Diary of Charles Francis Adams, volume 3
1830-03-05
Morning fine. The weather like Spring. I went to the Office as usual and was occupied in reading Williston very pleasantly. Commenced Mr. Pinkney’s Speech in the case of the Nereide but did not progress very far in it before I was compelled to stop by a number of interruptions.1 Mrs. Wells came today to pay rent for two months of her Tenement and to notify me that she should be unable at this rate to remain in the House longer than the end of this month. Thus another of the tenancies will be vacated which almost discourages me—Nearly one half of my sources of profit from real Estate thus becoming stopped and the amount of funds called for to supply repairs being enormous. I feel excessively worried at this responsibility upon me. Mr. Champney also called to talk about his rent. He seemed also to be half tempted to move but did not know what to do. I told him that I would be as liberal as I could but that I was very much pressed. He is a man I like and if Hollis had not been so engrafted on the property I should incline to transfer the work to him. At it is I must keep the rod over the latter and make him do his duty. Thus much for the morning.
Abigail S. Adams, my cousin dined and spent the day with Abby. I have not seen
William Pinkney before the U.S. Supreme Court, 1815 (Williston’s Eloquence at 4:442–486).
Dr. Wendell had taken a room temporarily at $1 a week in the house at No. 105 Tremont Street after it was vacated by Mrs. Lewis (M/CFA/3).