ects. He kept an elaborate diary
during the greater part of his life,--since published in twelve volumes
of "Memoirs" by his son Charles Francis Adams; a vast storehouse of
material relating to the political history of the country, but, as
published, largely restricted to public affairs. He delivered orations
on Lafayette, on Madison, on Monroe, on Independence, and on the
Constitution; published essays on the Masonic Institution and various
other matters; a report on weights and measures, of enormous labor and
permanent value; Lectures on Rhetoric and Oratory; a tale in verse on
the Conquest of Ireland, with the title 'Dermot MacMorrogh'; an account
of Travels in Silesia; and a volume of 'Poems of Religion and Society.'
He had some facility in rhyme, but his judgment was not at fault in
informing him that he was not a poet. Mr. Morse says that "No man can
have been more utterly void of a sense of humor or an appreciation of
wit"; and yet he very fairly anticipated Holmes in his poem on 'The
Wants of Man,' and hits rather neatly a familiar foible in the verse
with which he begins 'Dermot MacMorrogh':--

"'Tis strange how often readers will indulge
Their wits a mystic meaning to discover;
Secrets ne'er dreamt of by the bard divulge,
And where he shoots a cluck, will find a plover;
Satiric shafts from every line promulge,
Detect a tyrant where he draws a lover:
Nay, so intent his hidden thoughts to see,
Cry, if he paint a scoundrel--'That means me.'"

Selections from Letters and Memoirs used by permission of
J.B. Lippincott Company.

LETTER TO HIS FATHER

(At the Age of Ten)

DEAR SIR,--I love to receive letters very well; much better than I love
to write them. I make but a poor figure at composition, my head is too
fickle, my thoughts are running after birds eggs play and trifles, till
I get vexed with myself. Mamma has a troublesome task to keep me
steady, and I own I am ashamed of myself. I have but just entered the
third volume of Smollett, tho' I had designed to have got it half
through by this time. I have determined this week to be more diligent,
as Mr. Thaxter will be absent at Court, and I cannot pursue my other
studies. I have Set myself a Stent and determine to read the 3rd volume
Half out. If I can but keep my resolution, I will write again at the end
of the week and give a better account of myself. I wish, Sir, you would
give me some instructions