Diary of John Quincy Adams, volume 2

420 23d. JQA

1788-06-23

23d. Adams, John Quincy
23d.

A second lighter came up this day with things from the ship. We were very busy in unpacking during the whole day. A bed was set up in the house in which I lodg'd, but we have done sufficient to make a great deal of work before we get at rights. There is yet a great deal to be done to the house. When I came from Newbury-Port, I intended to have studied as much here as I should have done there; but I begin to suspect that I shall find it utterly impossible. At least I have given up all thoughts of doing any thing in that way for the present.

24th. JQA

1788-06-24

24th. Adams, John Quincy
24th.

This day we got so far in order as to make a home of the house. I dined at my uncle Cranch's. The remainder of the packages are expected to-morrow; but those that are already here, are not all unpack'd. Much damage was done on the voyage.1

1.

JQA writes, in his line-a-day entry, “Folks got down to the house. I lodg'dined out” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

25th. JQA

1788-06-25

25th. Adams, John Quincy
25th.

This afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Shaw came in from Haverhill; they found us still in great disorder: we began this day to unpack the books; though we have at present no room to stow them in, properly. They were moist and some what mouldy, but not injured at all.

26th. JQA

1788-06-26

26th. Adams, John Quincy
26th.

We all dined at Mr. Cranch's. Charles came from Cambridge to spend a day or two with us. I continued this whole day quite industriously, to unpack, and place the books, yet did not get half through with the business. There are a great many books which I wish very much to peruse, but I have not the time at present, and must certainly for some years be separated from them.

27th. JQA

1788-06-27

27th. Adams, John Quincy
27th.

The day was spent like the preceding ones. There was some company here in the afternoon.1 I give as much of the little lei-421sure time I have, as I can conveniently to some lectures upon History and general Policy a new publication of Dr. Priestley,2 whose literary powers may be truly called athletic. There are several other late performances, which I am desirous of reading, but more particularly Mr. Gibbon's continuation of his History of the decline and fall of the roman Empire: which is not however, yet completed.3

1.

JQA adds, in his line-a-day entry, “Folks from my uncle's” (D/JQA/13, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 16).

2.

Joseph Priestley, Lectures on History, and General Policy; To Which is Prefixed, An Essay on a Course of Liberal Education for Civil and Active Life, Birmingham, England, 1788 (MQA).

3.

The final three volumes were published in 1788 ( DNB ).