Morning at the Office. Occupied in Graham’s second volume which is exceedingly interesting. It contains the History of the rise of the settlement of Maryland, the Carolinas, New York and Pennsylvania. The account of these so far as I have gone each presents distinct and strongly marked features. My views vary as I read, and I am fearful my attempt at writing will again terminate abortively. Yet my impressions are rather strengthened of the correctness of my own views. Perseverance is all I need, and confidence in myself which is very grievously deficient. I then took a short time to look further over the papers of my brother which still remain and I destroyed several of them. Then I went down to see some new books which are advertised to be sold tomorrow.1 The temptation was considerable, but I was resolved to withstand it, as I have a plan to pursue which these things should not shake. Unity of purpose in life seems to be the great secret of success. My poor brother’s records show much and bright talent, but constantly diverted by the seductions of pleasure, and even the trifles of life.

After dinner I sat down to my studies but being unable to procure Chalmers from the Athenaeum I was in some measure deprived of the afternoon for having finished what I had to say of Robertson, I could not proceed, and therefore wasted much in reading trifles. The day was clear and pleasant, and my spirits which had been wavering now took a more steady balance. The Evening was short. I read only a little of Eustace, and afterwards my father’s Lectures on Oratory.