The day was cloudy and dull. I went to the Office and passed my time in sorting the papers which have been accummulating upon me for a long time past. I used to think that in the disposition of my things I had a good deal of method but subsequently I have had great cause to change my opinion. Nothing seems in it’s place, and it is a constant work to put them in order.

Mr. Degrand called and after conversation I concluded a bargain with him for Thomas B. Adams Jr. to buy with the balance of his money, some Fire and Marine Stock.1 But the rate was very high. On the whole however, my Morning was wasted very much. These Carpenters in the Entry disarrange every thing. I am ashamed of my way of spending time, and discouraged at my ill success. Returned home.

Horatio Brooks dined with us. I am sorry to say he seems to like my House too well. Afternoon reading Cicero, but the matter was a little more difficult. The many shades of questions can hardly bear to be so nicely subdivided as they are by him. They will not remain in the 343memory, and are subject to be altered by circumstances. Evening Corinne and Mason’s Life of Gray. After which Symmons’ Life of Milton and the Tatler. The former is a little ultraliberal in his politics, to an extent that sometimes shocks me. Yet generally I agree with him.