John Quincy Adams Digital Diary

3. IV.30— Friday—

Charles went into Boston, this morning and returned this Evening. Mr Noah Curtis father of Adam and Samuel Curtis, called upon me about the half acre of Land which Samuel wished to purchase of me, and upon which he proposes to build a house— The land was appraised at the rate of 600 dollars an Acre— I told Samuel last week that I should ask 400 dollars for a half Acre—eight rods in front and ten rods deep; and the father now said he wished it to be considered as settled, that he would take it— I told him that I proposed to have all my land upon and round Penn’s Hill surveyed and planned; and that this half-Acre might be measured off at the same time— He said the land itself had belonged to his Great grandfather, and that there had never been a time for these 160 years, without a Samuel Curtis in this Town. I worked with the Spade an hour and a half in the Nursery before dinner— I propose to substitute this exercise instead of riding on horseback; neither of my horses being suitable for the saddle. On turning my attention to the papers relating to the Execution of my father’s will I found there was much to be done by me, and I began the preparation of the papers to be executed. My bond of 4. Octr. 1826. requires a systematic continuation of performance by me for a series of years to come, which had almost escaped my recollection, but which I cannot forget with impunity— Mrs Humphreys from Boston paid me a visit this afternoon— I rode to Dorchester, and returned the visits of the Revd. Mr Codman, and of Coll. Quincy. I called also upon Mr Withington the Surveyor, to enquire if he could make the surveys of my Lands, which I propose, but he is so infirm in health that he cannot undertake it— He recommended to me a nephew of his by the name of Mosely. Mr Curtis had recommended a Mr Humphreys of Weymouth, and my brother a Mr Ellis of Dedham. I spoke to Coll. Quincy of the Busts, and he said that the 208bust of myself had been sent to me by mistake, and belonged to Mr Greenough’s father; who had retained that of my father in its stead. I desired Mr Quincy to let his father know that I should be glad to see him, when he should come out here. Mrs. Quincy said they had kept fires the last three days— An East wind with cold cloudy weather and morning fogs has prevailed this is the fourth day; after three of successive Showers.