Browsing: Diary of Charles Francis Adams, Volume 1

Arose and attended Prayers, and recitation in Astronomy half an hour afterwards. Very much to my surprise Mr. Heyward called upon me and I did not acquit myself very handsomely. It being Artillery Election day1 in Boston I did not have any exercises and spent the day at home principally; in the Morning I closed the account with my Journal which had been unavoidably neglected. Perhaps this is not a good reason but I was so [conscious?] that my situation and want of accommodations2 made me write it without the care which I was desirous to bestow that I at length determined although it has been quite a labour, in consequence, to write it here. I also finished Armstrong’s Poem on Health. I have never met with it before and am quite surprised that it has been suffered to be neglected. But it is on a subject which is not generally consonant with Poetry. I am very much pleased I must confess as it combines a great deal of utility with good advice—something which is not requisite to good poetry and consequently an additional advantage when given.

In the afternoon I did little but lounge in Sheafe’s room, at my own and at the bookstore. All our society out of town except Wheatland and Sheafe. I am very fond of the latter fellow, he has such an excellent disposition and at the same time knows so well the rules of good society and manners. Qualities which from some reason or other are not very common here. Otis has them—but he has not one essential quality which the former possesses, generosity. This is an extreme fault in a young man. At the Athenaeum I read a few articles from the last New Monthly Magazine. They are quite interesting and I regretted much my being compelled to break off a pretty story by the bell which announced Prayers.

After tea I went to take a walk as usual with Sheafe and Richardson who had returned from home. I was not gone so long as common because a cloud and some drops warned us to retreat which we did, but it did not rain much. Returning to my room I employed the Evening in making out Accounts for the Members of the Clubs to whom I am treasurer and my own. I settled with my Landlord, Mr. Saunders’, also and arranged my own affairs. To keep these distinct accounts is no inconsiderable trouble. I then solaced myself with two or three of Bacon’s Essays and read two Chapters in Genesis as usual. I did the same in the Morning. X:5.