Diary of John Quincy Adams, volume 2

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14th. JQA 14th. Adams, John Quincy
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Ben Beale came from Taunton this morning; he did not stop, but promised to come and see us ere long. When I came in from shooting, which still continues to be my sport and my occupation, I found a Parson West1 here, an old gentleman, who was three years in college with my father, and at that time very intimate with him. He is very sociable and very sensible. He spent 429the day here, and passes the night likewise. He keeps late hours and entertained me with conversation upon language, till between twelve and one o'clock. Doctor Leonard left us this morning, after having past almost a week with us. He appears to be a very clever well disposed man; but possessing no great learning nor even much information.

1.

Samuel West, Harvard 1754, minister of the First Congregational Society, New Bedford, for whom JA had a life-long “strong affection” (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard Graduates , 13:501–510; JA, Diary and Autobiography , 3:261).