John Quincy Adams Digital Diary

30. Third day of Confinement to the house— I rose after day-light; between 8 and 9. O’Clock— All the family still sick— Catherine, however, left her chamber and sat down with us at dinner; but after sitting a few minutes was obliged to leave the table, and return to her chamber— The infant was quite unwell this Evening— The ladies had an evening visit from Mrs Bentzon— I have now with my cough and Cold, a sore throat. I wrote however during the greatest part of the daylight of this day— Recovered however only a part of my lapses— I read the Oration of Eschines against Ctesiphon; and began the answer of Demosthenes. The Oration of Eschines was a master-piece of Eloquence, and proves him to have been a very superior Man— The question was, whether Ctesiphon had violated the laws by proposing a decree to present a crown of gold to Demosthenes, for his long and faithful services, past and still continuing, and for his virtue and courageous firmness—and that the decree should be proclaimed at the theatre at the feasts of Bacchus, at the time of the new Tragedies. The decree had been adopted by the Senate, and the Cause was to decide whether it should be confirmed by the People— A difficulty occurs which Auger does not entirely remove— How could a decree sanctioned by the Senate and the People, be contrary to the Laws?— It seems extraordinary that the only way to prevent the adoption by the People of a decree already sanctioned by the Senate, should have been by an accusation against the first proposer of the decree—the penalty laid against Ctesiphon is fifty talents—about 30,000 dollars— There is however scarcely any thing about Ctesiphon in the Harangue— The Orator treats him contemptuously; says that Demosthenes had bribed him to propose the decree; and that he and Demosthenes, were each abusive upon the other in relation to this Cause— But he very injudiciously manifests his terror of Demosthenes, by demanding what he must have known would not be granted—first that Ctesiphon should defend himself, and Demosthenes not be allowed to speak for him at-all—or, secondly that Demosthenes should be compelled to follow the same course in the defence, that he had followed in the attack— But this Oration has suggested to me so many reflections, that I must record them elsewhere.