Morning occupied in reading as usual. After breakfast went to the Office and pursued the study of Blackstone. Nothing further from Washington. At noon I went to Medford with Mr. Brooks. He had no later information concerning his Son. I was somewhat struck with the difference in the family occasioned by the absence of Mrs. B. It seems to have lost all it’s tone. Abby was in low spirits and I concluded in consequence to give up the journey to Washington. This is undoubtedly a sacrifice, as I had anticipated much useful and amusing matter from my contemplated word omitted, useful, to allay feelings evidently existing, amusing, in affording me a little variety, and the pleasure of home which I feel the want of so much here. But Abby would feel it unkind in me to leave her at this particular junction and I cannot go with such an idea either on her or on my own mind.