During this period, John Quincy was instructed at home, by her who, in long after years, he was accustomed to call his almost adored mother, who was aided by a law-student in the office of his father.

EDWARD EVERETT, in his Eulogy upon John Quincy Adams, made the very striking and just remark, that there seemed to be in his life no such stage as that of boyhood.
While yet but nine years old, he wrote to his father the following letter: Braintree, June 2nd, 1777.
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 much too fickle.
My thoughts are running after bird's eggs, play and trifles, till I get vexed with myself.

Mamma has a troublesome task to keep me a studying.