The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States (Volume 2); With a Life of the Author, Notes and Illustrations - Softcover

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This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1850. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Agreed unanimously to recommend Tim. Langdon to be sworn. All in good spirits, very cheerful and chatty, many good stories, &c. This day argued the cause of Freeman and Child, a suit for ten pounds penalty for taking greater fees in the customhouse than those allowed by the Province law. 5. Friday. Cadwallader Ford came to me this morning, and congratulated me on the verdict for Freeman. "Sir," says he, "I shall think myself forever obliged to you for the patriotic manner in which you conducted that cause. You have obtained great honor in this county by that speech. I never heard a better, &c." All this is from old Cadwallader. Langdon told me that a man came running down, when I had done speaking, and said, " That Mr. Adams has been making the finest speech I ever heard in my life. He's equal to the greatest orator that ever spoke in Greece or Rome." What an advantage it is to have the passions, prejudices, and interests of the whole audience in a man's favor! These will convert plain common sense into profound wisdom, nay, wretched doggerel into sublime heroics. This cause was really, and in truth, and without partiality or affectation of modesty, very indifferently argued by me. But I have often been surprised with claps and plaudits and hosannas, when I have spoken but indifferently, and as often met with inattention and neglect when I have thought I spoke very well;-- how vain and empty is breath! Tuesday went to Boston with my wife, and the next day to Commencement at Cambridge; was only at three chambers, -- Palmer's, French's, and Rogers's. 22. Monday. After rambling about my farm and giving some directions to my workmen, I went to Boston. There soon came into my office Ruddock1 and Story. It seems that Andrew Belcher's widow has sued Story as deputy reg...