Diary of John Quincy Adams, volume 2
1788-05-17
Dined at Judge Greenleaf's with Pickman and Thompson. Two Miss Dalton's were there; and Miss Deblois a young lady whose brother is paying his addresses to the eldest Miss Dalton. Miss Deblois has been much celebrated, as a beauty; and she may still be called very handsome: though she be as much as 27. She is sociable and agreeable: Though she is not yet wholly destitute of that kind of vanity, which is so naturally the companion of beauty. She puckers her mouth a little, and contracts her eyelids a little, to look very pretty; and is not wholly unsuccessful. The Miss Dalton's, as usual talk'd more about themselves and the family, than any thing else. The eldest is said to be blest with a very amiable disposition, and as for Polly, Miss Deblois said, she made her laugh yesterday beyond measure, and it is well she has the talent of exciting laughter, in others; for unless her countenance very much belies her she is seldom, guilty of such a trick herself. Judge Greenleaf's daughters', are always so much addicted to silence, that although I have been in company with 405them a number of times, I know not what opinion to form of them.
In the afternoon I took a long walk with Thompson and Putnam. The weather was very dull and disagreeable. Thompson stopp'd at Mrs. Atkins's. I pass'd the evening with Putnam at his lodgings.
1788-05-18
Mr. McKeen of Beverley preached at Mr. Carey's this day. I attended to hear him. His discourses were, though sensible, calculated to please the generality of the audience; I did not like them so well as those of Mr. Barnard, the last Sunday. After meeting Pickman called upon me, and I went up with him to see Mr. Jackson, where we drank tea, and pass'd the evening. Mr. McKeen, and Mr. Farnham were there; but went away soon after tea. Miss Wendell was likewise with Mrs. Jackson. She is not handsome, but is said to be very amiable. A little after nine I came away; Pickman still remaining there.
1788-05-19
Began upon the second book of Hawkins. The first treats of all offences, against the public; and this of the punishments to which they are liable.
I walk'd with Thompson in the evening: we called at Mrs. Hooper's, and pass'd an hour there; after which we went to Mr. Carter's. Miss Polly goes to Boston to-morrow.
1788-05-20
Mr. Parsons had the frame of his House raised, and was consequently very busy. Walk'd with Pickman. We met Thompson, and all went to see Mr. N. Carter who was lately married. His wife is not quite so stiff in her manners, as she used to be, a year and an half ago; but she has already adopted other airs; and appears no less affected than formerly. De gustibus non est disputandum; There's no disputing about the choice of a wife. Nancy Cutts, Mrs. Carter's sister, appears much more agreeable; and upon the whole I think her the handsomest of the two: however Mrs. Carter was abundantly complaisant, and we pass'd the evening tolerably.