My Cook came in from Quincy with my father’s man Kirke, and I had to obtain several things for the family directly. Called at Mr. Forbes’ and found the Horse come from Weston this morning looking very well, and heard that the other one is growing better. I then went to see Bond the Watchmaker and inquired about the Clock Mr. Brooks has purchased for my Wife,1 and about my brother George’s Watch, which has returned well finished. The first was not quite ready, the other I directed if possible to be sold.

Conant from Weston came to my Office to settle for a year’s rent and for the balance due from the Wood. After a long calculation, not very accurate, owing to the loose manner in which it was made in the first instance by the Tenants, I came to a conclusion to take Forty dollars in full for the balance remaining. This pays for the Winter’s Care of the Horses and their board. Paid Ayer my Carpenter, and read Mitford. Afternoon spent in reading the Memoirs of Dr. Parr, a book from which I expected much amusement and instruction, but was very far from realizing my hope, for in the first part at least is a great deal of twaddle from one Field, the Author, who writes also very tamely.2 Eustace for a very short time.