Paper-bound account book containing journal entries from June 1, 1826, to September 7, 1826. Author unknown.

A young boy from Maine records his reactions to the deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.

The unidentified author was the son of a seaman, most likely a captain. In a mature tone, he wrote a daily account of his life and noted the ships coming in and out of his town as well as the direction of the wind. Upon hearing the news of President John Adam's death, he wrote, "We learn the deaths of John Adams, late President, and father to the present President. He died the 4th inst. Hearing the salutes, he inquired the occasion, and being told that it was the 4th of July said, 'it was a great and glorious day,' and never spoke more. 'Further particulars in our next,' concludes the account what I read" (July 10, 1826). Adam's death brought on more nostalgia for the disappearing witnesses of the American Revolution. He continued:

Thus, one by one, die the Revolutionary Patriots, and soon there will be none who can relate the scenes of our Revolution, to which they have been eye-witnesses. Fifty years ago they were in life and vigorous, honored and respected by those whom they had made free, smiling complacently upon their "handy work" and looking forward to an honorable old age and expecting to go down to the grave, quietly and in peace but now - "where are they?" (July 10, 1826).

He goes on to write how he feared many founders and eye-witnesses would be forgotten, "save the few upon memory cannot perish" (July 10, 1826). One founder he knew the public would remember was George Washington, whom he held in high esteem.

Four days later, he heard news of President Jefferson's death, and wrote. "[He] died on the 4th inst. About 10 o'clock the same time that the Dec Indep. Was 'promised' in Congress (Friday, July 14, 1826).

Additional entries in the diary include his father's frequent trips and returns to Campbello and Saint John as well as a detailed account of his visit to a festival involving American Indian tribes. The back of the book includes a series of signatures and entries concerning the estate of a Captain Sergeant Smith, ca 1791, possibly the father of the young, but well-written lad.

Complete separation of the journal entries from the receipt book, suggesting it is not original to the cover. The pages have some toning and brittle edges. Some of the ink experienced oxidation and light fading on the first few pages. The remaining entries are dark and legible.