John Quincy Adams Digital Diary

17. III.45. Saturday.

I was occupied all day, in examining my own papers, and the Title Deeds of my father’s Estate; and in unpacking and putting up my books; a work which seems to be lengthening as I go— My Library is l’embarras des Richesses; I have been half a century, as greedy of books as Helluo was of the Salmon’s belly. No such Library exists in the hands of any other individual in the United States; but I have never had the enjoyment of it; nor can I expect to have it now or hereafter for the remnant of my days. My father had the same passion, and finally gave his Library to the Town of Quincy. This ardent love of Literature was indissolubly knit with all the qualities in his character, which raised him to distinction, and signalized the usefulness of his Life— It has had not less influence upon mine— Adolescentiam alunt, Senectutem delectant— It is a costly passion; but pays its own way, with ten fold, and hundred fold increase. But to produce this result it must be associated with rigorous economy, with punctual accountability, and with judicious and untiring 279industry. The effect would be much increased by a skilful use of the Library itself. The want of a place in which a Library can be stowed is an inconvenience which nothing but wealth can escape— A large house; and a very large Apartment are indispensable. These I shall probably never possess, and must make up my mind to finish my days without them— I have yet upon my mind also a great burden of private business— My own Affairs—the Settlement of my father’s Estate— The trusts of W. N. Boylston all tax me heavily for Time. I am endeavouring to bring them all into Order; but in the meantime the Memoir of my fathers life must be suspended— My Correspondence abridged, and well it were that I should add, this Diary curtailed— Rufus Davis an old Pensioner, came this morning, with a disastrous tale, having some weeks since broken his arm by an accident; falling into a dock at Boston, and lost at the same time the certificate by which he draws his Pension— I told him to make affidavit of the loss before a magistrate and promised that I would apply for a new certificate for him— At the dusk of Evening I walked to my brother’s and found there a numerous company— Mr Charles Harrod and his two daughters— Mr Marston’s Sister and daughter with two or three young Ladies of the School—two young men by the name of Angier, from Medford, one of whom is a graduate from Cambridge of the present year— Abby S. Adams and Miss Harrod, played on the Piano, and sung; with accompaniment of his voice which is very fine— Edward Miller was there part of the Evening; returned with his wife last Night from Plymouth— The Lieutt. is preparing for his departure.— I walked home before ten.