Wrote a letter to my Father which detained me longer than usual as I did not rise quite so early. Upon going down to the Office I found a Note from Abby1 requesting me to go out to Medford. I accordingly went with Mr. Brooks. There was a large party of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Chardon and Mrs. Edward Brooks, Mr. and Mrs. Frothingham and the usual family. Mary B. Hall came in afterwards and in the evening some of the Medford people came in. The party to me was of course dull and a sacrifice of my own feelings, but I have learnt some salutary lessons in life since my engagement, one of which is that a man cannot in this existence live entirely for him-209self. He must endure much. I exerted myself considerably but still feel the difference which exists between this place and the home of my own family. Talked a little with Abby.