Morning clear and cool. Went to the Office and was busy all the morning at it, reading Mr. Meisel on a proper diplomatic style. He illustrates as he goes by examples from public papers of various kinds. Most of them are a little of the driest. It has been for some time past a matter of bitter reflection to me that I mispend my morning’s time, and I am reflecting upon the proper method to cure it. Two acquisitions may be made either of which would be valuable—That of the German Language, or some knowledge of the Civil Law. I am now balancing between them as to which to take and waiting to get the necessary assistance from Quincy.

At half past one according to agreement I went out of town with Mr. Brooks to stay at Medford for a day or two. Found there Gorham B. and his Wife who is very dull owing to the loss of her child. I sincerely pity her. Living as she does so lonely in the Country makes it infinitely worse. P. C. Brooks Jr. was also there. Gorham is a kind of individual of a character so unpleasant to me that I never feel at ease in his presence. Sensible that he was averse to my introduction to the family and never treated me with common civility while I was single, I feel no desire to make those advances for acquaintance which I should be willing to do in most cases.1 Evening quiet. Took up a new Number of the Edinburgh Review and was much interested by an Article on Mr. Jefferson’s Works.2