A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Diary of Charles Francis Adams, 1861

Tuesday 29th

29 January 1861

Thursday January 31st

31 January 1861
30 January 1861
60
Wednesday 30th
Washington
CFA

1861-01-30

AM

Weather fair. Henry dispatched the copy of my speech which he has made for the Advertiser last evening. Attended at the House, where there was much preliminary discussion of various kinds upon the Post Office and other bills. We then went upon the topic of the Committee’s report. Mr Stevenson of Kentucky made a party speech, and was followed by Mr Howard of Ohio with another. Both of them seemed disposed to take Massachusetts to task instead of the traitors in South Carolina. The time wore on until half past four when it was arranged that I should take the floor, as Mr Howard closed. It was given to me, but as Mr Morris of Pennsylvania desired to speak, I yielded to him with the understanding that I should have the floor in the morning. There was some question raised by Mr Logan of Illinois, which was afterwards withdrawn, and so I went home, to dress for dinner. Mrs Adams61 and I had been invited to Mr S F Vinton’s, formerly a member of Congress from Ohio, but now living in this city with his daughter. The company consisted of General Scott and Colonel Keyes, Mr and Mrs Hodge, Mr Hulsemaaw, Mr Schleiden, M and Madame Vaugrignense, Mr Mueley, Mr Osten Hacken and perhaps one or two more. A very handsome dinner, but tediously long. We did not get away until half past nine, when we passed to the house of Mr Pennington. A considerable number of Republicans and their wives, and rather a pleasant evening. The speaker told me that in my absence Mr Farnsworth had claimed the right to the floor, and to avoid a collision with him he advised me to let him speak first. On this point I have no great choice. Home at eleven

Cite web page as:

Charles Francis Adams, Sr., [date of entry], diary, in Charles Francis Adams, Sr.: The Civil War Diaries (Unverified Transcriptions). Boston: Massachusetts Historical Society, 2015. http://pb1r.benhillfarms.com/publications/cfa-civil-war/view?id=DCA61d030