Morning clear and pleasant. Went to the Office and was busy nearly the whole of my Common period of time in copying the report of Mr. Sullivan upon the state of the Middlesex Canal. It is in many respects a valuable paper containing much information upon points where I could not gather any at the period of my last winter’s examination. The theoretical portion I dissent from, and the inclination to further works seems a little singular after the misfortunes of those already perfected. But all which relates to the facts which the Writer by experience well knew is valuable. I devoted the larger part of my disposable time to it, afterwards only calling upon Mr. Brooks to inquire how Mrs. B. was.

Mr. Blake sent me a notification to attend the Meeting of the Private Debating Society at four o’clock in the afternoon but when the time came I found myself so comfortably seated reading Demosthenes in my warm room that I could not reconcile myself to going in the cold to do nothing. I accordingly pursued the study of my Greek with much pleasure. I have the assistance of so many Authors and Commentators that I hit the sense with a good deal of ease. Miss Julia Gorham spent the day here with my Wife and we had an agreeable time. I tried to write my second Number but could not please myself. On the whole, the day passed quietly but with little interest. I did not retire until late.