Diary of John Quincy Adams, volume 2

420 23d. JQA 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 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 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 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 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 ).