Quincy, Massachusetts
Quincy Historical Society
No. 16 - Fall, 1987
Journal of George B. Morison Adams Academy Student - 1879' Edited by Ruth H. Wainwright
(The entries for June 2 through June 10 have been
omitted a s not contributing much to the story.)
April 117th' (1879)
Left Baltimore yesterday, and got
to Boston this morning, after having
a pleasant journey on with uncle
Frank and aunt Esther'. Came to
Quincy by 7.35 train, and found the
family in the new house*, though in
an unsettled state. Got to school
early. Mr. Everettvooked rather
glum, I thought, but said nothing
about my running over the time of
vacation. There is some little
change in the lessons. Bracketfa,
Canterburybnd I have got to recite
Virgil & Cicero to Mr. Everett out of
school. Am rather disgusted
because we have been neglected in
those studies. Have got to study as
much as I possibly can -- harder than
I ever did before -- the rest of the
year. Have started on making up the
twelve picked subjects.
Fixed up my room somewhat in
afternoon, and Mr. E-- read Virgil in
evening. Heard from Brackett that
the Quincy germans6 will surely
come off. Expect to enjoy them, and
mean to try my best and not let
them interfere with studying. Had
letter from John White', have great
hopes he will be home in the
summer while I am there. Can't help
thinking of the amount of work I
have got to do.
Am sort of disgusted with the
teaching at Adams Academy.
---
*The minuscript journal is in the Jeffrey
Richardson Brackett Collection, in the Archivrs
of Simmons College, Boston. Brackett was a
classmate and lifelong friend of Morison. Thp
journal gives an unusual insight into life at Adams
Academy and in its community.
It is raining hard, and is cold after
Baltic weather. Am cold sitting here
without a fire. No especial thought
occurs to me.
Friday, Apr. 18th, '79
It has been raining & blowing all
day. Nothing especial happened at
school, except we have decided to
read Virgil with Mr. E - - h half hour
before and after school three times
a week. This afternoon I studied and
arranged my work. Sanford8 came
over in the evening. I went up to the
Revere's9 to see obout the germans.
Had a pleasant call, made final
arrangements about them. I am to
lead them & am going to dance the
first one with Miss Revere to get
things started.
Got hold of the book I have been
wishing to get s o long. Found it
among uncle G'slO books scattered
about on the floor not having been
arranged yet. Have read over half of
it tonight, and am mighty glad I have
done so, for I think I have got some
good ideas. It is nearly one o'clock
Continued o n next page
Quincy and The Constitution Quincy has one of the very few
monuments dedicated t o t h e
privileges and responsibilities of
democratic government under our
Federal and other constitutions.
Why is Constitution Common
located in Quincy, Massachusetts?
Because here took place one of the
major events in the history of
democratic government in which
the Federal Constitution was a
milestone; namely, the drafting of
the Constitution of Massachusetts
of 1780.
John Adams did not record his
contributions to constitutional
democracy. He did not have to. He
was regarded by people of his day as
the foremost authority on that
subject in this country and possibly
the world. Even before he drafted
the Constitution of Massachusetts,
he had been asked to draft one for a
southern state, but he declined.
Historians however, including those
quoted below, have not overlooked
the significance of John Adams'
contributions to our Constitution of
1787.
Andrew C. McLaughlin
considered the Massachusetts
Constitution of 1780 to be the most
significant result of the American
Revolution. Samuel Eliot Morison
considered the drafting of the
Massachusetts Constitution t o
have been John Adams' greatest
contribution to history. These
tributes would not have been paid if
the effect had been limited t o
Massachusetts. Through the
Massachusetts Constitution and his
t r e a t i s e A D e f e n c e of t h e
Constitution of Government of the
United States, printed in London
and in Philadelphia in 1787, John
Adams established the philosophy
of government that has been
followed in this country, the frame
of government with three branches
and a two-house legislature, and the
definition of .rights.
Continued on page 8
P m 2 - QUINCY HISTORY - Fall. 1987
The Morison Journal
Continued from previous pnot.
and I a m shaking with cold sitting in
this cold s o long.
Saturday, April 19th, '79
This morning it was snowing hard
and there was some on the ground. I
went t o school and asked the
fellows t o the germans. They all
seemed ready to come. Took my
dress pantaloons to be altered
before two and got them fixed all
right. Went tp town by 2 o'clock
train, going to Frank's11 office first,
and from there out to Cambridge.
Put on my dress suit then and
started for
. Went in an awful
hurry with Sanford, such a hurry
that I forgot t o take back a good
many things, the most important of
which was my watch. Had to go to
Boston and take the train. Got to
the germans in good time, and
found Esther T.l2 had been engaged
but succeeded in getting Miss
Underwood13, who was quite lively
with whom I enjoyed myself. The
whole german was jolly. I had a first
rate time. Sanford and I stayed at
aunt Esther's. Warren S-- came up
before we went to bed, & we sat and
drank beer & talked for some time.
Got to bed pretty late, 12.45, I think.
Sunday, April 20th, 1879
San & I left West Newton by 9.12
train after breakfast and walked t o
Cambridge from Alston. Mr.
Sherwood was along. he seems a
pleasant fellow. Had decided to go
to Quincy by 12.45 train, and was
about to start when I took a last look
at watch & found I had been
thinking it was an hour earlier than it
really was, and my train had left
Boston with me in Cam- Stupid.
Stayed ti1 5. train. Took lunch with
San. We got up some figures for the
germans. We got into friendly
discussion about the book I read.
He didn't'seem to think much of my
decided ideas about it, and called
them exaggerated. If my ideas about
that are exaggerated, so much the
better as exaggeration in the right
direction, or rat her strong ideas in
the right direction are not bad.
Hope I shall stick to them. Called at
aunt Emily's14 on way out here for a
short time. Stupid looking servant
left me waiting in the parlor for ten
minutes until May15 happened to
see me. Came out here by 5. train.
Studied Homer & Virg. tonight.
Wrote a letter home. We have our
first out-of-course Virgil lesson
tomorrow morning. Haven't found
any time for brushing up any one of
the twelve subjects yet; but have
used spare time fixing up my room.
Must try and find time tomorrow.
Monday, April 21st, 1879
Today has been a beautiful
springlike day, and made me feel
like being out. We take 70 lines of
Virgil every day now & I am awfully
pushed for time. Have changed the
Gr. at Sight o n the twelve to Homer.
Think I can clean up the latter
better. This afternoon studied, and
at five o'clock met Mrs. & Miss R-9
at hotel16 to enquire about the hall.
Before the man came, Miss R-& I
took a half hour walk & talked over
the german figures. Met Mrs. R- at
hotel again & arranged about the
hall. Have been studying Homer
tonight, but wasn't in a studying
mood; couldn't make much sense
out of it. Have got to study better &
stick closer to the work. Haven't
had bit of time to-day to try the
twelve. Shall if possible begin
reviewing Homer &. Caesar 4th B.
tomorrow. Can't help thinking what
a short time I have got, only two
months, my! I think it is a big pity I
was not able to study more school
lessons the last terms, and leave the
final time for my own work and
reviewing. I have a great deal harder
school lessons now than ever before
this year.
They are still putting down
carpets here in the house & every
thing is not arranged yet.
Tuesday, April 22nd, 1879
Another beautiful, warm day. Am
still pressed for time to study.
This afternoon studied Virgil well.
Got 70 lines in an hour. Got through
Gr. Comp. pretty well tonight but
the history lesson was awful hard,
long, & mixed up. I was sleepy and
have left some of it to be studied
tomorrow morning. Loafed around
the Boarding House17 from a little
after five till six. Hope I can later
(take) some regular walk for
exercise at that time in the
afternoon, and shall probably (talk)
with Brackett4. Shall have to try to
study closer still though I got on
better than yesterday.
Wednesday, April 23rd, 1879
Went to school in time for the
Virgil but found Mr. E 3 had
forgotten it. Had to say it after
school which made me late for
dinner. Mr. E. asked me about a
piece to speak & chose one from
Longfellow for me. I hate to give the
time to learning it, & hardly believe I
can get it up to speak next
Wednesday. Studied Homer this
afternoon till 5.30. Got it in just 2
hours, about 55 lines. Took a walk
then by myself till supper through
the scragly woods near t h e
Observatoryl7. Came home awfully
hungry though it was a short walk.
Studied till late tonight & made up
some of the Homer review, I am glad
to say. S o late can't write much.
Had letter from brother.
Thursday, April 24th, 1879
Another beautiful day. Our Virgil
lesson was awfully hard & we did
not know it very well. Had a good
many mistakes in Latin Comp. but
they were not hopeless ones. This
afternoon studied up every thing
except Homer; then went to
boarding house to pay a bill but not
finding Mr. Worden19, took a short
walk up railroad track. After tea
went to B.H. to hear Mr. E.3 read the
Virgil, but after waiting some time
for him to come, we adjourned
without any reading this time. 1
came home & got Homer in a good
deal shorter time than usual somewhat over an hour. Got
through by ten, & have my morning
clear for review work.
Friday, April 25th, 1879
Got up some oft he Homer review
in the morning. School went on a s
usual. At recess Osbornelg & I
bought ribbons & sticks for the
whips for the german figure. This
afternoon, got Gr. Comp. quicker
than ever, and at 4.30 we went up on
Academy ground & played ball -very first game this season. Don't
think they will have a nine this year -Continued on next page
Fall, 1987 - QUINCY HlS7ORY
- Pcrge
The Morison Journal
Continued from previous page
too much study. This evening went
to call at the R's9 and make final arrangements about the germans. Had a very pleasant call a s usual. I think Miss R- is as lively & interesting & entertaining a girl a s one often meets. Read over the history lesson tonight - hard stuff -
and we have begun taking long lessons to get through it. George Burnap Morison
George Burnap Morison was born
in Baltimore May 9,1861, the son of
Nathaniel Holmes Morison, a
prominent educator, who was born
in Peterborough, N.H. He was Class
of 1879 at Adams Academy and 1883
at Harvard. He was prominent all his
life in amateur athletics. At school
and college he took part in football,
running and rowing. At Harvard he
set a record in the mile run.
Saturday, April 26th, 1879
This morning all through school
was rather excited about the
He was one of the stewards at the
cnrnin9 german. Got home to an
first Y a l e - H a r v a r d - O x f o r d early dinner, and soon after went to
Cambridge meet held in England in
the hall t o get things ready. T ~ Q
July 1889;an organizer of the Boston
Athletic Assn. and a member of its
people all begari coming when the
governing committee for 31 years.
train came, & we were in a fearful
He helped to reorganize the Harvard
stew for a while because the pianist
Varsity
Club in 1912, was elected its
had not arrived. One or two waltzes
President
in 1913, and held that
were played by some of the
office
for
the
remainder ofhis life.He
company until the next train when
loved all clean athletic sports, indoor
greatly to our relief t he pianist came.
and out, especially walking,
The german began soon afterwards.
canoeing, and camping which
The figures went off very well
combined bodily exercise with
indeed. There was a good deal of
exploration and the beauties of
dancing as you please, but not
n a t u r e . His d a n c i n g w a s
enough to hurt. The Virginia Reel at
unforgettable (note his Journal's
preoccupation with "germans"). He
the end was a lively success.
had an integrity of mind and spirit,
Everyone seemed to have enjoyed
and a sunny disposition, friendssaid.
themselves as much a s possible -altogether, it was decidedly a
success. I had a splendid time,
AIlen25. Have a great mind t o speak
though I was on the go all the while,
about rooming with him, but did'ent
but liked being leader. After supper
exactly like to. I wonder, if I get to
Sanford & 1 called a short time at
college, whom I will room with, if
Mrs. Billings21, then at the
with anyone. After supper started
Dewson's22 & stopped a minute at
on lessons again and have finished
Miss Reed'+. Have come home
them up for tomorrow. I am going to
tired, & longing for bed to sleep.
see if I can't possibly finish the
Sunday, April 27, 1879
review of the 1st book of Homer this
Slept comparatively late this
week. Have got lots to d o though.
morning & after breakfast wrote a
Have learnt half of s p e e c h
letter to brother & one to John
imperfectly. Am going to take a
White7. Went t o church to hear Mr.
hurried bath and go to bed a s it is
Hornibrook24, I believe his name is. I
late.
think he is the most solid & best
Monday, April 28, 1879
young preacher I ever heard. I
School went along a s usual. Read
believe he will gain a name in the
up considerable Homer review in
pulpit world some time. After
afternoon & studied Latin Comp.
church went to speak a word about
At six took a walk with Brackett.
the germans to Miss Revere, & and
Before we went had almost decided
afterward walked with quite a party
I would ask him to rootn with me,
of them up past the Academy.
but would rather have him speak of
Came home to dinner & afterward
it first. We got to talking about
studied 2/3 of my Homer lesson,
rooms &. room mates, & I think our
then went up & took a walk with
While not an expert in declamation,
he did win the Boylston money prize
at Harvard. After graduation, he
joined a cotton textile firm in Boston.
In 1901 he organized the firm of
Morison and Vaughan, cotton
brokers, where he continued until
retirement shortly before his death in
Boston on January 20, 1932. He
never married.
His brother, John Holmes
Morison, Adams Academy Class of
1874, was the father of Samuel Eliot
Morison, the noted historian.
ideas agreed on almost every thin:
& I thought I could get on bettc
with him a s a room-mate than an
one else in school. He suggested w
should room together after a whil
& it is decided we shall. If I thougt
Brackett a s extravagant abot
money as he well could be,
would'ent like to room with him, b~
I think he is a sensible, moderat
fellow about money matters, & as
like his qualities otherwise I think w
would be comfortable together.
think I am decidedly in luck i.
getting such a good room-mate.
hope I won't feel uncomfortabl
about the money, & also hope that i
is not selfishness on my part tha
makes me want t o room with him.
hope it will turn out well.
After our talk, he said Mrs
Revere had asked me to tea, &wen
up with him. After tea talked abou
the next german till 9 o'clock. Then
Continued on next pag
- QUINCY HISTORY - Fall, 1987
Tne Morison Journal
Page 4
(-nnt;--ri
from previous nnqe
came home to study. 1 am, ds it now
stands, to lead all the germans. I like
the idea, but would make myself
perfectly willing to give it up t o
someone, if I thought they
considered it best. I tried to feel
around about it & came to the
conclusion that it is as well as it is.
Don't want, as Miss R. says, to seem
officious.
Tuesday, April 29,1879
Raining today. Had a good deal of
studying time in school today, read
up the rest of 2nd book of Homer
there. I have decided not to read 3rd
book till the class do a s it seems
nearly a s hard as advance. Am
going to make up the Virgil in its
place. Stayed till 5.30 this afternoon
& went up to boarding house &
loafed till supper time. Have studied
moderately tonight; had hard piece
of Gr. Comp. to study a long time
during the day, but as I have often
remarked, I don't seem to as much
as I ought. Will try tomorrow my
best if possible, & see the result in
next record. Uncle James26 gave me
something for my face & I am
putting it on every night. Am also
trying to diet in some ways for my
face. Hope two combined will have
some effect.
Wednesday, April 30th, 1879
Had the Virgil recitation in the
morning; we don't have very good
lessons & a r e always being
corrected. I spoke the piece today.
Didn't know it very well, but
managed to go through it quickly.
Am glad it is over. Studied hard &
well this afternoon as I had resolved
to but got pretty sleepy reading the
De Coverley Papers. Tonight am in
a hurry for bed. Reviewed some of
the Virgil; am trying to finish' the
Eclogues this week.
Thursday, May Ist, 1879
School about the same. Studied
entirely on Eclogues this afternoon,
relying on evening to get lessons;
but found out afterwards that there
was (more) to the reading of Virgil at
B.H.27 & SO have had to sit up till 12
tonight to get through. Walked with
Brackett down to his boat - an
handsprings in spite of the publicity
hour's exercise the first I've had for
of the place & the time of the day.
some time. Bracket t stayed to tea &
Went to walk with Fairchild30& Allen
we looked up about rooms. Had a
in afternoon. San stayed over this
good long letter from John this
night also, s o I forgot about writing
morning. He seemed to think my
up the journal again.
work in the school examinations is a
sure proof that I am going to get into
Monday, May 5th '79
college. He is mightily mistaken, but
Sanford went off at six o'clock
his letter encouraged me. Had to
this
write a note to Miss A. W ~ S - ~ ~ morning. I got up & studied.
School about the same. Looked in
tonight to ask her to dance the
paper for arrival of steamer
german with me. Did it because
Germanic, but did not find; but May
Sanford wrote an urgent postal to
Morison came out to call in
that affect. Suspect the W's are put
& showed a notice of the
afternoon
out about it. Had a letter from Frank
arrival
in
another part of paper.
saying they were going to N. Mexico
Studied
&
read Richard I1 in
tomorrow. Wonder why. First I
afternoon.
We
are still at work on
have heard of it. T o be gone three
list
of
rooms,
but
will have it ready
weeks.
tomorrow. Called at Revere's to see
about germans & we went to see
Friday, May 2nd, '79
Mr. Preble31 about rooms before Had our lesson in Virgil this
did not get home till 1.30 -- too late
morning, the worse one we have
by jinks! Those germans are taking
had yet -- lots of proper names
me off a little bit every week. It is
which I knew nothing about. I have
getting late am going to bounce to
tried to get a good lesson for
bed. Heard of Uncle Felt's32 death
tomorrow. Finished up the last of
today.
the Ecologues today. Think I will
read the 1st three over again same
Tuesday, May 6, '79
way as last 1. Brackett came in from
Been studying away today pretty
5.30 to 6.30 this afternoon & we
much
all the time - almost entirely in
made out the list of rooms. Am
school
lessons. They take up all the
rather curious to find out which
time,
I
am
sorry to say. Made out the
room we will draw. Looked over the
list
of
rooms
for last time & am glad
H. E. Papers tonight & got rather a
I'm
done
with
it. Got a note from
scare as usual - yet I think I still have
Alice
Wesselhopf
today saying she
time to polish up the twelve
would
dance
the
next
german with
subjects. Am more scared about
me.
Uncle
James
meant
to go to
having too little time at the
Peterboro
this
morning
but
missed
examinations than any thing else. I
the
train.
I
must
try
to
rake
up
time
shall have to practise quickness &
s
o
m
e
h
o
w
for
review
w
ork
concentration in studying out a
tomorrow.
We'll
see.
thing. Now & then I hear fearful
yellings outside & ringing of bells,
Wednesday, May 7 '79
there must be quite a respectable
About as many mistakes made in
fire.*9 There goes the engine.
Virgil this morning a s usual.
Subscription was passed around for
Saturday, May 3rd' '79
the
nine today. I don't think much of
The german was the principle
the
fellows on the nine. Took me
thing today, which went off all right.
nearly
all my afternoon to get the
I had a first rate time. Sanford
Homer
lesson. Then Bracket t came
stayed over this night & so I forgot
&
we
walked
down to his boat, got
about writing this then.
back by team time. Tonight have
been studying tomorrow's lessons
Sunday, May 4th, '79
& found only a little time to look up a
Went to hear Mr. Everett recite.
few Arithmetic rules. We sent of our
Sanford was here, the first Sunday
list of rooms to-day after Mr. Everett
since this fall it seems to me. We
signed them. We have begun
went up in the barn before dinner &
reading over the 7th 8th & 9th
practiced up the polka for awhile &
Continued on next page
then went back of the barn& turned
Fall, 1987 - QUIWY HISTORY - Page 5
The Morison Journal
Continued from previous page
books of Virgil with the class which
will fix that subject alright except
come to think of it, the 5th, 6th & 7
& Cicero. Have nearly finished
reading Richard 11, but don't know
much about it as I know nothing
about the history. Have been
reading it out loud & think it is good
practice. I can read along quite
respectably now, with no one
listening, but probably would not
otherwise. I sometimes read the
Physics or History lesson out loud,
it keeps me from getting sleepy
which is an advantage. Only time for
a line. Arithmetic.
Thursday, May 8 '79
We are to have holiday Saturday,
Mr. E. said, because J. Quincy33got
the prize for speaking at Harvard. I
will be mighty glad of a holiday. This
afternoon I studied Homer - most of
it - & Geometry & afterwards went
to field, & had half an hour base ball
which I enjoyed. 1 may go on the first
nine, I told them I would practise
Friday afternoon, which I may
r e g r e t . Refused t o p r a c t i s e
Tuesdays. Tonight went to the
Virgil reading at B.H. I think it is best
to leave the V & N books without
reading over as I know them I think,
& Mr. E. reads them. I do believe the
Gr. Comp. is on the same paper
with the Homer, if s o it rather
knocks that one of the twelve
subjects in the head. I studied Virgil
tonight & got it pretty quickly. No
time for review work today. I hope
to get through with some tomorrow
as I have nothing for next day.
Friday, May 9 t h '79
I did'ent remember that this was
my birthday until Aunt Ellen34
reminded me this morning. School
the same. This afternoon did not
study a bit but went directly to the
field where I played ball all the
afternoon. Came home & dressed
in a hurry to be ready for Allen &
Parkhill35 who came to tea. Miss
Peirson36 had come & we spent a
pleasant evening, singing, playing
games, & dancing a little. Miss
Pearson is a lively, rather pretty &
an attractive girl. I haven't done any
studying tonight, and I'll be hanged
if I can when there are girls around. I
shall try to put in some studying
tomorrow morning before twelve, &
ought to do considerable.
Saturday, May 10, '79
I write this Sunday night as San
was here last night and I can't do
much writing when he is around.
Studied my Latin Comp. & part of
Virgil & then the Algebra cube root
in morning. Had to give up the (cube
root). S o after all I did'ent do any
review work, and it was lucky I did
d o school lessons as I would not
have had time to do them all tonight.
The german went off all right. I had a
first rate time, & think Miss Peirson
& Wessellweft had whom I rather
had to look after. I did'ent do
enough missionary work though.
San & I went directly up to the
Faxon's37 after we had seen them all
off at the train. Stayed at Faxons till
8.30 -- came home & we all went to
call at Mrs. Billings where (we) had a
fine time singing for an hour. I forgot
to put a postal Miss Peirson gave me
into the postoffice. Hang it!
Sunday, May 11 '79
Wrote a letter toMother. Went to
church & heard & liked the new
man Mr. Wilson38. San & I turned
handsprings back of the barn before
dinner & got hot & dirty. Took a
drive over to Milton with Miss
Peirson in afternoon. Liked the
drive first rate. Got all but 15lines of
Homer tonight. Took me an awfully
long while. Brackett came in for
some time. I haven't looked at the
French for tomorrow. Probably
Miss P. will stay all the week & g o to
the next german. Too much
attraction for study. I wish girls &
germans were out of the way for six
weeks. But they will soon be. I'm in
for a bath.
Monday, May 12 '79
S t u d i e d Virgil review this
afternoon. Then took a pleasant
walk with Miss Peirson. Went at the
R's after tea. I'm awfully sleepy &
Tuesday, May 13 '79
c a m e from school at two after
the Virgil. Did not do much studying
this afternoon but about five went to
meet Allen & Miss Peirson who had
gone to base ball match and we
went to R's where Miss R. &
Brackett joined us & we took a
pleasant walk. Got to studying at
half p a s t e i g h t t o n i g h t &
consequently it is late now- 11.45. I
haven't done any review work
today. I shall have hard work to get
my lessons this week with all the
attractions around, but after next
Monday when all the germans are
over if I don't try to study! I feel sort
of mean over my neglect of review
work this week. I seem to be letting
the week slip by without much
advancing. I only hope I won't have
cause to regret it. I have made up
my own mind though I have said
nothing yet to Father about it to
study all summer by myself in
Peterboro, if I can only stay at uncle
John'@. So am now looking
forward somewhat to a steady study
through the summer. I get lots of
mistakes in Latin & Gr. Comp. Mr.
Preble spoke to me about it. I don't
care so much about that subject,
but the zeros will bring down my
rank at school fearfully, and if I don't
get in college I want to have the
consolation of standing well at
school at the last. I must be more
careful about mistakes.
Wednesday, May 14 '79
Today has gone off like the rest of
this week - a feeling that I am loafing
away but can't help it. I got my
Homer within two hours this
afternoon (all but 5 lines). Miss P.,
Emily & I took a walk in the woods.
We went up near the observatory
and sat on the rocks. I succeeded in
making some whistles out of poplar.
We got home to a late tea. Howard40
& Mrs. & Miss R. came to call. Mrs.
R. said the piano had been taken
away from the hall &we have got to
hunt up another. Howard stayed
late & I did not get to study till after
nine. Found I had left my Lat.
Comp. copy at school, s o could not
write it. Shall have to write it in
school & get Mr. Preble to correct it
afterwards. Got Virgil & Algebra
tonight. Mrs. R. asked Miss P. & I to
tea tomorrow. There is some more
time off. Shall have to study all the
afternoon to make up. I am kind of
longing for next week. I hope most
Continued on next page
h g e 6'
- QUINCY HISTORY - Fdl, 1987
The Morison Journal
Continued from preuious page
heartily that nothing will prevent me
from doing what I intend in way.
Thursday, May 15, '79
Today Mr. E. spoke about the
piano & we are t o take it. We had
quite a good lesson in Virgil today,
a n improvement. I tried all the
afternoon about to get the Homer &
did not d o it well at all. Miss P. & I
went t o Mrs. R's to tea. I enjoyed
myself. Got home at ten & I got my
\ / i r g ~tonlght. 1 will barely have time
t o get up all my lessons for
tomorrow.
Friday, May 16, -79
School just the same. I had my
lessons all right. This afternoon
fixed up the accounts for the
german, studied some Gr. Comp. &
half my Virgil. Miss P. & I took a
pleasant walk in the woods.
Everything is green now & all sorts
of blossoms are out. Tonight went
to the B.H. to get a history, &stayed
to get Gr. Comp. with Allen. It took
us about as long a s it takes me
alone. Finished my Virgil tonight.
With the Virgil today I got in one of
my few & far between study moods
& it went along smoothly, slowly it
seemed & sure, but it took only an
hour & I was not completely stuck
once. I wish I could study that way
always.
Saturday, May 17, '79
Today in History class Mr. E.
gave us a talking to & said Dewson
was the only one in the class he
relied on passing. In Virgil class he
talked about our neglecting Physics,
& said we would have to stop Virgil
if we could not get our other lessons
better. I have got to make a brace,
there is no two ways about it .
Today we had the last german. I
was the hottest I have ever been
while dancing, danced with Miss
Johnson4' & had as good a time as
ever. We all went to Mrs. Billings to
tea tonight where we played games
& sang. It is late & I am tired, or I
believe I would take hold of
Monday's lessons. I am worried
about them & the general review
work.
Sunday, May 18, '79
Wrote to Mother in morning &
got some Virgil. I think I know how
to study ~ i r g i lnow. I go along
steadily. Went t o church &
afterwards studied a little before
dinner. In afternoon studied Virgil,
Latin Comp. & French. At five Miss
P., Emily & I went to walk up by the
observatory again. There was a
good cool breeze there. We sat in
the woods & I made whistles. We
gor nome at seven. I nave enjoyed
Miss P's stay here. She is a mighty
pleasant girl, too pleasant to
promote studying & for that reason
I am glad she is going tomorrow. I
suspect I shall miss her a good deal.
We went up to the R's to call after
tea. I think I have finished up with
the R's and the germans, & now for
a study. Tonight I got Homer
quickly, 77 lines in 1 hour & 3
quarters. It is just twelve. I looked
over my S. Comp. & changed the
two things tonight. Am going to try
& keep earlier hours after this.
Monday, May 19, '79
Had a good lesson in Virgil. Came
home at recess & got some lunch &
Bracket t & I went by 2 o'clock train
to Cambridge to see our room. O n
my way I stopped at Briggs42 for
Rob, to see about their china. We
did not see our roorn -- the fellow
was out. We got back by six 30. I got
to studying at 8.30 & am sleepy
now.
Tuesday, May 20, '79.
Had Cicero today instead of
Virgil. We are to leave the 9th book
unread. Cicero went well. Got
home late for dinner. Miss P. went
off at 2 o'clock. I was mighty sorry to
have her go. I find I miss her more
than I had thought. Fact is I think
she is a mighty nice girl. Now for a
study for a month! I am going to try
and put it on everlastingly. Got Mr.
Preble to correct an old Latin
Comp. Studied Gr. Comp in
afternoon, it was troublesome.
Tonight am going to bed 10.15 & am
to begin study tomorrow at six. I get
so sleepy at night after 10.30 I can't
study well.
Wednesday, May 21, '79
Have been studying steadily all
day. Got up at 5.20 & studied till
breakfast. Went to school early.
Studied this afternoon till 6.15.
Asked Mr. Preble a few questions
about Latin Comp. Glad I don't rely
on passing the maximum L.C. I
make careless & ignorant mistakes.
Studied from 7.30 till 11 & am now
having to take a bath & bounce to
bed. I did an Arithmetic paper
today. Otherwise I havent studied
anything except school lessons. &
havent got those very well. I don't
see why I take s o much time up.
Thursday, May 22, '79
Today had seven mistakes in
Latin Comp. as usual. Cicero went
well. Studied on review of hard
places of Virgil all this afternoon &
finished them up. Took a walk in the
woods by myself. After tea Mr. E.
read 1200 lines of Virgil & then he is
not to read any more at present.
Friday, May 23, '79
School as usual, studied all
afternoon. I read essay on Addison
at night and got awfully sleepy over
it. Am now to rush to bed.
Saturday, May 24, '79
Today Mr. E. spoke about the last
day, we are not to have the kind of
celebration they did last year but a
few people are to be present at the
giving out of prizes, etc. San came
out early. In afternoon we went
sailing in his boat, then went in
swimming, the first time this year.
We turned somersets &
handsprings just before we went in.
We called at Faxons, but they were
out; then we stopped at the
Dewson's & then went to the
Revere's where we had a pleasant
e n o u g h call t h o u g h nothing
especial. Just as we were leaving I
spoke to Mrs. Revere about the
P e r p a n t e ' ~ ~Sat.
~ night dancing
class, and am sorry I had not found a
chance to speak about it before, as I
don't think it was quite the thing to
have hurried through what I wanted
to say as I did. When I make a little
mistake like that I believe it is best
not to try to make it better by
speaking of it & sort of patching it
up; but just let it pass and not refer
to it again. I think from what little
experience I have had that in most
cases this is the best way. Today I
fell back into my old ways again but
was comforted to think it had not
happened since Feb. 2. May it be a s
long again. San & I swore off
Continued on next page
Fall, 1987 - QVlNCY HISTORY
The Morison Journal
Contirl~tedfrom previous page
together for a month today.
Sunday, May 25, '79
Today read Essay on Addison
through & part of Mid S.N.D. Went
to church. Studied Latin Comp. in
afternoon, then took short walk by
myself till it began sprinkling. Wrote
a letter to Mamma. yesterday I
heard Lizzie44 had typhoid fever. I
hope it is nothing serious. Read
review of Homer for school. It came
easy, but I am awfully afraid of it
after the 200th line where I haven't
reviewed. I think it will take me an
age to get 150 lines a lesson. Roman
History to be reviewed this week.
Some studying to be done to do it. I
have felt headachy all day though I
don't mind while studying. Hope I'll
get over it. Am going to bed
moderately early to sleep it off if
possible.
Monday, May 26, '79
Today have been studying history
pretty much all the time & have got
on pretty well. Took a walk with
Brackett for an hour. Got some
Latin Gibraltar45 from Miss P. &
have stayed up late to write a note
thanking her.
Tuesday, May 27, '79
Have been studying well all day.
Got up some more history in
a f t e r n o o n a n d a s k e d Mr.
Campbel146 some questions about
it. He seemed glad to answer them
& lent me a history which I think is
just what I want & will help me
along. Took a short walk by myself
this afternoon. Had a meeting of our
class at recess, & voted about
photographs, ect. This is almost the
first time I have felt about satisfied
with my day's grind. I hope to keep it
UP.
Wednesday, May 28, '79
School about the same. Have not
studied on history to-day; lessons
have taken up the time. Took a walk
with Brackett for an hour. Mr. E.
said to me to-day that he thought I
was trying to do to much. I don't
think s o & am going to try to keep it
up. Homer review doesn't come s o
very hard, 1 am glad to say. Brackett
said Mrs. R. invited me to tea
tomorrow & I am going, & it won't
be so very much lost as we have half
holiday next day, Decoration day.
Thursday, May 29, '79
I got six mistakes in Latin Comp.
today, but that is better than zero.
Studied till 4:30 this afternoon & got
all the Homer but 20 lines or so, then
went to R's. Osbome20, Brackett,
Sedgewick47, Miss R. & Johnson41
& I went out & got flowers before
tea, after tea only stayed till 8.30.
Came home & studied Cicero, then
went down to the church meeting,
thinking I might see Miss Eaton48 for
a little. A played was going o n when I
got there, but 1 saw Miss E. & after
the play was over, spoke to her &
had a pleasant time with her.
Afterwards they had a little dancing
& I got home at 11.30. I haven't got
my Geometry. Will try to in the
morning.
Friday, May 30, '79
Had half holiday - Decoration
day. I came home & studied till
dinner & then till 4.30 on history.
Have caught up to where we are in
class. Went swimming with the
fellows from the B.H. Studied Gr.
Comp. to-night & Cicero. Made out
a list of studies for the next 3 weeks
& I think I ought to have time
enough yet to do all the reviewing I
need.
Saturday, May 31, '79
This has been the hottest day of
the season s o far. I went to town by
12.56train, met Sanford at station &
we went to Pinafore49 together.
After theatre we looked about & got
a bell for aunt Ellen. Then I went to
Franks to dinner. I made an
appointment to get my picture
taken on Monday. Got to Quincy by
8.30 & San & I called at Mrs.
Billings.
Sunday, J u n e 1, '79
This has been a hotter day than
yesterday, thermometer 93 in
shade. Wrote a letter to Mother.
Went to church. Then went to B.H.
till dinner, then studied French &
Latin Comp; and went swimming at
6.30. The water was first rate, first
time I had been cool today. Found
Homer review harder a good deal
to-night. Got the 150 lines in 2%
hours, it is late now 11.30. I want to
get enough sleep if possible. Think I
shall have to train for these
- Page 7
examinations just a s if for a boatrace.
Wednesday, J u n e 11, '79
School the same. Got Homer this
afternoon. Studied Virgil mostly
tonight- Took our last lesson in 9th
book, 120 lines. I dressed up in short
breeches this afternoon & took a
run with Wesselhoeft50. Went up to
Eaton's48 & round by West Quincy
about 3 miles, I should think. Time
21 minutes. I think the exercise did
me good and think I'll do it again.
Time is pretty near for examinations
- only two more days of recitations.
Hope I will come out decently in
school examinations. I should like to
raise up my reputation as it were, to
a little higher point than it is at
present. San, for instance, is rather
discouraged about me.
Thursday, J u n e 12, '79
Forgot to write this on Thursday
so write it Friday. Finished up
Geometry in afternoon, though
don't know the last part as well as I
might. T o o k a run with
Wesselhoeft . Studied till pretty .late
in the evening.
Friday, J u n e 13, '79
Went up to Mr. Everett's to
dinner at three. Met his cousin
Hale51 who is to be in my class if I get
in this year. Haven't studied any this
afternoon. Played tennis for a short
time. Dide'nt begin studying tonight
till 9. I feel more in a study mood
than I have for a long while. Got
Cicero in a somewhat sensible
manner. Have just finished doing
over half a dozen Geo. papers, &
think I could pass on one as easy a s
those. I am only afraid of its being
hard & catchy. Next week during
ex. here I think I had better lay off
for the afternoons and will get time
enough at night for my week's
review work.
Saturday, J u n e 14 '79
Went to R's in afternoon and
Billing's at night.
Sunday, J u n e 15, '79
I think I'll end my journal here.
Don't expect to do much studying
this week except the review work
which I can finish easily if I work
along comfortably. I am going to try
to get in the best condition for the H.
Ex. & am going to try my best on the
Ex. here.
Page 8 2 QUlNCY HISTORY - Fall, 1987
Quincy and The Constitution Continued from page 1
Benjamin Rush, a delegate at the
Convention of 1787 recorded "Mr.
Adams' book has diffused such
excellent principles amongst us that
there is little doubt of our adopting a
vigorous and compounded Federal
Legislature. Our illustrious Minister
in this gift to his country has done us
more service than if he had obtained
Notes on the Morison Journal
I
1. Uncle Frank and Aunt Esther - Frank H.
Brown, his mother's brother, lived at 70 W.
Newton Street in Boston in 1879.
2. New house - Home of his uncle James
Morison, MD at Sea and Hancock Streets. He
moved to Quincy 1869 and previously lived on
Adams Street.
3. Mr. William Everett -Dr. William Everett who
had succeeded Dr. William R. Dimmock as Head
Master of Adams Academy in 1878.
4. Brackett - Jeffrey Richardson Brackett,
classmate, who became a prominent educator.
The Brackett home on Presidents Lane later
became the Quincy Women's Club
headquarters.
5. Canterbury - Charles Dexter Canterbury of
East Weymouth, classmate.
6. germans - a dance consisting of capriciously
involved figures intermingled with waltzes, etc.; a
cotilion (Webster's Dictionary)
7. John White - a correspondent.
8. Sanford - Sanford Morison, cousin, son of
Dr. James Morison, Adams Academy class of
1876.
9. Reveres - Mrs. Paul J . (Lucretia W. Lunt)
Revere, widow, Francis D. age 19, Pauline age 17.
They lived on Goffee Street now Presidents Lane.
10. Uncle G. - George W. Brown of Boston,
noted jurist, his mother's brother.
11. Frank's office - Frank Morison, his oldest
brother whose office was at 60 Congress Street,
Boston; home 44 Chestnut Street, Boston.
12. Esther T. - dance partner.
13. Miss Underwood - dance partner.
14.Aunt Emily - wife of his uncle John Hopkins
Morison of Boston.
15. May - daughter of his uncle John Hopkins
Morison.
16. hotel - probably the Hancock House in
Quincy Square.
17. Boarding House - located on the Academy
grounds just north of the schoolhouse. Board was
$7.00 per week.
18. Observatory - possibly on Forbes Hill near
where the stone water tower now stands.
19. Mr. Worden - Jesse Peck Worden,
Assistant Master at Adams Academy, in charge
of the Boarding House.
20. Osborne, Thomas Mott Osborne of
Auburn, N.Y., Second Classman at Adams
Academy.
21. Mrs. Billings -probably Mrs. F.N. Billings on
Adams Street.
alliances for us in all the nations of
Europe." Basil Brewer stated that
"If John Adams was father of the
Constitution of Massachusetts, he
was equally the father of the Federal
Constitution ..."
In this bicentennial y e a r
particularly, everyone should visit
Constitution Common, read the
22. Dewson's - Edward H. Dewson on Adams
Street at present Dewson Road.
23. Miss Reed - probably Timothy Reed family
on Adams Street.
24. Mr. Hornibrook - apparently a guest
preacher.
25. Allen - William Henry Allen from Greenfield,
Mass., classmate.
26. Uncle James - Dr. James Morison.
27. B.H. - Boarding House.
28. Miss A. Wes - Alice Wesselhoeft, sister of
classmate52.
29. fire - a cottage on Mill Street burned.
30. Fairchild - not listed at Adams Academy.
31. Mr. Preble - Henry Preble, Teacher at
Adams Academy.
32. Uncle Felt - Stephen Felt of Peterborough,
N.H., who married Eliza Morison, aunt.
33. J. Quincy - Josiah Quincy, Adams
Academy 1876, Harvard 1880.
34. Aunt Ellen - wife of Dr. James Morison,
uncle.
35. Parlthill - David Wright Parkl~ill from
Louisville, Ky., classmate.
36. Miss Peirson or Pearson - apparently a
visitor to Quincy.
37. Faxon's - J. Franklin Faxon on Adams
Street.
38. Mr. Wilson - The Rev. Daniel Munro Wilson
of the First Parish Church.
39. Uncle John - John Holmes Morison of
Boston.
40. Howard - probably Oscar Shafter Howard
of Oakland, Cal., Third Classman at Adams
Academy.
41. Miss Johnson - dance partner.
42. Briggs - Boston store.
43. Perpantes's - ?
44. Lizzie - wife of Robert Brown Morison,
brother.
45. Latin Gibraltar - a candy.
46. Mr. Campbell - William Taylor Campbell,
Teacher at Adams Academy.
47. Sedgewick - not listed as Adams Academy
student.
48. Miss Eaton - probably Horace Eaton family
on Adams Street.
49. Pinafore - the musical HMS PINAFORE
Gilbert and Sullivan.
50. Wesselhoeft - William Fessenden
Wesselhoeft of Boston, classmate.
5 1. Hale - Edward Everett Hale, Harvard 1883,
son of the E.E. Hale.
plaque and contemplate t h e
importance of what took place here
in 1779 and in Philadelphia in 1787.
"
Constitution Common
In the law office at his home in
what is today the City of Quincy,
John Adams, together with Samuel
Adams a n d J a m e s Bowdoin,
drafted the Massachusetts
Constitution of 1780. The oldest
democratic constitution in use
today, it has served a s the pattern
for our Federal Constitution, for
those of other states, and for those
of most other democracies.
This common is dedicated to the
privileges and responsibilities of
democratic government that are
enjoyed under these constitutions,
and in honor of John Adams, the
chief author of the Constitution of
Massachusetts.
A GOVERNMENT O F LAWS> >
AND NOT O F MEN
There follow eight excerpts from
the Massachusetts Constitution .
describing rights that we enjoy
under it. There is then a description
of the sculpture which, after
persons have read the plaque, will
give added meaning for some, little
or none for others, as is always the
case with interpretive art.
Constitution Common stands as
a testimonial to the late James R..
McIntyre, a noted authority on
governmental law, who was
primarily responsible for its
creation.
Quincy History
Published by the Quincy Historical Society 8 Adams Street Quincy, MA 02169 A portion of the Quincy
Historical Society's operating
funds are from the support of
the Massachusetts Council on
the Arts and Humanities, a
state agency, and through a
grant from the Institute of
Museum Services, a Federal
agency.
_i