54122d. (Adams Papers)
Mr. and Mrs. Allen, and Eliza, stopp’d here on their way to Kittery, at about half after 8. I was not up. I cannot study in the morning, because there is always so much stirring; but when every body else in the house is in bed, I have nothing to interrupt me, so that I seldom retire before 1 in the morning, and rise, between 8 and 9. I have endeavoured to sleep less but have not been able. The...
54223d. (Adams Papers)
Mr. Shaw went to the funeral of Mr. Wingate, formerly a Minister at Boxford. A Mr. and Mrs. Swift from Andover dined here. Mr. True, came home with Mr. Shaw, and will lodge here tonight. Read Guthrie’s Grammar in the Evening. This is to me, at present a more entertaining study, than Locke; and does not require so close application.
54324th. (Adams Papers)
Another Snow storm; almost all day. Closed the Acts, in the Testament, and began the Romans. In the last Chapter of Acts, there is a Story, which, shows how far ignorance and prejudice, mislead the judgment of men. A Viper sticks upon St. Paul’s hand, and the People, immediately suppose him to be a murderer, but as soon as they find he receives no hurt from it, they conclude he is a God....
54425th. (Adams Papers)
Very pleasant, all day. A curious Event happened, at the last Assembly: a misfortune befel one of the Ladies; and a few days after, an scandalous Advertisement, was fastened upon a sign post. I have as yet heard no more, but I much suspect it will be attended in the End with some disagreeable Circumstances. Some persons can be taught prudence and Caution only by bitter experience. We expected...
54526th. (Adams Papers)
We had this day two very good Sermons, from II. Kings XXII. 20th. Behold therefore I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace, and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place and from Romans XII. 15. Rejoice, with them that do rejoyce, and weep with them that weep. The former, was an occasional discourse; the other was...
54627th. (Adams Papers)
Finished the 5th book of the Iliad; containing, the gallant actions of Diomed es , who drives all before him; wounds two Gods, and pursues a third very closely. This part of the story is very interesting. Went in the evening, down to Mr. White’s. Peggy, and Nancy Hazen, went to Salem this afternoon; to attend the Assembly there to-morrow, and return again on Wednesday. Went in to Mr....
54728th. (Adams Papers)
Company to dine. Assembly Night. Went, with Eliza, but did not dance. There were 27 Ladies present, and about 20 Gentlemen. There were a number of strangers among the Gentlemen; I might make a number of sarcastic reflections, upon the manner of dancing, and appearance of several persons there; but I do not think it is a matter of sufficient importance to induce one, to laugh, at a person who...
548[March 1786] (Adams Papers)
At home all day: Eliza, dined and passed the afternoon, at Mr. Duncan’s. Mr. Thaxter went to Portsmouth upon business. Felt quite fatigued all day, though, I did not sit up, later than common last night. Retired at about 11. Finished, the sixth book of Homer’s Iliad in the forenoon, and shall go no further in it here. I admire this Poem, more, and more, though it must be confess’d the author...
549Wednesday March 1st. 1786. (Adams Papers)
At home all day: Eliza, dined and passed the afternoon, at Mr. Duncan’s. Mr. Thaxter went to Portsmouth upon business. Felt quite fatigued all day, though, I did not sit up, later than common last night. Retired at about 11.
5502d. (Adams Papers)
Finished, the sixth book of Homer’s Iliad in the forenoon, and shall go no further in it here. I admire this Poem, more, and more, though it must be confess’d the author now and then nods. It has however more, and more confirmed me, in the opinion that the world has vastly improved, even as, to sentiments since that time. In the last book, an instance occurs where a young warrior entreats...