John Quincy
26th.

Between five and six this morning, I left the judge's house, with Mr. Andrews who is going to preach at Newbury-Port. We stopp'd at the Colleges, to take their Letters, but they had not risen. The Clock struck six, as we went out of the College yard. We breakfasted at Newells tavern, and got into Salem at about ten o'clock: I paid a visit to Mr. Read; he is going to be married; and to a young Lady with a large fortune, which is rather surprizing.

I met Pickman in the street, and went home with him. After sitting a few minutes we walk'd about the Town; I went to see Miss Hazen; who appears just as she did two years ago. Dined with Pickman; and at about two o'clock Andrews called me, to proceed. The weather was so windy, and the surf so great that we had some little difficulty in getting over Beverley ferry. We arrived in Newbury-Port at about seven. I went and pass'd a couple of hours with Putnam. I then came home, and soon retired as I was exceedingly fatigued, and felt very stiff.

27th. JQA

1788-04-27

27th. Adams, John Quincy
27th.

I attended meeting all day, and heard Mr. Andrews. He speaks very well, and his composition was I believe generally pleasing. I sometimes think that he mistakes his genius, and imagines that his fansy is lively and his first thoughts the best; while in truth his conception is naturally slow, and he ought to study greatly his writings. He was this day very brilliant in his expressions, and flowery in his periods, but his thoughts were rather too 397much in the common run, and this fault, I have frequently observed, in his pieces.

In the beginning of the evening, I called at Mr. Tufts's, to give him a watch which I brought for him; I spent the remainder of the evening and supp'd at Deacon Thompson's. Walk'd with Mr. Andrews up to Mrs. Farnham's, where he lodges; he proposes to return to-morrow to Cambridge.