The morning was cloudy and cold though not to be compared with what has preceded. I went to the Office and employed myself as usual. I have directed Whitney to be sued, but am fearful the project was not a wise one. We must wait and see. I occupied myself in drawing up a Letter upon business to my Father in which I stated to him very exactly the condition of the Property, to relieve myself from much of the weight which I feel hangs upon me.1 This now hangs considerably upon my spirits. I called to see Mr. Brooks about the News from Medford which was good, and to see Josiah Quincy about the Note of my Father but could not see him. Thus as usual vanished my morning without my being able fully to account for it. And thus it is always, and thus I am afraid it ever will be in future, but we must have Courage, and go on with the task assigned us.

After dinner I read a portion of my Demosthenes as usual and gained time enough after it to draw off a copy of my first Number of Essays upon Oratory. I am now resolved upon offering it, and on the 152whole am tolerably well satisfied with the neatness of the style. It is a good study to me and whatever may be it’s failure to attract attention, I shall feel a little more confidence in my own powers for appearing before the public. I design offering this to the Editor of the Massachusetts Journal,2 if he accepts it, Well, if not, try again. That is my father’s motto, and I will follow it.

I left off to go to Mrs. Frothingham’s to the weekly Meeting which had been omitted last week on account of the sickness of Mrs. Brooks. The number commonly present was increased by the addition of Miss Parks, Miss Phillips and Miss Wells, a niece of Mrs. Edward Brooks.3 The Meeting professed to be lively but was not a whit more agreeable to me than they usually are. After my return, I sat up some time to read a part of Lord Kaimes.