Morning clear, and tolerably mild. At the Office as usual, where I was occupied in reading Williston. Drew my quarterly Check from Mr. Brooks and deposited it. My funds appear now in a condition tolerably healthy and so I hope to invest a little more. The affairs of my father are in a condition so doubtful, that I feel in duty bound to do every thing by which I may assist myself.

Mr. Jackson the Painter called to take my directions about the Houses, in Tremont Street, which must be put in order as soon as possible.1 Richardson came in for a little while to talk, though he appeared suffering with a cold, and Mr. Whitney passed an hour, upon whom I exerted all my powers of persuasion to induce him to pay me three hundred and fifty dollars in full settlement, but without effect. This is the toughest affair I have ever yet had to go through, because it seems to me that this man is relying upon my accepting three hundred dollars, and thus is going to run into twice the expense to get me out of the trifling balance. He left me promising to give me an answer tomorrow. I called in a moment to see Mr. Brooks. All the rest of the morning was passed in reading Mr. Hopkinson’s very good Speech upon the trial of Judge Chase and Mr. Emmet’s upon Col. Smith and Mr. Dexter upon T. Selfridge.2 The first I think much the best. It is clear, comprehensive and forcible and though not worked up quite so much as it could have been, yet shows no little skill and talent. On the whole I did a tolerable morning’s work.

Afternoon passed as usual in reading Demosthenes, but I have lost the general train of reasoning and feel less interested. I tried to get it 179up again by looking over La Harpe’s Analysis but it is not clear. I shall have to take Auger’s. My Study was cold as I am circumscribed in fuel owing to the great use made of it by the copyists.3 Evening, engaged in reading Lear to my Wife. After which Lord Kaimes.