Attended Prayers and recitation this morning. I copied all my sums in the interval and consequently was well prepared for the examination of Mr. Hayward. This over, I congratulated myself upon having finished the labours of the Junior Year. After breakfast, I sat down and wrote my Journal and arranged all my room. The Cambridge Light Infantry started upon an encamping expedition today to Lexington, they did not look exceedingly well. Their caps are exceedingly unbecoming and the Captain looks no better than a stuck pig. They are in single ranks. I read this morning also a little of Ossian but could not do much being pressed for time. At ten, my arrangements were made and I got into a chaise and started for Boston, having determined to visit Quincy for two or three days as the Sophomore Examination today and the Freshman tomorrow made the days at our disposal.1

Arrived in Boston, I first did my business, obtained my cap &c. &c., then went to see George but could not find him at home, he had not returned from Sandwich. I had intended to have gone out to Quincy directly, but from some delay or other, I could not get there by dinner time, consequently I dined at Dr. Welsh’s. Mrs. Otis invited me to a party on Thursday Evening which I am obliged to decline as I shall have no opportunity to go. I had thought it remarkable that she should extend such civility to me as I have never visited her or made any of those advances which are usual on the part of young men. I do not wish to get involved in the society of Boston and I know many people would be desirous to have me visit them, if I visited one, so I make my neglect general. How to avoid such politeness on the part of Otis, I find myself extremely puzzled to know. I dined with the Dr., his wife 292and Harriet very sociably. After which I went off to Quincy, understanding however that there was a Billiard table at Neponset I stopped and played two or three games to try it. It is pretty good except that the balls are by far too large. I then went on to Quincy, found George here and all the family well. Grandfather looks as well, if not better than usual. I had some conversation with him and a good deal with George on different subjects. Abby is the only one of the family who is not here. I felt very much fatigued as I had exercised myself continually the whole day. George was full of his late expedition to Sandwich, talked of it incessantly. I being tired now went to bed. X.